A restaurant opened earlier this year in Collooney has won one of the most prestigious dining awards in Ireland.
Nook Café and Restaurant, run by Ethna Reynolds, was chosen as the Newcomer of the Year, 2017. Ethna was presented with her award by Georgina herself at an awards ceremony earlier this month.
Commenting on this award in her citation, Georgina said “Recent openings have mainly been in cities, especially Dublin, so it is particularly pleasing to give recognition to an excellent new small restaurant, opened in a village setting by a young and very dedicated owner chef.
“Small but with a perfectly formed culinary ethos, this little gem of a café only opened in May but it soon earned a following for its seriously impressive menu and good cooking.
“Oilcloth-lined tables, jugs of fresh flowers and a large kitchen dresser filled with cookbooks and mismatched teacups give it a homey feel, almost like being in a friend’s kitchen, but don’t be fooled by the relaxed ambience as the owner-chef has an impressive culinary pedigree and an exceptional commitment to quality.
“The first thing you’ll notice about the menu – besides how tempting every dish sounds – is the focus on fresh, local artisan ingredients, from the meat to the cheese and right down to the beautiful salad leaves.
“Dishes that could be ordinary in lesser hands, take on special character here: a burger served on a brioche bun with Gubbeen cheese and the house burger sauce, for example, or Jordan’s Atlantic Seaweed sea salt and herb crusted fish of the day with house fries, slaw and chunky Markree herb tartar sauce.
“A delightful addition to the area, this charming spot is already becoming a destination in its own right.”
Ireland’s longest-running hospitality accolades, the Georgina Campbell Awards are completely independent. Unlike most other award schemes, they are not commercially driven and in no way affiliated with trade associations or marketing groups.
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