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CHEF OF THE YEAR Gráinne O’Keefe
In a year when chefs and restaurant folk were challenged more than ever before, Gráinne O’Keefe proved that a knack for quick thinking is just as important as being able to cook a perfect steak (although she does that too… her signature 80-day whiskey-aged côte de boeuf with chimichurri and smoked bone marrow at Clanbrassil House, Dublin 8, is a thing of beauty, and make sure to order the hash brown chips and pickled onion mayonnaise on the side while you’re at it). As culinary director of BuJo, in Sandymount, she was first out of the traps with a burger kit for home cooks and got nationwide delivery up and running before other restaurants had figured out their packaging. (It’s still right up there amongst the very best of the meal kits.) Smart collaborations throughout the year have kept BuJo relevant and in touch with their customers, and new branches are on the cards for 2021. O’Keefe even found time to put in an appearance on
2kg, €21.99, Dunnes Stores Super easy, because it is already fully cooked. The O’Brien family in Co Kildare use a traditional Wiltshire cure, steaming the ham (below) before baking it. Very tasty. ★★★★
Deluxe Unsmoked Half Horseshoe Irish Gammon Joint €5.99/kg (ours was 2.31kg, €13.84), Lidl Winner of a Great Taste two-star award, Lidl’s gammon joint is a well-priced choice for those who prefer to cook their ham from scratch and serve it plain. ★★★★ Specially Selected Irish 4kg, €22.99, Aldi Suitable for a larger group, this ham (above right) has to be boiled first before being glazed and baked. The flavour is good, and the orange and honey glaze caramelises nicely. ★★★★