'Our story is rooted in West Cork': Popular Michelin star restaurant announces final dinner season
Rob Krawczyk and Elaine Fleming pictured at Restaurant Chestnut. Picture: Kate Bean.
A popular Michelin star restaurant in West Cork has announced that it will be “doing things differently” after the busy summer season.
Restaurant Chestnut, which is nestled in a small former pub, received its Michelin star in October 2018, just six months after it opened in March 2018.
Now, after eight years of putting Ballydehob on the international dining map, Rob Krawczyk and Elaine Fleming have decided to shake things up.
The pair said they are looking forward to welcoming regulars and new guests for their final dinner season over the next six months before their next chapter.
Speaking about their decision to make a change, Krawczyk said: “Bringing Chestnut to life, in this space in Ballydehob, receiving a Michelin star and then retaining it for eight years has meant the world to us.
“Saying that, now feels the right time for a change. We won’t be going anywhere; we love West Cork and we love what we do. We’re just going to be doing it differently after this season.”
Echoing Krawczyk’s comments, Fleming said she is “so incredibly proud” of what they have created at the restaurant since opening the doors eight years ago.
“We could not have dreamt of what was to follow. We’re looking forward to welcoming both old friends and new diners alike in to celebrate and raise a glass with us over the next six months of our final dinner service at Restaurant Chestnut in beautiful Ballydehob,” she said.
Krawczyk acknowledged that their story is rooted in West Cork, where they will remain to write their next chapter.
Our story is rooted here in West Cork, and it’s the place where our next chapter will begin.
“We’ll be revealing our plans for what comes next in due course, but in the meantime we’d like to thank everyone from the bottom of our hearts for all their support to date — it means so very much to all the team.”
Reservations for Restaurant Chestnut are now open, up to and including October 30.
