What a month this has been with the Irish Food Heritage Project .Bringing in 2013 was epic here in Derry.The firework display on New Years eve was breathtaking..

We had a wonderful Sons & Daughters Concert on the 20th that raised the bar for all the events to come.This was an amazing concert and was received by young and old alike as the best musical event that Derry has ever seen. News just in of the One big Weekend by Radio one also.This will be a fantastic coup for  Derry .

Summary of Events January 2013 for Irish Food Heritage Project

I did 4 fantastic Game tasting dinners in the Glens of Antrim in January ,which were well received by the guests.This was a great experience and diners were treated to the best Ireland has to offer of wild foods & Game from our Countryside.

As the game season draws to a close for another year, the expectations for this years Great Game fairs of Ireland Heightens .Ballywalter game fair and Shanes Castle Gamefair with flavour fine food festival have all been rolled into one.The Birr Gamefair has also incorporated The Gathering Ireland and is running an extended 3 day event this year.

THE IRISH GAME
FAIR 2013 – The largest ever IRISH GAME FAIR

THE IRISH GAME FAIR with its partner fair the Irish Game & Country Fair at Birr Castle are promoted nationally and internationally as the two GREAT GAME FAIRS of IRELAND. They are indisputably the largest game fairs and country sports events in Ireland with an unrivalled reputation for quality of
entertainment and international class ALL Ireland Game Fair Sporting Championships and competitions.

2013 sees the Ballywalter Game & Country Living Fair combine with the
normal event at Shanes Castle to create The IRISH GAME FAIR & FLAVOUR FINE FOOD FESTIVAL (our 52nd fair)
which is likely to be the largest Irish Game Fair EVER taking place on the  29th 30th June 2013.

The 2013 combined event with even more trade stands; many new and more enhanced
attractions including three arena programmes operating at once featuring a rich
mix of country sports and living history entertainment ; an enhanced range of
competitions with an enhanced prize fund ; some world class demonstrators and an
evocative Irish sporting theme of ‘The Year of the Salmon and Woodcock’, is
likely to set new standards for family countryside and country sports
entertainment as the best ever Irish game or country fair.

Check out the Gamefair & Countrysports magazine websites below

http://www.irishgamefair.com/

http://www.countrysportsandcountrylife.com/

I have some excellent game recipes for you to try, featured in the current Edition of Country Sports and Country Life magazine .This is still available for you to purchase until March at all good book stores .Look out for  the beautiful painting of  “Woodcock In Snow” By John R Moore on the front cover –John R Moore has to be one of the finest  and most talented wildlife artists I’ve ever Come across .His Paintings are so life like.

Check out Johns Website here –http://www.johnrmooreart.com/

World Skills -uk skills ”Have a Go” @North West Regional College 

We had a fantastic have a go day  at  the North West Regional College In January .This was an amazing opportunity for young people to have a go at Culinary Skills Service & Bar Skills.This was organised as part of the NWRC Showcase in Birmingham in 2012 It was funded by UK Skills

NWRC Invites Local Budding Chefs to HAVE A GO

North West Regional College  offered 12 – 18 year olds the chance to enjoy a free ‘Have a Go’ event, experiencing Hospitality & Catering at its state-of–the-art kitchen facilities Strand Road Campus, on Saturday 26th January. The College’s staff and students recently showcased its culinary excellence at WORLDSKILLS 2012, and are now brought the excitement of the globe’s largest skills competition to the College.

From 10am – 1pm, participants were given the opportunity to take part in a wide range of practical cooking challenges which were  designed to help them discover their hidden culinary talents. From preparing fresh pasta from scratch to making delicious cupcakes, the fun-filled event  gave young people lots of opportunities to get involved and enjoy a series of fun challenges which introduces them to new food delights and cooking skills.

This bite-size taster day is an exciting way for local young people to gain an insight into the workings of a professional kitchen and restaurant, and to learn some valuable skills they can use at home. They also had the chance to rub shoulders with leading professional chefs and managers, and to spark an interest in a career in the hospitality & cookery industry.

The event was FREE to attend hosted by the College’s award winning lecturers in Hospitality & Catering who recently impressed the thousands of visitors at WorldSkills Birmingham 2012, as an extra bonus, participants got  the opportunity to sample the culinary delights they created during the Day

For Further Information on NWRC Hospitality Department and Flying clipper restaurant,click the links below

http://www.nwrc.ac.uk/

http://www.nwrc.ac.uk/flyingclipper/

Foyle Parents & Friends- Richmond Hall

I had a really fantastic cookery demonstration at the Richmond hall in Derry .This was organised  by Mary O Neil from Foyle Parents and Friends.Foyle Parents & Friends are a Charity working with children and young people with disabilities and their carers.They  work with children and young people with learning, sensory and physical disabilities. They also work with the carers of those young adults who attend local Day Centres

I cooked a few nice signature Dishes from the Project that had a great response .This is a real worthwhile charity and I hope to work with Mary and the Girls in the Coming months in raising funds for their charity.

Check out their facebook page below

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Foyle-Parents-and-Friends-Association/174991635877904?fref=ts

Thanks to Peter McKane for taking these amazing photos of the night below.

Broighter Gold Economusee Artisan Product Launch 5th February 2013

Broighter Gold was launched on Tuesday 5 February as the second ÉCONOMUSÉE in the UK.

This was a great day for all who attended ,thanks also to Stanley Matthews of the Lime Tree Restaurant in Limavady for the fantastic food using Broighter Gold Rapeseed oil

Congratulations to Leona & Richard on this Fantastic achievement ..

The Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust (CCGHT) approached Broighter Gold in January 2012 and were immediately convinced that this rural family business ticked all the right boxes to be considered as the next ÉCONOMUSÉE in the region.

CCGHT Project Officer, Tiérna McAlister commented: ‘An ÉCONOMUSÉE is a working museum that sees the combination of sustainability, culture, craft and tourism and in turn offers an economic platform for local craft artisans such as Broighter Gold.   The interpretation inside the workshop will enhance the overall visitor experience and enable visitors to follow every step of the process of turning rapeseed into liquid gold. We are delighted to lead on such an innovative and creative tourism initiative and hope to encourage and promote more sustainable tourism experiences in the Causeway Coast and Glens area’.

Magne Haugseng, Project Manager, ÉCONOMUSÉE Northern Europe commented: ÉCONOMUSÉE is a concept developed in Québec, Canada.  The mission of the ÉCONOMUSÉE network is to promote and keep alive traditional crafts and knowledge, whilst ensuring economic growth within rural communities.  The project consists of partners in eight countries; Quebec, Greenland. Iceland, Faroe Islands, Norway, Sweden, Republic of Ireland and here in Northern Ireland.  The aim is to create 22 new ÉCONOMUSÉE and around 20 new jobs, taking the number of ÉCONOMUSÉE to around 40 in Europe.  The Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust has been an enthusiastic partner from the very beginning. It is a pleasure to work with them and on behalf of the ÉCONOMUSÉE Network I wish Broighter Gold ÉCONOMUSÉE every success in the future.

Bill Harpur, Chairman of the Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust commented: We have been honoured to work with Leona and Richard on establishing their small farm enterprise as an ÉCONOMUSÉE and we wish them every success in the future with their award winning Broighter Gold Rapeseed Oil and also with their artisan museum.’

The Mayor of Limavady Borough Council, Cllr Cathal McLaughlin added: ‘Limavady Borough Council is delighted to be associated with this project and we welcome visitors to enjoy the experience and the hospitality offered in the Broighter Gold ÉCONOMUSÉE workshop.

2013 is an important year for the Derry ~ Londonderry City of Culture and Broglasco Farm is perfectly situated at the gateway to Derry and on the Causeway Coastal Route.’

