A Taste of West Cork Food Festival
Skibbereen, West Cork, Ireland
13th - 20th September 2010

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This year the ever-popular Food Festival included :-

- three food and craft markets including the amazing Family Fun Day (watch the All-Ireland on our enormous screen - free bouncy castle for the kids!),

- food tastings, cookery demonstrations,

- a photo exhibition, dining experiences,

- live music, guided walks, teddy bears' picnic

- schools cookery competiton....... and lots more beside! 

To see a copy of the full printed Programme for the Food Festival - click these links Programme1 : Programme2
or simply read on....

General enquiries please contact Eilis Cohalan 086 2223531.

To take part as a Trader in the great  Open Air Food & Craft Market on Sun 20th September - please complete & return the appropriate application form.
Food Traders' Form / Craft Traders' Form. Spaces are limited - so don't delay! 
Contact for Food and Craft Exhibitors - Alan Binley 0862582663

The Grandmothers' Recipie Competition !

We are delighted to announce the details of Grandmother’s Recipe Competition in conjunction with Darina Allen of the famous Ballymaloe dynasty.

Children under the age of 12 years are asked to gather their Granny’s favourite recipe and together with their own artwork or photos show various scenes of life in the kitchen with their Granny.

First prize is a day at Ballymaloe Cookery School for the winning Grandmother and Grandchild, this prize is kindly donated by the Allen family.

All entries will be displayed at Abbeystrewery Church Hall during the food festival on Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th September. The committee will then produce a book of selected entries to be sold in aid of local charities, Co-action and Cope for Christmas 2009.

Please send completed entries to Jennifer Conradie, Over The Moon Restaurant, 46 Bridge St, Skibbereen, West Cork by 16th September 2009.

For further information please contact: Clare Gallagher 087 0692360 – 028 21987

Food Festival 2009 Highlights

The Taste of West Cork food festival brings together an unique mix of food markets and demonstrations, cookery competitions, special dinners, brunches & banquets, food-tastings, childrens' events, a photo competition and exhibition, guided walks, boat tours and some great live music!

supported by West Cork's own Paul Fahy

 

