It's over 7 years since Michelin Star chef, Conrad Gallagher broke down outside court after he was found not guilty of the theft of 3 paintings from the Fitzwilliam Hotel on Dublin's St Stephen's Green.
The Letterkenny man was also cleared of obtaining money by false pretences and intent to defraud by selling the 3 works of art.
Those of a cynical frame of mind will raise their eyebrows at Gallagher's latest project, the opening of a restaurant slap bang in the middle of one of the north west's premier art facilities The Model
The newly reopened Model located on the Mall in Sligo, is a multi-media space for art, film, music catering for both visiting and local artists to develop and show their work.
One of the final blocks to fall into place for the Model is the opening of a restaurant on the premises. It's my understanding, finding a candidate to open an eatery that would match the standard of The Model as a whole was proving difficult.
However, in Conrad Gallagher it appears they've achieved their goal. I've never eating the offering of a Michelin Star chef, but Sligo and it's surroundings is lacking in options when it comes to dining out.
I like a Bianconi Pizza as much as the next man but, heading down to the Bistro doesn't set the imagination wild at the possibilities...(I'll have the Michaelangelo please).
Montmartre in Market Yard is a fine spot but if you aren't particularly flush then this little bit of Paris in the Yard maybe out of reach.
Sligo town is crying out for greater competition in the eating-out market and Sligo people need their pallets challenged more than when the 4 Lights added the steak, chip & gravy to it's menu (which you must try when you're in next).
In terms of food quality and taste Gallagher's name acts as an international standard that hasn't been present here before. To add to the attraction he's promising to offer his wares at a reasonable price with main courses from €14 when he opens his his doors in September.
