JP McMahon has been announced as the Galway Chamber of Commerce President’s Award nominee in association with PwC.
The award is presented to someone who has had an exceptional impact on Galway City, the region and their sector.
Contribution To City
The Chef, restaurateur, author, playwright, founder and businessman was presented with his award at an award ceremony on Friday in The Galway Bay Hotel in Salthill.
Galway Chamber of Commerce President, Evanna Ryan chose McMahon as her nominee based on his contribution to the city.
'A Visionary'
"JP has been a cornerstone of business in Galway city, a visionary who has woven an intricate tapestry of success through his various ventures and events," said Evanna Ryan.
"He has played a pivotal role in propelling Galway onto the global food map, establishing it as a world-renowned culinary destination."
Michelin Star
McMahon is the owner and culinary director of Michelin-starred Aniar Restaurant and award-winning Spanish restaurant Cava Bodega.
Aniar is home to the Aniar Boutique Cookery School where McMahon runs cooking classes for young chefs and adults alike.
Ethical Aspects Of Food
In 2022, McMahon launched JP McMahon Culinary Consultancy and works nationally and internationally with various organisations to develop their food offering and provide support.
McMahon claims to be committed to the educational and ethical aspects of food, to buying and supporting the best of local and free-range produce and to engaging directly with farmers and producers.
Food on the Edge
The chef also founded the the award-winning international, Food on the Edge symposium.
The event features international chefs and people working with food and hospitality, from across the globe.
The inaugural Food On The Edge took place in Galway in October 2015 and has been a fixture on the food scene each year since.
Food Writing
Dr JP McMahon holds a PhD in English and Theatre Studies from University of Galway and often gives talks on food in art history.
In 2020, JP's second book 'The Irish Cookbook' was published by Phaidon. The book showcases the true depth of Irish cuisine, its ingredients and its history. The Irish Cookbook went on to become an international success both at home, in Europe and America.
Since then, McMahon has produced and self-published ‘An Alphabet of Aniar: Notes for a New Irish Cuisine’, while his first book, ‘Cava Cookbook Tapas A Taste of Spain‘ is in its fourth edition.
Blas na Gaillimhe
The busy chef is also the director, founding and current chair of the Galway Food Festival and runs the Blas na Gaillimhe, the network that promotes the series of festivals which take place in May and November.
McMahon is a member of Euro-Toques Ireland.
'The Perfect Place'
“It's wonderful to be recognised with the Galway Chamber President's Award, I have always felt at home in Galway in terms of the culture, the diversity and the landscape," said McMahon.
"When deciding to open my first business, I felt it was the perfect place to do so, and more than 15 years in business in Galway has cemented that belief."
