O'Connors chef is shortlisted for award

A BANTRY-based chef has been shortlisted for a prestigious chefs’ award.

 Ann Marie Butler, head chef at O’Connors seafood restaurant, has been shortlisted for Best Chef 2016. 

The awards were initiated by Yes Chef magazine, which started back in 2007 as Cook for Ulster. Today it features the best of Ireland’s and Scotland’s finest chefs cooking delightful dishes and sharing their kitchen secrets.

It is owned and published by food fanatic Shane Smith.

A self-taught cook, Shane has appeared on RTE’s The Restaurant and is a former Northern Ireland winner of Britain’s Best Dish as well as judging at various food tasting awards including The Great Taste Awards and the Irish Food Quality Awards.

Clonakilty native Ann Marie’s food was nominated by the public and was inspected by independent food critics. 

She has also kept O’Connors in the Michelin guide for 2016. 

‘She is quickly becoming a respected chef in the industry and has represented Ireland on the European stage,’ said proprietor Pat Kiely.

‘This is her first recommendation for Best Chef and it’s great that a West Cork chef is up there, with the big name like Ross Lewis, Nevan Maguire, Derry Clarke and so on.’