Stove’s chef wins top accolade at Food&Wine Awards
Just weeks after celebrating its first birthday, Stove Bistro has been recognised with a top accolade at the 2021 Food&Wine Restaurant Awards.
Not only did Simon Toye, above, pick up the Best Chef Ulster award, the bistro was also awarded highly commended in the Best Restaurant Ulster category at the ceremony in InterContinental Hotel in Ballsbridge, Dublin.
Speaking after the awards, Simon Toye said: “Despite all challenges, we have come a long way in a short period of time. Our overall aim was to create a community bistro in the city that was casual in atmosphere but renowned for exceptional and affordable food and drink.
“Earlier this year, we were particularly proud to be shortlisted for this award in the Ulster Category and humbled to be the company of some of the North’s most respected chefs and restaurants.
“Therefore, to have been selected as the top chef in Ireland above so many of my peers and the talented Irish chefs that inspire me is a real honour, especially since we only opened the doors of the restaurant 12 months ago. To get highly commended in the Best Restaurant Ulster is just fantastic – both accolades are just a dream come true against the odds.”
Editor of Food&Wine magazine Gillian Nelis said: “Our goal is simple: to pay tribute to the Irish food and drink sector after a stressful and traumatic time, and to recognise the incredible innovation shown by restaurateurs, hoteliers and food producers during the pandemic.”
The title is the icing on the cake for the Belfast chef and business partner Ginger Bistro’s, Simon McCance, who have has firmly established Stove Bistro as an exceptional destination eatery in the city.
