Award-winning baker Mark Douglas, better known as the Krazibaker, is now showing home cooks how to create great tasting Neapolitan pizzas on sourdough bases.

Based in Dromore, Mark, a FoodNI member, has just launched pizza classes in response to requests from consumers who know the talented baker from buying traditional Northern Irish  soda and treacle farls, potato cakes griddle breads and sourdough loaves from his stand at popular outdoor food markets such as Newtownards and Carrickfergus.

“I’ve just launched the pizza classes which concentrate on how to create genuine sourdough bases following requests from shoppers at my stalls keen to make what has become a popular convenience meal or snack,” explains Mark, a professional baker for over 30 years and a winner of UK Great Taste Awards and World Bread Awards for his griddle breads and a unique potato apple snack.

“Pizzas are now among the most popular, convenient and value for money meals especially with younger families,” adds Mark. “Sourdough pizzas are really quite easy to produce.”

Students at Mark’s classes learn how to handcraft dough balls that have been fermented for 24 hours in advance. “They see what’s involved in making a sourdough base and the time required. In addition, we make sourdough balls from my 10 years old culture for fermenting that students take home for use later.”

The process demonstrates the difference in preparation time and taste of the finished sourdough base.

“The class also helps student recognise just how important it is to know how to use their oven most effectively in terms of bottom heat on the baking stone and how quickly this can dissipate with constant pizza baking,” he continues.

“Students will also learn about the best ingredients used to top their pizzas. I encourage them to buy local. There are now a number of local companies producing quality toppings such as pizza sauce, cheese, ham and herbs.”

– The acclaimed celebration of Belfast’s food and drink venues is in its fifth year –

– The concept is expected to increase footfall and help consumers discover NI’s food heritage –

6 August 2024: Belfast Restaurant Week, led by Belfast City’s three Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) – Belfast One, Destination CQ, and Linen Quarter BID, has announced it will return for 2024 from the 7th to the 13th October. Food establishments across the city are being encouraged to register to participate in the acclaimed event, now in its fifth year. Whilst in previous years, the event’s format has focused on value, this year the celebration has evolved to allow hospitality venues to host creative experiences from food pairings to tasting menus to demonstrations and masterclasses.

In 2023 Belfast Restaurant Week had remarkable success with 49 restaurants taking part, leading to an estimated £190K additional spend across the city centre. As Damian Corr, Manager at Destination CQ BID, explains, this year’s fresh concept hopes to address the challenges faced by the hospitality industry by unlocking more opportunity for venues to get involved.

He said, “Belfast Restaurant Week is a highlight of our food and drink calendar, with thousands of foodies supporting the celebration year-on-year and taking a greater bite out of what they know to be the local food scene. The event is a celebration that is all about exploring and discovering Belfast’s rich culinary scene. This year, we’ve enhanced the programme to ensure participating venues can include unique and experience-driven events. Our hospitality industry has shown incredible resilience over the past few years – signalling the quality of our offering and highlighting how important the culinary experience is to Belfast as a destination. We look forward to collaborating with hospitality businesses once again this year to ensure this event continues to be a success.”

Over the coming months offers and experiences available will be listed on the Belfast Restaurant Week website.

Stephen Haller, Director and Owner of Home Restaurant Belfast said, “Moving beyond solely an offer-led experience to include unique events and experiences gives businesses the chance to really connect with our customers in new and exciting ways. Last year, the set menu we introduced for Restaurant Week was such a hit that we decided to keep it going even after the event had finished, and we’re eager to see what innovations we can bring this time around.

“The restaurant industry can be challenging, with rising costs and staffing shortages, so anything that brings a buzz and gets people excited to dine out is something we wholeheartedly support. We’re looking forward to contributing to a vibrant atmosphere in Belfast and making this year’s Restaurant Week the best one yet. We can’t wait to see everyone come out and enjoy what we’ve got planned!”

Last month Belfast’s three city BIDs appointed Michael Stewart as the city centre’s first Night Czar. A crucial element of the role is to support hospitality businesses to enhance the night-time economy.

Damien continues, “Belfast is an exceptional performer when it comes to food and drink. It’s home to some of the world’s best talent and Northern Ireland food produce is acclaimed for its quality. Restaurant Week is a platform that makes sense – it showcases the flair and creativity of our establishments and offers consumers a compelling reason to get out and enjoy the food scene. I commend the BIDs for their continued efforts in creating a landmark event that brings the industry together whilst also opening up opportunity to drive footfall.”

