BUSINESS VIEW

THE annual Food Awards Ireland are back for a second year following the enormous success of last year’s inaugural ceremony. The list with finalists has now been compiled based on the tremendous number of nominations received from the public.

The awards seek to recognise the hard work and efforts of the Irish food industry. Accolades will be presented to the best restaurants, takeaways, pubs, hotel restaurants, cafes, and bistros, as well as shine the spotlight on the wonderful local producers who supply their delicious ingredients.

The black tie event will take place at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Dublin on Monday 13th November, when the crème de la crème of the Irish food industry will come together for a glamorous night to celebrate the success of professionals and businesses in the sector.

Local firms are listed in a number of categories.

Wholesale Bakery and Midlands Cafe of the year, are represented by McCloskeys bakery and Nan’s cafe in Laytown.

23 Seats in Dundalk is in the running for the Border Cafe/Bistro of the Year.

The Gastro Pub of the Year will see a fight out between Lennons in Dundalk and fellow Border section entries, The Drift Inn (Buncrana), Coach Lane (Sligo), The Wishing Well Bar & Bistro (Kingscourt) and The Riverfront Bar & Grill ( Virginia).

Caterer of the Year is hotly contested and D’lish Catering in Dundalk are in contention.

Local MEP and Vice President of the European Parliament, Mairead McGuinness, is pictured meeting Louth TD Fergus O’ Dowd who visited Brussels as part of a delegation from the British Irish Parliamentary Assembly. McGuinness and O’Dowd, Chair of the...