Galway eateries and artisan food producers received many nominations this year at the glittering black tie Restaurants Association of Ireland awards ceremony held in Dublin recently.
O’Grady’s on the Pier won Best Restaurant in Connaught while The Twelve Hotel picked up a staggering five nominations in different categories. Regis Herviaux of The g was nominated for Best Chef and Ard Bia for Best Casual Eatery. The Huntsman was there for Best Gastro Pub and Goya’s for Best Coffee Experience.
Also representing Galway and the west were James McGeough butchers for their wonderful lamb and pork, the Burren Smokehouse, and Sheridans Cheesemongers.
Speaking at the awards, Paul Cadden, president of the Restaurants Association of Ireland, said: “We celebrate great restaurateurs and chefs who have brought international recognition and accolades to the Irish restaurant scene. We are the economic engine rooms in every town in Ireland, creating and maintaining much needed local employment. Our industry has annual sales in excess of €2 billion and we employ 64,000 people. In fact, we are the largest employer within the Irish tourism sector.”
Fergus O’ Halloran of The Twelve and West of Ireland chairperson for the Restaurants Association of Ireland was delighted with the representation given to local eateries and producers. “We are determined to put Galway on the gourmet food map. We have some of the finest food producers in the west and great restaurants which showcase their produce. This year, it was great to see these people recognized at the awards,” he said.
The overall Best Restaurant in Ireland award this year went to Chapter One in Dublin.
