"What a lovely man he was" - tributes are flowing for food critic Paolo Tullio

The much-loved star of RTE’s The Restaurant passed away yesterday aged 65.

TRIBUTES HAVE BEEN flowing in for popular tv chef Paolo Tullio who passed away yesterday aged 65.

Tullio, an Italian michelin star chef, was well-known as a warm and generous critic on RTE’s ‘The Restaurant’. He had been ill for a number of months.

He had been the Irish Independent’s main food critic since 1997 and made weekly appearances on Seán Moncrieff’s afternoon show on Newstalk, where his double act with the host was a treat for listeners.

I don't think I ever heard a Paolo Tullio slot on @SeanMoncrieff that I didn't enjoy tremendously. He brought food and drink alive
— Conor Pope (@conor_pope) June 5, 2015

Conor Pope / Twitter

His agent Noel Kelly told his Facebook followers that he is “missing a great friend, full of kindness and with only positive things to say of others”.

Twitter tributes have been flowing for a man who was universally loved it seems.

Very sad news about Paolo Tullio. I had the pleasure of meeting him last year on Saturday night with Miriam and he was such a lovely man.
— Dr. Orla Tinsley (@orlatinsley) June 6, 2015

Orla Tinsley / Twitter

Derek Davis, Bill O'Herlihy & now Paulo Tullio; 3 of Ireland's best-loved cultural commentators & bon viveurs, 3 gone in 3 weeks. #sadtimes
— Flor MacCarthy🇺🇦🇵🇸 (@florNEWS) June 5, 2015

Flor Mac Carthy / Twitter

Really sad to hear about Paolo Tullio.
What a lovely man he was.
Thinking of his loved ones.
So sad.
— Síle Seoige (@SileSeoige) June 5, 2015

Síle Seoige / Twitter

paolotullio / YouTube

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Very sorry Paolo Tullio died. I knew him as a kid when he lived in Trimleston House. A good guy and great raconteur on Moncrieff
— Bill Tormey (@billtormey) June 6, 2015

Bill Tormey / Twitter

Paulo Tullio and Jerry Collins. Both masters of very different crafts, both gentlemen. And both very sadly taken before their time. Tragic
— Hugh Cahill (@hughcahill7) June 5, 2015

Hugh Cahill / Twitter

Little or no good news these days.. So sad to hear about Paolo Tullio, loved his take on food & life #PaoloTullio
— Gordon D'Arcy (@Gordonwdarcy) June 6, 2015

Gordon D'Arcy / Twitter

Sorry to hear the news of @paolotullio. An achiever an informant and an expert, not just a critic.
— PJ Gallagher (@pjgallagher) June 5, 2015

PJ Gallagher / Twitter

One of the most memorable restaurant reviews I ever read was by Paolo Tullio about @IlPrimo1 (many years ago). I've wanted to go ever since
— Tara (Ra Boom di Ay) (@MsFrugalone) June 5, 2015

Tara (Ra Boom di Ay) / Twitter

And finally…

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Rest in peace Paolo.

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