Last night, the Food & Wine Awards were held in the InterContinental in Ballsbridge, with the country’s best chefs and restaurateurs in attendance. The event was hosted by presenter Barry Murphy and broadcaster Norah Casey.
Throughout the evening, guests enjoyed a delicious five-course meal with matching wines from Barry & Fitzwilliam. The ceremony, sponsored by Nespresso, included a selection of new categories and awards to represent the ever-changing Irish food scene.
The evening saw Ernie Walley inducted into the Food & Wine Hall of Fame. This award, presented by Niall Toner of the Sunday Times, recognises those in the industry who are constantly innovating and breaking down barriers.
Chef Clare Smyth was awarded Ambassador of the Year. Clare is the first female chef to hold three Michelin stars in the United Kingdom. We would like to congratulate all the winners and the finalists of each award.
The winners of each award are as follows:
Local of the Year: Michael’s, Mount Merrion
Sommelier of the Year: Julie Dupouy
Chef of the Year: Andy McFadden & Team of Glovers Alley
Best Chef Connacht: Jess Murphy of Kai Cafe and Restaurant
Pastry Chef of the Year: Aoife Noonan of Glovers Alley
Restaurant Bar of the Year: L’Ecrivain
Host of the Year: Talha Pasha of Michael’s Mount Merrion
Hotel Restaurant of the Year: La Fougère at Knockranny House Hotel
Best for Romance: Wineport Lodge
Best Chef Ulster: Danni Barry of Clenaghans
Best Chef Leinster: Garrett Byrne of Champagne in Kilkenny
Best Restaurant Connacht: Kai Cafe and Restaurant
Best Chef Munster: Aidan McGrath, The Wild Honey Inn
Farm & Sea to Plate Ballymaloe House
Best Restaurant of the Year: Ox in Belfast
Rising Star of the Year: Karan Mittal of Ananda Restaurant
Best for Wine Lovers: Whelehans Wines, Co.Dublin
Best for Brunch: Meet Me In The Morning
Pub Food of the Year Award: The Legal Eagle