Chennai Chef’s Restaurant Wins Prestigious Best Fine Dining Award in Ireland

Chennai Chef’s Restaurant Wins Prestigious Best Fine Dining Award in Ireland

In an extraordinary culinary achievement, Rare restaurant, situated in Cork, Ireland, has been awarded Best Fine Dining at the prestigious Virgin Media Gold Medal Awards. Under the direction of Chef Meeran Gani Manzoor, a Chennai native with nearly 25 years of experience, Rare was recognized for its innovative approach to blending traditional South Indian flavors with locally sourced Irish ingredients. This honor, received on January 28, 2025, highlights Rare’s excellence in fine dining and solidifies its place as one of Ireland’s top culinary destinations.

Chef Manzoor’s journey began at the young age of 12 when he first started cooking for his family in Chennai. His passion for the culinary arts led him to London at 17, where he pursued a formal culinary education. Over the years, he honed his skills in some of the world’s most renowned establishments, such as the Metropolitan Hotel in London and the Dorchester’s 45 Park Lane. These experiences have shaped his exceptional culinary style, now showcased at Rare.

Manzoor took on the role of executive chef at the Blue Haven Collection in 2019 and opened Rare in 2020. His vision was to create a space where the rich culinary traditions of South India could meet the fresh, high-quality ingredients of Ireland. This fusion has become a hallmark of Rare, with each dish providing a sophisticated and memorable dining experience. In addition to the culinary accolades, the restaurant recently underwent a redesign, aligning its interior aesthetics with the elegance of its menu, further enhancing its reputation.

Chef Manzoor shared his gratitude on LinkedIn after the award announcement, thanking his dedicated team for their hard work in making this recognition possible. The award is a testament to the collective effort behind Rare’s success and highlights Chef Manzoor’s vision of creating a world-class dining experience in Ireland. Rare’s excellence in fine dining was further solidified when it was added to the Michelin Guide for Great Britain & Ireland in December 2024, marking a significant milestone in its culinary journey.

This prestigious recognition at the Virgin Media Gold Medal Awards places Rare among the finest dining establishments in Ireland and brings attention to the increasing global influence of Indian chefs and cuisine. Chef Manzoor’s rise from a young home cook to an award-winning executive chef is a testament to his dedication and passion for food. With his expertise and innovative approach, Rare is set to continue making waves in the world of fine dining.

Through his culinary artistry, Chef Manzoor is not only putting Chennai on the global map but also redefining the fusion of Indian and Irish cuisine in a way that resonates with diners from around the world.

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