Alan Foley
The Step House, Borris, Co Carlow
Some chefs have such a precise technique at their disposal that it serves to define their cooking. The technique begets the textures and tastes, and serves as the foundation of their food. Alan Foley has that technique. Mr Foley cooks beautifully, and very, very precisely. His dishes are tactile, varied and hugely pleasing and whilst they have all the other necessities - he sources well, he presents well, the staff serve well - it is the finesse of his culinary technique that makes the cooking so delicious, so enjoyable, so memorable.
Photograph: Nick O'Keeffe