More than 60 delegates attended the launch despite the wintry conditions including the Chief Executive of Limavady Borough Council Liam Flanigan, Micheal Scullion proprietor of Scullion Hurls, Loughgiel, Julie McLaughlin NITB, Chairperson of Moyle District Council Cllr Sandra Hunter, Robin Bolton CAFRE’s Senior Crops Development Adviser, Chairman of Binevenagh AONB Management Group Mike Jones, local restaurateurs and students from North West Regional College along with many more guests.

Leona commented: ‘We owe a great deal of gratitude to our friends and family for helping us to achieve this status and especially for helping us to get the workshop ready for today’s launch.

Huge thanks must go to the ÉCONOMUSÉE network, the Northern Periphery Programme Limavady Borough Council, NITB and the Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust.

Broighter Gold will also be part of The Feast or Famine Food Adventures — Dates to be announced soon.

Check out The websites below

http://www.ccght.org/

http://www.broightergold.co.uk/

Steelstown Primary School

I Had a great time Cooking Oatcakes and Cruibeens with Mrs McColgans & Mrs Devines P2 classes at Steelstown Primary School.

Children were treated to an insight into the past & taught their shared Food Heritage of the North West,whilst tasting samples of foods Likes Scone Bread ,Oatcakes and Pigs Trotters
This was another successful Irish Food Heritage Project Cookery Demonstration,made all the more fulfilling when the children could’nt get enough of the food! ,The Scone Bread especially.This is (My Ma’s Scone Bread Recipe) and will feature in the book and interactive app coming soon.

I’d like to thank Steelstown Primary Schools Principle ,Mrs Gillespie and Teachers Mrs Mc Colgan & Mrs Devine for inviting me to cook and tell the history of food to the children. I Thoroughly enjoyed it Thank you.

Irish Food Heritage Project ,Feast or Famine App

The coming months will be very exciting with the many activities Planned around the Launch of the Book Feast or Famine.I hope to give you a definative date for the Book Launch soon.

In the meantime Guildhall Press and other partners have been working hard on the Feast or Famine Ipad App.Guildhall press have been doing this at Creggan Enterprises and at the New Digital Studios at Rathmore Creggan.

Check out GHP website here  http://www.ghpress.com/catalog/

IFHP Feast or Famine–Interactive Web-APP IPOD /IPAD APP-EBook Funded By The  Arts Council of Northern Ireland- Creative Industries Inovation Fund & Digital Derry -CultureTech Fund.

The Last few months have been Really busy with the Irish Food Heritage Project and the book Feast or Famine ..These last two months have also been like a roller coaster ride with the highs and lows of the project. The good news is that this project has been exciting from the outset and is set to keep getting better.There have been some really exciting experiences and one of the highlights was visiting Margaret Gallagher at her Cottage in Belcoo Co Fermanagh .Margaret has no running water, nor Electricity at her home and still uses the hearth -bar & Crook to cook with pot oven and griddle .Enjoy the Food Heritage summary below.

The Game Season In Ireland

The Autumn Months have seen the Game season in Ireland come into full swing and this year has been no different, with the huge variety of wild foods to be found in our countryside. It has been fun to cook for some very high profile and celebrity guests over the years.So it was a pleasure to be asked to cook for a very special Game Shooting party in the Glens of Antrim in September .The International guests were used to Fine Food and regularly ate in some of the best restaurants in the world .So this meal was a real challenge and  had to be something special .I decided to showcase what Ireland had to offer in terms of its wild food and game. The Grand Menu Degustation or tasting menu ,took diners through the Game season ,utilising all the foods available in the countryside at this time of year.This was a great success and  well received from the guests who tweeted the meal  fantastic !!..Special thanks to kamil from the Slowfood company in Newtowncunningham for his spectacular Artisan,wood fired oven breads.Kamil’s Breads complimented the meal beautifully . This special Game menu will be featured with recipes in the Christmas edition of Country Sports and Country Life magazine, due out in the shops in December.

Check out Slow food Co website  & Country Sports & Country Life Magazine website below.

http://slowfood-co.com/bakery.html

http://www.countrysportsandcountrylife.com/index.htm

Snapshot of  Game Menu below-click on it twice for full view

Partridges

Game Pie’s

Markets Of the Northwest

The Game menu above reminded me of how our forefathers the Celts were great hunters and used wild game and wild foods thousands of years ago.And also of how in our recent Irish Food Heritage,our own ancestors utilised everything from the land regularly hunting for wild game and picking wild fruit .This was a self-sufficient way of life were people sold their game at the various markets and fairs throughout the Northwest . Game was high on the menu in those bygone days ,especially rabbits and game birds.This way of life also looks set to make a come back with the various Farmers markets popping up everywhere throughout the country.. These Markets are boasting the best of locally sourced wild foods & produce and are worth a special visit .Donal Doherty of Harrys in Bridgend has recently opened an Artisan food Market on a Saturday Morning adjacent to the restaurant.This is proving a big hit with locals and visitors alike . In a recent visit to the Walled City Market in Derry,it was fantastic to see a strong presence of local Artisan Food suppliers and producers..The Derry Markets ,Organised by Derry City Councils development department have recently extended the call for local traders to apply to trade at these Markets,It would be amazing to see the Markets of the City Returned to their Glory Days .Were local people from throughout the Northwest Sold their produce openly in the heart of the walled city..News of the Christmas Market coming to Derry was greeted with Anticipation & excitement also.A welcome addition to the Artisan Food Scene Here.There was also  News recently, of 2 of the Northwests most Popular restaurants ,setting up a food presence in the Heart of the city.This is just in time For Our City of Culture Year –all good News for food Tourism in the Northwest.

Slow Food Co, Wood Fired Oven Breads below,Available at Harry’s Market and Walled City Market.

A selection of Breads Bought at the Walled City Market from Local Artisan Bakers.

Doorstep Sandwiches made with the bread!!

Foraging In the Northwest Countryside .

As Well as hunting game for the dinner table, people in Ireland picked wild fruit on regular basis .Utilizing this by making the many jams chutneys and preserves .I remember my father taking us into the countryside as children to pick blackberries and other fruit.Most of the time we ended up with purple faces,having eaten most of the blackberries on the way home .But we managed too salvage enough to make jams and preserves.Sloes were also high on the menu for making drinks with,and my father always made a potent Sloe Gin .This year saw very little sloes on the blackthorn .Most people have put it down to the harsh spring weather and constant rain throughout the year.My usual spot for picking the sloes proved hopeless ,but thanks to friends Phil Cunningham & Christine Cassidy we will have a few bottles of this winter warmer this year again.It was interesting to find an abundance of sloes in a very sheltered area.My Normal haunt was more exposed to the elements and therefore produced very little sloes..

First Gallon of Sloe Gin

The Result !!

