WINNERS:TAOISEACH ENDA Kenny last night told food producers, restaurateurs, hoteliers and retailers they do "a massive job for your country and I really am so proud of the effort and the results you achieve".
Speaking at the fifth annual Good Food Ireland Awards, he said: “For every visitor that comes to our country and to those from Ireland who travel around our country, may they all experience the spectrum and quality, the diversity and friendliness, the homeliness of that little extra touch which makes them remember why they came in the first place.”
Presenting the awards, founder of Good Food Ireland Margaret Jeffares congratulated the winners for their commitment to the purchasing of local food.
The supreme award, sponsored by Kerrygold, went to restaurant, wine bar and cookery school Source Sligo.
The business was recognised for strongly reflecting the Good Food Ireland philosophy of sharing and partnering with other businesses to generate competitive advantage.
The culinary hotel of the year award went to the Cliff House in Waterford for creating an unforgettable food experience, while the culinary haven award went to Aldridge Lodge in Ducannon, Co Wexford, for the priority it gives to local food.
For championing local produce and serving food that celebrates local producers, Dublin restaurant Chapter One took the restaurant of the year award while The Oarsman in Carrick on Shannon, Co Leitrim, won the food pub of the year title.
The Good Food Ireland cafe of the year title went to The Sheelin Teashop in Enniskillen and the local food shop of the year award went to Rua in Castlebar, Co Mayo.
The title of the Good Food Ireland cookery school of the year award went to The Tannery in Dungarvan, Co Waterford.