‘Grand-mère’ Allen honoured

After half a century of putting Cork at the centre of the world’s food map, Myrtle Allen was honoured at a civil reception in Cork City Hall last night.

Unfortunately, as Lord Mayor Catherine Clancy put it, the event was a bit like the wedding without the bride, as Ms Allen was unable to attend as she was suffering from a bad cold.

However, friends and family made sure many toasts were raised to the woman who, as her daughter-in-law Darina Allen put it, is now considered by chefs across the world as the “grand-mère who gave them confidence to serve their food simply”.