Rua Deli, Bakery and Cafe in Castlebar has taken the top prize at the Bord Bia Just Ask Restaurant-of-the-Year 2016.
Bord Bia's Just Ask campaign, which is now in its seventh year, rewards restaurants that promote local producers, which in turn helps transparency between customers and suppliers. New research has revealed that 76 per cent of Irish people would prefer to visit a restaurant that promotes local produce.
The original Café Rua and family business was established 1995 by Ann McMahon on Castlebar’s New Antrim street. The popular café is now run by Ann’s children Aran and Colleen, and in 2007 they opened ‘Rua’, a second location on Spencer Street in the town, which also includes a delicatessen and bakery.
Commenting on the restaurant’s sourcing, Aran McMahon said: "We use numerous blackboards to announce various dishes of the day and afford respect to proudly named suppliers. Local Mayo farmers supply our beef, lamb and free range pork, and we source our fish from six different seafood providers on the west coast. Local herbs and vegetables are supplied by our local rural training scheme, our own polytunnel, and other local suppliers."
Commenting on the research, Maureen Gahan, Bord Bia, said: "We’re delighted to see that consumers are increasingly proactive about selecting local restaurants and seeking information about where the produce on the menu originates from. It shows an appreciation of our wonderful produce and culinary expertise."
