‘Incredible chef’ Paolo Tullio dies at 65

Paolo Tullio, one of the country’s best-known food and wine critics, has died after suffering ill health for a number of months following an illness of a number of months.

The 65-year-old was a Michelin star-winning chef and an Irish Independent restaurant reviewer.

He came to Ireland in 1968 to study at Trinity College and worked as a clinical psychologist and an interpreter before purchasing his first restaurant in 1977.

His Armstrong’s Barn restaurant in the Wicklow hills won a host of awards under his management.

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Mr Tullio did not turn to journalism until 1989, but quickly gained a reputation as one of Ireland’s best-known food and wine critics.

The cook, who also had a weekly radio slot with Seán Moncrieff on Newstalk, was also hugely popular on the food series The Restaurant on RTÉ, which has since moved to TV3.

.@carolineclarke and I devastated to hear of the death of @paolotullio He was a gentleman, a scholar, a thinker and a cook. He lived well.

— SeánMoncrieff (@SeanMoncrieff) June 5, 2015

He also published three books.

His press manager Noel Kelly issued a statement last night saying he was greatly saddened by the food critic’s death.

“I am missing a great friend, full of kindness and with only positive things to say of others. The world is missing an incredible chef and culinary expert. He was one of life’s true gentlemen, a word overused but not in this case, as Paolo was a gentleman to the core.

“Our thoughts are with his family at this time,” he said.

Still can't believe that Paolo is gone. Such a dear, dear friend, one of the kindest and most erudite people I've ever known. Beyond words.

— Tom Doorley (@tomdoorley) June 5, 2015

Overwhelmed by messages about dear Paolo. Can't keep up, but hugely appreciated. The volume and sense of loss is a tribute to a great man.

— Tom Doorley (@tomdoorley) June 5, 2015