Get to Know Chef Kieran & Martha, Chef Tyler, Epicurean Fare & LuciAnna's Bistrot & Patisserie!

Moving to Alton from Ireland in 2015, classically French-trained chef Kieran McGuane realized that, “It was very hard to get good quality food to take out, so we thought we’d just do it ourselves.”

Along with his wife, Martha Phillips, McGuane said they surprised themselves with the decision to open a brick and mortar business. “It’s a little bit scary, but it’s more exciting than it is that,” he said.

They decided to take the plunge after their booth, Nosh, at the Alton Farmer’s Market was well received.

Epicurean Fare “is different and the menu will be slightly more different than what you can get at local restaurants around here, as well.”

Chef Kieran, who attended Ballymaloe Cookery School in County Cork, Ireland — one of the top five cooking schools in the world – and Martha, formerly a corporate attorney, are happily serving dishes that tantalize the taste buds of their customers.

In 2023, Kieran and Martha bought LuciAnna’s Pastries and hired Chef Tyler as the executive pastry chef.  Chef Tyler has years of experience in the restaurant and hotel business and is a welcome addition to the team!  He lives in Godfrey with his wife, Jade, and dog, Odin.

In Spring 2024, the Chefs and Martha moved business to Godfrey and the cafe portion of the business was rebranded LuciAnna’s Bistrot & Patisseries and the catering arm remains Epicurean Fare.