Michelin Starred restaurateur Michael Deane dishes on Northern Ireland’s tasty produce

NORTHERN Ireland’s Year of Food and Drink 2016 is a celebration of everything delicious about this place, the epic landscapes, traditions and people that make our food and drink. With a full year’s worth of foodie experiences, there is no better time for visitors to enjoy a true taste of Northern Ireland.

Michelin starred restaurateur, Michael Deane, and local food and drink producers came together recently to showcase where some of our most delicious food comes from – plot to plate!

Our locations and landscapes are the foundations of our food and drink heritage. Our lush landscape of scenic lakes and loughs, rich green fields and Atlantic and Irish Sea waters have all contributed to our vast local produce and this rich heritage has become a much loved commodity by the people of NI including chefs, bar tenders and hoteliers.

Tourism NI’s Communication & Destination PR Officer, Rachel Quigg, said: “Plenty of our home-grown creations are classics – think Armagh’s Bramley Apples, Comber’s Early Potatoes and Lough Neagh’s Eels.  And with soda, potato and veda bread under our belts (often literally) we’re well accustomed to using our loaf. Our Glenarm Shorthorn Beef is considered the best in the world and Bushmills Whiskey is an icon. 

“We’re experiencing a spectacular renaissance of artisan food and drink companies in Northern Ireland and it’s earning us a tasty reputation. Hercules Brewery from Belfast has scooped a Gold Medal for its Yardsman Lager at the 54th Monde Selection International Quality Awards and is loved by many a Michelin starred restaurant,” added Rachel.

Michelin starred restaurateur, Michael Deane, said he adores Northern Ireland and its food and drink culture:  “Northern Ireland’s produce is exceptional and I cannot speak highly enough about it.  As restaurateurs it is thrilling to know that we have world class food and drink available to us on our doorstep which we use to great effect in Eipic, and our other restaurants.

“Our produce has come on leaps and bounds since my early days as a chef.  There used to be limited supply and a lack of confidence on how to best nurture and cook our produce but that has changed dramatically. We are now so enthusiastic about using locally sourced produce as it is top class!

“These days we make a point of visiting the farms, fields and breweries of our producers as we want to know the provenance of our food and drink so we can pass it onto our customers, who are as eager to hear about it as we are,” concluded Michael.

Michael Deane and his team at all seven of his restaurants source produce from many quality suppliers including Carnbrooke Meats, David Love Cameron’s vegetables and Hercules Brewery’s lager.

Carnbrooke Meats is born out of quality, passion and experience. They source traditional breeds directly from small farmers to supply to their customers. Carnbrooke have a purpose built dry-aging chamber on site so all of their beef is aged as required by the individual customer.

Hercules Brewing Company is made out of great local craftsmanship. Their produce is a unique offering in the local craft beer market, Yardsman lager’s brewing process includes filtering locally sourced raw materials including Irish lager malt, home grown yeast and Belfast water through Irish linen and allowing the lager to mature for a six week period.

David Love Cameron is a gardener and former postman from Whiteabbey whose late-blooming love for horticulture has seen him revive an almost lost heritage. David is a man who has literally gone back to his roots to recapture the best from Northern Ireland’s culinary past and provide top rated vegetables to chefs at home and abroad.

Deanes EIPIC Michelin Starred Head Chef, Danni Barry, has created the Mourne Lamb, Comber potatoes & Walled Garden leaves dish using the aforementioned produce so budding cooks should give it a go at home!

Mourne Lamb, Comber potatoes & Walled Garden leaves

INGREDIENTS:

1 x 300 – 400g rack of lamb

200ml Chicken stock

1 carrot

1 celery

1 onion

4 tomatoes

1 sprig rosemary

100ml red wine

4 New Season potatoes

1 large bunch of wild garlic

1 bunch of chard leaves or kale

60g Abernethy butter

METHOD:

Remove the lamb loin from the bones (a butcher can do this for you).

Roast the bones in a hot oven 200˚C for 15 mins.

In a saucepan cook the carrot, celery and onion until golden brown add the tomatoes and cook until soft.

Add the red wine, boil and simmer for 5 mins.  Pour in the chicken stock and add the roasted bones.

Cook for 20 mins, pass through a sieve and reduce to a sauce consistency.

Sprinkle the lamb with sea salt and some chopped rosemary and allow to sit at room temperature for 10 mins.

