Michelin Stars Shine Brightly for Northern Irish Food
The achievements of Deane’s Eipic and OX restaurants in Belfast are a marvellous boost for quality local food as we prepare to celebrate the very best of our produce in what will be an immensely exciting Year of Food 2016, Michele Shirlow, Food NI chief executive, said today.
Congratulating both restaurants on being listed in the prestigious Michelin Guide, Mrs Shirlow said: “This is tremendously encouraging news for the entire food and drink industry here and especially the local restaurant scene which is showcasing increasingly the quality and innovation now underpinning food and drink.
“Both restaurants have developed original dishes using the best seasonal ingredients from suppliers across Northern Ireland. The entire industry can be proud of their achievements and encouraged to follow in their footsteps.
“Recognition in the highly influential Michelin Guide is, furthermore, particularly good news for Tourism Northern Ireland and Tourism Ireland as they work together to increase visitor numbers and spend.
“The awards show that Northern Ireland now offers exceptional dining experiences for both visitors and, of course, residents of Northern Ireland.
“We will shortly be unveiling an exciting programme of events for Year of Food in which our talented chefs and superb restaurants will have key roles to play in showcasing our exceptional food and drink on the international arena.
We look forward to working closely with them to maximise the potential of this programme for the benefit of the local food and drink industry, our farmers, processors, restaurateurs and the wider community.”
