Dublin has six new Michelin stars, after the UK and Ireland additions were announced this morning. The announcements were supposed to start on their Twitter account at 10:00, but the sneaky Michelin man (or woman) started the ball rolling at 09:20, catching a lot of people off guard.
No surprise to anyone who's eaten there, Mickael Viljanen has regained the two stars he won at The Greenhouse in his new position as Chef-Patron of Chapter One. If they hadn't got two there would have been a riot, and you'd find us right up front - read our recent review here. The guide had this to say: "Finnish-born Mickael’s name is now above the door at this celebrated restaurant which has enjoyed a stellar reputation for many years. His sophisticated, confidently delivered dishes include Dover sole enlivened by maitake and bonito, and delicious milk-fed lamb in two servings – the fillet and the braised shoulder." Anyone who got a booking in their last release must be feeling incredibly smug right now.
Ireland has another new two-star restaurant in the tiny Liath in Blackrock. Chef/owner Damien Grey has made no secret of the fact that two stars (and maybe beyond) has been the goal here for a long time, and reviews since opening post lockdown seemed to indicate that they'd taken thing up another level again. The guide said: "...Damien Grey at Liath in Blackrock has also been busy reworking and perfecting his repertoire of dishes, with the result that they now show even greater harmony. The sublime aroma of the mussels served with cauliflower and saffron is more than matched by the flavour; while the melt-in-the-mouth pigeon is made even more exquisite by the Pedro Ximenez sauce that accompanies it."
Bastible in Dublin 8 was awarded its first star for "generous portions of boldly-flavoured food" and "cooking which comes from the heart." Bastible opened in 2015 and there have been calls from critics and diners for years that they were cooking at star level - us included. The guide added; "Owner Barry Fitzgerald confidently takes the lead in the open kitchen. The modern set menu features top class Irish produce and each main ingredient is given the space to shine." Good luck getting a booking there any time soon. See their listing here.
Glovers Alley in The Fitzwilliam hotel has also been awarded a star, something they have clearly been striving for since opening in 2018, so we imagine their relief is very high this morning. The guide said "This chic, elegant restaurant is set on the second floor of The Fitzwilliam Hotel, overlooking St Stephen’s Green. Andy McFadden’s cooking is characterised by intense flavours and textures, and his experience shines through in creative, modern dishes which are skilfully prepared and artfully presented."
