A huge congratulations goes to Jess Murphy of Kai Restaurant in Galway. After winning the regional award in April she was eventually named Best Chef across Ireland, in front of a 900-strong crowd of industry professionals.
Championing talented individuals who drive our industry forward is something Nisbets takes great pride in. It was therefore our pleasure to partner with the Irish Restaurant Awards and sponsor the Best Chef category this year, hotly contested by chefs from across the country.
Brenda O'Callaghan, Irish Operations Director for Nisbets, said:
"It was a fabulous evening with such a great turnout, Nisbets is delighted to be part of it. Congratulations to Jess Murphy and the other winners who have given the industry so much and continue to grow our reputation on the world stage. Hospitality workers dedicate themselves to serving great food and drink across Ireland and it's been an honour for Nisbets to celebrate them this evening."
The finalists in the Best Chef category were:
- Barry Sun Jian - Etto (Dublin region)
- Sam Moody - Ballyfin Demesne (Leinster region)
- Jess Murphy - Kai Restaurant (Connaught region)
- Aidan Mcgrath - Wild Honey Inn (Munster region)
- Chris McGowan - Wine & Brine (Ulster region)
Chief Executive of the Restaurants Association of Ireland Adrian Cummins commented:
"These Awards are the accolades of the Irish restaurant industry and they celebrate only the very best that this country has to offer. From over 90,000 online nominations cast earlier this year to 3,000 guests attending our regional events, it is clear that the stature, calibre and reputation of the awards is expanding at a considerable rate."
