Family Bakery, Donnellys, Wins Bakery Of The Year Award

Posted on

Donnellys Bakery in Ballycastle are celebrating winning the ” Bakery of the Year award”  at the Neighbourhood Retailer  awards ceremony in Belfast . Fighting off stiff competition they gained the award for being ” a fantastic bakery with a unique range of traditional breads , cakes and pastries and a great staff who add to a fantastic customer experienece ”

Eugene Donnelly – owner said ” Getting this award is testimony to the great staff we have,  bakers and counter staff , as well as quality local suppliers providing the fresh ingredients  and of  customers who have been supporting us for almost 40 years . ”   We are delighted to see another recognition of quality and service coming to Ballycastle backing its title of Best place to live .”

The Morning After The Slice Before

Posted on

Stars of the bread-baking world gathered together at St John’s Church, Hyde Park on Tuesday 17 October 2017 for the much-anticipated announcement of the winners of Tiptree World Bread Awards with Brook Food.

The awards ceremony was hosted by Stephen Hallam, Master Baker, Managing Director of Dickinson & Morris and Chair of the Judges who was delighted to declare Tom Mullin & Eimear Mullin of Thyme & Co, Ballycastle, Antrim as Winner of the Irish Wheaten Loaf category.

James Herron from the Cookie Jar, Newcastle, County Down was runner-up for his Traditional Wheaten Bannock.

“The field was more competitive than ever,” says Hallam, whose fellow judges, all 86 of them, included Charles Campion, Food Critic, Dr John Foster of BBC’s Victorian Bakers and Andrew Whitley, Founder, The Real Bread Campaign.

On the judges remarks about Tom’s Wheaten, they said, “they were impressed by the look of the bread, it had a good crust, and they would find it difficult to suggest any improvements!”

Tom beat off competition from hundreds of loaves sent in from around the United Kingdom and Ireland – delivered by courier, taxi and in person on the morning of the judging at Cathedral Hall, Westminster Cathedral, to ensure maximum freshness.

Tiptree World Bread Awards with Brook Food, launched in January 2013, seek to celebrate the very best of British bread baking. “The choice, range and quality of bread in Britain today is immense,” says Caroline Kenyon, Director of the Awards.

Are you Britain’s Best Cook?

Posted on

At a time when British cooking has never been more varied, inspiring or of such high quality, this series will test the real-life expertise of truly great home cooks and will celebrate the food people make for their loved ones every single day.

Mary Berry is returning to her first love; with more than 75 cookery books to her name, her authority in the home kitchen is beyond question and she is the natural choice for the lead judge. Taking the reins as host is Claudia Winkleman.

A search for a second judge is underway. They will be joining Mary to help hunt out those whose talents, until now, have been hidden away.
Mary Berry says: “I am never more at home than when I have my judging hat on. This series is going to encourage proper home cooking which I have always championed and I cannot wait to start. Claudia, for me, is the icing on the cake.” 

Claudia Winkleman says: “I am over the moon to be part of this show. Am slightly obsessed with Mary so will follow her around with my own moussaka for most of the filming. Apologies in advance.”

Charlotte Moore, Director of BBC Content, says: “Home cooking has quietly become one of the nation’s favourite obsessions and so there is no better place than BBC One to compete for this crown. The queen of all judges Mary Berry will be the indisputable head judge, with the irresistible Claudia Winkleman hosting proceedings. But, who will be Mary’s judging partner? The search is on!”

Over eight episodes, the ten contestants will need to demonstrate skill under pressure and individual flair, as they’re asked to serve the most perfect version of dishes that define modern British home cooking as well as create their special take on well-loved classics.

The judges will be looking for dishes that define a new benchmark of excellence, whether it’s roast beef with the perfect roast potatoes, an ingenious twist on chicken curry or an irresistible chocolate pudding.

Each challenge will reveal new tips and techniques as the competing cooks battle to prove that they have the skills and repertoire, technical ability, resourcefulness and creativity to get through to the final and be crowned Britain’s Best Cook.

For more information on the show and to apply visit http://britainsbestcook.co.uk/

Belfast Waterfront Secure Alcohol Licence For Good Food Show

Posted on

Exciting News For BBC Good Food Show Belfast

Food NI and RiverStreet Events are delighted to share that the Belfast Waterfront have secured a licence for their venue for the upcoming BBC Good Food Show Belfast, 10 – 12 November.

This will now enable alcohol exhibitors to sell bottles of alcohol through an onsite off licence located close to the exhibition stand space.