Scrub the skin of the new potatoes and boil in salted water for 12 mins.

When cooked slice lengthways and colour the exposed side in a hot pan with some rapeseed oil, once it’s a deep golden colour add the butter and allow to foam.  Place in the oven for 5 – 6 mins.

In a hot pan colour the loin of lamb on all sides and place in an oven at 180˚C for 6 – 8 mins.

Allow to rest for 2 mins and carve.

Wilt the greens in some butter and serve with the potatoes and lamb.

For more information on Year of Food & Drink 2016 visit www.discovernorthernireland.com/yearoffoodanddrink2016.  You can keep up to date with what’s happening on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using #EnjoyNI16.

~ Tourism Ireland’s latest ‘Door of Thrones’ is in Gracehill House, near the iconic Dark Hedges ~

7 June 2016 – Episode seven of season six of Game of Thrones® aired last night (Monday, 6 June) and Tourism Ireland unveiled its latest ‘Door of Thrones’ – in Gracehill House near Ballymoney, just metres from perhaps the most iconic filming location in HBO’s fantasy drama, the Dark Hedges, known to fans as the Kingsroad.

The material used to make Tourism Ireland’s ‘Doors of Thrones’ is literally a part of Game of Thrones® history – it comes from two of the 200-year old trees at the Dark Hedges, which were destroyed during Storm Gertrude this winter. With the help of some artistic carpentry, the wood is being used to create a a series of ten carved doors, each one telling the story of an episode from season six. At the end of each episode, the location of the latest door is revealed by Tourism Ireland to Game of Thrones® fans around the world. The doors can be admired in pubs, restaurants and other venues across Northern Ireland. It’s all part of Tourism Ireland’s 2016 Game of Thrones® campaign – which is being rolled out around the world until the end of June (when season six ends), showcasing Northern Ireland to millions of GoT fans worldwide.

Given that Gracehill house is the home of the royal descendant who planted the Dark Hedges trees over 200 years ago, it is particularly fitting then that this week’s door is now hanging there. Echoing scenes from last night’s episode, it features striking designs and depicts three-eyed ravens.

Tourism Ireland has also unveiled its seventh – limited edition – Game of Thrones® stamp, another element of its campaign, produced in conjunction with the Royal Mail.

Creating the doors…

Northern Ireland’s favourite pizzeria, Little Wing has launched an exciting new mobile game.

The popular home grown pizzeria group partnered with University of Ulster design students, tasking them with creating the design concept for their first ever mobile game, ‘Wingin’ It’, which is now available to download free from the Apple App Store and Google Play.

University of Ulster BDes (Hons) Interaction Design students, Inga Hampton and Andy Whann jumped at the chance to get involved in the exciting project and stepped up to the plate with innovative concepts for the game. The students’ ideas were then brought to life by local developer, Chris Coleman.

‘Wingin’ It’ challenges players to make pizzas from the Little Wing menu; gamers must catch toppings on a winged pizza base as they fall from the sky whilst avoiding hitting any pesky clouds.

Players from as young as four years old will find themselves quickly immersed in the addictive game, becoming more and more determined to beat their high scores. And with the ‘Winging It’ high scores to be displayed on leader boards in each of Little Wing’s six restaurants, the pressure is on for pizza lovers to hone their skills.

The game is the next stage in a series of ongoing investments in Little Wing’s digital offering, following the launch of its new website www.littlewingpizzeria.com earlier this year.

Players can download the game on both the Apple App Store and Google Play, so whether you are in one of the six Little Wing restaurants, or the comfort of your own home, you can grab a ‘pizza the action’.

Commenting on the launch, Luke Wolsey, Managing Director, Little Wing Pizzeria said:

“Little Wing Pizzeria has six successful branches in Northern Ireland and we are always looking for opportunities to grow and develop our offering. The decision to get involved with the University of Ulster was easy and we were thrilled to see the quality of the ideas that students submitted.

“Inga and Andy really impressed us with their designs, as they captured the family fun ethos of Little Wing perfectly. We hope that working with Little Wing will help them to develop and build their experience for future.

“I am confident the new game will add an extra element of fun for our customers, young and old, and I look forward to seeing the high scores rolling in.”

Commenting on her involvement with the concept of the Little Wing game, Inga Hampton said: “Getting the opportunity to be involved with the concept and design of a brand new game for Little Wing was very exciting. We are thrilled to have been given this opportunity and to see our ideas become a reality.”

