Dede in Baltimore, Cork, from chef Ahmet Dede, is the only new one-star Michelin restaurant in Ireland, after this evening's Michelin awards. Dede was formerly head chef at Mews in Baltimore, which also won a star under his cooking before announcing they were closing 12 months ago. Dede opened during the summer, and we loved the Turkish take on barbecue when we visited in August. In a night much less eventful than last year's, there were no new two or three stars, but also no deletions of stars - much to restaurant teams across the country's relief.
New Bib Gourmands for Dublin (awarded for both good quality and good value) were given to Volpe Nera and head chef/owner Barry Sun (formerly head chef at Etto where he also won a Bib), and Stephen McAllister's Spitalfields in Dublin 8. Two more Bibs went to Goldie in Cork and Table Forty One in Gorey.
Barry Sun/Volpe Nera
Spitalfields
Six Irish restaurants have lost their Michelin Bib award, including Clanbrassil House in Dublin 8, Circa in Terenure, and Two Cooks in Kildare (Circa and Two Cooks were both given a 'plate', for "very good food"). Three others, Giovanelli in Killorglin, Dillons in Timoleague and Browne's in Tuam have permanently closed, also losing their Bibs. Circa's ex-chef/owner Gareth Naughton left the restaurant during the first lockdown which may have something to do with the decision, but restaurants can also lose their Bib due to their pricing - you must be able to eat a three-course meal for under €40 (£28 in the UK), which is getting harder and harder to do in Ireland, and particularly in Dublin.
Clanbrassil House / Circa
A new "Mentor Chef Award" for 2021 was awarded to Ross Lewis from Chapter One who called it "very emotional", and another new "restaurant service award" for 2021 went to Saul McConnell of Noble in Holywood, Co. Down, whose service we were very impressed with when we visited for our guide on where to eat in Belfast.
The Michelin Guide's first ever green stars for restaurants "committed to sustainable gastronomy" were awarded to Inis Meáin Restaurant and Suites, Kai and Loam (all in Galway).
Loam
Here's hoping for a bit more excitement in 2022.
