Top Slow Food Award for Lo & Slo innovator Emily McCorkell
An American living in Londonderry cooking BBQ, and bringing the concept of
slow cooking to a wider audience with sustainable and regenerative products
has been named ‘Person of the Year’ in a major UK awards.
Winning the top accolade in the prestigious UK Slow Food Awards is Emily
McCorkell, the founder of Low and Slow, a Food NI member and a widely
respected artisan enterprise specialising in BBQ grilling and producer of an
award-winning range of BBQ sauces.
Other Food NI members successful in the awards were: Basalt Distillery Gin
from Bushmills – Drink Producer of the Year; and Robbie Neill of Stonebridge
Cottage Farm of Crossgar – Environmental and Diversity Award.
Originally from Philadelphia, Emily also cooks at a cookery school in Derry,
operates a successful food truck specialising in BBQ foods, and is ahead of the
game in sustainability.
Emily, who came to Derry on a community project to work with children affected
by the violence… and stayed, says: “It’s a tremendous honour to win this
important recognition for my longstanding commitment to promoting grilling as a
healthier option. Derry people have been very supportive over the years and
have embraced BBQ cooking techniques and products such as my range of
original sauces.
“I grew up in Philadelphia loving BBQ foods and grilling a range of meats in
particular,” she continues. “I’ve sought to bring this passion for cooking with fire
to Northern Ireland through a range of activities that includes a unique Wild and
Fired BBQ school at Brook Hall Estate outside Derry.
Created 11 years ago in the UK to promote Slow Food’s strategic focus on local
products that are “good, clean and fair food for all” as an alternative to fast food.
Now a global network, Slow Food was launched in Turin, Italy Carlo Petrini in 1986
It was essentially a reaction from good food lovers in the era of burgers
and fries. The movement is now active in over 150 countries including Northern Ireland,
where celebrity chef Paula McIntyre is the local chairman.
Awards winners are nominated annually by the public. Each winner is a
champion of good, clean and fair food and represents the very best of their
craft. In addition to the public vote, each national director chooses their Person of the
Year, someone who embodies Slow Food values.
UK Winner indicates overall winner for the UK in addition to the nation award.
Retailer of the Year UK WINNER Slemish Market Garden
Producer of the Year Counter Culture Real Bread
Cook of the Year David Holden, Middletown
Newcomer (under two years) Award Coan Coffee Kircubbin Farm
Food Product of the Year Sourdough focaccia. Counter Culture
