Next Monday, 13th May 2019, is an exciting day for Sligo Food Trail. No less than ten of the network members are up for awards in the national finals of the Restaurant Association of Ireland (RAI) awards, also known as the ‘food oscars’. Not only that, but Ethna Reynolds of Nook in Collooney is part of the team of chefs working on the gala menu for the award night.
Ethna Reynolds who is also a finalist in Best Chef and Best Emerging Cuisine said, “I am honoured to be asked to cook as part of a brilliant team of chefs for these prestigious awards. It’s an amazing opportunity to cook for the country’s best chefs and industry workers. I imagine it will not only be exciting and fast paced but an extremely unforgettable experience.”
Anthony Gray of Eala Bhán and Hooked is a finalist in the prestigious Local Food Hero category, and Hooked is also in the Best Casual Dining category. “It’s an honour and a privilege to have reached the final of the Local Food Hero sector”, said a delighted Anthony Gray, “It’s one of the awards I’ve always strived to achieve. I’m also delighted to push Sligo to the forefront once again; I’m so proud of my county. We have amazing artisan producers and all we have to do is give it to the chefs and let them create dishes to delight everyone’s taste buds”.
Another well known Sligo Food Trail member is Eithne O’Sullivan of seafood restaurant Eithna’s By The Sea in Mullaghmore who is in the Best Restaurant category. Speaking about her nomination, Eithne O’Sullivan said, “Myself and my team are delighted and honoured to be included in these awards. It is great achievement that so many Sligo businesses have also been nominated. Good luck to all the participants.”
The other Sligo finalists are Sweet Beat (Best Café and Best Free From), The Waterfront in Enniscrone (Best Hotel and Guesthouse Restaurant), Shells Seaside Bakery and Café (the Best Kids Size Me) and Hargadon Bros pub (Best Wine Experience) and Davis’s Restaurant @ Yeats Tavern (Best Customer Service)
For so many members to have reached these finals is a wonderful achievement for Sligo Food Trail. Carrying off some national awards would be even better.
