Showing posts with label West Waterford Festival of Food. Show all posts
Showing posts with label West Waterford Festival of Food. Show all posts

Thursday, June 2, 2022

FAMILY FUN AT WEST WATERFORD FESTIVAL OF FOOD

FAMILY FUN AT WEST WATERFORD FESTIVAL OF FOOD

 

On the farm: Donagh Fitzgerald (4) and his brother Aodhán (5)

West Waterford Festival of Food will offer a full menu of free events for families from 10-12 June, perfect for mini gourmets and aspiring chefs. Over 35,000 visitors are expected to attend Ireland’s largest food festival, with children’s events to include workshops, talks, demos and tasting sessions to develop an interest in growing, rearing and cooking food from a young age. The extensive children’s events across the weekend can be viewed on www.westwaterfordfestivaloffood.com.

 

West Waterford Festival of Food CEO Maeve Quill said: “After a two-year break from our physical festival, we’re delighted to welcome visitors back. Through the 13th annual West Waterford Festival of Food we want to reach as many people as possible, both locally and beyond. We especially hope to inspire the next generation of food lovers with an exciting variety of free family-friendly cookery demos and activities that will make aspiring young foodies appreciate and love food even more.” 

 

Organisers are encouraging families to pop into the free Glanbia Family Fun Zone from 11am-3pm on Saturday (11 June) and Sunday (12 June) where youngsters can get up close and personal to animals at the mobile farm, meet the birds of prey, enjoy a picnic and games and plant their own seedlings. The Glanbia Family Fun Zone will also host the National Reptile Zoo Keepers, with animals ranging from pythons to gecko lizards, tarantulas to scorpions. There will also be a clay workshop with Martha Cashman on Saturday, while a dog show takes place on the Sunday. Across the weekend, families can also take part in a Food Treasure Hunt from Dungarvan Tourist Office.

The Youthspace tent by WSTCYS Waterford Comhairle na nÓg, Dungarvan Youth Project and Day Youth Development Programme will provide a fun, safe space for young people with activities including blind taste challenges, climate action challenges, and budget dinner ideas.

As part of the new Wellness Tasters, there will be drop-in yoga workshops while children under five eat for free at the famed Flahavan’s Greenway Breakfast at Coach House Coffee, Kilmacthomas on Saturday from 9am. Young cooks can don their aprons for Bake Off — an opportunity to put their best cake forward for judging at the Ormond Café.

 

There are paid ticketed events suitable for children with the Cool Food School and Sensory Cooking at Walton Park Marquee. There will also be a teddy bear picnic in Walton Park. Further family friendly events include family farm excursions, and a picnic river cruise with Blackwater Eco Tours River Cruise.

 

The 2022West Waterford Festival of Foodis supported byWaterfordCity and County Council, Waterford Local Enterprise Office and LEADER Partnership, with sponsors McCarthy Insurance Group, Flahavan’s, Glanbia Ireland, Expressway, Flo Gas, Dawn Meats, Garvey’s, Eurofins, San Pellegrino, Blackwater, SuperValu Food Academy, Coillte, FBD, Local Link, and AIB. 

 

For up-to-date information, visitwww.westwaterfordfestivaloffood.comor follow: 

·         Facebook:@WaterfordFoodFestival 

·         Twitter:@WdFoodFestival 

·         Instagram:@westwaterfordfestivaloffood 

press release

Wednesday, April 27, 2022

Long Table Feast to be Highlight of 2022 West Waterford Festival of Food

 press release

Long Table Feast to be Highlight 

of 2022 West Waterford Festival of Food


 

Helping Launch West Waterford Festival of Food 2022 at Lismore Castle are Lyra-Persephone Willians (6) and Lucy Reilly (7).

One of Ireland’s biggest food festivals, the West Waterford Festival of Food will return from 10 – 12 June with almost 100 events, both free and ticketed. Over 35,000 visitors are expected to attend the 13th annual festival, which will feature local chefs Paul Flynn of The Tannery and Greg Harris of 360 Cookhouse along with international guests Luis Martin, Head Chef at Mount Juliet’s Hunter’s Yard who previously worked in Jesús Sánchez’s three-Michelin-star restaurant, Cenador de Amós; and renowned Mexican-Irish chef Lily Ramirez-Foran. With events showcasing sustainable Irish produce, tickets go on sale at 2pm on Thursday, 5 May at westwaterfordfestivaloffood.com.