I have also been working with Gareth Austin AKA Gareth the Gardener on a number of projects recently .We decided to do a bit of foraging for wild mushrooms at the height of the season .This was where my father used to take us as boys to pick bilberries .A very special place and named Wood of Love..We got some great wild mushrooms that day but the icing on the cake was discovering a large patch of Autumn Chanterelles

Lovely Smile -Connie Austin

Photo of the Photographer-Gerry Temple

The Result

Check out Gareth’s website below for updates. We are working together on some exciting projects for 2013 - Watch this space.

http://www.garethaustin.com/

As part of Gareth’s NGGG tours I was invited to do a cookery demonstration at Ballyscullion House In Bellaghy .The is a beautiful Victorian House in Co Derry which Boasts a facinating History .Ballyscullion Park is the home of Richard and Rosalind Mulholland and their four children.  The estate was bought by Richard’s grandparents, Sir Harry and Lady Mulholland in 1938.The tour that day consisted of a tour of the House and gardens by Richard and Gareth after which I did a cookery demonstration in the amazing Victorian Kitchen .It was great to cook on the Aga at Ballyscullion and the lough neagh eels went down really well with my sloe gin..Hope to be working on real exciting Food Heritage events next year with Richard and Rosalind .Check out their website below for upcoming events and Tours.

http://ballyscullionpark.com/index.php?pid=1

Richard & Rosalind Mulholland

Plate Cleaned

Broighter Gold Rapeseed Oil & Feast or Famine

Another Tour was organised Recently By Gareth Austin ,of Leona & Richard Kane’s Broighter Gold Rapeseed oil processing Farm with Cookery Demonstration . Leona and Richards Farm is located Below the beautiful Binevenagh Mountain in Limavady.Leona told the group the strong heritage story of the Broighter Gold Hoard and of How Broighter Gold Rapeseed oil Gets its name. Leona then took the group on a tour of the Farm and showed the group how the Oil is pressed . It was great to do a cookery demonstration at the home of  Broighter Gold rapeseed oil .This went down really well with the group .The Marinated Goat was especially good and as always Broighter Gold Rapeseed oil is a fantastic oil to cook with .Its subtle nutty flavour with hints of  Rapeseed flower ,makes this oil  stand out from other rapeseed oils that can be too strong and overpowering.Broighter Gold Rapeseed oil will  be featured in the forthcoming book Feast Or Famine and the Irish Food Heritage project Food Tours ,to be launched next year .Check out Leona’s website for further details of this fantastic Artisan product.

http://www.broightergold.co.uk/

Game Terrine on Bogwood

Cook off with Leona

Marinated Goat

Derry in Revolutionary times-A Georgian Soirée

This has been an Exciting year for the  Irish Food Heritage Project with regards to Food Heritage catering and recreating special meals and events of the past  .It was exciting therefore to be invited to recreate a Georgian Meal at the Former Bishops Palace ,now the Freemasons hall .This was part of an event organised by Mark Lusby of Holywell Trust as part of  the City Walls Heritage Project.The Event & meal was an outstanding  success with over 200 attending the event Itself.The Food and Grand Buffet took me back to the great Classical  French Cookery I had learned training as a chef  ,and to the King of Chefs Antoine Careme.It was amazing therefore to deliver a menu in the style of Antoine Careme and to know that his influence on Food and Gala Buffets would have spread throughout Europe at that time ,and also impacted on the Food in Derry in Revolutionary Times.

Marie Antoine Carême, known as the “King of Chefs, and the Chef of Kings” was an early practitioner and exponent of the elaborate style of cooking known as haute cuisine, the “high art” of French Cookery

Derry’s St Columb’s Cathedral was the venue for the Autumn Hill of Derry History Lecture and this event

Professor Kevin Whelan, who acted as historical advisor to the Irish government on the Famine and the 1798 Rebellion, delivered a lecture entitled “Derry in Revolutionary Times”.

Its been really busy the last few months ,with some really exciting developments .The Irish Food Heritage Project -Feast or Famine has grown from strength to strength with the ultimate Goal of showcasing the Northwest of Ireland as a food tourism destination to a global Audience,one in which to visit and experience the regions culinary heritage ,chefs, Restaurants and great natural food resources, leaving a lasting legacy for generations to come .We have been successful as a region, in the last few months in building the foundations of some elements of these ambitions  .The Clippers home coming with”Flavours of the Foyle ” Seafood festival was a massive success and an unanticipated number of visitors were recorded over the two days of the seafood festival.This has shown the potential that exists here in the North west, to host such a food event for years to come.This would not have been possible if it were not for a large number of people, food organisations chefs & restaurants.

Special thanks to NITB and to Mary Blake and all the team from Derry City Council who made this happen.Gillian Simpson, Andy Sides and all from the Loughs agency.Mechele Shirlow and all from Food NI, who shared the vision .Jane Irwin and all at Morrow Communications who delivered a world class event with Food NI. Special thanks also to all the  Chefs, Artisan producers ,suppliers & food businesses ,Students & Staff at NWRC.David From Diamond Ice and the musicians and acts who added so much value to the seafood festival. .To all who were involved ,This would not have been the Event it was, if it where not for you.. With your help, this will be a Bigger and Better event for our City of Culture Year 2013  …Enjoy the photos from “Flavours of The Foyle”

Photo Below By Lorcan Doherty Photography

Kelan Rathmullan House

With Gerry

Paula McIntyre

Belfast Cookery School

John Crowe NWRC

Below- Canada Day 1st July 2012 Ice Sculpture of Maple Leaf By Diamond Ice. A Celebration of all the Emigrants who left the Port of Derry/ Londonderry for a new life in Canada.

With Mary Blake DCC

Students David & Orrie NWRC

Leona Kane Broighter Gold Rapeseed Oil

Patsy Looking Happy ,Donegal Prime

Kevin Pyke Watts & Co

With Gavin Glackin Student NWRC

Michelle Shirlow Food NI ,Mayor ,Mary Blake,David Bannon NWRC

3 Amigos  Mark ,Gareth & Brian

Sea-food Monster

Community Chef Brian Mc Dermot

Ian Orr Browns

Barry O Brien Beech Hill & Niall Gorham  Chef  Oysters Strabane

Monreagh Ulster Scots 4th July Celebrations.

After Flavours of the Foyle, The 4th of July Celebrations took place at Monreagh Ulster  Scots Heritage Center at Carrigans Co Donegal.This was a massive success with unanticipated Numbers .The hearth Crane Crook was in action again,, where I demonstrated the foods that the People Of the Area ate, through the celebration of Irish Food Heritage.I also did a bit of filming with the comedian Kevin McAleer for a Programme to be aired At the beginning of 2013 ,Thanks toKevin, Juile and all the Crew ,had a Fantastic time..Check Back later for details…

Congratulations too Kiaran ,Mags and all the team at Monreagh for making the 4th of July celebrations an outstanding success .This event will prove to be one of the biggest 4th  Of July celebrations in the country next year.

This was followed by the official opening of the plantation village at Monreagh House.This is worth a special visit to see how people lived during the plantation of Ulster.. .Kiaran Fegan and his team have done so much in the last year for Monreagh House that ,This has truly added value to this fantastic heritage Centre and worth a special journey to visit. Check out Monreaghs website below.

http://monreaghulsterscotscentre.town.ie/home

Short Video Below of Irish Food Heritage Cookery demonstrations at Monreagh

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2s3ImFk1MK0

Below With Charlie McConalogue Donegal TD, at the Opening of the Plantation Village Monreagh.

The Halyon Unplugged Festival 2012 ,”Haly Fest” took place from the 6th -8th  of July .This was a celebration of Music ,Art and Film ,A feast for the senses .The Halyfest Consisted of Authors ,Artists Musicians Film Makers Culinaires and Sommeliers.Halyfest 2012, the first festival of its kind in the area, is a celebration of the arts and senses; an amalgam of unplugged and traditional music, gastronomic and vinous delights, beautiful photos and painting exhibitions, authors reading aloud, filmmakers, open dancing and talented creative minds coming together under the summer sun in the Inishowen Peninsula of Ireland.  Hosted by Sarah Mcguinness ,at her home in Greencastle, with the most Beautiful and breathtaking views of lough Foyle .I Had An Amazing Experience at the Halyfest ,and such a fantastic location.Inspiring to talk about Irish food Heritage and the journey it has taken to the New World ,Looking down on Lough Foyle where our first pioneers Left From and built other nations.
Also great to see one of my early inspirations in my Career there.Denis Broderick “The Wine Man”.Thanks so much Sarah, Angela to you and all your team for making the few hours I  had so fulfilling!! .A Great Success .Hope to be there next year.

