Cork chefs clean up

There were no less than 2 Cork chefs among the top 5 chefs in Ireland at the All Ireland Final of Irish Restaurant Awards 2023 which took place in the Clayton Hotel in Dublin last week. on Monday 15 May.

Cork’s Keith Boyle of Restaurant Lady Anne in Castlecomer, Co. Kilkenny took the Leinster title while the Munster title was won by Takashi Miyazaki of Ichigo Ichie. The overall All Ireland title was won by Paul McNamara of Uno Mas in Dublin.

Other awards were picked up by the likes of O’Mahony’s of Watergrasshill, Terre Restaurant, Da Mirco, Restaurant Chestnut and The Fish Basket.

Almost 1,200 restaurant and hospitality business owners and staff celebrated their hard work and achievements at the awards event, which saw many well-known restaurateurs, hospitality business and staff attend.

Speaking at the Irish Restaurant Awards All Ireland Final, President of the Restaurants Association of Ireland, Paul Lenehan, said: “Now in their 14th year, the Irish Restaurant Awards returns with a record-breaking number of public nominations - over 130,000. This sheer number of votes highlights the support & appreciation by the general public for our hospitality sector and all who contribute to it.”

He said the awards continue to showcase the incredible food on offer in the cafes, hotels, pubs and restaurants of Ireland.

“As an industry, the restaurateurs, pub-owners and entrepreneurs of Ireland, continue to defy the odds. You strive to create jobs, expand upon Ireland’s understanding of food standards and world cuisine, all while maintaining exemplary customer service. Your support of Irish produce has never been greater and for this you should be wholeheartedly applauded. Tonight is a celebration of your unrelenting commitment, ambition and devotion to the Irish food industry.

“Our regional events held in March in Limerick, Kildare, Monaghan and Sligo had almost 4,000 attendees – an incredible turnout from proud owners, managers and staff. The awards are an opportunity to celebrate the existing, and up and coming talent, in the sector and are a reminder that hospitality is nothing without their dedicated and passionate staff – it is a pleasure to be able to see these Individuals & teams recognised for their incredible efforts throughout the year during these events.”

The Cork winners were:

Leinster: Restaurant Lady Anne, Keith Boyle - Cork

Munster: Takashi Miyazaki, Ichigo Ichie - Cork

Munster: O’Mahony’s of Watergrasshill, Cork

Munster: Terre Restaurant, Cork

Munster: Da Mirco Bridge St, Cork

Munster: WunderKaffe, Cork

Munster: Restaurant Chestnut, Cork

Munster: The Fish Basket, Cork

All Ireland – The Kingsley Hotel, Cork