Last night in the Shelbourne Hotel, *An Taoiseach Enda Kenny T.D.* presided over the 6th Annual *Good Food Ireland Awards Ceremony*. Over 300 guests including hoteliers, restaurateurs and artisan food producers were in attendance for the Awards, which are now a firm fixture in the food and travel awards calendar. RTÉ’s Mary Kennedy hosted the Awards Ceremony. Speaking at the Awards An Taoiseach Enda Kenny T.D. said, “I am delighted to congratulate the winners of Good Food Ireland Awards 2012. Each winner showcases the unique taste and flavour of indigenous Irish foods, which is delivered with consistently high quality and our traditionally warm and friendly service to customers. More and more, Irish counties, towns and villages are becoming associated with their locally produced and artisan food and these are a unique selling point to our visiting tourists. This evening’s event recognises the very hard work of those in the food and hospitality sector and highlights the potential of food tourism. It also marks how critical this sector is to our economy and how it will be at the heart of our economic recovery.”
The *Good Food Ireland Supreme Award* sponsored by *Kerrygold* went to *Aniar Restaurant Galway,* the newest recipient of a Michelin Star and the only Star in the West. Other winners on the night included *The Foods of Athenry*for *Producer of the Year,* *Restaurant FortyOne at Residence* for *Restaurant of the Year*, *The Food Store* in Mayo for *Local Food Shop* of the Year, *Kai Café and Restaurant* won the *Food Lover’s Choice Award*, this award was voted on by the public. *Renvyle House Hotel* won *Culinary Haven of the Year* and *Café Rua* in Mayo won *Café of the Year*. *Hargadon’s* in Sligo won *Food Pub of the Year.* The winner of this year’s *‘Come and See’ Producer of the Year* is *The Apple Farm* in Tipperary, this award recognises the producer that encourages the visitor to experience, learn and understand their product in an engaging way. *Sage Café* in Midleton won the *Newcomer of the Year in the South* and *Farmgate* in Midleton won *Casual Dining Restaurant of the Year*.