THE MICHELIN-STARRED Chapter One was named Ireland’s best restaurant at the Irish Restaurant Awards last night.

Adrian Cummins, chief executive of the Restaurants Association of Ireland which organised the event, said that the awards are an excellent showcase for Irish gastronomy at a time when “on average, one restaurant a day is closing” in the country.

However, Cummins told TheJournal.ie that he felt optimistic about the future of the industry in the country. He said:

There are some new opportunities coming through, for example, some restaurants are getting their business premises rent-free for a year in some locations if they tie into a longer lease. It is tough at the moment but the awards showcase that we have the best of the best in this country.

If you’re feeling hungry tonight, work your way through these main winners:

Best Restaurant 2011: Chapter One

Best Chef: Michael Vilijanen (Gregan’s Castle)

Best Casual Dining: La Cucina

Best Hotel Restaurant: Gregan’s Castle

Best Wine Experience: Jacques at Greenacres

Best Gastro Pub: Harry’s Bar

Local Food Hero: Jack McCarthy, McCarthy’s of Kanturk

Other winners included:

• Best Seafood Experience: O’ Grady’s on the Pier, Barna, Co. Galway
• Best Ethnic Restaurant: Rasam, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin
• Best Newcomer:The Fatted Calf, Glasson, Co Westmeath
• Best Cocktail Experience: Saba, Dublin
• Best Restaurant Design: Ely Bar and Brasserie, Dublin
• Best Coffee Experience: Fallon and Byrne, Exchequer St, Dublin
• Best Practice in Environmental: Radisson Hotel, Dublin Airport
• Best Restaurant Website: Seapoint, Monkstown, Dublin
• Best Club Restaurant: Fitzwilliam Lawn Tennis Club, Dublin
• Best Supplier: Keeling’s
• Best Cookery School: The Tannery, Dungarvan, Co Waterford
• Best Innovation: O’ Brien Chop House, Lismore, Co Waterford
• Best Food Producer: Silverhill Foods
• Most Informative Menu: Bodega, Co Waterford

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