The Annual West Waterford Festival of Food takes place from April 14-16; the newly appointed Festival Director Eunice Power shares the events she is most looking forward to …
Festival Director Eunice Power
The Opening Gala
It’s said that “no man is a hero in his own country” and I’m delighted to say that is not the case when it comes to Paul and Maire Flynn who are true local food heroes and will rightly be honoured for their unique culinary contribution at this year’s gala dinner event taking place Lismore Castle. Paul and Maire have left an indelible imprint on our food community both nationally and internationally. This ticketed dinner will be cooked by a team of former Tannery chefs and John McKenna will be on hand to chat to the Flynns about their adventure with Irish food, so that is really something I am looking forward to immensely.
Bia not Bluster
This is the quirky title for a new event getting its first outing at this year’s festival. I am looking forward to the panel discussions taking place throughout the day looking at everything from the changing nature of restaurants, the future of farming and how achieving real sustainability in food businesses benefits everyone. The organiser of this event is Richard Jacob – a well-respected food conversation starter and he has lined up some top-notch panellists. Also taking place as part of that event will be a fun “Toast off” as six well known chefs from Cork and Waterford face off to see who can make the best toasted sandwich in just 15 minutes using local ingredients and a domestic sandwich maker. I’ll be taking part in that myself along with Paul Flynn from the Tannery, Martin Shanahan from Fishy Fishy in Kinsale, Duncan Blair from award winning gastropub Blair’s Inn, Caitlin Ruth from Caitlin Ruth Food and Jenny Flynn from Faithlegg. We’ve been told to expect “mayhem, melted cheese, and possibly melt downs too” so that should be great fun for all who attend! [It’s a free event on Saturday, April 15 from 11am to 3.45pm at Dungarvan Town Hall.]
A Seasonal Adventure with Irish Food
I personally think that chef Caitlin Ruth is a sensational cook and I’m a big fan of her food, so hosting her seasonally-themed dinner event on the Saturday night of the festival is a pure delight. Caitlin is formerly head chef of Deasys restaurant near Clonakilty, West Cork. She hails from Dublin, New Hampshire USA but has called Ireland her home since 1992. Listed in McKenna’s 100 best and awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand, she now has a food truck, Caitlin Ruth Food, which serves a menu driven by seasonal food from West Cork. [Tickets are €95 include welcome drink, dinner, and wine, taking place at the Tennis Club in Dungarvan from 7.30pm on Saturday, April 15.]
The Park After Dark
This after dark party in the park event will be the perfect combination of great food, bands, and drinks, all with a very local identity. Bars are provided by Blackwater Gin, Dungarvan Brewing Company, Legacy Cider and Dungarvan Wine Buff while festival street food will include a hog roast from Siobhan and Ross at Newbard Farm, Little Catch Seafood, IXCA Tacos, Rom Lau Coffee & Crepes, Dinky Donuts to name but a few! Entertainment will be provided by live bands include Presto, Saoirse and Seascapes. [Park After Dark takes place in Walton Park Dungarvan, Friday, April 14, tickets are €15 and this covers entry and music.]
The Festival Market
The Festival Market which takes place on the Sunday of the festival weekend is undoubtedly the showpiece of our festival. I am very excited to see the town centre in Dungarvan transformed into one of Ireland’s largest outdoor food markets with over 100 local and artisan producers selling their wares. Come to fill a basket and stroll the square and take in the sights, scents and sounds of various stalls. The bustle and convivial spirit is unlike anything else, it is just magical. [Grattan Square Dungarvan, April 16 from 10am – 5pm.)
These are just a taster of more than 70 events which include celebrity chefs and pop-up dinner events, workshops and trails, demos, talks, markets, and a dedicated family fun zone.
For more information and bookings visit www.westwaterfordfestivaloffood.com