The First Irish Chef With Two Stars

In early 2001 the news came through. The Michelin Guide had given Thornton's a second star^[1][2].

It was history. Kevin Thornton became the first Irish chef to win two Michelin stars^[2][3]. Only one other Dublin restaurant was at that level, Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud at the Merrion Hotel^[1].

Five Years Of Work

He had won his first star in nine months. The second took five years^[1]. It meant five years of pushing the kitchen, refining dishes and never having an off night when an inspector might be in the room.

Bad Timing

The celebrations were muted at first. In March 2001, Ireland was dealing with the threat of foot-and-mouth disease^[1]. Caterer & Hotelkeeper found empty tables at Thornton's that month, even with the brand-new second star^[1].

Still, the award changed his standing for good^[2]. His name now sat beside the very best in the Michelin Guide^[2].

The Fitzwilliam Years

Thornton's later moved to the Fitzwilliam Hotel, looking over St Stephen's Green^[3][4]. It held its two stars from 2001 to 2005^[2]. In 2006 it dropped to one star, which it kept until September 2015^[2][3].

The restaurant kept winning other prizes too. Kevin and Muriel Thornton won the Jameson Restaurant of the Year award in 2003^[2].

A Lasting Record

Many Irish chefs have earned two stars since then. But Kevin Thornton was the first, and that record can never be taken away^[2][3].

A Record In Black And White

TheJournal.ie later summed up the record in one line: the first Irish chef to receive two Michelin stars^[2]. Food Republic said the same, calling it a first for Ireland^[3].

He was 42 when Caterer & Hotelkeeper interviewed him that spring^[1]. He had reached the top of his profession, yet he still ran a small room with a small team, just as he had on day one^[1].

For a cook whose bank manager once refused him a small overdraft, it was the sweetest kind of answer^[1].