Chefs seeking out local and organic food

Chefs are going to greater lengths to source locally produced food and are increasingly opting for organic, AA Ireland found during its search for culinary excellence.

Awarding 17 restaurants with AA Rosette accolades, the organisation said the drive towards garden fresh produce was a major trend last year.

Another key trend as noted by AA hotel inspectors was that a large number of restaurateurs had developed excellent early bird value menu options.

Of the 17 accolades awarded, 15 were first time winners of the AA Rosette, one of which was The Lime Tree Restaurant, Springfort Hall Hotel, Mallow, Co Cork.

The restaurant, led by chef Bryan McCarthy, received the award for good attention to detail and creative combinations used throughout their modern Irish style of cookery.

Rolf’s Country House and Restaurant in Baltimore, Co Cork, led by chef, Johannes Haffner, also claimed a rosette.

Much of the ingredients used by the family-run business are home-grown, organic and locally produced which all contributed to their accolade.

Gorman’s Clifftop House and Restaurant, Dingle, Co Kerry, led by owner and head chef Vincent Gorman, was awarded two AA Awards during 2011: Guest Accommodation of the Year and one rosette for their delicious Irish cuisine.

The O’Connell Restaurant at Ballyseede Castle, Tralee, Co Kerry, and The Rock Pool Restaurant at the Carlton Hotel, Kinsale, Co Cork, also achieved an accolade for their excellent quality of ingredients.

Conor Faughnan, director of policy at AA Ireland, said they are looking for restaurant kitchens that stand out from others within their field, whether that is a five star hotel or family-run guesthouse.

“Seventeen new Rosette Awards is a tremendous result for 2011 and really demonstrates the ongoing passion and commitment to first rate cuisine in this country,” he said.

AA Rosette Awards are assessed as part of an unannounced overnight inspection of a hotel or guesthouse and the 17 latest additions are among just 109 properties in Ireland to currently hold the respected accolade.

Top chefs

Some of those cooking up a storm:

* Bruno Coppola — La Cucina, Limerick.

* Caitlin Ruth — Deasy’s Harbour Bar, West Cork.

* Martin Kajuiter — Cliff House Hotel, Co Waterford.

* Martina Delaney — O’Callaghan-Walshe, West Cork.

* Mickael Viljanen — Gregan’s Castle, Co Clare.

* Jean Perry — Glebe Gardens, West Cork.

* Piero Melis — the Courthouse, Co Leitrim.

* Anne Gernon — Brocka on the Water, Tipperary.

* Graham Neville — Number Forty One Residence, Dublin.

* Christina Righi — Taste of Emilia, Dublin.