Early Life
Gallagher was raised in Hawthorn Heights, Letterkenny, Donegal, where he was educated at Scoil Colmcille and St Eunan's College. In his autobiography he revealed the abuse he received at both institutions. He discussed how the Christian Brothers would grope him sexually.
During his time in St. Eunan's College, he joined a punk band, "Kakistocracy". Inspired by the cooking of his mother and his grandmother, he left St Eunan's at the age of 16 and began training as a chef at Killybegs Catering College. Following his formal training and subsequent work with some of Ireland's top chefs to further hone his skills, Gallagher went on to win four gold medals at Hotel Olympia and the prestigious title of Chef Ireland.
While he was offered career launching positions in Ireland, he determined he should go to New York City to further pursue his dream of becoming a world class chef. In New York, he joined the Plaza Hotel. The Waldorf Astoria's Peacock Alley later recruited him where he spent two years as sous chef under Laurent Manrique. While living in New York he went on to work in Restaurant Daniel and Le Cirque. On Saint Patrick's Day 1996, Gallagher cooked for President Bill Clinton and his guests at the White House.
Gallagher and his brother ran the Metropolitan Bar and Restaurant in their native Letterkenny.
Read more about this topic: Conrad Gallagher
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