Chef Ahmet Dede says he’s ‘over the moon’ after his west Cork restaurant was awarded a Michelin star.
However, the Turkish-born restauranteur said diners can still expect an informal experience that’s very different to the ‘usual Michelin star experience’.
His restaurant dede was awarded the prestigious accolade during an online ceremony yesterday, becoming Ireland’s only new Michelin star restaurant.
It comes after the chef was previously awarded a star two years ago for his former restaurant Mews.
His new restaurant at the Customs House in Baltimore opened last year despite delays due to COVID-19 restrictions, and earned immediate critical acclaim.
The Michelin guide describes the dishes on offer - including specialities such as lobster kebab with isot pepper and wild Irish venison, buckwheat and orange - as "refined and full of personality".
This 💥🇹🇷 one goes to my family to my Mother, Father and my two Brother's. We did it again🙏☘🇮🇪💪Thank you so much to my small but big hearted Team love yous all so much. Massive Thanks my amazing business partner Maria Archer you are a inspiration. pic.twitter.com/Z6o6L28lKF
— Ahmet Dede (@chefahmetdede) January 26, 2021
Mr Dede told Newstalk Breakfast he’s so happy with the news.
He said: “I’m over the moon - it’s a special day for me, and for everyone in west Cork.
“The food changed last year obviously with the lockdown… but it’s Turkish-inspired cuisine, using the best of the best ingredients from west Cork. As much as possible, local products.
“I spice it up a bit with my Turkish heritage and Turkish background. It’s a very comfortable experience, dining there - very informal.”
He said they’re eager to open this year on St Patrick’s Day, but their ‘fingers are crossed’ at the moment.
He told Shane: “We did takeout last year, that was very successful. This year, if we can’t open, we do something else.”
