Like Kim herself, GG’s is much more than meets the eye. Born in Sligo, Kim has always been that person behind the scenes making sure everyone is fed and a cup of tea is on the way for whoever needs it. The oldest of three children, she was always strong willed and sure of her course in life. Inspired by her uncle, a support and sounding board in her youth, she decided to follow him into the Navy. Headstrong and eager to plough her own furrow she announced to her parents that she was moving into an apartment to learn life skills. That was at the tender age of 16 and she recognises their bravery in letting her take that step.

It taught her many skills – but nothing would have prepared her for the eye opening demands of life as a recruit at the naval base Haulbowline in Cork. Discipline and organisation were central to her new life and although it was difficult, Kim rose to the challenge and loved it. She always had a mechanical brain and took that route after basic training. Progressing through the ranks she completed her third level education in leadership management while seeing the world on Irish naval vessels and carrying out missions overseas with the Irish Defence Forces and United Nations.

One trip to Bermuda, Miami and Savannah directly after her 21st birthday was memorable in more ways than one. A late replacement on the vessel, Colm Goulding quickly became more than a colleague and they have been inseparable ever since. For the first years of their life together they lived in Colm’s native Cork but once Kim’s service contract was complete and their children growing up, the call of Sligo and was strong and they eventually moved three years ago.

Kim has always loved food and food preparation. She fondly remembers her maternal grandparents – her grandfather foraging for cockles and mussels on the shore, her Nan gathering everyone together for huge, fragrant bowls of stew every Saturday. Naval kitchen standards are very high and Kim took every opportunity to get into the galley quizzing chefs on techniques, recipes and skills. During her last few years, her exit strategy included courses on HACCP, Commis Cheffing, Modern Pastry and Breadmaking. Kim knew exactly what she wanted to do when she was a civilian once again.

Street food has always fascinated her and in her travels she loves to watch crowds and see where they congregate to eat and why. That relaxed, convivial atmosphere appeals to her more than Michelin star cooking and that’s exactly what she and Colm have created with GGs. They make a good team, Kim the dreamer, the creative one and Colm the realist.

Each summer GGs is at Rosses Point serving American style street food, coffees, and sweet treats to the world. They are in big demand at weddings and private events catering where Kim’s platters are legendary.

The name GG was originally the Goulding Gang but as their children Emma, Ólan and Daíre explore their own passions, it’s now Goulding & Goulding instead!

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