 

Highlights include the West Waterford Festival of Food Long Table Feast, sponsored by McCarthy Insurance Group (12 June). With views of Dungarvan Castle and Harbour on Castle Street, 100 diners will experience an al fresco feast prepared by Paul Flynn and Greg Harris. Renowned chef Tom Walsh will cook at the Walled Garden Dinner at Woodhouse Estate (11 June); and The Old Bank will see its Executive Head Chef David Larkin join Luis Martin for a seven-course tasting menu centred around the restaurant’s farm produce, Al Eile (11 June). David will also create a five-course menu for opening night, paired with wines from drinks expert Gerry Gunnigan.

 

This year’s line-up includes a spectacular supper by FoodCloud and GIY, made with surplus food by chef JB Dubois of GROW HQ Waterford at The 2 Sisters Restaurant (11 June); while Dungarvan Brewing Company welcomes Lily Ramirez-Foran and Anthony O’Toole (11 June); and there’s a Sunday lunch at Dromana House cooked by Chef Colin Hennessy, who co-owns Shanagarry Smoke–House (12 June).

 

Speaking on the West Waterford Festival of Food  programme launch, Festival CEO Maeve Quill said: “After a two-year break from our physical festival, we’re delighted to welcome visitors back. Nestled between the mountains and the sea on some of the finest agricultural land, West Waterford is an unique part of Ireland. Through the festival we want to reach as many people as possible — both locally and beyond — and show the region to them, shining a spotlight on our producers, chefs, suppliers, growers and brewers. 


By showcasing their sustainable Irish produce, we are highlighting what those involved in West Waterford Festival of Food do, how they do it and what impact they, and indeed we as a festival have on our society and the environment. The last two years have given us a deeper understanding of the importance of our food — where it’s from, how it’s prepared and how it brings us together, even in the toughest times. This is what the festival is all about.”

 

The three-day foodie paradise welcomes old favourites — the Festival Market at Grattan Square (12 June) featuring 100 local and artisan producers; and demonstrations in the Taste Waterford marquee with Nicola Crowley of Mezze and guest Lily Ramirez-Foran of Picado. Also returning is the Flahavan’s Greenway Breakfast; the Bake-Off judged by Ethna Sheehan; Afternoon Tea by Judit McNally at Salterbridge House;  Supper Theatre at Dungarvan Mart; a barbecue at the Comeragh Pods, a blind food and cocktail tasting; and the acclaimed Bus Bia Tours.

 

Sustainable farming and food production practices will be showcased by Olympic walker and dairy farmer Jamie Costin; vegetable grower Mairead Costin; dairy and beef farmers, Stephen and Caitriona Fitzgerald; and Lismore Castle’s Head Gardener Darren Topps, who looks after the oldest continually cultivated gardens in Ireland. There will also be a woodland foraging walk with leading forager Andrew Malcolm.

 

For budding young foodies, there’re a number of family-friendly events this year, many which are free. These include the Glanbia Fun Zone with workshops on Growing Your Own, the National Reptile Zoo and Nor Valley Animal Park, along with a workshop with ceramic expert Martha Cashman. There will also be family farm bus trips; family yoga sessions; a food treasure hunt and teddy bears’ picnic; and workshops on healthy eating, sensory cooking, growing crops from seeds, and reducing food waste.

 

The 2022 West Waterford Festival of Food is supported by Waterford City and County Council, Waterford Local Enterprise Office and LEADER Partnership, with sponsors McCarthy Insurance Group, Flahavan’s, Glanbia Ireland, Expressway, Flo Gas, Dawn Meats, Garvey’s, Eurofins, San Pellegrino, Blackwater, SuperValu Food Academy, Coillte, FBD, Local Link, and AIB.

 

Maeve added: “Thank you to our funders, sponsors, producers, chefs, makers, supporters, venue hosts, friends and volunteers as without them the West Waterford Festival of Food would not be possible. And thank you also to our visitors, who we hope will have an unforgettable three days from 10-12 June, as we present to them our region’s food, drink, live entertainment and stunning views.”

 

For up-to-date information, visit www.westwaterfordfestivaloffood.com or follow:

 

Thursday, August 13, 2020

WaterFood 2020. A Celebration of Waterford From the Mountains to the Sea!

