The best of the west
By John Barry
West Cork is set to serve up a buffet of 265 fascinating events in 50 towns and villages, and nine islands as the Taste of West Cork Food Festival comes to town.
With a creative culinary reputation earned over the last 16 years, the festival promises to new heights with a smorgasbord of events for food fans. From Baltimore to Bandon, Clonakilty to Courtmacsherry, Beara to Bantry, every corner of West Cork is set to host a culinary experience as part of the festival.
The event is being coordinated with the Australian Embassy with the Ambassador to Ireland, His Excellency Richard Andrews, launching the festival in July. A team of four Australian indigenous chefs from the National Indigenous Culinary Institute will showcase Australian furthermore with their unique ‘bush tucker’ style grub.
The festival line-up will be led by twin brothers Luke and Samuel Bourke of Sydney’s Rockpool restaurant, aided by junior chefs David Gray and Joshua Moore. The team will work alongside West Cork’s chefs to bring an eclectic food offering during this ground-breaking visit.
Billed as Ireland’s largest food festival, the event will come to a boil on Friday 6 September, simmering until 15 September. The highlight of this year’s festival will be a culinary collaboration, and possible cook-off, between West Cork’s best chefs, four Australian chefs, and four returning US chefs.
A Taste of West Cork will also welcome popular Irish and European chefs including Ahmet Dede of Mews Restaurant, Baltimore, Robbie Krawczyk of Restaurant Chestnut, Ballydehob, Michael Quinn, formerly Waterford Castle and Ballymaloe House and the in-demand Happy Pear, Stephen and David Flynn.
Speaking at the launch, volunteer chairperson Helen Collins said: “The groundswell of support and unity that West Cork has displayed to date in promoting this unique region is heart-lifting. It’s quite a feat to have buy-in from 50 towns, villages and island to this initiative.”
Avid foodies are advised to visit atasteofwestcok.com where the full programme of events is listed. To book accommodation/events and to see details of each venue, browse the programme online or pick up a hard copy locally. The Artisan Food Guide is available from selected book shops throughout West Cork.