	Thursday 10th September ‘LET FOOD BE YOUR MEDICINE’ 6.30pm at the Riverside Cafe, North Street With Naturopathic Nutritionists, Ann Darcy and Majella O’ Neill -   A presentation on how certain food can be utilised to prevent and treat disease Followed by Delicious & Healthy Tapas at the Riverside Café! Presentation only  €5.00 Presentation & Tapas €25.00 For Bookings Tel: 028 40090
	Friday 11th September - Eat at Sadlier's - and pay what you think it's worth! Dinner at Sadlier's Restaurant, North St. Skibbereen. Enjoy a 3 course meal and guess what? - you pay what you feel the meal is worth. See the Menu here Time: 5pm - 10pm - Cost: What every you feel the meal is worth (drinks not included) To book call Tracey or Johnathon 028 23488
	"Travels from Kenmare to India" Saturday 12th - 7pm - adm free Jake Bullough will present a short video and talk on his travels from Kenmare to India in Skibbereen Youth Café on Saturday, September 12th at 7 p.m. sharp as part of A Taste of West Cork Food Festival events.   Video pieces, with backing tracks from Christy Moore and Sinead O’Connor, show various people Jake met on this journey, as well as snow storms, deserts, cities and countryside. His adventures, told in his first book, Curious Companions, provide a taster for the would-be wanderer.  Admission free.
	Monday 14th  to Saturday 19th September Exhibition of Old and Vintage Cookery Books at Skibbereen Library We are looking for old cookery books - so if you have one that you can lend to the Library for the week then they promise to take good care of it. There's a prize of Dinner for Two for the oldest Cookery Book! Contact Michael Plaice 028 22400
	Monday 14th September - Meat Masterclass with William Walsh, Butcher - hosted by food writer and broadcaster Dianne Curtin. Price €20 per person. Time: 7pm-9.30pm at Tom Walsh's Butchers, Bridge St, Skibbereen. Contact Dianne 086 00676249 Learn more about the traditional art of the craft butcher with your host, well known food writer and broadcaster, Dianne Curtin This highly enjoyable evening of food education provides an opportunity to see the craft butcher in action in his own premises.   Evening includes butchery visit and demonstrations by local butcher, William Walsh of Tom Walsh Butchers, Bridge St.  Find out which cuts suit which methods of cooking.  Learn about hanging meat for best flavour and get tips on the most economical cuts for family eating.  Recipes provided on the night.  The evening will end with a convivial gathering at Annie May's afterwards, where we will enjoy a meat tasting and glass of wine and Dianne will dispense tips on cooking the various meats and cuts.  Numbers limited so booking essential.  More details available on request.
	Tues 15th September - Photo Exhibition Launch Venue: The West Cork Hotel, Ilen Street. 028 21277 Time: 6.30pm Contact: Eilis Cohalan for information 086 2223531   THE MINIHANE FAMILY - MAGICAL MEMORIES THROUGH THE LENS Michael, Denis and Ann Minihane, live their lives through the lens of the camera.  For over 50 years, Skibbereen native, Michael Minihane recorded the life and times of this area of rural Ireland. An employee, of the then called Cork Examiner, not a week went by that one or more of Michael’s photo’s appeared in the paper and Evening Echo.  Two of his children now carry on the tradition. Award winning photographer Denis works with the Irish Examiner following in the foot steps of his father, and Anne, Michael’s daughter, is based in Skibbereen where she is a freelance photographer with much of her work being published in the Southern Star and other publications.   This exhibition features works from their most memorable moments, capturing history as it happened and invoking a sense of timelessness which will enable future generations to delve into a past that may well be forgotten but for these wonderful photographic records. The Photo Exhibition will run for the duration of the Food Festival at The West Cork Hotel.
	Tues 15th September - Neven Maguire Cookery Demonstration - 8pm at the West Cork Hotel, Ilen Street - Tickets €20 available from The West Cork Hotel 028 21277 info@westcorkhotel.com Contact: Eilis Cohalan 086 2223531 for more info. Still in his thirties, award-winning chef Neven Maguire began cooking at 12 years of age in the kitchen of the family restaurant, MacNean’s in Blacklion, Co. Cavan. In 2003, Neven took over the business as Head Chef and Proprietor.  Neven recently appeared on RTE with his new series of ‘Neven’s Food from the Sun’ the accompanying book, Neven’s fifth, is available now in all good book stores.  Neven contributes a regular feature to RTE Radio 1’s Marian Finucane show and writes a weekly column and recipe feature in the Irish Farmers Journal. www.macneanrestaurant.com