Find Denis Broderick Below

http://www.wineeducators.com/denis_broderick.html

Check out Sarah’s website below ,and Haly fest website were you can get the full festival Photos….and line up…

http://www.sarahmcguinness.com/

http://www.halyfest.com/home

http://www.halyfest.com/emmett-mccourts-famine-cookery-demonstration-gallery

Photos Below by David Mitchell

Sarah McGuinness

Garbhan Downey Author

Jenni Doherty Author

Fiona McCade & Sarah Mc Guinness

Angie

Denis Broderick

Chris Keys

David Mitchell

Contact David Below

http://www.hoofpics.eu/Hoof_Pics/Hoof_Pics_equine_photography.html

The Great Gamefairs of Ireland

The Great Gamefairs of Ireland celebrated its 50 year, at Shanes Castle at the start of July. This year was the celebration of the Salmon and the Trout.I Had a fantastic day at the press Launch of  the 50th anniversary of the Great Game Fairs of Ireland…Special thanks to Deputy first Minister Martin mcGuinness for coming along to launch the Great Game Fairs and for casting the first fly..Deputy First Minister gave an inspiring Speech of his Love and support for Country sports and The Rural way of Life  and In Particular Fly Fishing.

In launching this year’s Game Fair the deputy First Minister said: “As an
enthusiastic angler I am honoured to have been invited to launch the 50th Game
Fair of Ireland. It is appropriate therefore that the overall theme for this
year is a fishing one, although this Fair will offer an action-packed weekend
and will showcase all that is good in Irish country life.

“The Fair is a great Irish tradition and I commend ‘The Great Game Fairs of
Ireland’ for their efforts in preserving this way of country life, and I
congratulate them on now having organised fifty game fairs. By introducing new
attractions, concepts and themes they have continued to maintain very high
levels of interest in this wonderful celebration.”

This years fair at Shanes Castle was a great success , congratulations to Albert and Irene Titterington for making all Three Games fairs of Ireland The outstanding success they were this year. Link to Country Sports & Country Life websites Below

http://www.countrysportsandcountrylife.com/

http://www.irishgamefair.com/

Enjoy some of the photos and you tube  video of Shanes castle Gamefair below

Field Sports Britain TV

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2nxMtm7f3s

Flavour Magazine

This year also saw the Welcome edition of the Flavour Food Pavilion at Shanes Castle, with Artisan Food Producers ,Suppliers and chefs throughout the two days..This was a great Success for Emma and Cathy from Flavour Magazine .The Lough Neagh Eel challenge took place between Myself and my Good Freind Sean Owens  Chef Patron of Gardiners Restaurant Magherafelt .The Craic was great over the two days ,with Owensy Pulling out all  the stops and Cooking some fantastic Eel Dishes that wowed the crowds. Special thanks to Gareth Austin and Leona Kane for supplying The Fine Vegetables ,Edible Flowers and Rapeseed Oil for the Eel  Dishes. Don’t Miss the Full coverage of the Gamefair and recipes in the Autumn Edition of Flavour Magazine..On sale Now !!! Check out Gardiners Restaurant and Flavours Website Below.

Flavour Magazine on sale now!!

http://www.gardiners.net/

http://yourflavour.co.uk/latest-news

http://yourflavour.co.uk/

Some Photos from Shanes castle Gamefair

Summer Salad of Lough Neagh Eel, Featured in Flavour Magazine

Emma Cowen Flavour Magazine

Sean Owens Displaying My Eel Dish ,Served on BogWood

“A Celebration of Field Sea & Stream”

Kate Richey, Flavour Magazine

I met one of the Greatest Artisan Butchers/Farmers  Ive ever come across ,at Shanes castle gamefair..Peter Gott From Sillfield farm.Peter has a vast array of artisan rare breed,free range animals .He is a pioneer in Artisan Production and supplies to some of the finest restaurants on these Islands ..Peter has also a great knowledge of food Heritage ,some of which he passed on to me at the fair.This knowledge was so fascinating that I’m hoping to feature a few of Peters Secret recipes with stories ,some of which are ancient, In the Book Feast or Famine..I have also been invited to cook at London’s  most renowned and Greatest Artisan Food Market -Borough Market .I’ve been invited by David Matchett - Market Development Manager , Really Passionate Foodie and Armagh Man to Boot. This should be exciting, to bring the Irish Food Heritage Story to Borough Market Next Year..Really looking forward to this .Check out Peter Gott at Sillfield farm and Borough markets websites below.

Peter Gott Sillfield Farm –Cathy Jensen Flavour Magazine

http://www.sillfield.co.uk/

http://www.boroughmarket.org.uk/

During the summer I was invited to some pretty cool and inspiring events.One of them was ,Ballymagroarty Commmuinty Groups Gardening Programmes .This group involved, the local community getting together to grow their own vegetables fruit and herbs on reclaimed waste ground around the housing estates.What I discovered was breathtaking ,the vast array of vegetables and fruit the local people are growing was totally inspiring to say the least. The local lads explained to me how this programme had turned their lives around and had given them something to look forward to ,and to be proud of .They said they gave the vegetables to local people in the area  and those in most need of Them .This reminded of How my Father had grown his own Vegetables for the best part of 40 years in our back garden ,and of how growing your own Vegetables gave my father a great sense achievement and pride over the years.The Gifting of freshly grown vegetables, to a friend or stranger was how my father worked , when we were growing up. A bag of New spuds was like a bag of gold to give anyone,as people did’nt have much back then in Derry.This exchange and bartering way of  life was normal, in the bygone Times in Ireland.It was amazing therefore, to see some of the streets I had grown up on transformed into the most Beautiful gardens throughout the city.The man behind this ,food growing revival and who is the driving force, is Gareth Austin aka, Gareth the Gardiner.Gareth is doing some fantastic work in the community and is an inspiration to us chefs.Gareth is a regular on radio foyle and is running foraging hunts and grow it ,cook it open days.Check out Gareth’s website below

http://www.garethaustin.com/index.html

Hope Project

All the lads in Ballymac

Two Gorgeous Kids “Grow it Eat it” –Lee Canning and Linda Barr’s Wains .

My Fathers New Queens

Paul & Nick s Big Food Trip

May has been a wonderful month with so much happening with the project .Read on below for more on this exciting Journey

We started the Month off with the development night of the project on the 5th at NWRC,this was a great success and the feedback was great, from all in attendance .Dishes like Malin Head Crab Cakes with Dulce & Lemon Mayonnaise stole the show on the night.We got some great food Photography and action shots for the Book.The Irish Food Heritage project has gone from Strength to strength culminating into some fantastic presentation of the food on Inishowen Bog Oak and Bog Yew commissioned from Mary Doherty of Culdaff.This presentation Epitomizes the rich food Heritage and Culture of this Country .This is further enhanced by the Bog wood some of it up to 6000 years old.There have been some fantastic, random photographs also this month.These have all  been taken from  people who attended the events.Some of them posted below.