Andy Whann added: “Having this experience has been great to help us build up our skills for the work place in future and will make a great addition to our CVs. We can’t wait to download the game for ourselves and see what high scores we can get.”

The new Little Wing ‘Wingin’ It’ game is available now for free download on the Apple App Store and Google Play.  For further information visit www.littlewingpizzeria.com, or follow Little Wing on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram (LittleWingPizzeria).

The Experience Ards and North Down 2016 tours programme is a unique series of guided coach, boat and walking tours, which allow you to experience some of the unique sights and attractions the area has to offer.

Sit back and relax on a coach trip to one of the Borough’s beautiful stately homes, find out more on an historical walk, or take to the water on a boat trip down Belfast or Strangford Lough.  Also included is the opportunity for children to enjoy learning about the world around them through nature trails – hunting for mini beasts and sea creatures at Millisle Beach, making bird boxes at Crawfordsburn Country Park and discovering the wildlife and birds that make Killynether Wood in Newtownards their home. Experience Ards and North Down Tours have something for everyone!

Download the brochure for the full range from visitardsandnorthdown.com and book your tickets on-line or from Ards, Bangor, Cockle Row and Portaferry Visitor Information Centres.

This week’s tours:

Strangford Lough Boat Tour Saturday 11 & 26 June, 2pm – 4pm

Take time away from the fast pace of everyday life and enjoy the magnificent scenery and fascinating wildlife of Strangford Lough.

Tickets:  £8 (Children under 14 accompanied by adult £4)

For further information contact Portaferry Visitor Information Centre 028 4272 9882

Comber Historical Walking Tour Sunday 12 June, 2pm – 4pm

Join this tour to discover points of interest as you stroll through the home town of Thomas Andrews designer of the Titanic.

Tickets:  £3

For further information contact Ards Visitor Information Centre 028 9182 6846

Helen’s Bay in Two World Wars Sunday 12 June, 2.30pm – 4.30pm

This fascinating tour starts with a visit to St John’s Parish Church, exploring its strong historical connections to both World Wars, then proceeds to Grey Point Fort, via the Bayburn Trail.

Tickets:  £3

For further information contact Bangor Visitor Information Centre 028 91270069

Titanic Belfast has been nominated alongside Buckingham Palace, La Sagrada Familia, The Eiffel Tower and The Roman Colosseum to become Europe’s Leading Visitor Attraction at the World Travel Awards.

The world’s largest Titanic visitor experience has been nominated in the prestigious awards, which have been nicknamed the ‘Tourism Oscars’. It is the first time an attraction in Northern Ireland has been nominated in the awards 23 year history.

It is now competing for the top spot in Europe against the following leading attractions – the Acropolis, Athens, Buckingham Palace, England, Guinness Storehouse, Dublin, La Sagrada Familia, Spain, Ribeira do Porto, Portugal, The Eiffel Tower, France and The Roman Colosseum, Italy.

To prove that Northern Ireland is home to Europe’s leading tourist attraction, the iconic Titanic Belfast needs local support.

Titanic Belfast Chief Executive, Tim Husbands MBE, commented, “We are absolutely thrilled to be nominated for Europe’s Best Tourist Attraction. After only four years in operation, be recognised alongside previous winners and iconic European landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and the Roman Colosseum and noted as one of them, is a true honour. We know what we offer at Titanic Belfast is special, something our city and country can be proud of, and deserves to be recognised on a worldwide stage! To do so, we need you help – PLEASE vote and help us be crowned Europe’s Leading Tourist Attraction!”

Since opening in 2012, Titanic Belfast has established itself as a world-class attraction on the local, national and international stage, having welcomed over 2.8 million visitors. It was recently included in Lonely Planet’s Ultimate Travelist of 500 of the world’s most striking locations, featuring everything from imposing temples to hidden gems, after only three years in operation and was named the ninth best rated museum in the UK Travellers’ Choice™ awards, announced by TripAdvisor.

To vote for Titanic Belfast as Europe’s leading tourist attraction, visit http://www.worldtravelawards.com/vote-for-titanic-belfast-europes-leading-tourist-attraction-2016 before 20th July 2016.

Celebrate the Summer Solstice with something different.  We have a little murder planned at the Navan Centre, so if you fancy yourself as a Poirot?