	Wed 16th - Final of the Schools Cookery Competition Venue: Mercy Heights Secondary School Time 11am - 1pm Contact: Clare Gallagher 0870692360 – 028 21987, or Eilis Cohalan 086 2223531 The fifth Taste of West Cork Schools Cookery Competition is being held in conjunction with A Taste Of West Cork Food Festival. The aim of this competition is to give students at secondary school level the opportunity to showcase their culinary skills and also make them aware of the wonderful variety of food produce that is available throughout West Cork.  Celebrity and award winning chef, Neven Maguire, will judge the competition again this year along with local award winning food producer, Sally Barnes.  The lucky winners and their teacher will enjoy 2 days at Neven Maguire’s Restaurant and Guest House - MacNean House and Restaurant, Co Cavan. www.macneanrestaurant.com
	Wed 16th - Wine-tasting evening Venue: Seats on Market St, Time: 7pm – 8.30pm Cost: €10.00 Includes finger food Contact: Eilis Cohalan 086 2223531 Enjoy an tutored and informative Wine Tasting Evening at Seats Café, Market St With Michael Kane of Curious Wines, Bypass Business Park, Bandon. www.curiouswines.ie Sample a variety of wines in a relaxed, informal atmosphere and learn about different grapes and countries.
	Wed 16th - Fun Table Quiz Venue:  Baby Hannah’s Bar, Bridge St.  Great prizes to be won. Time: 9pm Cost €40.00 per table, teams of 4 Contact: Margaret McInerney 086 3623709  Come along and enjoy a fun evening at Baby Hannah’s Bar. There will be a variety of questions to suit all tastes. Quiz master on the night is Cian O’ Mahony.  Great prizes to be won.
	Thurs 17th -  Sushi Demonstration at Apple Betty's Cafe A first for the Food Festival! Enjoy a ‘make and taste’ session with Mamiko who will demonstrate how to make Sushi. Venue    Apple Betty’s Cafe, The Square Time: 5pm – 6pm Cost: Free  Contact: Celine or Liz 028 51833
	Thurs 17th - A Taste of West Cork Banquet Venue: The Church Restaurant, Bridge St Time: Drinks reception 7.30pm Cost: €50.00 ( This event is fully booked – sorry!) Contact: Jennifer Conradie  028 22100 SORRY - ALL TICKETS FOR THE BANQUET ARE SOLD ! Book early for other food Festival events to avoid disappointment... Sample the delights of West Cork food produce prepared and presented by the innovative and talented chefs of Skibbereen Restaurants in the newly refurbished and magnificent surroundings of The Church Restaurant. This is an event not to be missed.  Music by Soul Driven.
	Film - Dinner Rush Thursday 17th Sept @ 8pm In association with A Taste of West Cork, Skibbereen’s annual Food Festival, WCAC’s Film Club will screen a special food-themed film to whet the appetites of viewers for the food festivities taking place in the town from 10 to 20 September. Dinner Rush, directed by Bob Giraldi  is set in a fast paced New York Italian restaurant. Viewers follow the owner and his son and head chef, on a busy Friday night. The film features an uptight art critic, a mafioso from Queens, a caustic food critic and a mystery man, just for good measure. The film carries itself with humour and panache throughout. All this and great food too. Membership of the WCAC Film Club is not essential to view a film.  Entrance fee is €7 for non-members. West Cork Arts Centre, North Street, Skibbereen, Co. Cork. Tel: 028 22090 Email: paul@westcorkartscentre.com Web: www.westcorkartscentre.com
	Fri 18th & Sat 19th Instore Food Tastings & demonstration by Clodagh McKenna Venue: Drinagh Co- Op, Market St – 028 21699 Venue: Field’s Supermarket, Main St, - 028 21400 Drinagh Co-Op Supermarket and Field’s Supervalu Supermarket will host in store food tastings, demonstrations Friday and Saturday.  See stores for details. Renowned chef Clodagh McKenna will be instore on Friday 18th and Sat 19th of September giving 2 demonstrations each day at 11am & 3pm. In her own inimitable style Clodagh will keep you entertained while using quality local produce to create healthy, fun and cost-effective meals. Please join us and we will show you that food is fun with Fields Supervalu & Clodagh McKenna. Look out also instore for great food tastings from leading local suppliers including Gubbeen Cheese, Caherbeg Pork, Glenilen Farms & Union Hall Smoked Fish.
	Fri 18th Skibbereen Country Market Venue: Abbeystrewry Church Hall Time: 12noon – 2pm Contact: Breda Grinsell 086 1963687 Visit the Country Market and sample the delights and pure goodness of locally grown and home cooked fare.  Come along and enjoy free demonstrations plus lots of samplings.  Lunches available from a selection of the best of home made soups, quiches, salads and cakes.
