Pictured at the Create Your Food Story event in Rockhill House last week were L-R Patrick Devine – Local Enterprise Office, Aisling Arnold – Arnold’s Hotel, James Doherty – Sliabh Liag Distillery, Karoline Sweeney – Castle Grove Country House, Sinead Hennessy Failte Ireland, Cathaoirleach Gerry McMonagle – Donegal County Council and Chef Brian McDermott.
Donegal food businesses have been urged to build upon the positivity around the county’s growing food culture and to get behind the county’s Food Coast initiative as it strives to establish Donegal as a ‘food county.’
The comments came at the launch of the Donegal Food Coast website in Rockhill House last week, when a large number of food businesses gathered to network and to learn from keynote speakers.
One of those speakers was local chef Brian McDermott who urged the food businesses to continue to be positive about what Donegal has to offer.
“If we don’t keep shouting about Donegal food, then who will?” he asked.
The local chef is now well known in national media circles and following the launch of his latest book ‘The Donegal Table’ he says he will certainly keep praising Donegal food at every opportunity.
“Donegal is on the crest of a wave right now and people will not forget about us if we keep telling our story – keep vibrantly bringing something new to the table,” he said.
Cathaoirleach, Cllr. Gerry McMonagle, who launched the new website – www.donegalfoodcoast.ie – urged food businesses to engage with and be an active part of the Food Coast.
“The launch of the Food Coast Website can help put Donegal food on a world wide platform – but to be truly successful going forward, it will require your energy and enthusiasm. Those who stand out from the crowd have learned that all development, is self-development,” he said.
Last week’s event was also an opportunity for the Food Coast to award Food Coast certification to ten local businesses, with 2018 plaques awarded to Arnold’s Hotel in Dunfanaghy; Ballyholey Farm in Raphoe ; Breac House in Dunfanaghy; Castle Grove Country House in Letterkenny; Doherty Potatoes in Bridgend; Filligans in Glenties; Lemon Tree Restaurant Letterkenny; Mulroy Bay Mussels in Cranford; O’Donnell’s Bakery in Laghey and The Counter Deli in Letterkenny
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