WaterFood 2020
A Celebration of Waterford From the Mountains to the Sea!
 
Pictured on the Waterford Greenway ahead of a busy September are (l-r) TV Honan (Waterford Spraoi), Ned Gahan (Head Distiller, Waterford Distillery), Craig Dee (Coach House Coffee) and The Reckless Chef, Bernie Power of Taste Tramore.
From the mountains to the sea and throughout the historic city streets, Waterford comes alive this September with food, entertainment and art! Waterford has always been a city of firsts - the first place to roast coffee in Ireland, the home of the rasher, and not to forget the humble blaa.

Known nationally for its festival and event scene, this year Waterford comes together to celebrate all of the things that make Waterford great, as well as some more firsts” - including the launch of Waterford Distillerys ground breaking new Irish whiskey, a brand new sea themed festival in Tramore - Vitamin Sea Festival, and Waterfords first Honey Show.

From September 4th to 13th Waterfords renowned international street theatre organisation Spraoi, will present Spraoi Time 2020, which is sure to lift peoples spirits, hearts and minds in traditional Spraoi style. This walk-through exhibition will take place across the city streets over ten evenings in September and will feature mesmerising sculptures, spectacles, circus, lights and sounds. For the first time ever Spraoi will also have a foodie element as it overlaps with the Waterford Harvest Festival to offer pre theatre menus in many of the restaurants in Waterford city. www.spraoi.com

Waterford Harvest Festival will then present A Harvest Celebration from the 11th to 13th of September! With a keen focus on celebrating the very best of local food and drink, this year's programme will be packed with dining events for every taste which will strictly adhere to social distancing and government guidelines. With online demos and chats, as well as events in cafes, restaurants, bars, distilleries, beaches and gardens theres a Harvest event for everyone. From guided tours, to bottomless brunches, to Ancient Food Feasts, basket making to the love of bread and butter. This year even sees the launch of the Waterford Honey Show! All of these events will have a side of the usual serving of Harvest fun, and while it may look different, Harvest 2020 will be one to remember. www.waterfordharvestfestival.ie

Moving into mid-September, the coastal town of Tramore launches its inaugural Vitamin Sea Festival. A weekend programme of sea inspired events featuring exciting foodie collaborations, guest hosts, coastal excursions, taste trails, online events, craft markets and much more celebrating the vibrant outdoor and food scene!  From freshly roasted coffee to Middle Eastern inspired falafels - Tramore has become a hive of artisan food producers and this will be showcased on 18th - 20th September. To keep up to date with this seaside foodie revolution check out Vitamin Sea Festival’ on Facebook and Instagram. www.facebook.com/vitaminseafestival

And to conclude this county-wide celebration of Waterfords artisan food producers, creative chefs, and world-class produce, the West Waterford Autumn Festival of Food is holding two Festival weekends. Wild Weekend takes to the mountains, rivers, beaches and woodlands of beautiful West Waterford to discover the best wild food tastes, with picnics, foraging, cruises, barbeques and more. Join renowned chefs to make the most of the new seasons foods from September 25th to 27th. Then October 2nd to 4th sees the regions restaurants and chefs come together to showcase the best of local in Dining Weekend. www.westwaterfordfestivaloffood.com

With 100km of sandy beaches, the Waterford Greenway, a 46-km off-road walking and cycling path stretching from Waterford City to Dungarvan, the 1,000 year old Viking history that emanates from Ireland’s oldest city and some of the tastiest food festivals in the country, Waterford is perfect staycation destination all year round.


press release

Friday, April 17, 2020

Foraging, Cocktails, Tasty Trad and Sheer Temptation...Welcome to Week Two of the Virtual Festival of Food

Foraging, Cocktails, Tasty Trad and Sheer Temptation...

Welcome to Week Two of the Virtual Festival of Food


We've all been getting used to quieter times, and the Festival Team is counting ourselves lucky that we live in such a beautiful and peaceful part of the world.

So we're delighted to bring you a further flavour with Week Two of the Virtual Food Festival. This week, we found out the sheer joy of wild garlic, so abundant right now (FacebookTwitter and Instagram), and as all that foraging put a thirst on us, we were thrilled to quench it courtesy of the inspired Strawberry Sour from the Blackwater Distillery (FacebookTwitter and Instagram).