Put your little grey cells to the test on Friday 17^th June as King Conor invites you to join him at the Navan Centre & Fort, Armagh to celebrate the Summer Solstice.

From 7.00pm – 10.00pm, King Conor plans a night of feasting and entertainment befitting to the Solstice but before the buffet is served a murder takes place.  Can you help solve the murder?

Promises to be a night of great fun for just £20.00 per person, children aged 12 years and under are charged £8.00 per child.

Booking in advance is essential.  Book your tickets today on www.armagh.co.uk/solstice or call 028 3752 9644

For information please contact: Navan Centre, 81 Killylea Road, Armagh.  BT60 4LD.  Tel 028 3752 9644 or www.navan.com

THE annual Armoy Road Races, which take place on 29^th and 30^th July 2016, will once again benefit the local tourism industry by boosting visitor numbers to the area.

Now in its eight year, Armoy Road Races continue to attract large crowds of spectators and bike enthusiasts. Following last year’s record number of spectators who attended the event, the race organisers are confident that they’re on course for another vast turn out.

Chairman of the Armoy Motorcycle Road Racing Club, William Munnis said, “The Armoy Road Races is well established in the calendar of events that take place in the Causeway Coast and Glens. Now a week long event, the races encourage visitors to stay in the vicinity and gives them the opportunity to visit some local attractions such as the Giant’s Causeway, along with other local tourists attractions such as the Dark Hedges as well as our beautiful coast and glens.

“Armoy and the surrounding area has so much to offer visitors and we appreciate the support we receive as it is essential that we attract people to the area to sustain businesses and to keep our economy afloat.  If the Armoy Road Races helps to highlight the area in some way, then we are incredibly proud of that.”

Local hotelier, Trevor Kane who owns the Bayview Hotel in Portballintrae and sponsors the Supersport Race 2 said, “The continued growth and popularity of the Armoy Road Races really is testament to the effort and support put in by the Armoy Motorcycle Road Racing Club. To have such a great event, which is unique to the area, just on our doorstep is a brilliant opportunity for encouraging visitors to stay and enjoy all the area has to offer.

“I wouldn’t miss the road races and more importantly I see visitors return to Armoy each year and also to the Bayview Hotel because of them. We have tourists from across Ireland, North and South, as well as international road racing fans coming to the races. This leads to money going straight into the local economy as the visitors support local businesses.”

The Armoy Road Races is part funded by Tourism Northern Ireland and Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council. Bike Week runs from Sunday 24^th July until Saturday 30^th July 2016 with the SGS International ‘Race of Legends’ featuring on the Saturday 30^th July 2016.

For more information visit www.amrrc.com or search for ‘AMRRC’ on Facebook and join the official fan page and you can also follow us on twitter at @ArmoyRoadRaces.

BuskFest is back and calling on all musicians, singers, bands, solo artists and street performers to register for Ireland’s fastest growing busking festival, which takes place in Banbridge town centre on Saturday 25 June.

The musical menagerie will battle it out in front of an appreciative public audience in the hope of picking up a share of the superb £3000 cash pot.

The competition runs from 1.00pm – 4.30pm and concludes with the all important prize-giving ceremony hosted by BBC Radio Ulster’s Ralph McLean in the town’s Solitude Park from 4.30pm – 6.00pm. The marvellous Matt McGinn & Friends will kick start the prize-giving event with a foot stomping, sing-a-long, crowd pleasing performance before the winners of each of the six categories are announced.

Categories include overall winner, best individual, best band, best junior performer, best performance which is sponsored by Banbridge Chamber of Commerce and the ‘Spirit of BuskFest’ prize, sponsored by The Outlet, Banbridge.

As well as a superb cash prize, the overall winner will also land a spot on the line-up at Sunflowerfest which takes place from 5 – 7 August 2016 at Tubby’s Farm, Hillsborough plus receive a live acoustic video recording by The Garage Project.

In addition to the musical merriment in the town centre an Artisan Food Market, celebrating NI’s Year of Food & Drink will offer up the best of the Borough’s local produce as well as tasty treats from further afield in Solitude Park from 11am – 6pm.