Special Thanks to David Porter and Clare Withy for the Photography

The Ballywalter Game and Country Living Fair,Hosted by Lord & Lady Dunleath at Ballywalter house on the 5th & 6th of May, was a great success this year and kicked off the Great Game fairs of Ireland,I met some lovely people who came to sample the Cookery Demonstrations and the celebration of The Salmon and Trout.MLA Jim Shannon Came to visit us ,whilst displaying his cooking skills.Casting Champion and World Flyfishing Guide Glenda Powell gave me a few tips on the Fly Casting and showed us her cookery skills also .The flavour food village was a welcome addition to the fair this year with the artisan food producers and the cookery demonstrations being a great hit with the Audience.Special thank goes to Lord and Lady Dunleath for hosting the fair In their Beautiful estate  Albert Titterington and his Team made Ballywalter Game Fair a huge success this year with Shanes Castle Game Fair to follow in July.This is the 5oth anniversary year of The Great Game fairs of Ireland at Shanes and an event not to be missed!!!. Check out The Game fair , Country sports magazine and Flavour Magazine websites below

http://www.irishgamefair.com/

http://www.countrysportsandcountrylife.com/

http://yourflavour.co.uk/

One of the Most Successful Balmoral Shows took place also in May.This is the one of biggest Agricultural  shows in Ireland ,with the Food Pavillion this year being the best for some time .The Theme this year was Heritage and Food NI and NITB pulled off one of the best Chefs demonstrations Programmes ,Promoting Food Tourism ,provenance and showcasing local producers and suppliers .I delivered 3 Irish food Heritage cookery demonstrations on the Friday with the help of  student ,Catrina Lynch .The Food NI ,NITB Signature kitchen was a joy to work in and again the feedback from the audience was fantastic.Paula McIntyre was MC  throughout the 3 days and the craic was 90 with Paula  .There were some amazing food suppliers there this year also .I met Mark from Whites Oats, with there food Heritage Oat Products ,Whites have been milling oats for 170 years and is Northern Irelands only Oat Mill and Breakfast Producer, hope to work with Mark in the future with my own project and their heritage oats.The NI Pork and bacon kitchens were also a great success with the crowds at Balmoral.Our very own Leona & Richard Kane complimented the cooking Beautifully with there Award Winning Home Grown .Broighter Gold Rapeseed Oil .This product has become the bestselling rapeseed oil of all the food events this year and a fantastic product to use .Check out Leona’s oil and the other Agri Food Groups Below

http://www.broightergold.co.uk/

http://www.whitesoats.co.uk/

http://www.nipork.com/

Thanks to Michelle Shirlow , Lindsay and Rebecca for pulling out all the stops this year at Balmoral and making it a great success.Check out their website site below.Working on some really exciting projects & events with them in the coming weeks.

http://www.nigoodfood.com/

Special thanks to Rosemary Lightbody  & Juile Mc Laughlin From Northern Ireland Tourist Board For Providing the Signature Kitchen at Balmoral Show and making this event an outstanding success.–”Our Time Our Place” –”Our Food So Good” , These are exciting times we are living in ,made all the more possible and achievable with NITBs help & support…  Check out Northern Ireland Tourist Boards website below

http://www.nitb.com/

After The Balmoral show .The First Inaugural Event Of Grainan of Ailigh took place

Donal Doherty of Harry’s Restaurant in Bridgend presented the Inishfood 2012 Festival. A true celebration of Food Artisans from Inishowen . “local food from local people”. This was a fantastic event not to be missed by anyone who loves food  .

Check out Harry’s Restaurant Below

http://harrys.ie/

The grand finale was Féile Grianán Áiligh on Sunday 20^th May , a spectacular new Historical & Cultural event at Grianan fort Burt.The Festival is the celebration of Ancient Arts & Crafts, Showcased at the home of the high kings of Ireland.  This unique historical gathering recreated drama, music, folklore, warriors, ancient beer brewing and Irish food Heritage demonstrations.An EPIC celebration of one of Ireland’s most significant heritage sites!This Event was also the inaugural event for my Hearth Crane Crook ,Built just in time for the festival.This is a unique aspiration of the project and truly exciting to showcase and celebrate the cooking skills of a bygone time in Ireland on the Hearth Crane crook..The response from the crowds that attended this event was breathtaking ,when the Indian meal bread was cooked &  served From the pot oven,memories flooded back from the crowds there.All this was further enhanced by the Signature Dishes of Feast Or Famine project,served on Inishowen Bog Oak & Bog Yew ,evoking our rich Irish Cultural Heritage and that of the Northwest “Doire” ”City of The Oaks “.

This festival was only made possible by the hard work and dedication of a number of people , community groups and schools , both North and South of the border areas, a real cross-border Initiative .The Feile Grianan Group have shown real inspiration in delivering a festival that celebrates our rich cultural heritage at the Ancient fort of Grianan of Ailigh .This is a shared history Festival for all communities and cultures  in The Northwest of Ireland . Feile Grianan Ailigh looks set to be a major event for years to come.

Photos By Lorcan Doherty

Keith Wright launched  the Maiden City Family History Centre at the start of June.This centre is located on the racecourse road and helps people trace there family trees and heritage links .The centre holds  birth marriage, Death ,records and certificates dating back to 1845 .This is an exciting Genealogy & Cultural centre and was of unique help to me in my own Project in tracing the food heritage links with Derry/Londonderry and the New world.Special thanks to MP Mark Durkan and  Mayor Maurice Devenney for showing their support at the launch .Thanks also to Keiths Mum Francis , Dianne ,Eileen and young Jacob for their warm welcome hospitality ,the buffet was great.

You can Contact Keith below

Maiden City Family History Centre , Racecourse Road, Derry ,

02871350179

07543937488 

mcfhc8@gmail.com

The cream of the crop of culinary talent from Northern Ireland’s six FE Colleges converged on North West Regional College (NWRC) recently to battle it out in the inaugural Le Manoir Aux Quat’Saisons Placement Award, a unique competition aimed at developing the province’s next generation of professional chefs.

Sponsored by the Londonderry Rotary Club, this exciting culinary competition gave one lucky student Chef the opportunity to win an exclusive two week work placement at Raymond Blanc’s World famous Le Manoir Restaurant at Oxfordshire in England. The final six students had the honour of representing their College after winning their respective heat competitions, and during the final ‘cook-off’ they had to impress star judges Mark Peregrine, Head Chef at Le Manoir’s Cookery School, and recent Janus Award Winning Restaurant of Derry, Sean Owens. Their task was to prepare a four course meal using local produce ingredients, in front of a live packed audience in NWRC’s exclusive Flying Clipper Restaurant. Head Judge, Sean Owens, commented:
“Each finalist at this event is a winner…we have been overwhelmed by the standard of skills on view, especially the attention to every detail they make to their work. It is safe to say that the future of catering in this country is very much in safe hands.”There could only be one winner on the night and the judge’s vote went to South West College student Lauren Beavers, whose placement prize to Le Manoir will also include accommodation and mentorship from staff at the two-Michelin starred complex. Representing North West Regional College was Joanne McCallion, who had previously participated at Worldskills 2011 in London , and featured for the College during a special showcasing event in Parliament Buildings.Karen McLaughlin, Head of School for Hospitality, Tourism & Sport at NWRC commented on the success of the event:
“This inaugural Le Manoir event was a roaring success for everyone involved, not least for the students and their commis chefs. To have the opportunity to test their skills in direct competition against peers from the other NI Colleges in front of a live audience and top professional chefs, they are sure to remember this for many years to come. We would like to thank all of the representatives from the NI Colleges for making the event so memorable, staff and students, as well as the Londonderry Rotary Club for their invaluable sponsorship. We have no doubt that those in attendance were treated to a fantastic evening of top quality dining and atmosphere, and we wish Lauren every success on her placement at Le Manoir later this year.” Check out the NWRC flying clipper Restaurant below.

http://www.nwrc.ac.uk/flyingclipper/

St Marys College was the venue for the Launch of Caroline Owens inspirational book  “If You Fall Run On”.This was a very moving ceromony at St Marys and Carolines book was greatly received .This is a book about growing up in Derry ,”It Illustrates the complex interplay between us as individuals our families and the wider Society and Communities we inhabit.”-Dr Julie Franklin this is a truly inspirational story .Congratulations to Caroline and her family for this great work.You can purchase the book at most book shops in the Northwest and at Easons & Waterstones..

After being so busy ,I was fortunate to steal two days on Lough Sheelin for the Mayfly Fishing.When I got to the lake ,the conditions could not have been better ,a balmy warm evening with plenty of spent Mayfly flying out on the lake .The Trout were moving to the fly also ,but were hard to tempt.I managed to hook a one and release it with plenty of offers for the two days.The boys who I fish with did well over the two weeks they were there.Billy ,Morris ,Mickey ,Dessie and Brian all landed trout up to 5 1/2lb and loosing a few bigger ones.There where trout caught up to 12lb in this beautiful lake, that shows signs of coming back to its former glory.Special thanks to all the boys on the site, for their amazing hospitality as always and to the good people of Finea for their craic and Hospitality.

