The Michelin Guide has named two Irish restaurants in a list of the most memorable dishes eaten by its inspectors in the last year.
The prestigious guide asked its inspectors – who are tasked with travelling around Ireland and UK to review restaurants – about the most memorable dish they've eaten between 2022 and 2023 so far.
The list featured six restaurants, two of which are located in Ireland.
Chapter One by Mickael Viljanen in Co. Dublin and dede in Baltimore, Co. Cork made it onto the list, further shoring up Irish talent on the gastronomic world stage.
The inspectors chose the BBQ Donegal lobster glazed with cacao pod concentrate & Kari Gosse, carrot & citrus, and aromatic lobster sauce from Chapter One, which serves contemporary Irish fare.
Writing about the dish, the inspector noted: "My favourite dish of the year was also one of the finest I have ever enjoyed – superb cooking that looked amazing and tasted even better. The lobster tail was wonderfully succulent, with just a hint of smokiness coming through from the barbecue.
"The clever addition of Kari Gosse in the glaze brought a very subtle curried edge and an intense lobster reduction provided further richness. The lemon confit and a few redcurrants cut through this excellently, making it a stunning all-round dish."
As for dede, a Turkish restaurant located in Baltimore's Custom House, the star dish was Walsh's lamb, Ottoman spiced firik, carrot, gooseberry, kumquat and isot.
The inspector wrote: "Complexity, depth and superbly blended spices were all present in this exceptional dish. The tender lamb was full of flavour, while the skilfully judged isot pepper sauce elevated it to another level.
"A smooth carrot purée was topped with a fine slice of kumquat – adding fruitiness and acidity in equal measure – and providing a great contrast to the richness of the sauce. Finishing off the dish was a flavour-packed Ottoman spiced firik, which had been slow-cooked for seven hours."
The guide unveiled its Michelin stars for the year just three weeks ago, which newly awarded two stars to dede, headed up by chef Ahmet Dede. Chapter One retained its two Michelin stars also.
The editors noted that "many factors played a part in their choices, from the time of year, the style of restaurant and their geographical location to the history of the establishment and the chef".