For more information on Belfast Restaurant Week and upcoming offers visit belfastrestaurantweek.org. Hospitality businesses interested in participating should contact Lesley@theeventor.com

This August bank holiday weekend (24-26 August), Hillsborough Castle’s stunning 100-acre gardens will come alive with the smells, sounds and sights of local artisanal delights, gardening advice, live music, storytelling and family fun in a 3-day Summer Fair.

Previously known as the popular Hillsborough Honey Fair, the Summer Fair sees Hillsborough Castle & Gardens work closely with Food NI to invite around 30 celebrated local producers to conjure the taste of Northern Ireland for visitors. The likes of Long Meadow Cider, The Curly Pigs, Shortcross Gin, Burren Balsamics, Fluffy Meringue, Indie Fude and Irish Black Butter will present their fantastic fare alongside hot food and treats from the kitchens of Glaze & Roll, Linen Hill Street Kitchen, Crumb & Beyond and Lick Gelato.

Bring a piece of the castle garden home

In addition to sampling locally grown fare, visitors can get up close and personal with Hillsborough Castle’s award-wining gardening team – learning secret tips and tricks at a Gardener’s Clinic and they’ll even have the chance to take home a cutting from the royal residence’s garden. For green-fingered little ones, there will be a kid’s potting table to entice them to the magical world of gardening.

Visitors can also pick up their own wildflower seeds to sow in their gardens from social enterprise Good to Grow, plus tips on tools and labelling from Hillsborough’s own garden volunteers, and compost and soil advice from Natural World Products, while Esker Farm Daffodils will also be on hand to help with bulbs for next spring.

Claire Woods, Head Gardener at Hillsborough Castle & Gardens said: “It is a privilege to share the gardens of Hillsborough Castle with our visitors throughout the year, and so it is fitting to give those attending the Summer Fair the opportunity to bring a little piece of the garden home with them to plant in their own gardens. We also look forward to chatting with our fellow green fingered friends during our Gardeners’ Clinic, where our gardening team and I will help with any head scratching problems and late-summer conundrums their plants, flowerbeds, hedges and borders may be bringing them at this time of year.”

‘Bee’ Inspired

The Summer Fair will continue to celebrate the importance of bees and biodiversity. The Native Irish Honey Bee Society’s stall will return this year and the Bee Inspired tent will offer honey made from the hives on-site. Gwen Earnshaw, Hillsborough’s Beekeeper will be on hand with advice on beekeeping and creating a bee friendly garden, joined by beekeepers and some of their hives from Killinchy Bee Keeping Association, Michael Young Honey and more.

The Peter Rabbit™ Adventure

Visitors can also enjoy The Peter Rabbit™ Adventure, which runs throughout the summer months (until 1^st September 2024) in the gardens, where children, parents and grandparents alike can enjoy an interactive trail along the meandering waterways and within the forests, combining Beatrix Potter’s love for nature and wildlife with the mischievous tales of her fictional characters from Peter Rabbit to Mrs Tiggy-Winkle. Peter Rabbit himself will be at the event throughout the weekend to meet visitors, while The Stable Yard Café will offer their speciality Peter Rabbit themed Afternoon Tea for both adults and children.

Stuart Campbell, Public Engagement Manager at Hillsborough Castle commented: “Our whole team has put together a fantastic event that will draw foodies, gardeners and music lovers to Hillsborough Castle for the final bank holiday weekend of the summer.

“We are excited to be working with Food NI to showcase the best artisanal producers and makers in Northern Ireland. The whole experience will be complemented with live music, fantastic gardening tips and displays from our own team and other local businesses and social enterprises, storytelling at our stretch tent and the opportunity to enjoy The Peter Rabbit™ Adventure throughout the acres of gardens.

“There will be something for everyone throughout the bank holiday weekend, and should visitors wish to explore the Castle, they can book in for a tour to learn even more about our heritage and history.”

Annual foodie weekend features over 50 free events designed to showcase the region’s exceptional quality and local produce

30 July 2024: This September, the award-winning Food and Cider Weekend returns to Armagh, promising a vibrant celebration of the region’s world-famous produce. From Thursday, 5th to Sunday, 8th, this year’s festival features over 50 free events, each crafted to delight the senses and celebrate the Armagh Bramley Apple and other local treasures.