Nicola and Dvir at Mezze showed us how to spread our wings and celebrate Mimouna - a traditional North African time of feasting - at home with hummus, flatbreads and pomegranate mimosas (FacebookTwitter and Instagram), and The Tannery's Paul Flynn gave us another feast with his Mediterranean inspired Lamb (FacebookTwitter and Instagram).

Nor did we forget your gaelgeoir dog (tá brón orainn, madra...), with a yummy dog biscuit recipe for your best buachaill (FacebookTwitterInstagram). Woof woof!

Right now, Stocktons Wing frontman Mike Hanrahan is presenting a virtual version of his Festival gig, including his legendary chowder, from his own living room via Facebook, and we're looking forward to sheer temptation from Dungarvan's 2Sisters and Legacy Cider tomorrow.

Check back online, follow us on social media, post your own recipes and event suggestions with the #VirtualWWFOF2020 and #WWFoodatHome, or sign up here for your weekly Virtual Festival Round Up.

In the meantime, please support your local businesses and continue to buy local where you can.

Love from the team at
The West Waterford Festival of Food

Thursday, March 5, 2020

West Waterford Festival of Food Cancelled

Announcing the cancellation of the
West Waterford Festival of Food 2020


"It is with great regret that we have taken the decision to cancel this year’s West Waterford Festival of Food.
 
In the light of the developing Covid-19 situation, the health and safety of our community, guests and visitors is paramount. While we hugely regret not being able to welcome you all to our beautiful region, we have taken advice, and do not want to place anyone at undue risk."

Who let the kid loose? 
West Waterford Festival of Food unveils Sustainably Irish-inspired 2020 programme
Over 35,000 visitors will flock to West Waterford from 16 – 19 April for its 13th annual food festival

The 13th annual West Waterford Festival of Food takes place from 16 – 19 April, with over 100 free and ticketed events. The 2020 theme, for what is one of Ireland’s biggest foodie festivals, will explore what it means to be sustainably Irish, with tickets for all events on sale from Wednesday, 18 March at www.westwaterfordfestivaloffood.com.

Showcase experiences from the 2020 festival programme include the Great House Dinner with renowned chef Eunice Power at Woodhouse Estate in Stradbally; and a FoodCloud feast made with surplus food from zero waste chef Conor Spacey at The 2 Sisters Restaurant. For Sunday lunch options, head chef of  Michelin-starred Ichigo Ichie, Takashi Miyazaki is to cook a Japanese feast in The Tannery Restaurant; and esteemed Waterford Castle head chef Luis H Martin will also be putting on a delectable meal at Dromana House.

Speaking on the 2020 West Waterford Festival of Food programme launch, Festival Director, Gemma Tipton said: “Waterford’s culinary reputation has soared in recent years, especially having been named Foodie Destinations winner last year. Our festival is a showcase of the food from this region, shining a spotlight on West Waterford producers, chefs, suppliers, growers and brewers.”

Over 35,000 visitors are expected to attend West Waterford Festival of Food, with the three-day foodie paradise welcoming old favourites like afternoon tea by Judit McNally; Waterford Way Tapas Trail; and Supper Theatre at Dungarvan Mart. Also returning is Flahavan’s Greenway Breakfast; Blind Tasting at Merry's Gastropub; and the acclaimed Bus Bia Tours.

The Festival Market will be Quayside on Saturday, April 18, with a programme of entertainment and food that celebrates Dungarvan’s marine heritage. The Festival Market will then travel to Grattan Square on Sunday, April 19 featuring over 100 local and artisan producers including the Food The Waterford Way’s Festival Demo Marquee.

Brand-new 2020 highlights include the rediscovery of the art of table talk through canapés by Jess Murphy of Kai Galway; a Moroccan party with the team at Mezze; a picnic river cruise; and a Gatsby-inspired feast marking 100 years since prohibition.

There will be a masterclass from Josh Sutton aka the Guyrope Gourmet, on making feasts in the smallest spaces; a talk on what salty snacks work with which wine from Audrey Biraud, Cliff House Hotel sommelier; and an apple-inspired array of food delights by Carol and Annemarie Prendergast of The 2 Sisters Restaurant at Legacy Cider. There will be a vegan cooking demo from 360 Cookhouse’s executive chef Greg Harris and an Argentinian barbecue by chefs Shane McGrath and Paula Hannigan at the Dungarvan Brewery.