	Fri 18th 'Healthy food for School Children' Presentation by Maureen Hernon, Food Coach. Maureen will discuss childrens nutritional needs, diets, lunch box tips and ideas. Venue: Abbeystrewry Church Hall,  Time:12.30pm - 1.30pm Cost: Entry free Contact Maureen Hernon 086 8035686 www.foodforyou.ie
	Fri 18th - Brian Kennedy pre-concert dinner Enjoy a pre concert dinner or early bird meal at the following restaurants Annie May’s Restaurant, Bridge St, 028 22930 Kalbo’s Café, North Street,             028 21515 Over the Moon, Bridge St                028 22100 Riverside Restaurant, North St.        028 40090 Sadlier’s Restaurant, North St,        028 23488 The Church Restaurant, Bridge St,   028 23625 The West Cork Hotel,                     028 21277 Contact: Participating restaurants for further details and information on early bird specials.
	Fri 18th - Brian Kennedy in Concert - supported by West Cork's own Paul Fahy Venue; Abbeystrewry Church, Bridge St, (grateful thanks to the Select Vestry for the use of the venue) Time : 8.30pm Cost: Tickets €30.00 available from Thornhill Electrical, Bridge St 028 22557 Belfast born Brian Kennedy is one of the country’s best loved and most renowned singer songwriters. Brian really came to prominence as one of Van Morrison’s backing singers.He joins us for one night only for an intimate concert in the beautiful setting of Abbeystrewry Church.
	Sat 19th - Autumn Sunrise in West Cork Time: 10am Venue: The West Cork Hotel Price; €15.00 per person for Continental Buffet and Plated Breakfast. Contact: The West Cork Hotel, 028 21277 Enjoy a breakfast selection of the best West Cork Produce.  Guest speakers Avril Allshire of Caherbeg Free Range Pork Produce and Rosscarbery Recipe Range and Sally Barns of Woodcock Smokery will give an informative talk on their award winning produce.
	Sat 19th - Joint Farmers' Market and Country Market Time: 10am – 2pm Venue: The Fair Field, Skibbereen Contact: Adrian Brentnall 028 37593 Visit Skibbereen Farmers Market, (in conjunction with the Country Market) for a wide selection of local food and craft.  Many of the well known local food  producers will be there – with eggs, smoked meats, cheese, bread and cakes, organic vegetables, fish, olives and a whole host of things to take away or taste/eat on the day. Crafts range from art to wood carving with stained glass, jewellery, metal work and a great selection of bric–a-brac.  Live music in aid of West Cork Animal Welfare -  and craft demonstration. www.skibbereenmarket.com
	Sat 19th 'Healthy Meals for Busy Households' Presentation by Maureen Hernon, Food Coach. Maureen will discuss various aspects of this topic such as healthy eating, menu planning and organisation, do's and don'ts for healthy meals.   Venue: Abbeystrewry Church Hall Time: 12.00pm - 1.00pm Cost: Entry Free Contact Maureen Hernon 086 8035686 www.foodforyou.ie
	Sat 19th - In-store food tastings Venue: Drinagh Co- Op, Market St – 028 21699 Venue: Field’s Supermarket, Main St, - 028 21400 Drinagh Co-Op Supermarket and Field’s Supervalu Supermarket will host in store food tastings, demonstrations Friday and Saturday.  See stores for details. Renowned chef Clodagh McKenna will be instore at Fields Supavalue on Friday 18th and Sat 19th of September giving 2 demonstrations each day at 11am & 3pm. In her own inimitable style Clodagh will keep you entertained while using quality local produce to create healthy, fun and cost-effective meals. Please join us and we will show you that food is fun with Fields Supervalu & Clodagh McKenna. Look out also instore for great food tastings from leading local suppliers including Gubbeen Cheese, Caherbeg Pork, Glenilen Farms & Union Hall Smoked Fish.
	Sat 19th - Childrens' Workshop with Sonia Caldwell Time:10.30 pm–12.30 pm Venue: Skibbereen Youth Café, Town Hall, North St Cost: €5.00 Limited to 20 places Contact: Sonia Caldwell 087 0667871 soniacaldwell@eircom.net Come along and enjoy this exciting workshop with Sonia who will show you how to make colourful mosaics from broken eggshells. Age: 5 and upwards   Sat 19th - Childrens' Workshop with Sonia Caldwell Time: 2pm– 4 pm Venue: Skibbereen Youth Café, Town Hall, North St Cost: €5.00 Limited to 20 places Contact: Sonia Caldwell 087 0667871 soniacaldwell@eircom.net Sonia will work with children from the age of 7 and upwards painting with homemade paints - preparing paints with kitchen and garden ingredients
