Celtic Tiger eatery closes its doors as downturn really bites...
Now facing closure, Cooke's Cafe has long been one of the favourite eateries of the cashed-up chattering classes in Dublin.
But the award-winning venue -- which counts celebs like U2 among its customers -- has this evening been served up as the industry's first high-profile casualty of Ireland's credit crunch.
A spokesperson for the eatery, situated on the corner of South William Street and Castle Market, has confirmed to the Herald that they will cease trading at the end of this month. "It's true, we're closing up," he said.
Shock
In news that has sent shock waves through the tight-knit circle of Dublin restaurateurs and chefs, Cooke's will close its doors in two weeks.
It's understood that the lease has now been bought by Abrakebabra owner Graham Beere, who has indicated he may turn it into a sushi restaurant or use the venue to extend his chain of Gourmet Burger Kitchen.
As proof that the Irish hospitality industry really is set to take a hammering during the ongoing recession, speculation now abounds about which Dublin eatery will be next for the chop. The cafe, under restaurant veteran Johnny Cooke, opened its doors in 1992. For years, it occupied a prime slot as the place to be seen in the capital city.
Cooke, who is now considering offering private catering services to some of his A-list clients, spent years learning his craft in California before returning to his native country to open his own premises.
His restaurant quickly became a firm favourite among theatre luvvies and southside foodies, picking up a string of awards for its food and wine.
Sad end
Publisher Trevor White of the Dubliner magazine has described the closure as a "sad end to a notable chapter in Irish culinary history."
He went on to say how Cooke's return to Ireland in the early 1990s and his decision to set up the eatery was a sign of the imminent Celtic Tiger boom.
"It's a bittersweet end to the talented chef's tenure. Cooke's cafe was often cited as an emblem of Ireland's so-called Culinary Renaissance," he explained.
"I have clashed with Johnny Cooke in the past but today is not a day to dance to graves. Cooke is a seriously talented chef, and his next move will be watched with considerable interest. Good luck to him."
Report by Melanie Finn - Evening Herald
Now facing closure, Cooke's Cafe has long been one of the favourite eateries of the cashed-up chattering classes in Dublin.
But the award-winning venue -- which counts celebs like U2 among its customers -- has this evening been served up as the industry's first high-profile casualty of Ireland's credit crunch.
A spokesperson for the eatery, situated on the corner of South William Street and Castle Market, has confirmed to the Herald that they will cease trading at the end of this month. "It's true, we're closing up," he said.
Shock
In news that has sent shock waves through the tight-knit circle of Dublin restaurateurs and chefs, Cooke's will close its doors in two weeks.
It's understood that the lease has now been bought by Abrakebabra owner Graham Beere, who has indicated he may turn it into a sushi restaurant or use the venue to extend his chain of Gourmet Burger Kitchen.
As proof that the Irish hospitality industry really is set to take a hammering during the ongoing recession, speculation now abounds about which Dublin eatery will be next for the chop. The cafe, under restaurant veteran Johnny Cooke, opened its doors in 1992. For years, it occupied a prime slot as the place to be seen in the capital city.
Cooke, who is now considering offering private catering services to some of his A-list clients, spent years learning his craft in California before returning to his native country to open his own premises.
His restaurant quickly became a firm favourite among theatre luvvies and southside foodies, picking up a string of awards for its food and wine.
Sad end
Publisher Trevor White of the Dubliner magazine has described the closure as a "sad end to a notable chapter in Irish culinary history."
He went on to say how Cooke's return to Ireland in the early 1990s and his decision to set up the eatery was a sign of the imminent Celtic Tiger boom.
"It's a bittersweet end to the talented chef's tenure. Cooke's cafe was often cited as an emblem of Ireland's so-called Culinary Renaissance," he explained.
"I have clashed with Johnny Cooke in the past but today is not a day to dance to graves. Cooke is a seriously talented chef, and his next move will be watched with considerable interest. Good luck to him."
Report by Melanie Finn - Evening Herald