Crannagael House is a highlight of this year’s programme – hosting four events throughout the festival – the historic venue provides a unique opportunity to savour culinary creations at the very birthplace of Armagh’s apple story. Among the standout events is the five-course Bramley Banquet, curated by Gareth Reid of 4 Vicars. Set in the charming home of Jane and John Nicholson, whose ancestors planted the first Bramley seedling in County Armagh, the often-sold-out event features locally sourced ingredients, including produce grown on the estate, and bespoke wine pairings for each course.

Visitors can kickstart their weekend with the Orchard Paint and Sip event. No experience is necessary but aspiring artists can gain inspiration from the beautiful apple trees at Long Meadow Farm to create their own masterpiece, while sipping on local ciders making for a relaxing and inspiring experience. Additionally, on Friday evening attendees can join local tour guide Donna Fox for a Culinary Crawl through Armagh city. This guided tour will weave through the city’s best hospitality venues, offering top-class food and drinks with a local twist.

Armagh is renowned for its outstanding food, quality ingredients, and world-class cider. The region was recognised as Northern Ireland’s Best Food and Drink Experience in 2019 by Tourism NI –  including the Bramley Apple, which as of 2012, joined a select group of food and drinks to have been awarded PGI status (Protected Geographical Indication). Due to their special taste and composition the status means the apple will be protected against imitation throughout the EU and joins a very select group including the Cornish pasty and the Melton Mowbray pork pie.

On Saturday morning the Food and Cider Fest brings the much-anticipated Brunch and Paws at the Park, a delightful event for dog owners and their furry friends. Following its sell-out success last year, this fun and relaxed brunch is the perfect way to kick off your weekend. As evening falls, the region will come alive with vibrant outdoor foodie markets in both Armagh and Banbridge. These bustling markets will showcase the finest local flavours, artisan ciders, and apple juices, all set to the backdrop of live music, creating an unforgettable atmosphere.

Backed by award-winning Food Heartland local chefs, producers, and food experts, Armagh’s Food and Cider Weekend has firmly established itself as a cornerstone event in Northern Ireland’s food and harvest calendar. It’s a celebration not to be missed, offering a unique blend of history, culture, and outstanding cuisine.

For a full list of activities happening, to book your tickets and overnight accommodation specials, visit visitarmagh.com/foodandcider.

Talented chef takes the top prize in Grand Final of ‘Ireland’s Next Top Chef’ competition

A highly talented chef from Belfast’s 2 Taps Winebar deliveredan extraordinary display of culinary creativity and skill to win the 2024 Ireland’s Next Top Chef Competition.

Michelle Dela Cruz wowed judges, including Irish celebrity and Michelin star head chef Dylan McGrath, in a sizzling live cookery showdown at the Balmoral Hotel in the Grand Final of theprestigious not-for-profit culinary competition.  

The Belfast-based chef from 2 Taps Winebar went head-to-head with Nathan Cox from The Artisan Cookhouse in Downpatrick and Rio Rissky from Radisson Blu St. Helen’s Hotel in Dublin to claim the coveted title of ‘Ireland’s Next Top Chef’.

As the winner, Michelle will now undertake an all-expenses-paid mentorship at a prestigious two-star Michelin-starred restaurant of their choice; Dinner by Heston Blumenthal in London or Chapter One by Mickael Viljanen in Dublin.

The three talented chefs had successfully fought off competition from over 24 aspiring chefs from across the island of Ireland in a series of culinary challenges to earn their place in the Grand Final. 

Each of the finalists was tasked with putting their culinary skills and creativity to the test by crafting a signature three-course meal in a thrilling culinary cook-off aimed at showcasing their distinct cooking styles to the esteemed judging panel.

Michelle Dela Cruz’s Filipino-inspired three-course menu, which blended unique flavours and innovative techniques, dazzled the esteemed judges, including Michelin star chef and Irish celebrity Dylan McGrath, 2023 Great British Menu contestant Kerry Roper, and BBC’s Farm to Feast judge Joris Minne.

Her starter featured langoustines in pumpkin bisque, okra tempura, pickled daikon, and onion ash. For the main course, Michelle expertly prepared an exquisite pork belly kare kare, accompanied by pak choi, grilled aubergine, and bagoong. Her delectable dessert was a refreshing coconut sorbet paired with mango mousse, yuzu gel, jalapeño, and meringue.

