There was only one Irish newcomer to the Michelin Guide this year with Dede in Baltimore, Co Cork being recognised for the exceptional dining experience it offers customers.
Last year was a year like no other – across all industries, but particularly the hospitality one where many businesses spent more time closed than they did open. However, extraordinary circumstances call for extraordinary measures and this year’s Michelin Guide proceedings were moved completely online so as to allow them to still go ahead.
One of the most highly anticipated foodie events of the year, there were many nervous restaurateurs around Ireland last night, all eager to see if their hard work had paid off. And that it did for Chef Ahmet Dede down in Cork who earned Dede its first Michelin star.
Commending the talented Turkish-born chef for a menu that “celebrates the produce of West Cork”, his “minimal waste approach” and “original dishes”, judges described his work as “refined, elegant and beautifully composed with plenty of personality”.
Taking to Twitter to celebrate the massive achievement, Ahmet thanked his family, team and business partner for helping him along the way.
This 💥🇹🇷 one goes to my family to my Mother, Father and my two Brother's. We did it again🙏☘🇮🇪💪Thank you so much to my small but big hearted Team love yous all so much. Massive Thanks my amazing business partner Maria Archer you are a inspiration. pic.twitter.com/Z6o6L28lKF
— Ahmet Dede (@chefahmetdede) January 26, 2021
Only open since the summer, Dede is the only new addition to the list, bringing the total number of Michelin-star restaurants in Ireland to 18.
New Bib Gourmands – an award given to restaurants that offer three-course meals for under €40 – were given to Volpe Nera and Spitalfields in Dublin, with two more awarded to Goldie in Cork and Table Forty One in Gorey, Co Wexford as well.
Header image via Facebook/Custom House Baltimore
