Three restaurants on the island of Ireland have been added to the Michelin Guide.
New Approach
The three restaurants in question, which are Dublin's Mae and Chapter One restaurants and Belfast's Stock restaurant, have been added to the Michelin Guide as part of a new approach by Michelin to revealing its restaurant recommendations.
Michelin stated on its website, "The Michelin Guide has announced a new approach to revealing its latest restaurant recommendations, by releasing some of its new additions to the Guide ahead of the annual launch event.
"They will be published on a monthly basis, on the last Wednesday of every month - with the first release set for Wednesday 25th August 2021 - and will feature on both the website and the app. Restaurant entries will be highlighted by a 'New' symbol, for easy identification, and the restaurants will also be presented in more depth in monthly articles.
"All of the Michelin Guide distinctions for 2022 - Stars, Bib Gourmands and Green Stars - will then be unveiled at an annual launch ceremony as usual. They may even include some of these newly recommended restaurants, so follow the monthly releases closely and watch this space!
"The Michelin Guide Great Britain & Ireland was published in digital format only for the first time in 2021, in order to be more agile in reflecting the ever-evolving restaurant scene.
"Commenting on the live updates, Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the Michelin Guides, said, 'By revealing some of the new additions made by our inspectors throughout the year, we further strengthen the ties that bind us to food lovers.
"'Moreover, in a period that is still very complicated and in which the restaurant industry continues to face unprecedented challenges and uncertainties, we hope that these regular revelations and updates will provide opportunities to highlight the profession, and we invite everyone to discover and support the restaurants around them.'"
Mae
Describing Dublin's Mae restaurant on its website, Michelin stated, "Experienced chef Gráinne O'Keefe's first solo venture is found in the busy Ballsbridge area of the city above the French Paradox wine shop (and is a collaboration with its owners). It makes sense therefore to go for the well-priced wine pairings to accompany the set price menu.
"Modern, boldly flavoured dishes are produce-led and have an Irish theme: some are homely and comforting, while others are more elaborate and eye-catching. Friendly, efficient service completes the picture."
Chapter One
Michelin's statement about Dublin's Chapter One restaurant on its website says, "Having made his name and reputation at The Greenhouse, Finnish-born chef Mickael Viljanen has moved north of the Liffey and now has his name above the door here at Chapter One.
"He's taken over the kitchen from Ross Lewis - recipient of our Chef Mentor award in 2021 - who remains a partner in the business. The cooking focuses on prime ingredients and uses classic French techniques to create dishes that offer bold and sometimes quite daring flavour combinations. If you want to see it all up close, then book the Chef's Table in the kitchen."
Stock
Michelin's description of Belfast's Stock restaurant on its website states, "Local chef Danny Millar's latest venture is a spacious, buzzy brasserie which oozes charm and character. It's set on the first floor of the delightful covered Victorian Market, and tables on the 'terrace' overlooking the stalls are a real draw.
"Sourdough pizzas are available at lunch, while the main menu offers carefully cooked classic dishes like traditional Irish crubeens, côte de boeuf with 'proper' chips or whole market fish on the bone."
© 2021 Hospitality Ireland – your source for the latest industry news. Article by Dave Simpson. Click subscribe to sign up for the Hospitality Ireland print edition.