Michelle Dela Cruz, chef at Belfast’s 2 Taps Winebar and Winner of the 2024 Ireland’s Next Top Chef Competition, said: “Being crowned ‘Ireland’s Next Top Chef’ is an amazing achievement and the highlight of my career to date. This competition has been an incredible journey, pushing me to new creative heights and challenging me to refine my culinary skills under the intense pressure and scrutiny of such esteemed judges at every stage of the competition. I’m excited about the opportunities this title will bring, and I look forward to continuing to improve and develop my culinary craft and seeing where my career will take me.”

John Trainor, Director of the Balmoral Hotel in Dunmurry and Stix & Stones Restaurant in Belfast, said: “The Grand Final of this year’s Ireland’s Next Top Chef Competition was a showcase of exceptional talent, with each finalist delivering outstanding dishes that reflected their unique culinary style. Michelle truly stood out with her remarkable creativity and execution, and we are excited to see how her career will flourish following this achievement.

“This competition not only highlights the incredible culinary talent we have here but also provides a platform for these chefs to push their boundaries and innovate. It has been a privilege to witness such skill, creativity, passion, and dedication from all the contestants.

“We believe that all three of these finalists have a bright future ahead, and we are thrilled to support their journey as they continue to excel in the culinary world. The level of skill and artistry displayed in this year’s competition was truly inspiring, and it reaffirms our commitment to nurturing and promoting emerging culinary talents by coordinating this competition on annual basis with the support of our sponsors.”

The 2024 Ireland’s Next Top Chef competition was coordinated by the Balmoral Hotel and was open to professional chefs and home cooks and was established in 2023 to identify and nurture the next generation of culinary talent.

It provides talented chefs with an exciting opportunity to put themselves in the spotlight and showcase their talent to some of Ireland’s top industry-recognised chefs and experts at live knock-out stages of the competition.

Ireland’s Next Top Chef is sponsored in 2024 by Balmoral Hotel, Sysco Ireland, Bunzl McLaughlin, Tanqueray Gin, Anjo Wholesale, Lakeview Farm Meats, Frylite Solutions, Heverlee Premium Pilsner, Direct Wine Shipments, Waterman House Cookery School, N4networx, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, Keenan Seafood, Féile an Phobail, Ryak Cleaning & Support Services, Cocktail Keg Company, Alliance Ireland, Masseys Catering & RAS Solutions.

For more information on the 2024 Ireland’s Next Top Chef Competition visit: www.irelandsnexttopchef.com.

Almost 20 products from Food NI member companies have been shortlisted for next month’s final stage of the prestigious Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards ((IQFDA) to be held in Dublin. IQFDA is the island’s most significant awards for retailers and smaller companies in food and drink production

Now in its 11th year, the awards have become a well-recognised badge of excellence amongst customers and the food and drink community across the island of Ireland.

This year’s judging took place throughout June and July at Leopardstown racecourse. The judges had a particularly trying task this year to judge all of the entries, with so many exceptional products entered.

Food NI companies shortlisted are:

Condiments

Irish Black Butter, Portrush

 Food to Go

Deli Lites Banging Chicken Noodle Salad, Warrenpoint

Deli Lites Pesto Pasta Pot, Warrenpoint

 Free From Gluten

Green Fingers Family, Larne Lemon & Turmeric Energy Balls

  Hot Beverages

Belfast Coffee Roasters, Belfast Ethiopia Bale Mountain

 Ice Cream and Ice Lollies

Glastry Farm, Kircubbin Mango and Passionfruit Sorbet

 Loaves

The Daily Apron, Lisburn Charcoal Sourdough

Meal Accompaniments

Mash Direct, Comber Potato Croquettes

 Meat Antipasti and Sliced Meats

Dunnes Stores, Coleraine Simply Better Handmade Irish Chorizo

 Reduced/Low

Slims Healthy Kitchen, Belfast Korean Style Chicken with Jasmine Rice

Slims Healthy Kitchen Soy & Ginger Chicken with Hoisin Noodles

 Small Cakes

Deli Lites, Warrenpoint Cinnabun Cake

 Soft Drinks – Carbonates

Moocha Kombucha, Moy Cola Flavour

Seaweed Salt by Crawford’s Rock, Kilkeel

 Yogurt

Clandeboye Estate, Bangor Apple & Cinnamon Crumble Greek Style Yoghurt

 Christmas Categories

Drinks – Cider

Armagh Craft Cider Medium

 Drinks – Low/No Alcohol

Jackson Roze, Tandragee Extra Strength Ginger Wine