20.02.2012
'Cook-off' to promote Donegal food producers
Inishowen TDs Pádraig MacLochlainn and Charlie McConologue with Michael Tunney, CEO, Donegal County Enterprise Board and Community Chef Brian McDermott
Donegal County Enterprise Board is running a ‘cook-off’ between two local TDs as part of its ‘Food Coast – Donegal’s Good Food’ initiative and Enterprising Donegal Business Week 2012.
The initiative has four main goals – to encourage new food businesses, support existing food businesses, promote the sourcing of local produce and drive awareness locally and nationally of Donegal food.
The evening (of 9 March) will kick off with community chef Brian McDermott demonstrating a classic fish dish using Greencastle fish and other Donegal produce.
Then TDs Pádraig MacLochlainn and Charlie McConalogue will go head-to-head to cook a main course using local ingredients from a mystery basket of produce.
The Dáil deputies will be assisted by two students from the Letterkenny Institute of Technology’s Tourism School. The evening will finish with a tasting of local produce.
“Brian always provides superb demonstrations that showcase local produce and we’re expecting great things from Charlie and Pádraig,” Michael Tunney, chief executive of donegal County Enterprise Board.
McDermott has achieved national recognition as the Community Chef working with community and sports groups to raise awareness of healthy food made from fresh local ingredients.
Cooking professionally for 20 years, he worked in product development with Kerry Group before setting up his own restaurant, Finnegan’s.
He launched his first book, Reunite with Food, in October 2011 and he has a weekly radio slot with BBC Radio. The common theme of his work is using fresh local ingredients that help keep us all healthy and that support the local economy at the same time.
Sorcha Corcoran
 | Accountancy - The recession-proof career choice |
 | Why .IE? - What will a .ie mean for me? |
 | BeSMART.ie - Is a free online workplace safety and health management resource for small businesses. |
