‘Croí was my dream and I got to live it’ – popular Tralee restaurant closes its doors

Sad news for Tralee foodies.

The head chef and owner of Croí has announced the restaurant has closed its doors “and won’t be reopening”. Chef Noel took to social media to announce the news “with a heavy heart”, writing: I wish I had better words today but as I write this through teary eyes and a broken heart it’s the best I have. 

Croí was known in Kerry and beyond for its unique fine dining menu incorporating produce grown by Noel himself, who regularly documented his gardening process online. Wild garlic, pickled spruce tips and leek pesto made the short journey from garden to plate to form exciting, flavourful dishes – a hit with all who visited Croí.

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Noel thanked his staff, customers, family and friends, writing: “Croí was my dream and I got to live it”. He also referenced the ways in which the restaurant adapted over the country’s various lockdowns – “We did everything from takeaway to croi at home, tacos to lobster”.

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Supporters including Gaz of Michael’s Dublin took to social media to express their well wishes; one wrote:  “Sorry to hear that Noel you’ve put blood sweat and tears into it but in the current climate its maybe a wise decision”. 

With rising costs of food, utilities, and everything else needed to run a restaurant, we have an uneasy feeling that this won’t be the last sad goodbye we say in Irish hospitality.

Header image via Twitter/chefnoelk

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