Food Oscars

• Published date: 19 December 2020
• Date: 19 December 2020
• Author: Corinna Hardgrave
• Publication title: Irish Times (Dublin, Ireland)

Amid the fear and uncertainty, resilience was the byword as people adapted, contorted, walked tightropes and did everything known to man to eke out a livelihood, or at least keep busy, in the face of unimaginable adversity. Huge community spirit and generosity was shown - our chefs turned up day after day to feed frontline workers, make deliveries, entertain and educate with free online cooking tutorials and plot out a way to adapt to the constantly moving target of changing restrictions.

This is a year we may all want to forget, but there are some things worth remembering. Restaurants did open, for at least some of the time, outdoor dining areas are here to stay, stunning meal kits were created, and most of us had a chance to improve our cooking skills

The past year shows how the industry can adapt, be supportive and survive, and the Food Oscars this year reflect the creativity, resilience and hard work of the incredible people in our food community.

We all hope we're looking at brighter future in 2021.

Bravery Award (and new opening of the year) Canteen 11 Bow Lane East, St Stephen's Green, Dublin 2

, 01-5222075; marlinhotel.ie Anyone opening a restaurant in 2020 deserves an award, but when that restaurant is in a hotel, it's a Herculean level of brave. James Sheridan's menu at Canteen had many high points, but perhaps the most memorable was the very first morsel, a delicate onion tartlet, that combined skill and an understanding of flavour in one exquisite bite.

Dish of the Year Loam Fairgreen Road, Galway, 091-569727; loamgalway.com Getting the meat course right in a tasting menu is not as easy as you may think, it is all about bringing a crescendo to the menu while maintaining balance. Enda McEvoy's cooking is clever and restrained and left me yearning for just a little bit more of the pink lamb loin that was served with a creamy turnip purée, and the summer flavours of broad beans and a mint sauce. Best value Richmond Restaurant Richmond, 43 Richmond Street South, Portobello, Dublin 2, 01-478 8783; richmondrestaurant.ie When you discover that there are five off-duty chefs tucking into the same menu as you on a Tuesday night, it's a good indication that you're in the right place. The €48 five-course Tuesday tasting menu on the first Tuesday of each month is low key but delicious, and the pies are phenomenal.

Best meal kit Allta 101 Setanta Place, Dublin 2, 01-6170988; allta.ie They were first to offer national delivery, and those lucky enough to snap...