It takes a brave chef to put beer
sauce or fillet of kangaroo on the
menu but in Neven Maguire's case, it
obviously takes a talented chef
because MacNean's House and
Bistro in Blacklion has been voted
Best Restaurant in Ulster.Editor of the Food and Wine magazine, Gillian Bulger asked
readers to nominate restaurants for the award and a judging
panel consisting of chefs and proprietors narrowed the list down
to three high class eateries. Neven, from the little border town of
Blacklion, was shortlisted with Michael Deane and Paul Rankin.
Michael Deane owns Deane's Restaurant, where U2 and Lloyd
Grossman have dined, and Paul Rankin owns Cayenne and is
resident chef for the television programme Gourmet Ireland.
Neven did not expect to beat these highly respected competitors,
"That was some accolade! They're brilliant restaurants. I
honestly thought Rankin would have won it."
After a seven course meal in the Four Seasons Hotel, Dublin,
Gillian Bulger presented Neven with the award and a bottle of
champagne. "I'm absolutely delighted." said Neven, "It's a great
honour for me but its not a one man team. I'd have up on nearly
24 part time staff."
Neven has received many awards since his beginnings as a
student in Fermanagh College. However, Neven sees this as
his high point, " I love Blacklion, I love the restaurant. This is
definitely one of the most prestigious awards."
MacNean's House and Bistro is personally important to Neven
because it is the family business that he has been involved with
since the age of 12. Neven comes from a large family of nine
and two of his sisters work alongside him. The restaurant has
been a great asset for Blacklion because it makes use of local
produce and attracts many visitors. Neven remarks, "People will
travel for food."
It takes a brave chef to put beer
sauce or fillet of kangaroo on the
menu but in Neven Maguire's case, it
obviously takes a talented chef
because MacNean's House and
Bistro in Blacklion has been voted
Best Restaurant in Ulster.