Donegal’s Rathmullan House achieves 2 AA Rosettes three years running

The Weeping Elm Restaurant of Rathmullan House, Lough Swilly, Donegal led by Head Chef, Kelan Mc Michael has been awarded 2 AA Rosettes for an impressive third consecutive year.  The welcoming, gracious georgian house, idyllically set amid wooded grounds overlooking Lough Swilly is one of only  2 restaurants in Donegal and 7 in the entire province of Ulster to be distinguished by the much sought after accolade.
2012 is a landmark year for the smart and atmospheric country house.  In addition to being acknowledged once again for culinary excellence, the 32 bedroom property owned and run by a second generation of the Wheeler family is also celebrating 50 years as a country house hotel.  Begun by Bob and Robin Wheeler back in 1962 the property has had an important part to play in the locality helping to mark family milestones and generate employment in the area.
Chef McMichael and his team impressed the AA Hotel Inspectors with their great use of seasonal ingredients which are expertly cooked.   Taking full advantage of their location right on the shore of Lough Swilly, fresh fish is always on the menu at the Weeping Elm Restaurant with mussels also organically farmed in sight of the dining room.  Fruit and vegetables are sourced from their own Victorian walled garden meaning that little on the menu has more than a mile or so to travel. 
AA Rosettes are awarded solely for the quality of a restaurant’s cooking. Consistent standards are expected across all dishes on all menus, at all meal times, every day throughout the year.  All Rosette-awarded restaurants demonstrate excellent use of ingredients that are fresh and of sound quality. Flavours are well-balanced and each dish is appropriately presented; and the menu reflects an obvious enthusiasm and commitment to promoting good quality food.
To specifically achieve a 2 AA Rosette Award, innovation, greater technical skills, consistency and judgement in combining and balancing ingredients are required.  2 Rosettes are only awarded to those restaurants which aim for and achieve higher standards. They must exhibit greater precision in their cooking and selection of quality ingredients.
In addition to award winning food and genuine family warmth, guests at Rathmullan House can also enjoy excellent facilities including heated swimming pool, holistic beauty treatments, tennis courts, beautiful gardens and elegant lounges.  A calendar of 50^th anniversary celebratory events taking place at the hotel can also be viewed on their website www.rathmullanhouse.com