Speaking at the launch Deputy Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Councillor Brendan Curran said, “I am delighted to be part of BuskFest. Now in its 13^th year this annual musical celebration has grown both in numbers participating as well as visitors to the town centre.  BuskFest is an excellent opportunity for musicians from near and far to showcase their talents and is a great day out for all the family to enjoy. From budding buskers to seasoned singers everyone is welcome to be part of this exceptional event”

Online registration for BuskFest is now open at www.buskfest.com, further details can also be found on the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/buskfest.

This year’s must-see summer exhibition, ‘Race to the End of the Earth’, which will be on display at Titanic Belfast, from 25th June to 28th August has touched down in Belfast for its premier in the UK and Ireland.

This is the first-time an exhibition from the American Museum of Natural History, which has been described by the New York Times as “engrossing”, has visited the UK and Ireland.

The word-class exhibition, which will be in Titanic Belfast’s Andrews Gallery, is a must-see for kids, parents and explorer enthusiasts alike to learn about the most stirring account of Antarctic exploration of all time – Scott versus Amundsen.

Through a series of interactive, multimedia experiences, hands on activities and life-size recreations, the world-class exhibit explores the ‘Race to the End of the Earth’ by two teams with one goal. Northern Ireland visitors for the first time will be brought back in time to follow in the footsteps of Norwegian Amundsen and Britain’s Scott as they embark on a 1,800-mile journey to be the first to reach the South Pole, showing what life was like for the explorers on the ice 100 years ago as they faced not only the ultimate limits of human endurance but some of the harshest weather conditions in the world, as well of the risk of starvation and frostbite.

Chief Executive of Titanic Belfast, Tim Husbands MBE, said “The Race is certainly on – we are delighted to be working with the American Museum of Natural History to bring this exhibition to UK and Ireland for the first-time! Scott and Amundsen were at the forefront of the heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration, many people including Shackleton (who was from County Kerry) and local explorer Crozier from Banbridge where inspired and followed in their footsteps! Now Northern Ireland audiences can follow in their footsteps and experience one of the greatest challenges of exploration at our must-see ‘Race to the End of the Earth’ exhibition. Antarctica is no longer the last place on earth – it’s right on our doorstep this summer.”

Race to the End of the Earth is organized by the American Museum of Natural History, New York (www.amnh.org), in collaboration with Musée des Confluences, Lyon, France, and Royal BC Museum, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.

Titanic Belfast’s continues to raise its profile on the national and international stage as a world-class attraction and has now welcomed over 2.8 million visitors. It was also recently included in Lonely Planet’s Ultimate Travelist of 500 of the world’s most striking locations, featuring everything from imposing temples to hidden gems, after only three years in operation and was named the ninth best rated museum in the UK Travellers’ Choice™ awards, announced by TripAdvisor. For more information, visit www.titanicbelfast.com.

Celebrity chef Rachel Allen will be cooking up a storm and whipping up a treat at Lurgan Show on Saturday 4th June!

Hosted by award-winning chef and proprietor of the Yellow Door Deli, Simon Dougan, the fabulous Food Heartland event has been organised by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council.

Taking place from 10am – 5pm, renowned chef Rachel Allen will be cooking up a wide range of delicious local dishes and delicacies, featuring our very own Lough Neagh Eels and Bramley Apples! She will also be dishing out some handy hints and tips on home cooking and visitors will have the opportunity to ask any questions they have on how to procuce the perfect feast!

And that’s not all, there will be also be tasty chef demonstrations and cooking tips from skilled members of the Food Heartland Forum, including: The Moody Boar Bistro & Restaurant, The Armagh City Hotel, Uluru Bar and Grill and Yellow Door Deli, Portadown.

After whetting your appetite with the cookery demonstrations you can tantalise your taste buds at the flavoursome Food Heartland Village. There will be gorgeous grub from Abernethy Butter, Wilson’s Country Potatoes, Burren Balsamics, Harnett Oils, Long Meadow Cider (trading non-alcoholic produce only), Yellow Door Deli, Heavenly Cupcakes and Quail’s.

Interactive cookery demos, free prize draws and merchandise and a delicious Food Heartland Village – there really is something for all you foodies out there this weekend! Come along for a great day out!

Cost into Lurgan Show is:  General Show Admission – £6.00, Senior Citizens/Under 16’s – £3.00 or Family Admission – £20.00. Once paid, entry into Food Heartland event and cookery demonstrations is FREE.

For further information log onto www.discovercraigavon.com or www.facebook.com/discovercraigavon