A further addition to the 2020 Festival are the Industry Sessions, presented in partnership with the Local Enterprise Office. These include four workshops — Food Photography, Storytelling, Food Styling and Dealing with the Media; along with a session on the reality of setting up a food business.

Gemma added: “Sustainability is a big focus for us, and we want to shine a light on being Sustainably Irish — what those involved in the Festival do, how they do it and what impact they have on society and the environment. From foraging with Marie Power, The Sea Gardener at Clonea Strand; and Andrew Malcolm on the Waterford Greenway and Ballysaggartmore Towers; to hopping on the Family Farm Bus to local producers and farmers, there are chances to see first-hand across the festival where our food comes from.”

For budding young foodies, there are over 40 family-friendly events this year including free Glanbia Family Fun Days; interactive workshops on healthy eating and cooking; and how to grow crops from seeds. There will be tips to reduce food waste by FoodCloud; biscuit baking classes; a teddy bears picnic; food treasure hunt; and family yoga sessions. 

Live entertainment during the festival includes an evening of music, stories, and chowder with Stocktons Wing's Mike Hanrahan; and a play about Ireland’s first celebrity chef Maura Laverty, This Was Your Life.

The 2020 West Waterford Festival of Food is supported by Waterford City and County Council, with sponsors including Flahavan’s, Glanbia Ireland, Flo Gas, Dawn Meats, Garvey’s, Eurofins, San Pellegrino, Blackwater Distillery, SuperValu Food Academy, FBD, Local Link and AIB.

“Through our funders, sponsors, producers, chefs, makers, supporters, venue hosts, friends, volunteers and of course, the visitors, West Waterford Festival of Food is made possible,” said Gemma “We invite everyone to visit West Waterford from 17-19 April and indulge in the region’s best food, drink and live entertainment.”

For full details, visit www.westwaterfordfestivaloffood.com or follow:

Monday, April 29, 2019

Picado Mexican Pop-Up. A Highlight of West Waterford Food Festival


Picado Mexican Pop-Up
A Highlight of West Waterford Food Festival

Horrible Hannah blows outside but inside Lily Ramirez-Foran and her chef friend Anthony O’Toole are cooking up a super-tasty Mexican storm as part of the 12th annual West Waterford Food Festival. A warm welcome and soon we are seated with scores more in the Causeway Tennis Club in Dungarvan.

The service began with Botana and Beer. The beer was top class stuff as always from the Dungarvan Brewing Company, who were combining for the second year running with Mexican Lily. The initial event was in the brewery but such was the demand for tickets that it was obvious a bigger venue was needed for this year.
Margarita

Back then to the Botana and Beer. Not your usual beer though! This was the Dungarvan Mine Head after a make-over, transformed into an Ale and Chili Margarita, with the aid of Hibiscus and lime. Sounded well, tasted better. And there were some tasty nibbles to go with the Déise Margarita: handmade Corn Chips, Spicy pepitas, Salsa Verde, De Arbol Salsa Roja.

Lily is the founder of Ireland's first Mexican boutique grocer and cookery school, Picado Mexican in Portobello, Dublin 2, and has been here for the past 19 years with her husband and business partner Alan Foran (also helping out on the night).
Superb starter

Anthony O’Toole is a private chef, curating one-off food and drink events for a wide range of clients. He is quite a gardener as well and this was not his first collaboration with Lili. They gave us an idea of what we would be eating for the evening and advised to use our hands (we did have a fork!) and pile up our plates as there’s not much sympathy for slow eaters in Mexico. 
Squash

Sally Barnes is a recent favourite of Anthony's and her smoked mackerel (wild, of course) featured in the Comienzo, the starter. Its full title: Sally Barnes Smoked Wild Mackerel Tostada, pickled Jalapeños, the Sea Gardeners’ Toasted Dillisk. First bite and I knew I was on a winner. A superbly made starter, a smooth combination of delicious flavours and textures.
Slaw

On then to the Taquiza, the mains. There were two and we got both, everyone did. First up was Anthony’s Crown Prince and Waltham Butternut Squash with Ancho Chili Crust, peanuts and sesame Salsa Macha, Citrus Créma, and Mexican Slaw. It may not have looked the best but scoop the squash up into the hot tortilla, add a little from the dips on the table and some of that Mexican Slaw (with lime juice, I think) and nobody around me stopped with after just one. It was excellent. 

