The award-winning executive head chef at Blackrock Cottage in Salthill has described the popular restaurant’s first year in business as "absolutely amazing".
Martin O’Donnell and the team at Blackrock Cottage have been winning rave reviews in the last 12 months and are celebrating their first anniversary next Sunday.
Galway Bay FM will broadcast live from the Cottage at the end of the Salthill Promenade on Sunday morning from 8am to 11am, and everyone is invited to pop in to share in the birthday celebrations.
“We wanted to make Blackrock Cottage the best of the best, and we’ve achieved that in the first year. It’s been absolutely amazing,” said Martin, who won both Best Newcomer in Ireland at the Restaurant Association of Ireland awards and Best Chef in Connacht at the Food and Wine Restaurant of the Year awards.
“But I think the greatest satisfaction is looking into the restaurant from the kitchen and seeing it full, every day of the week.
“We’ve actually built a restaurant for the community of Salthill, the surrounding areas, and Galway city, which is lovely.
“It’s an iconic location, and we’re serving the food that people want,” added Martin.
“We’re serving an amazing breakfast, that’s seasonal, using quality local produce.
“People see that now, they want value for money.
"The mood is a lot calmer and more relaxed for dinner.
“There’s a lovely cosy atmosphere here in the restaurant in the evenings. We would say that the food is of a very high standard, but it’s served in a casual and intimate way.”
Martin led the culinary team at the award-winning Twelve Hotel in Barna for 15 years before joining Blackrock Cottage and cooks regularly on Virgin Media’s Ireland AM TV show.
He had this message for people who visited the Cottage over the last year: “Firstly, thank you. Thanks for the support. Without that loyal support we wouldn’t be here.
“Everyone appreciates the support that we get, and every guest and person who walks through the door is an important person for us, whether they’re having a coffee, a pastry or a three-course meal.
“Anyone who hasn’t dined with us yet, come and try us! Pop in and you won’t regret it.
“If you haven’t been with us, just try it once and you’ll be hooked, like the rest of Galway!”
For more information and dinner reservations, go to blackrockcottage.ie or call 091 399280.
