A Donegal-born chef has picked up the award as Best Chef in Dublin at the Irish Restaurant Awards.
Ciaran Sweeney from Downings, who is the Head Chef at Forest & Marcy on Leeson St in Dublin, was honoured for his modern and seasonal menu at the dining hotspot.
The high-profile awards, also known as Ireland’s Food Oscars, recognised the best of Ireland’s food scene on Monday last.
While Donegal restaurants missed out on prizes in regional and national categories, Ciaran was celebrated as a prominent local chef from the county. Ciaran began his career in the kitchens of the Rosapenna hotel at the age of 16.
The young talent went on to become pastry chef at the 2 Michelin Starred Champignon Sauvage in Cheltenham, before returning to Dublin to work in top-class establishments across the city.
In its first year on the scene, Forest & Marcy has been generating quite some excitement. The wine room and kitchen, owned by John & Sandy Wyer, was named as the best newcomer in Dublin and in Ireland at the awards. The eatery was also honoured for Best Emerging Irish Cuisine in Dublin and all-Ireland.