Eala Bhan

It’s been a decade since Anthony Gray opened his first restaurant in County Sligo, and eight years since he opened the doors of Eala Bhan, in the centre of Sligo on the banks of the Garavogue River. During that period Mr Gray has pursued two objectives: to win an audience for his own work in his restaurants, and to win an audience for the food produce and food culture of his county. In both respects, he has succeeded. As an advocate for his county, he has been a tireless champion who has brought together the component contributors who make such fine food in Sligo: the county now has a serious food identity. In his own base at Eala Bhan, Mr Gray has continued to support his local producers by transforming their top-class ingredients into sublime culinary creations, best enjoyed through the prism of his 8-course tasting menus – 12-hour pork belly with kataifi prawn; duo of duck with Cashel Blue ice cream; Tubbercurry beef medallions with lemon buttered scallops; chocolate surprise. The kitchen makes the superb ingredients sing, and the charm of the room and excellent service complete the magic.

First three photos credit Julia Dunin