In 1971, JOHN DESMOND left Ireland to spend three
years as Assistant Food and Beverage Manager in the Bristol
Kempinski in Berlin. He then moved to Paris where he trained
as a chef in the Ritz Hotel and the famous Taillevent
restaurant. He continued to work in well known restaurants
before his appointment as Professor de Cuisine at the
renowned École de Cuisine La Varenne Paris. At
the same time, John developed his own cooking school business
and an international dinner party service. He has written Ma
Cuisine, his own series of cookery books, designed a kitchen
scraper and consults on kitchen layout.
In 1971, following a two year hotel management training course,
ELLMARY FENTON worked at The Great Southern Hotel
Kenmare (now known as The Park Hotel). She then went on
to work in hotels and restaurants throughout Europe and the
United States. In 1984, Ellmary graduated with a degree in French
and Italian from University College Cork and followed this a
year later with a Higher Diploma in Education. On her return
to Paris, she was appointed manager of the Obelisque
restaurant in the prestigious Hôtel de Crillon.
John and Ellmary married in 1976 and returned to Ireland
to start Island Cottage, Heir Island, in 1989.
