Irish celebrity chef Neven Maguire has noticed a difference in the popularity of his dishes between genders.

Having written cook books and presented cooking programmes on television, Maguire has become knowledgeable on Irish people's eating habits.

The owner of McNean House and Restaurant joined The Anton Savage Show to discuss what he's noticed.

"It's just interesting to see the way people eat", he said.

"You gotta listen to your customers. They're your biggest critics. They'll tell you what works, what doesn't."

Women

According to Maguire, goat's cheese is all the rage with women particularly.

"We have a goat's cheese with different textures - one roasted, one pickled, one kind of crispy fried and a lovely local goat's cheese."

"A lot of women just really love goat's cheese, and I'm not being any way sexist when I say that. I just think they like goat's cheese."

"If we have venison on, or fish, the lady might go for the fish."

"Definitely the Irish palette has become a lot more sophisticated and a lot more knowledgeable about food."

Men

"Men, they love a nice piece of steak", said Maguire.

"Women too, but definitely men more so than ever."

In his restaurant, beef is consistently the most popular choice of meat, even in the nine course tasting menu.

But are Irish men boring when it comes to food?

According to Maguire, "people are experimenting", and becoming more adventurous.

Trends

While some habits die hard, Maguire said that there are some new trends in recent years, such as the rise in popularity of his restaurant's vegan and vegetarian dishes.

However, he doesn't like to complicate his dishes too much, instead choosing to opt out of "gimmicks".

"Trends will always come and go."

"The most important thing is that you're using seasonal local food, because that's when you're getting the best flavour, the best value."

On Maguire's menu, the fish is from Killybegs in Country Donegal.

Additionally, for 33 years he's got his duck supplied locally - "the best duck in the country", he says.

"It's a cross between and ailsbury and a peking duck."

Listen back to the full conversation here.