Derry Clarke

Derry Clarke
Occupation	Chef
Known for	Former owner of Michelin-starred L'Ecrivain; judge on RTÉ One's Fáilte Towers

Derry Clarke is a renowned Irish chef and the former owner of the Michelin-starred establishment L'Ecrivain. He has served as a judge on the RTÉ One reality program Fáilte Towers, sharing the panel with Bibi Baskin and Sammy Leslie. Additionally, Clarke has appeared on various television programs including The Restaurant, The Afternoon Show, and The Panel.

Career

Clarke launched his culinary journey in 1977 at Dublin’s Le Coq Hardi, training under John Howard for four years before spending another eight years at Le Bon Appétit, also located in Dublin.

His work has received international recognition, notably being inducted into the "Hall of Fame" by Food & Wine Magazine and earning a five-star critique from The New York Times, which described his restaurant as "superb" and an excellent place to relax in Dublin.

Clarke’s culinary creations have been extensively featured in publications such as the Irish Independent and the Evening Herald, solidifying his reputation as a respected figure in gastronomy. Among his notable dishes are roast leg of spring lamb, a childhood favorite, and classic Christmas goose, a dish he frequently prepares for family celebrations.

After the 2009 shutdown of Ranelagh’s Mint, owned by Dylan McGrath, Clarke conveyed his disappointment to the Evening Herald.

Personal

Derry Clarke is married to Sallyanne and was a father to two children, a son and a daughter. Tragically, his son died on 31 December 2012 at the age of 16. In December 2013, Clarke underwent a double bypass surgery prompted by a hereditary predisposition to heart disease that heightened his risk of experiencing a heart attack.