THE creative head chef at the award-winning Carrig Country House Hotel has been chosen as the Kerry branch of the Irish Hotels’ Federation Employee of the Year for 2017.
Patrica Teahan is no stranger to accolades as her magic in the hotel’s Lakeside Restaurant kitchen has secured many honours in recent years but she was thrilled to receive the IHF prize which was presented at a luncheon in the Brehon Hotel in Killarney on Monday.
A total of 11 people were nominated for the award and after a protracted interview process, involving an independent panel of adjudicators, Patricia was declared the winner.
The judges were Mary Rose Stafford of the Hospitality and Tourism Academy in IT Tralee, former IHF President Michael Vaughan of Vaughan’s Lodge in Lahinch and Tralee based HR consultant Caroline McEnery.
The award – which included a framed scroll and a selection of gifts such as a weekend away, invitations to the Kerry IHF gala black die dinner and shopping vouchers – was presented to Patricia by judging panel chairperson Mary Rose Stafford and Kerry IHF Chairman Patrick O’Donoghue.
Patricia, who studied at Tralee Institute of Technology received a student of the year award from the Kinsale Good Food Circle when she graduated. She also won a coveted scholarship to Johnson & Wales University in Rhode Island.
She gained experience at the Bianconi Inn in Killorglin and the Half Door Restaurant in Dingle before commencing work as commis chef in Carrig Country House in 2002.
Carrig House has been awarded an AA Rosette for Culinary Excellence every year since 2008 and it is recommended by the Michelin Guide.
Pictures: Don MacMonalge. Click on individual images for details
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