An absolutely massive achievement.

Donegal chef Brian McDermott has scooped a prestigious culinary/literary award at the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards in Macao, China. In the category of books written by a restaurant chef, McDermott beat out stiff competition, including a book by Mauro Colagreco - the proprietor of Mirazur in the South of France, which has three Michelin stars. There were eight other finalists vying for the accolade. McDermott is the chef-proprietor of the Foyle Hotel by Chef Brian McDermott in Moville, which is also home to his cookery school. Posting via his Twitter account, McDermott wrote: "OMG we have just won Best Chef Cookery Book in the world. We can hardly speak right now from China. Ecstatic. Thank you everyone. Could not be more prouder right now. #Donegal." https://twitter.com/ChefBrianMcD/status/1146768768648929280 The book, which is published by O’Brien Press, is called Donegal Table: Delicious Everyday Cooking - and is available for €19.99. The blurb reads: "Brian believes that tasty, healthy food based around local produce is something every family can enjoy through this collection of achievable, affordable and accessible recipes celebrating the best of Donegal’s warmth and traditions." Some of the recipes included in the book sound truly mouth-watering, including: My Ultimate Open Farm Sandwich, Surf ’n’ Turf Sliders, Sunday’s Finest Roast Lemon and Thyme Chicken and dozens more. We're hungry just thinking about it.