Ireland’s culinary star rises with Michelin accolades

Ireland’s culinary star was in the ascendancy last night as two restaurants in Galway and Dublin were confirmed as having received coveted Michelin Stars.

Aniar in Galway and Locks Brasserie in Dublin have both been given one star in the Michelin Guide 2013 for Great Britain and Ireland which is to be published on Oct 5.

The publishers of the guide have decided to release details of those restaurants which have gained or lost stars early after some of the information leaked on the internet.

Speaking about the two new Irish star-holders the guide’s editor Rebecca Burr said: “These two offer fairly simple surroundings and focus their attention where it really matters: on excellent quality food.”

Aniar opened just over a year ago. Owners JP McMahon and Drigín Gaffey were at the eatery in Dominick St, Galway, when the news came through and heaped praise on head chef Enda McEvoy.

“This is a massive achievement for us, for Galway and for the West of Ireland,” Mr McMahon said. “I want to thank all our team, especially Enda who is the driving force behind the food. But I also want to extend thanks to our suppliers for giving us such great food to work with. This is a great day for local food.”

Ms Gaffney said: “We were trying to bring something new to Galway and had never expected to achieve such an accolade in such period of time.”

At Locks Brasserie in Dublin, head chef Rory Carville said he woke up to 10 missed calls on his phone yesterday morning. “I rang the boss and he just said ‘you have a Michelin Star.’”

Owner Sebastien Masi told RTÉ: “There is great enjoyment. Champagne is in the fridge since this morning. Now we are able to pop it and have a great celebration.”

Aniar and Locks join just six other Irish restaurants in having the coveted stars.