This is an exciting development for the Show, the venue, exhibitors and visitors!
The Show is set to attract over 12,500 foodies and will feature a new and improved floorplan with the addition of a spacious ground floor hall to showcase your product.

Get in touch now to book a stand and take advantage of retailing your alcohol products – we will do our best to find a stand that suits your requirements.

For more information on the new opportunity, call Christine today on 028 90 249 449 or email Christine@nigoodfood.com

Move Over Strictly – Pick Your Partner For The Punjana Tea Dances

Posted on

Jamie Thompson of Thompson’s Family Teas was in Belfast recently to kick off the hugely popular Punjana Tea Dance series of events which are set to take place in venues across the city during the month of October.

The Punjana Tea Dances form part of Positive Ageing Month during which classes, workshops, events and activities, all aimed at those aged 60 and over, will be staged.

Jamie Thompson commented: “We have been delighted to see how popular the Punjana Tea Dances have become since they were first launched in 2013, and also how much enjoyment they bring to local communities.

Punjana, born and blended in Belfast since 1896, is proud to have played a very special part in the history of the city, and the series of Punjana Tea Dances offers a fabulous opportunity to relive the glorious dance hall days.”

Amy Quigley from Belfast proved to be the perfect partner to help kick off the series of events.

People can get their dancing shoes on and enjoy a cuppa on the following dates:

  • Belfast Castle – Wednesday 11th October 12pm – 2pm and 3pm – 5pm
  • Grosvenor Hall, Glengall Street – Monday 23rd October 12pm – 2pm and 3pm – 5pm
  • East Belfast Network Centre, Templemore Avenue – Thursday 26th October 2pm-4pm

For more information visit www.belfastcity.gov.uk/seniors or see brochures which have been distributed widely throughout the city.

Local producers celebrate stunning success at Blas na hEireann Irish Food Awards

Posted on

Local producers from the Causeway Coast and Glens have proved they’re among the best in Ireland.

In a stunning performance at the Blas na hEireann Irish Food awards, six finalists from the region collected a total of 14 awards.

This included the award for Best New Product which went to Lacada Brewery for their Devil’s Washtub dark ale, named after a rocky inlet on the east side of Ramore Head.

Reflecting on the success, which saw the co-operative collect five accolades, Head Brewer Laurie Davis said: “We were stunned when we won five awards. Very few producers achieved that. I am so pleased for all the co-owners who took a leap of faith when we were starting up and who also put in so much hard work for the brewery. To win Best New Product in Ireland is a great reward for them all.”

For Alastair Crown from Corndale Farm, participation in the awards has opened up some very exciting avenues. Speaking after winning a gold and silver, he said: “We all work so hard to produce unique and high quality products. We were totally overwhelmed when we won the awards and to also receive “Best in Derry” is a huge accolade for us. The real work starts now. We have had a lot of interest from some really high quality chefs and retailers, Harrods and Selfridges to name a few. It is key for us now to build on the success of the awards and really get our award winning produce out there and see sales increase. Exciting times!”

Linda Christie from Ballinteer Farm came home from Dingle with three trophies – the farm’s quail eggs were selected in the Chef’s Choice Category, while their quail meat received a bronze and Best In Farmer’s Market. She is already reaping rewards from their performance: “We have generated new sales already and product enquiries are coming in.  It was a great networking experience and a platform for our products.”

Broighter Gold’s cold pressed oil won a bronze award in its category, and owner Leona Kane said it was a fantastic experience: “There was a lot in our section, so to win anything in Dingle was a huge success for our family business.   But it is also about the networking, and people that you meet when you are away that all add to sales and connecting with the right people.”

For Glenballyeamon Eggs, it certainly was a weekend to remember. Along with a silver award for its free range eggs, the company was also named Best Agri Business at the Causeway Coast and Glens Business Awards. Owner Niall Delargy said: “We are delighted to announce that we have received these prestigious awards, along with back to back Great Taste Awards through the Guild of Fine Food in 2016 and 2017.”

If you’re looking for the best frozen yogurt in Ireland, then Coleraine is the place to go. Morelli’s strawberry frozen yogurt, which is made in the town, scooped gold in its category. Arnaldo Morelli, who attended the awards in Dingle, County Kerry, with his brother Marino, said: “This accolade is testament to the dedication and hard work of both our staff and suppliers. The quality of Clandeboye Estate’s yoghurt complements the strawberries rippled through it perfectly to give our Strawberry Frozen Yogurt its delicious, refreshing and award winning taste.”

All of the successful finalists are members of Causeway Coast and Glens Food Network. It brings together local producers from across the region, and offers a range of support avenues.

To find out more or to get involved email foodnetwork@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk