From Ballymaloe to the Wild Garlic Table

THE former proprietor of the Cafe Blend premises in Letterkenny is about to embark on an exciting new food journey, covering cooking demonstrations, personal cheffing and catering among other culinary delights.
Mrs Pauline Sugrue is a recent graduate of Ballymaloe cookery school where she perfected old skills and learned new ones under the watchful eye of Darina Allen, Rachel Allen and Rory O’Connell.
On Wednesday and Thursday next, June 7-8, she will host her first cooking demonstrations ‘A taste of summer’ at the Bank, Ramelton.
It comes less than a year after Mrs Sugrue took the decision to close one of Letterkenny’s most popular cafes after seven years in business.
Mrs Sugrue had just returned from Australia with her husband, Michael, a surgeon at Letterkenny University Hospital, when she took over the lease. Today the cafe trades as Cafe Davitt.
“Taking over Cafe Blend was an amazing journey and I enjoyed every minute of it but I felt that the time was right to move on.
“I really enjoyed the Ballymaloe experience where I got the chance to work and cook along with the best, mastering difficult techniques and cooking simple fresh food in a fun and supportive environment,” she said.
Although extremely tough at times, with its rigorous teaching schedule and long hours, Mrs Sugrue said it was always filled with joy and a great sense of achievement and support.
“Being away from Michael was difficult but his support has always been there. He has become a patient and great food taster,” she laughed.
“We covered a range of foods at the cookery school from bread making, heavenly breakfasts, family meals to exotic floating meringues. I found a new appreciation and value in simple locally sourced delicious food under the watchful eye of our tutors. Cooking is fun and I hope to bring this to Donegal,” Mrs Sugrue said.
“It was a big step to make but I’m getting there. Wild Garlic Table (company name) was born from my own love of food and appreciation of simple seasonal ingredients.
“My Cookery demonstrations will be in small groups and will be about delicious food that is both simple and nutritious for your family and your friends and fun to cook while developing new skills in a supportive environment .
“My catering will cover personal cheffing in your own home and will covers lots of techniques and skills to add to our enjoyment of entertaining,” she said.
Her first cooking demonstrations ‘A taste of Summer’ will take place on Wednesday and Thursday next from 7pm to 9.30pm. Please book as places are limited.
Contact Pauline 0851054811 or Email pauline@wildgarlictable.com

Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere