Gregan’s Castle earns three red stars for great food

A North Clare hotel has earned “the equivalent of a Michelin Star”, thanks to the quality cooking of chef Mickael Viljanen and his team.

Gregans Castle was awarded three AA Rosettes at a ceremony in Dublin last week. It is one of just three restaurants nationwide to earn the accolade. Three AA Rosettes is considered by many “to be the equivalent of one Michelin Star”.
Gregans Castle is an AA 3 Red Star 2010/2011 AA Inspectors’ Choice Hotel and a former recipient of the AA Courtesy and Care Award.
Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud adjoining the Merrion Hotel, Dublin and Deanes Restaurant, Belfast are the highest rated restaurants in Ireland with Four Rosettes. Amongst the highest-rated restaurants in the UK are Heston Blumenthal’s The Fat Duck and Raymond Blanc’s Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons both with five Rosettes.
“Three rosettes for food is really, really good,” said Simon.
“We are delighted. We have been working towards this for three years. We had our inspection back in May. A UK inspector came over. We had two inspections last year too. They watch you for a year or two to make sure the consistency is there. It is very thorough. We were the only new three rosettes this year, joining the two existing ones. Mickael is delighted and so is the kitchen and service team,” he commented.
AA Rosettes are awarded solely for the quality of a restaurant’s cooking.
“Consistent standards are expected across all dishes on all menus, at all meal times, every day throughout the year. All Rosette-awarded restaurants demonstrate a use of ingredients that are fresh and of sound quality. Flavours are well-balanced and each dish is appropriately presented and the menu reflects an obvious enthusiasm and commitment to promoting good quality food,” a spokesperson for the awards outlined.
Another North Clare establishment was honoured recently, this time at the National Hospitality Awards.
The Wild Honey Inn, took home two plaques at the awards held last week. The Lisdoonvarna gastro pub was named a winner in the Best Pub with Food and Best New Establishment categories.
Earlier this year the team at the Wild Honey Inn were awarded a Bib Gourmand from The Michelin Red Guide, currently the only pub in Ireland to have this accolade which is for “good food at moderate prices”.