Finally, had a great day at Sainsburys Derry on Friday Past.Food NI Kitchen ,Safe-Food on a Budget, Sponsored by Derry City Council Environmental Health.
Thanks to all the Environmental health officers from DCC who helped me with the cooking and serving.Thanks Girls enjoyed the craic…

Working on some really good stuff with the boys at Guildhall press this week.

http://www.ghpress.com/catalog/

Check back for more exciting developments and Events in the coming weeks.Speak soon & take care

Emmett Mc Court

Feast or Famine

Irish Food Heritage Project

emmett@feastorfamine.ie

Terry Francis R.I.P

It was with great Sadness, that I learned this week of the Passing of Terry Francis of Pennyburn Derry.Terry was my First Head Chef ,while I was training  as a chef at the Everglades hotel in Derry. ,Terry would often allow me to present the daily buffets at the Everglades Hotel and the Garnishes for service.There were times when I got carried away with the presentation of some dishes while Terry would often turn a blind eye ,only offering encouragement and advice . Terry was a great Chef and Mentor ,a Real  inspiration to us all as trainee chefs ,He will be sorely missed to all who new him and to all who were fortunate to work with him.I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to Terry’s Wife , family and Friends at this sad time.

“The Full Hog”

This has been a very busy Month  with so much to write about ,there have been some really fantastic events also this month summerised below ,Enjoy!.

At the start of the month it was amazing to meet Joe Mc Dermott an Artisan Rare Breed Pork farmer ,I knew Kevin Pyke of Watts was using his Pork at Watts ,but  I found it all the more inspiring when Joe opened “The Full Hog ” A Farm shop at the top of Spencer Road.This farm shop is like the Groceries/Artisan Butchers shops of old and a real revivalist addition to Derry’s  Food Scene.When you walk into “The Full Hog”  You are met by Home made Artisan food everywhere,locally sourced Breads, chutneys, pies and relishes,then there are the goose and duck eggs ,I was like a Kid in a sweet shop when I First entered Joe’s Shop.The vast array of pork cuts & Sausages at the butcher counter of all the rare breeds needs to be seen to be believed. Joe sells a sausage made from his rare breed pork called “Danny Boy”  with cabbage and bacon .These sausages  have been a  huge success,since first displayed on the shelves. I tried these sausages along with the leek sausages and they are very tasty indeed .I also met Noreen and Gary who work at the shop and the welcome I received  was amazing, Check out this Fantastic shop on Spencer Road .

The Celtic Media Festival Awards Gala Dinner was a huge success at Culturlann on the 20th of April,I was very Pleased with the food displayed. A true Menu on Irish Food Heritage highlighting local Artisan produce and regional Dishes from the Northwest of Ireland.The feed back from our guests on the food ,was fantastic ,many of them TV producers, Actors and presenters from shows like “The Inbetweeners” “Mrs Browns Boys” and Rabb C Nesbitt.My own team which consisted of students from the North West Regional College and Experienced Chef and Waiters ,were amazing !!They rose to the challenge and thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience of Preparing Cooking and presenting Regional Irish Food for such  high profile Guests.Thanks so much .The display of the Buffet on the night was inspiring to say the least .As I am now using Bog Oak and Bog Ewe plates to present the food in this exciting Project. I have commissioned Mary Doherty of Inishowen Bog Wood Sculptures to produce serving pieces and plates for me, some of them up to 9000 years old ,so it was fitting to showcase some of Marys Work on the night ,the effect of these Bog Oak and Bog Ewe sculptures  alongside Regional Irish Foods was breathtaking and epitomises our rich Irish Heritage and the City of The Oak Tree -Doire   . Check out Marys facebook page below.

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Inishowen-Bogwood-Sculptures/196393333760997

Thanks to Jonathan Lyttle from the NWRC who gave me expert advice on the layout of the buffet.

At the Celtic Media Festival I met  Miriam O’ Callaghan, a lovely lady,who enjoyed the Food and was very interested in the project.

I would like to thank Catriona Logan Celtic Media Festival Producer and all her team,  check out there pages below.

http://www.facebook.com/celticmediafestival?ref=ts

http://www.celticmediafestival.co.uk/

Also ,All the team at Culturlann Doire who hosted the Gala party,thanks for having us.

http://culturlann-doire.com/

I would also like to thank Greg Whelan from Irish Linen House ,for his wonderful hand made Celtic Linen designs .This really showcased the whole event at The Celtic Media Festival.Check out Greg’s work below

http://www.irishlinenhouse.com/

Check out the Photos Below.

After the Celtic Media Festival an amazing 3 day event which was a great success was “Cookery School Live” @ Ebrington Organised By Brian Mc Dermot Community Chef.This consisted of Cookery Demonstrations over 3 days with Celebrity Cook offs and Competitions for students and young people.The event was a great success and congratulations to Brian and Partners ILEX NWRC & Culture Company with In Your space event Management, they pulled off a great show. The feedback from visitors over the 3 days was fantastic.This is the sort of Food/Cookery Event Derry/Londonderry Really Needs and has great potential for future shows with Brian’s Cookery School Live. Check out Brian below.

http://www.communitychef.ie/

After Cookery School Live ,We had an amazing launch of The great Gamefairs Of Ireland at Ballywalter House with Lord and Lady Dunleath.This is the Year of Celebrating the Salmon & Trout at the Great Gamefairs with many Recipes and events sceduled around these King of Fish.Be sure to check out The go for game and Fish Cookery Demonstrations at Ballywalter Gamefair on the 5th & 6th of May.Also this year at Ballywalter are Flavour magazines food village with an array of Artisan produce and Cookery Demonstrations.The Gamefair & flavour websites below..

http://www.ballywaltergamefair.com/

http://www.greatgamefairsofireland.com/

http://www.countrysportsandcountrylife.com/

http://yourflavour.co.uk/

Easyfairs -IFEX 2012 Chef Skill  at the Kings Hall Belfast

This was a fantastic event this year and by far the best IFEX to date .The Chef Skill, Salon Culinaire  & Parade de Chefs was fantastic this year. The amazing standard of food presented this year,By those Chefs from Industry and Colleges Throughout the country, was inspiring to say the least.James Devine from the Deli on the Green won IFEX Chef of the year,whilst Rebbeca Doran from Victoria Restaurant in Belfast won Junior Chef of the year.Special thanks to all the Ministers who came to vist us this year at IFEX.This show would not be possible if it were not for many people in the team at Easy fairs ,Matt Benyon ,Lourda Derry, Caroline Mc Guinness ,Shona & all the team at IFEX 2012

Thanks to Riki Neil for organising the successful Learn Shop Seminars at IFEX ,A great addition to the show this year.The Feedback was fantastic from the Audience -Thank You….

Thanks to Mr IFEX himself Mr Sean Owens Salon Director and Marty Donnelly for pulling off another inspiring and fantastic event!!Sean Owens does so much for the industry here In N Ireland and for young chefs in their training and development.He campaigns regularly at ministerial level on a daily basis and if it were not for Sean Owens we would not have successful event that IFEX is , year after year!

