Award-winning chef Michael Thomas has been appointed as the new Head Chef at Kilkenny’s Zuni restaurant, bar and hotel.
Michael, who is originally from Loughboy, has made the move back to his home after spending four years as Head Chef of Waterford Castle Hotel.
Since training in Waterford Institute of Technology, Michael went on to work in kitchens throughout Ireland over his 22 years as a chef. These include Lacken House and Hayfield Manor, as well as the Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa in Sligo.
The talented Kilkenny man won Best Chef of Ireland 2017, along with the Best Chef Regional Winner of Munster at the YesChef Awards 2017. He has also received two AA Rosette Awards.
Zuni supports many local suppliers and producers in the Kilkenny area, including vegetables from Eamon Wallace, rapeseed oil from Second Nature Oils in Urlingford, duck from Mary and Tony Walsh at Kilkenny Free Range, and fish from Mag Kirwan in Goatsbridge Trout Farm.
Zuni recently added 14 new bedrooms. Owner Paul Byrne said Michael’s appointment is another important development for the boutique hotel.
“We are delighted to welcome Michael to Zuni. I am excited for the future of great food in Zuni. Michael has an abundance of culinary experience and flair, which will further enhance the high-quality food we produce in our kitchen,” said Paul.