All aboard! Chef Alan Woods serves as head chef of Belmond Grand Hibernian, a luxury rail experience through Ireland, a first of its kind for the country that debuted in August. Not only does the train traverse the scenic Irish countryside, but, thanks to Woods, it also serves up authentic cuisine showcasing the best of Ireland’s diverse ingredients.
Woods is known for his contemporary twist on traditional Irish fare, and passengers on the two-, four- or six-night itineraries from Dublin will enjoy dishes such as roast Killarney venison loin, scallops from the Beara Peninsula, Donegal turf-smoked salmon and traditional seafood chowder as they visit cities in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
“The Gulf Stream makes the waters a little warmer and the seafood a little sweeter,” said Woods, who previously worked at a host of restaurants including Michelin-starred Thornton’s in Dublin, The Ivory Restaurant Cork City, Restaurant Jean Luc Figures Barcelona and Longueville House Hotel in County Cork.
His creative vision and understanding of Irish ingredients strengthens Belmond’s commitment to offering an authentic experience on board. Belmond Grand Hibernian, with two dining cars and an observation car reminiscent of an Irish saloon, accommodates 40 travelers in en-suite cabins.
When not preparing exceptional Irish cuisine, Woods can be found continuing to combine his love of food and travel while cycling in West Cork, exploring the mountains and beaches back home in Kinsale and traveling to Germany and Spain with his German partner.
WHAT THREE GO-TO INGREDIENTS ARE ALWAYS IN YOUR HOME KITCHEN?
My three favorite and go-to ingredients are extra-virgin olive oil, cumin seeds and local artisan Cheddar cheese.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SEASON FOR COOKING, AND WHY?
It has to be autumn because of the start of game season and the ingredients available. The wild game on offer includes mallard, venison, woodcock and snipe, as well as mushrooms.
ASIDE FROM YOUR CURRENT POSITION, WHAT’S THE BEST JOB YOU’VE EVER HAD?
I left Ireland at age 20 to work at Vincent on Camelback in Phoenix, Ariz. There I was introduced to Mexican food and the Mexican people. The expert chefs took me under their wings, and I learned many skills from that team.
WHAT’S THE FIRST MEAL YOU EVER COOKED?
It was wild rabbit stew, which I cooked at Boy Scouts when I was about 12 years old.
Read This Next
Best in Class: Letter from the Editor
December 2016
Dec 1, 2016Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedJanuary/February 2021
Mar 4, 2021Set Your Sights on San Antonio’s Art, Culture and Green Spaces
San Antonio celebrated 300 years of progress in May 2018. With a clear vision following that anniversary year, the Texan city set its sights firmly on 300 more. While commemorating this milestone, the city underwent a major overhaul to prepare for the next phase in its history.
Sponsored Content
Adventure Redefined: Volvo Overseas Delivery Program
Are you looking for a truly unique travel experience and considering a new vehicle? The Volvo Overseas Delivery Program is the perfect solution to create your own refined adventure of a lifetime. You can custom order your new Volvo, tailored to fit your needs and desires. They will fly you to Sweden to pick up your Volvo so you can drive and explore Scandinavia and Europe on your terms for up to two weeks.
Daily
Mar 4, 2021SoJo Spa Club: Tranquility with an Urban View
When you think of a relaxing spa day, mountains, rivers and view of gorgeous landscapes pop in your head; a place to get away from the hustle and bustle of any city’s booming music and honking taxis. SoJo Spa Club and Hotel gives you the relaxing feeling of being away while still staying close to the busy center of Manhattan.
eFlyer Reviews
Mar 3, 2021Mondrian Doha Review
I was part of a group of travelers attending the Hamad International Airport Expansion presentation in Doha. Most arrived the day before, but due to a family commitment, I arrived the following day. A driver picked me up at the airport and drove me to the sleek and modern Mondrian Doha, designed by Marcel Wanders of the Netherlands. The 270-room property was the first sbe hotel in the Middle East. My luggage was scanned and put aside for a hand check and the guard removed the little sleep sound device I use to cover city noise when I sleep and travel. “No speakers allowed,” the guard said, but once I explained what the item was he allowed me to take it. From there, check-in was swift, and I received a packet of information about dinner and the week’s agenda.
eFlyer News
Mar 3, 2021Munich Airport Works Toward Climate Neutrality
As ACI EUROPE and leading European aviation associations recently detailed a plan to make sustainable aviation a reality, Munich Airport continues its work toward climate neutrality. In 2019, MUC was one of the first airports in Germany to sign a Net Zero Carbon resolution alongside more than 200 other European airports in 2019. The pledge aims to deliver net zero airport CO2 emissions by 2050.
Gaylord Hotels Announces Spring Specials
eFlyer Deals
Mar 3, 2021Daily
Mar 3, 2021The Galt House Hotel Updates Meeting Offerings
The Galt House Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky, introduces new meeting offerings starting this month. Louisville’s only waterfront hotel recently underwent a property-wide $80 million renovation on all guestrooms, meeting spaces and new food and beverage concepts.
Sponsored Content
Adventure Redefined: Volvo Overseas Delivery
Custom order your Volvo through the Overseas Delivery Program and receive round-trip airfare, hotel accommodations, and a personalized delivery at the Volvo Factory Delivery Experience in Gothenburg, Sweden. Your experience begins in Sweden with insurance and registration included, enabling you to drive your new Volvo throughout Scandinavia and Europe. Create the adventure of a lifetime with the program named Best Overseas Delivery four years running, and return home with the ultimate souvenir.
Daily
Mar 2, 20216 Reasons to Put Madrid, Spain, on Your Travel List
As the vaccine rolls out and travel begins to pick up, it’s time to start dreaming of your next international trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through Madrid, Spain, with us.
ShareThis