Find Sean Owens at Gardiners Restaurant below

http://www.gardiners.net/

Special thanks to Peter Griffiths MBE and his lovely wife Mary for making IFEX World Class .Thanks to all the judges throughout the 3 days . The craic afterwards was 90 ,Keep er Lit!. some photos below

Congratulations goes to Leona and Richard Kane from Broighter Gold Rapeseed Oil Limavady ,who won product of the show at IFEX 2012.I am totally delighted for Leona and Richard .They have a unique Home Grown Product with a fascinating story of Food Heritage, to be featured in the Forthcoming book Feast Or Famine.Another  fantastic award For the Northwest too!! check out their website below for full story.

http://www.broightergold.co.uk/

Finally ,thanks to all the team at Guildhall Press, the Premier Local Publishers & Designers, For all their fantastic design work on the project over the last few Months

http://www.ghpress.com/catalog/

More Exciting Irish food heritage to come.

Check out the blog in the coming weeks

Emmett Mc Court

Feast Or Famine

Irish Food Heritgage Project

emmett@feastorfamine.ie

This has Been a Really exciting and Inspirational week allround ….Exciting News and a Summary of the Food Heritage below .Enjoy!!!

Gettysburg & Northwest Of Ireland

At the time of the plantation of Ulster many thousands of  Scots came to the North of Ireland .One family name in Particular came from Scotland ,The Gettys!!  a name which  became an exclusive Derry Name and one in which has left a Legacy for future generations. The Gettys settled in Donegal Derry ,Antrim and Larne. They fought in the seige of Derry and settling in parts of ,East Donegal,Faughan Vale and Aghadowey in Co Derry  . The famous oil Tycoon Jean Paul Gettys ansestors can be traced back to Aghadowey and to a place called Gettistown.The Ulster Scots/Scots Irish were  persecuted by the English Penal laws in the early 1700s and the first wave of emigrants of the Scots Irish left for a better life to the New World in 1718 .Those first settlers and colonists to Leave for the new world came from Derry and Coleraine,the Foyle and Bann Districts .They came in through Boston and established Londonderry In New Hampshire.They took with them their Music ,Their Culture and Their Food to the  New World.

Samuel Gettys was born in Donegal from Parents who came to Derry/Donegal from Antrim around the time of the Siege of Londonderry,they later settled with  farmland in Faughanvale Parish outside Derry,later moving to lisneal parish  .The Gettys ancestors are buried at St Canices plantation parish cemetery, Church Of Ireland, in Eglington Londonderry.

At this Time in Ireland in  the 17th century ,Ireland was the biggest exporter of Salted Beef/Corned Beef exporting Huge amounts to the New world and to the west Indian Sugar plantations.Corned Beef gets its name from the salt Crystal used in curing the beef,the same size as a grain of corn .Corned Beef is Spiced ,salted and cured brisket ,a tough piece of beef which requires a lot of cooking to break down its connective tissues.This was cured in Brine for up to one week ,then Boiled for 3 Hours .Curing of Meat and Fish was  common practice in Ireland , cured to last and sustain people through the winter months. Cork was the biggest export Town of the time, of Corned beef ,Followed by Belfast and Derry which was a major port for import and export of many foods. The Ulster Scots were farmers and new the processes of curing beef, They Took This food with them and  many other Irish foods to the new world.The large scale exodus of Irish emigration at the time of the Great famine “An Gorta Mor” later popularised Corned Beef In the New World ,as meat in Ireland was a luxury only afforded by the very wealthy Landlords and Those who owned the big houses.Corned Beef is eaten today world wide by Irish Diaspora on St Patrick’s day….President Lincoln was said to have eaten Corned Beef on St Patrick’s day.

Corned Beef ,Cabbage & Boxty served on Bog Oak!!

Samuel Getty’s of Scots Irish decent, left from the port of Londonderry in 1740 on a ship called the Brutus.He came in through Charleston, South Carolina,  , moving to the county, later to be known as Adams County Pennsylvania ,this land was primarily settled by the Scots Irish pioneers in the colonies .  These lands where purchased from the Iroquois Indians.Samuel Getty’s Built a Tavern/Inn and became  a farmer and store keeper .Samuel Gettys sold foods that were familiar to them from the Tavern, like Corned Beef  Boxty & Mutton stew . Samuels son James later acquired his fathers land around the tavern, selling off plots of land . A  town was built around the Tavern that Samuel Gettys owned ,and Hence the Town of Gettysburg was born,Founded by Scots Irish Pioneers from the North West Of Ireland!!

Photo by Joanne Lewis

Almost 100 years later, President Lincoln’s famous address from Gettysburg Pennsylvania,  was one of the speeches that shaped America.It is the 150th anniversary of President Lincolns speech next year in Gettysburg and a host of activities around this anniversary are taking place.

http://showcase.netins.net/web/creative/lincoln/speeches/gettysburg.htm

I spoke to Mark Patterson the other day On radio foyle about this story ,you can listen to it below ,scroll forward on the iplayer to 1.43 mins.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/console/b01dn309

There are quite a few people who I would like to thank for my research in this exciting story and in Celebrating the links with Gettysburg and the Northwest Of Ireland.

First the Late great Naturalist and Historian Olly Mc Gilloway who led me on the path of the Getty’s ,to Robert Lynch who first shared this amazing story with us in Olly Mc Gilloways Book “Along The Faughan Side”.

Brian Mitchell ,Derry’s Genealogist  historian  and author who has written some great books on the subject of genealogy .Brian helped me so much in my research with the Getty’s Ancestors and I would  also like to thank  Bernadette O Sullivan OF The Harbour Museum Derry .Brian  and Bernadette can be contacted below.

http://derry.rootsireland.ie/

http://globalgenealogy.com/countries/ireland/resources/2183852.htm

http://www.derrycity.gov.uk/advice-and-information/Visitors/Genealogy-Research

http://www.derrycity.gov.uk/Museums/Harbour-Museum

I would also like to thank a lovely lady, historian and Tour guide at Gettysburg Visitor and convention bureau -Joanne Lewis .Joanne who was instrumental in piecing the jigsaw pieces together when my trail went dry on the quest of Samuel Gettys in America.You can reach Joanne Below.

http://www.gettysburg.travel/

This story has been one of the many highlights of A Cultural Food Journey of the North West of Ireland, with more Detailed research to be featured in the forthcoming book “Feast or Famine” to be published by Derrys Leading publishers Guildhall Press in 2013. The lasting legacy of the Gettys of the Northwest of Ireland and the links of the North Wests Diaspora, will be celebrated  next year with Derry/Londonderry City of Culture 2013 .This looks set to be a fantastic Year for the Maiden City with sea changing events and  Cultural activities throughout the year .A must visit tourism and cultural destination of Ireland . With the North Wests Food Heritage  documented in this book,And the links being created & celebrated with the New World. Derry ,Londonderry looks also set to be the  food tourism destination to visit in 2013 .   Check out the City Of Culture  website below .

http://www.cityofculture2013.com/Our-2013-Bid/Home.aspx

Contact Guildhall press below for more information on this exciting project

http://www.ghpress.com/catalog/

Recent photos of Food heritage Cookery Demonstrations at An Culurlann in Derry  which was agreat success

Check out the blog in the coming weeks for more upcoming events and Cookery Demonstrations .!!

Some exciting links with Derry, Food Heritage and the Titanic to come!!!

http://www.culturlann-doire.ie/

Photos by Jacky NWRC Marketing

Emmett Mc Court

NWRC

http://www.nwrc.ac.uk/flyingclipper/index.html

Feast or Famine

Irish Food Heritage Project

www.feastorfamine.ie

emmett@feastorfamine.ie

Had a great day at Culturlann on Friday the 16th the build up to St Patricks day,great feed back on The Irish Food Heritage Dishes I Demonstrated.Thanks for all your Support on the day .Thanks To Kieran and Crew,also to Jacki for the photos.

Thanks to Joanne and all the producers  Leona Kane,Mary Doherty,Donegal Prime fish ,Derry & Roe valley  Honey , Mc Daids & Doherty’s local bakeries..Thanks to Marty D for coming along way to support us.

