Collaboration was once again the name of the game in Derry/Londonderry on a recent visit by the Irish Food Writers’ Guild - the second to take place within the last year, and plenty more new discoveries already.
The invitation from the LegenDerry Food Network (supported by Derry City and Strabane Council) was to celebrate their annual LegenDerry Food Festival, an initiative that brings suppliers and restaurateurs together to showcase the ever-growing range and quality of the food, drink and hospitality in the north west.
Led by Emily McCorkhill, who brings to reality the vision of a food and hospitality led drive to create jobs and earn a reputation for the region, the month-long event included a wonderful Taste of LegenDerry showcase dinner at James Huey’s trail blazing Walled City Brewery – located at the top of Ebrington Square, which overlooks the Peace Bridge and the old walled city, it was a bravely pioneering business in the area when it opened here in 2014 and is now at the heart of a thriving – and growing – community, including the luxurious Ebrington Hotel & Spa (next door) and the atmospheric Stitch & Weave bar and restaurant, down beside the Peace Bridge.
Beginning with tastings from suppliers, including Foyle Bia Mara oysters, Dart Mountain cheeses, and Redgate Cider, the main event followed in The Tap Room, where some of the region’s top chefs presented an impressive Tasting Menu.
The Acorn Urban Farm alongside Ebrington Square is one of the most exciting developments that the city has ever seen and due to open to the public in August – but it was already able to supply produce for this event, which kicked off with a very special Charred Caulifower starter , which was created by The Walled City Brewery’s chef, Chris Moran, and served with the incomparable Scarpello Bakehouse sourdough.
Other contributing chefs included Umi restaurant’s Sean Lafferty (Salmon nigri), while Shauna and Mark Froydenlund (currently of The Exchange, and with a second restaurant opening soon) presented a memorable 24 Pork Belly with langoustine bisque, made with ingredients from William Grant and Moore on the Quay. To follow, the Ebrington Hotel’s Leigh Thurston gave us a lovely dessert (Amalfi Lemon and Vodka), while producers Julie and Kevin Hickey presented their Dart Mountain cheese with Wee Crafty Beer drizzles and proceedings were rounded off nicely with a specially created Monto chocolate and Walled City’s Brandy Ball Poitin ‘Snifter’ which was launched on the night.
All round a great night and an impressive showcase of the superb produce and that is earning this region a growing reputation for its food and hospitality. And there is so much to do in the city and in the area too – a visit is highly recommended!