The Chilli Lounge: In August 2016 Mary White asked me if I would go to a wedding and take some photos. I agreed but had to meet the groom beforehand. His name was Raju. I met him and his brother, Mahun, and arranged what I would do at his wedding as I was never at an Indian wedding before. Myself and Ann had a wonderful day at the wedding of Raju and Fateha. We remained friends and visited them at their home in Monaghan. Raju then announced that the family would like to set up their own Restaurant but could not decided where. I was consulted and I helped them with a location and premises in Cavan town. The place was decorated to their requirements and very soon opened for business. Raju and I had two different names for the new venture but his was accepted and it is now known as The Chilli Lounge. It is in an ideal location in the centre of Cavan and in a short time has built a fantastic reputation for excellent food and friendly staff. During Covid they continued a Take Away service and now they have both Takeaway and Sit-in. Very soon after opening they were selected for an important Award and this year they were recipients of two major Awards namely The Ulster Winner of the Best World Cuisine and The Best Indian Establishment by the Food Awards Ireland 2022. Congratulations to them and the family for a marvellous achievement and we wish them further success in the years ahead. We visit them when we can and enjoy their food and I am suggesting that, next time you are in the Cavan neighbourhood and feel like a bite to eat, you should pay the Chilli Lounge a visit and don’t forget to tell them where you learned of their great restaurant.

Top: The Wedding Day. Above: The two Awards; Mahun and Raju collect the National Award and Raju presented with the Ulster Award.