Top marks for Chapter One

MICHELIN-STARRED Chapter One has been chosen as Ireland's best restaurant by Food & Winemagazine for the second year in a row.

The restaurant, which is situated in Parnell Square in Dublin, has previously won several awards from the magazine.

Highly commended was the ever-popular L’Ecrivain in Dublin, and commended was Gregans Castle in Co Clare. Chapter One’s chef-proprietor, Ross Lewis, also won the Penfolds chef of the year award. Also highly commended were Kevin Thornton, from Thornton’s Restaurant, and Derry Clarke from L’Ecrivain.

Food and Winemagazine editor Ross Golden-Bannon said Chapter One remained Ireland's best restaurant because Lewis remained at the "top of his game".

“The staff are also at the top of their game, and their loyal fans are always game for Chapter One’s stylish culinary innovations,” he said.

Ireland’s newest Michelin-starred restaurant, Cliff House Hotel in Ardmore, Co Waterford, was also recognised, with its general manager Adriaan Bartels – who used to run Kenmare’s Sheen Falls Lodge – winning a hall of fame award.

One of Ireland’s best-known chefs, Darina Allen of Ballymaloe House in Co Cork, also won a hall of fame award.

The Food Wine Readers’ Choice award went to Campo de’ Fiori in Bray, Co Wicklow. The Good Cooking Award went to The Queen of Tarts in Dublin.

The awards, in their 10th year, were presented at the Four Seasons Hotel in Dublin yesterday afternoon.

Mr Golden-Bannon said Irish restaurants continue to innovate, despite the recession.

“The sector is an example to businesses across the country; in the face of the most incredible odds they continue to deliver innovative, quality and value-driven menus that support Irish producers and satisfy their customers’ needs.”