On Sunday I left Belfast with Declan Holmes (Gallopers Ale) and Gerry White (Jawbox Gin) to meet up with Wendy Preston for what was an amazing couple of days.
A number of Northern Irish producers were to showcase their products as part of a two day dining experience to celebrate “Taste of Northern Ireland”.
It kicked off at Rowley’s followed by a Michelin dining experience at Fischer’s Baslow Hall under the watchful eye of Michelin starred chef Rupert Rowley.
Declan’s dad, Eamonn Holmes, joined us for the two days. Needless to say, the ‘craic was 90’!
Sunday evening at Rowley’s was relaxed and informal. We were treated to traditional fayre of Irish Stew and Apple Pie followed by a gin inspired quiz from Gerry.
On Monday morning we went for a tour of Chatsworth Farm Shop which is part of Chatsworth Estate owned by the Duke & Duchess of Devonshire.
Monday evening was a Michelin starred meal where each dish was part of a tasting menu created by some of the UK’s best chefs, inspired by NI produce:
Canapés – Andrew Nutter (Nutters Restaurant – Rochdale)
Starter – Steve Smith (The Freemasons at Wiswell)
Fish – Adam Smith (Coworth Park in Ascot)
Main – Mark Poynton (Michelin starred Alimentum in Cambridge)
Dessert – Eddie Attwell (St. Kyrans Country House, Co. Cavan)
NI producers included:
Gallopers Ale
Jawbox Gin
Abernethy Butter
Hannan Meats
Broighter Gold Rapeseed Oil
Glenarm Salmon
Lough Neagh Eel
The dinner was enjoyed by 75 guests who then took part in a raffle to raise £1300 for Teenage Cancer Trust and Macmillan charities.
