Ashford Castle's Stefan Matz - Named 'Best Chef' in Ireland

BY 2010 GOOD EATING GUIDE

New York - July 1, 2010: Ashford Castle's executive chef Stefan Matz has been named 'Best Chef' in Ireland in the 2010 Ireland Good Eating Guide; it was announced recently at an awards banquet held at Dublin's Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud. The event, hosted by Tourism Minister Mary Hanafin, was attended by the "who's who" of Ireland's restaurant and hospitality scenes and showcased the best and up-and-coming taste makers in a country.

Chef Stefan Matz

Chef Matz was appointed executive chef for Ashford Castle in 2003 and oversees the property's celebrated George V Room, Cullen's at the Cottage and the Connaught Room, which is available for private functions. It is at these spaces that he has created a following of food adventurers who are lured by his creations and ingenuity with local ingredients.

The George V Room boasts unparalleled elegance with nine Waterford chandeliers and sweeping river views, offering breakfast and a full dinner menu. Cullen's at the Cottage welcomes guests to a more informal menu with seasonal al fresco dining and views of Lough Corrib. The Connaught Room is considered one of the finest rooms at Ashford Castle, with delicate hand-carved wood décor providing an elegant backdrop for intimate events.

A native German, Stefan Matz has worked in several of the world's most prestigious kitchens and has received over 20 awards and accolades, including a star rating in the Michelin Guide to Great Britain and Ireland.

For more information on Ashford Castle or for other special offers, visit www.ashford.ie.

ABOUT ASHFORD CASTLE: Ashford Castle, which dates back to 1228, is set on 350 acres of County Mayo, on the shores of Lough Corrib and the River Cong, with a spectacular backdrop of woodlands, lake, river and mountains. In addition to the 2010 Gold Medal from the Green Hospitality Awards, other recent awards and recognitions include Trip Advisor's 2010 top ten picks for European castle hotels and inclusion in Conde Nast Traveler's 2010 Gold List.