And then came another dark offering but another superb dish: Old Farm leg of pork braised in Mine Head American Pale Ale (also by Dungarvan Brewing), Gaujillo and Mandarin Adobo Fried Jalapeno Salsa and that excellent slaw again. The pork, thinly cut and perfectly cooked, was delicious and again those tortilla warmers were empty in no time, replacements arriving just as fast as the punters dug into the irresistible deliciousness. 
Sweet Crema, Pomegranate, for your chocolate

By the way, the matching beer for the starter was the Blonde Ale and for the main course we had their Copper Coast Red. But there was plenty of beer and no compulsion. If you preferred it vice versa, that’s what you got. 

The final beer, with the Postre (dessert), was Black Rock Irish Stout. And that dessert was Tequila, Chipotle and the Proper Chocolate Company 85% Dominican Republic Chocolate Torte, with sweet créma, pomegranate, and Crystallised Hibiscus dust on the side. Quite a finalé to a lovely evening in Dungarvan. Final score: three sets to love for Lily and Anthony.

* The producers featured were Dungarvan Brewing, Old Farm fro Nenagh, Anthony O’Toole (eggs, veg and herbs), Sally Barnes Woodcock Smokery in West Cork, The Sea Gardener (Dungarvan), The Apple Farm (cider vinegar), Picado Mexican, Edible flowers by Bumble Bee Farm (Drimoleague) , and The Proper Chocolate Company (Glasnevin).


Friday, April 17, 2015

Dungarvan Wrap-Up. West Waterford Festival of Food

Dungarvan Market Wrap-Up
West Waterford Festival of Food
Pesky wind!
The wind was rising and bringing with it reminders that rain was not too far away. Yet the hardy market stall holders were setting up in Grattan Square, Dungarvan, last Sunday morning for the final big event of the marvellous West Waterford Festival of Food. I was up early(-ish!) and took a walk around as the likes of Badger & Dodo and Boeuf A Lolo prepared for the long day ahead.

We had met some of the West Waterford producers on a Bus Bia tour on Saturday morning and met a few more in the Emerging Producers Tent that afternoon. Here we got some lovely honey from Glenmore organic farm and enjoyed a taste of the various apple juices - they had different sweet/sour make-ups - from Crinnaghtaun, whose orchards are in the Cappoquin Estate.
The people will be fed!
The shopping bags were with us again on Sunday as we left our excellent centrally located base at Lawlor's Hotel and we made our rounds - no point in going to a market unless you bring bags! Great to meet up again with Joe and Sandra Burns from East Cork who were selling their innovative vegetable crisps.
Is it shelter or that excellent coffee they want?

The couple have a vegetable stall at Mahon Point and indeed there were quite a few from Mahon in Dungarvan including Cloud Confectionary with their big selection of delicious mallows. Local drinks, gin and beer, were included in some but my favourites were the Blueberry & Lemon and the Strawberry & Champagne.
Sweet!

Have often seen Annie’s Roasts at markets and festivals but this time we had a chat as we waited for a couple of her delicious burgers. While we spoke, her ten year old daughter took over the stall and took it over impressively! We carried the burgers to the big tent where we found a seat and we enjoyed our lunch!

It wasn't all for immediate consumption of course. Picked up a tasty sourdough and a cake or two from the excellent Seagull Bakery stand. Great then to meet up with the lads from Piedmontese Beef. We had enjoyed one of their steaks in the Fairways (near Nenagh) not so long ago, so were glad to be able to bring a couple of the steaks home for Sunday dinner. And a delicious dinner it was!


Happy Nuns.
Neither was the market all about food. There was a big stage and entertainment galore. Some hardy entertainers too, though I suppose the lively Sister Act were well wrapped up in their habits and also kept themselves warm with their all action style. Felt sorry though for the solo singer that followed. She can't have been that warm, Still, the show went on.


And not just in the square. Talks and discussions on food topics were being held in venues all around the town, just as had been the case over the previous days. It is overall a marvellous festival, well run and with something for everyone! Take a note for next year.



Great beef! Healthy fast food.