Treats so good, they gave them two awards. (The proof)
Cakeface Patissierie, a tasty jewel in the crown of all things that is Kilkenny food and drink, were named the overall Food & Drink Producer of the Year at Saturday night’s Kilkenny Chamber business awards.
Not only that, but after a year that’s seen them named Georgina Campbell’s Best Café in Ireland for 2018 as well as expanding operations in Irishtown, Kilkenny with the Cakeface Lab, they went and scooped the Emerging New Business award as well.
A trip to Cakeface, whatever the weather, is a worthwhile one. Fresh breads, top coffee, divine desserts, seriously good sandwiches and a cosy atmosphere await. If you’re on the tourist trail and you’ve just hauled yourself up St. Canice’s Tower, then you’ve made yourself the greatest excuse to duck in for something sweet or savoury.
Both Ballymaloe trained, owners Laura & Rory Gannon have worked across France and London including spells at The Savoy, The Connacht and Café Royal before heading home to Kilkenny to open up Cakeface in Irishtown. With their first kitchen based in Piltown in the south of the county, they’ve recently opened the doors on the Cakeface Lab, next door to the main Café, giving you a behind-the-scenes look (from the street view anyway) of how things come together before the hit the dessert counter.
I’m a big fan of The Tarty Apple (with a home grown apple mousse) or for the vegetarian side of things, the Raspberry Velveteen is a real winner.
Also on the food front, Zuni on Patrick Street picked up the Excellence in Hospitality award. If you’ve not been by in a while to check out the new bar out front, the extended dining room or just the quality food and service in general, then you’ve been missing out.
Goatsbridge Trout Farm’s Mag Kirwan also collected the President’s Award last night after another stellar year for the Thomastown-based company.
Hat tip also to Lyrath, hosts for the night. Saturday was the second large awards night I’ve been to there in as many months and having attended more over the last few years through the radio or other event work, they run a seriously good ship when it comes to dealing with large numbers.
