REVEALED: Kilkenny winners at Ireland’s ‘food Oscars’
THREE critically-acclaimed Kilkenny foodie destinations won prestigious accolades at the 2019 Irish Restaurant Awards at a gala ceremony in Dublin last night.
Truffles Restaurant and Wine Bar on William Street was named the Best Casual Diner in Leinster at the black-tie bash in the Clayton Hotel Burlington Road.
Stoneyford’s Knockdrinna Farm Shop and Artisan Café (bottom picture) won the Leinster category of Best Café, while Barrows Keep in Graignamanagh (pictured above receiving award) was named the Best Wine Experience in the province.
None of the Kilkenny restaurants, bars or hotels shortlisted for this year’s awards won in the national categories.
Loam Restaurant in Galway was named All-Ireland Best Restaurant 2019, while Graham Neville of Dax Restaurant, Dublin, was named All Ireland Best Chef and Everett’s Restaurant in Waterford was named All-Ireland Best Newcomer. All Ireland Pub of the Year went to Doheny and Nesbitt in Dublin.
Speaking at the awards, Chief Executive of the Restaurants Association of Ireland Adrian Cummins said: “This is the 11th year of the Irish Restaurant Awards, and it has been the biggest year for the awards to date. Over 90,000 nominations were received from the public in January, and over 2,000 restaurateurs attended the Regional Awards, which were held in Kildare, Monaghan, Limerick and Sligo. The standard for judging this year has been very high.
“Ireland may be a small country, but it boasts everything from fine dining to high quality gastropubs, from the comfort of traditional Irish food to exploring the world through exotic world cuisine, the Irish restaurant industry has much to offer. We have an appreciation for what we eat and where our food comes from, as well as the dedication of those working in the food industry.”
MAIN PICTURE: Barrows Keep Facebook
