Meet the Chef: Paul Philips of Peachtree East
By Mary Dennehy
AFTER dropping his son Callum to school, Paul Phillips heads to Tallaght restaurant Peachtree East, where he is co-owner and chef, and starts his daily 15-hour shift.
Since Peachtree East opened in August of this year, Paul (33) has worked six days a week, only taking time off on Mondays, when the restaurant closes to the public.
Growing up in Killinarden, the father-of-one, who now lives in Citywest, started his culinary career washing pots in Johnnie Foxe’s at the age of 16, before going to work as a part-time commis chef in Citywest Hotel.
This was enough experience for a young Paul to realise that a life in the kitchen was for him, and after school, he enrolled in a professional cookery course in IT Tallaght.
Working in Citywest Hotel and a number of top Dublin restaurants, Paul, who also represented Ireland global cookery competitions, has brought his experience, flair and love of food back to his hometown – opening Peachtree East four months ago in Tallaght Cross East.
“I’m in at 9am everyday,” Paul told The Echo. “I meet with the team and start getting organised for lunch.
“I’m always here for lunch and dinner service and my spot is at the pass . . . nothing goes past me and out to a customer without me checking it first.
“I’m pretty relaxed in the kitchen, I’m no Gordon Ramsey, I think people cook better when they are relaxed.
“However, I like to check everything before it goes out, making sure it’s up to standard.”
He added: “It can get a little hectic doing all of the business stuff and the cooking and being creative and working with my head chef and fellow Killinarden native Derek Hall on new ideas and dishes but this is what I want to do. I love what I’m doing and love that I’m doing it here in Tallaght.”
Paul and his team, which includes general manager Amy Cross and head pastry chef Jens Meister, are aware of the importance of being relevant and inviting to the community it serves – and the community is responding to the restaurant’s warm, personal and passionate approach to both customer service and food.
“The community has been amazing, we’ve gotten loads of support from employees in places like South Dublin County Council, Tallaght Hospital and the Glashaus Hotel alongside the wider community,” Paul said.
“Obviously opening a restaurant is a risk but I think people like to see someone giving it a go and being part of the revival of Tallaght Cross.
“I really believe that Tallaght Cross has the potential to grow and, when that happens, hopefully we’ll bear the fruits.”
Employing 20 full-time and part-time staff, Peachtree East, making everything from scratch and using seasonal produce, has a Christmas-themed lunch menu currently on offer, its usual à la carte menu, which has a festive flavour to it, and a Christmas party menu.
It’s also open everyday from 8am for coffee and homemade breads and pastries, with the cocktail bar also open on Friday and Saturdays and available for functions.
Visit the Peachtree Facebook page for more or call 4139965.
