Heartbreak at death of ‘kind’ and ‘generous’ NI chef (39) who opened restaurant with Snow Patrol’s Gary Lightbody and Nathan Connolly

Adam Lynas, 39, brought his passion for authentic Mexican food to Northern Ireland when he, and partners Andy Rea and Stevie Haller, opened the first La Taqueria on Belfast’s Castle Street in 2016.

What started as a pop-up restaurant led to being described as serving up the ‘best Mexican food in Ireland’ by John and Sally McKennas’ Guide, a well-known bible for food lovers, as well as making the Irish Times Top 100 restaurants in Ireland.

The team then opened their second La Taqueria restaurant in Belfast in 2019 with new business partners, Snow Patrol’s Gary Lightbody and Nathan Connolly.

At the opening Mr Lynas said: “I’m passionate about cooking authentic Mexican food, using the finest and freshest ingredients.

“In fact, to ensure we serve up the right flavours, we get a lot of our spices from Mexico as well as working with the best local food and drink producers.”

Paying tribute to Adam on social media, fellow chef and business partner Andy Rea, said: “The La taqueria family are absolutely devastated by the passing of Adam. Our deepest condolences to his loved ones.

“Adam and I first worked together over 20 years ago at the start of his culinary journey. Mexico was always Adam’s stand out destination for food, drink and culture.

“Just over five years ago, Adam called me from Canada with the idea of coming home and opening up a taco shop - La taqueria was born.

“Along with the other directors, Joe and Stevie, we put together Belfast’s first authentic Mexican restaurant all based on Adam’s travels, knowledge and palette.”

Mr Rea went on to describe Adam as “warm, kind, generous and funny.”

“Most of all he was a proper gent, a friend and a brother to all the La taqueria team past and present.

“The sheer outpouring of condolences from everyone from everywhere shows what Adam meant to everyone.”

Mr Rea added: “His Knowledge, expertise, maturity, discipline, patience, palette and above all his ability to train and inspire the people around him was eminent.

“In Mexican culture they focus on the celebration of life more than the mourning. So, we celebrate the life of Adam and he will be dearly missed!

“As a chef his love, passion and energy will be in every bite and sip in every La taqueria. Descansa en paz mi amigo.”