Great To be working with Culturlann ,some exciting projects to come. Special Thanks To Gerry,Eibhlin ,Jim,  Fiachra ,Marie and all the girls in The Cafe . –Check out their Site below.

http://www.culturlann-doire.ie/

Went to Watts & Co on Saturday night ,Fantastic meal experience! ,ordered the Smoked Salmon Starter ,which came in a Kilner Jar “Smoking!!” Mary ordered the Ham Hock—–She Offered me a piece with homemade piccallili–did any of you see the movie Ratatouille ,when the food critic bit into the Ratatouille and was taken back to his childhood, to the food his mother used to make,with that one bite!!! that’s exactly the experience I had when I bit into that Ham hock flaked onto a crostini,,,This food is seriously good ,the Depth of  flavours  Kevin Pyke produces with his food at Watts is fantastic ….Kevin and his team are blazing the trail with good food and their unique styles in this waterside Restaurant .

Kevin and his team are putting together a celebration of the Pig,using a rare breed Pig,utilising all cuts from the pig on a special menu, including the squeal ,he tells me.Places are limited for this event next week, so if you miss it, don’t worry, check this place out soon..Great to see another fantastic Restaurant for the Northwest .Kevin is also supplying a signature dish for the book Feast or Famine along with quite a few  other restaurants from the Northwest  ,will be a hard choice of dish, for Watts given the number of great dishes they have.Congratulations to all at Watts, wishing them every success for the future .Check out there facebook page below.

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Watts-Co-Steak-Seafood-Grill/250534141626605

Working on some  really exciting food projects at the minute ,launched the School History Projects Cookery Demonstrations during the week at Monreagh Ulster  Scots Heritage Centre .Special thanks to Kieran ,Mags ,Keith and all at Monreagh .

Check them out here

http://monreaghulsterscotscentre.town.ie/

I have also been working with Culturlann ,Jim Hamliton in Irish Food Heritage projects ,this year promising to be an exciting year of events and Demonstrations..This is the Irish Culture and Heritage centre on Great James Street Derry .Thanks to Gerry, Jim, Eileen and all the team at Culturlann

Have a look at their site below or call in for a cuppa and check the centre out .

http://www.culturlann-doire.ie/

Check out the blog in the coming weeks for updates on local restaurants ,food suppliers producers  ,Artisans and  upcoming events .

Watch this space !! .

Sorry to hear another Derry Restaurant closed its doors last week .

“Hard times Come Again No More”!!

Emmett Mc Court

Irish Food Heritage Project–Feast or Famine…

Went to a inspiring Conference at the Inishowen Gateway Hotel last Friday,The Ulster Canadian Initiative, Hosted by Inishowen Tourism .This conference was to engage with our Canadian  Diaspora and a Fitting tribute to the People who lost their lives on the Laurentic and a celebration of the Cultural links between The Northwest of Ireland and Canada .There were some really inspiring speakers at the conference like Tim O Connor ,Business advisor( and former Secretary General To President Of Ireland and Consul general to New York) Loyola Heam Canadian Ambassador to Ireland .Representatives from all over Canada and Ireland attended ,This was a very rewarding event and I established some great links with Canada and in particular New Brunswick ,Montreal St John ,Newfoundland and Novia Scotia ,as regards Food and emigration .Special thanks to Mickey Mc Guinness with his great company and wealth of  Historical knowledge . I also met a lovely Canadian lady  Lynne Reece Loftus ,Check out their website below

www.theirelandcanadastory.com

Inishowen Tourism  - www.visitinishowen.com

Special Congratulations goes to Joanne Mc Callion who won the regional heat of the Manoir award competition at NWRC ,Joanne will now go on to represent the college at the NI Final in May, taking place at the Flying Clipper Restaurant ,North West Regional college. You will find Joanne most weekends with Chris Furey and his team Cooking up exceptional Steaks at the Fire Box Grill ,Railway Tavern Fahan.Check Them out below.

www.fireboxgrill.com

Following on from the very successful Showcase of “An Historical and Cultural Food Journey of The Northwest Of Ireland”  at World skills  London Excel 2011 ,We Hosted a “Have a Go” Day at Northwest Regional College sponsored by World skills .This event was attended by various School kids throughout the Northwest, having ago at skills from Cake decorating, Chocolate Work, Making Pasta, to Restaurant skills.

Thanks to all the staff at NWRC who made this day a great  Success Geri Martin ,Christine Mc Laughlin ,Karen Mc Laughlin,Carolan Mc kinley ,Geraldine Campbell ,Marie Canning,-Douglas walker John Crowe,Jonathan Lyttle ,Danny lyttle from marketing and all the support staff Mary Mandy Matrich and Debbie.This was a great day of fun enjoyed by all ! Some exciting Theme nights coming up at the Flying Clipper Restaurant at NWRC ,Check us out here

http://www.nwrc.ac.uk/flyingclipper/index.html

Check out the Pasta Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjVEWazTcik

I visited OBriens Steak House on the Strand Road the other night and I had one of the best T bone steaks I’ve had in along time ,cooked to perfection ,not easy with a T Bone .Special thanks to Paul Lindsey and his team for the great food and service.I wish them every success in these tough times .The meal and service were first class. Thanks Paul. check out there facebook page

http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=100000257450739

Working on some really fascinating Food Heritage links and exciting Food projects with The Ulster Scots-Scots Irish Heritage and Education Centre ,at Monreagh House Carrigans Co Donegal– Check Them Out Below

http://monreaghulsterscotscentre.town.ie/

Watch this space for further developments !!

Emmett McCourt…..

Its been an exciting start to the year! .

Lesser Spotted Ulster episode ,Where I cooked Cruibeens ,Herrings and Potato bread on the hearth for Joe Mahon was Screened on Tuesday night 17th January.This was a great experience for me and good craic on the day ,I met a lot of very interesting people who really appreciate the Rich food Heritage and Culture that Ireland has to offer ,This was a wonderful opportunity to recreate the way of life, of times gone by and one in which to celebrate our Heritage and culture. Thanks to Joe ,Vinny and all the crew at Lesser Spotted Ulster,Marie Quinn and the team at the heritage society .

For anybody who missed the clip you can watch it here on UTV player.The Clip is approx 40mins on into the show.

http://www.u.tv/utvplayer/video/141916

Congratulations to Leona and Richard Kane for being the new Economusee Artisan Producers For N Ireland,For their Home Grown and cold pressed Broighter Gold Rapeseed Oil.This is an Internationlly recognised award for Artisan Products ,and well deserved .

This will be a great boost for Broighter Gold Rapeseed Oil and also another attraction for Limavady and the surrounding area,Especially in the run up to the City Of Culture 2013.

They will be working with the Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust, once their workshop is fully developed – which is the heart of the ÉCONOMUSEE. It will offer visitors a unique opportunity to discover the history and methods of growing,
harvesting, pressing and bottling their oil.

The ÉCONOMUSÉE
Northern Europe Project sees the combination of culture, craft and tourism as
local craftspeople open their doors to visitors to watch them at work and learn
about the heritage and traditions of their skills. Norway, Greenland, Iceland,
The Faroe Islands, Sweden, Ireland and Northern Ireland are all partners
involved in the initiative, which was developed in Quebec, Canada The project is funded through the Northern
Periphery Programme and the Northern Ireland Tourism Board.

Check them out here

http://www.broightergold.co.uk/

This is set to be an exciting year with futher developments to the project each week ,I am working with Guildhall Press On some really exciting work at the minute ,check them out below.

http://www.ghpress.com/catalog/

The North West Regional Colleges Restaurant “The Flying Clipper” website, is now up and running .Check it out here

http://www.nwrc.ac.uk/flyingclipper/index.html

I  have also uncovered some facinating Food Heritage recently in which I’ll be sharing with you soon .Watch this space!