The best things we ate in 2022 – The Irish Times
Dan Hannigan
Head chef, Orwell Road, Dublin
Without a doubt, the best thing I ate this year was the turbot in Liath. I got engaged to my partner Dee in the summer and we went to Liath afterwards. The evening began with [chef-proprietor] Damien shouting ‘Did she say yes?’ when we walked in, which would have been very awkward if she hadn’t! The whole meal was amazing, but the turbot, caviar and beurre blanc was the best thing I’ve eaten this year, and beyond. It was incredible, simplicity at the highest level and probably the best fish dish I’ve ever eaten.
Mark Moriarty
Chef and TV presenter
The best thing I ate this year was at Opera in Paris. I have been following the pastry chef Cedric Grolet for years on social media and marvelled at his creations. I had always wondered if his desserts were style over substance, so I made my way to one of his patisserie stores. After queuing for 30 minutes I selected the rum baba. It was absolutely incredible. Picture perfect but more importantly a brilliant balance of flavours, textures and seasonings. A master at work and worth adding to your next Paris trip.
Victory Nwabu-Ekeoma
Editor, Bia! Zine
Some of the best things I’ve eaten this year have come out of humble home kitchens. For some of these things, I must take a little credit, but for most, I thank those whose doors have opened to me and invited me in. One dish I feel privileged to have tried this year is called meen, or fish nirvana. This dinner offering was prepared by my mum’s Indian colleague during what I call the deep-eat-search phase of my immigrant food project, Bia! Zine. Chilli spiced tilapia chunks were shallow fried then poached in a ginger, curry leaf, and coconut milk sauce and wrapped in a banana leaf. The fish swims in a bath of what I imagine the place of perfect happiness and peace to be like. My first bite was a transcendental experience. With it came deep enlightenment into the places an unassuming type of fish can take me.
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