	Sat 19th Brendan Fyldes Masterclass 3pm at Co-Action. We are delighted to welcome Brendan Fyles - he is the Michelin-starred Head Chef from Bentley's Oysterbar and Grill in Swallow Street,Picadilly, London, - one of Richard Corrigan's flagship restaurants,specialising in fish dishes. Details to be arranged - but guaranteed to be entertaining and educational!
	Sat 19th - Ten Island boat tour of Carbery's 100 Isles This event is back by popular demand again this year.  Enjoy a tour of Roaring Water Bay and Carbery’s 100 Isles on board MV Mystic Water.  Sample local foods and drinks on board. Time: Departs Baltimore at 2.30pm Contact: 028 20218 or 087 2638470
	Sat 19th - PhotoQuest Competition Sponsored by Pierce Hickey Newsagents and Photographer This photography competition involves taking photo's on a given theme within a 2 hour period which associates creativity and repidity with the technical skills of photography.  The winners are those that produce the best photos in the shortest time.  The competition is open to all ages, amateur and professional photographers.  Camera may be either digital or film.  the winning photographys will be displayed at the Open Air Market on Sunday.   Registration at Pierce Hickey's Newsagents at 1pm. Time: 2-4pm Cost: €10.00 per team (teams can consist of 1 to 6 persons) Contact Jennifer Conradie for further information 028 22100 - Rules are here
	Sat 19th - Guided Walk - Lissard Gardens Venue: Meet at the West Cork Hotel Time: 1.45pm Contact: Tim Whooley 087 9079076 Skibbereen Walking Group will host a guided walk from Skibbereen to the wonderful gardens of Lissard Estate, The walk will commence and end at The West Cork Hotel.  Don’t forget to bring your walking boots, light rain gear (hopefully you won’t need it) and bottle of water.
	Sat 19th - Tea Tasting Session Venue:    Apple Betty’s Cafe, The Square, Time: 4pm – 5pm Cost: Free Contact: Celine or Liz 028 51833 Come along and enjoy a Tea Tasting session of Java Republic whole real leaf tea, fruit and herbal infusions at Apple Betty’s Café. Java Republic originally set out to offer a selection of teas that were as good as their award-winning hand roasted coffee.  Since then, they have proved their worth - winning awards at the International Great Taste Awards.  The teas are packed in a hand-sewn silken teabag, each one sealed for flavour in its own foil pouch. This range is completely natural: naturally plucked, naturally dried, no artificial flavourings, no chemical flavourings.
	Sat 19th - Mystery Dine-Out Night! Venue: Meet at Baby Hannah’s Bar Time: 7pm Cost: €35.00 Tickets Available from Over The Moon Restaurant 028 22100 and Kalbo’s Café, North St 028 21515. Back again this year after taking a break last year, this exciting and mysterious night out is fun for those who don’t mind letting us decide where you dine.  It’s very simple, you pay us €35.00 (per person) and we decide where you eat.  First we will all meet at Baby Hannah’s Bar in Bridge Street to get into the party mood and, we will then reveal where you are going to enjoy a night of tantalising food.  Participating restaurants are:   Kalbo’s Café,  Over the Moon, Riverside Restaurant, Sadlier’s Restaurant, The Church Restaurant,  The West Cork Hotel, The Jolly Roger Sherkin Island, Glebe Gardens Baltimore. An Sibin Bar Rath and Casey’s Baltimore.
	Sat 19th - Live Music - at participating locations around the town! See local press & posters for details.
	Sun 20th Open Air Food & Craft Market - A day of Fun for the Whole Family Venue: The Fair Field, off Bridge St Time 11am- 6pm Cost: €5.00 per adult, children and OAP’s free    Contact: Exhibitors - Alan Binley 0862582663 General Enquiries – Eilis Cohalan 086 2223531. An action-packed day with something to suit everybody.  A great selection of local food to sample, eat and take away, cookery demonstrations throughout the day with over 100 exhibitors, live bands and DJ, free bouncy castles, animal park and other kids activities including face-painting, go-carts, rides etc.  Includes a special appearance by Skibbereen Farmers Market - with a comprehensive range of local food and crafts. Cheer on the boys while you watch the Final on our enormous Big Screen ! To take part as a Trader in the great  Open Air Food & Craft Market on Sun 20th September - please complete & return the appropriate application form. Food Traders' Form / Craft Traders' Form Spaces are limited - so don't delay! St Fachtna's Silver Band will play during the afternoon!
	Sun 20th - Guided Walk  - Famine Trail Venue: Meet at The West Cork Hotel Time: 1.45pm Contact: Tim Whooley 087 9079076 Skibbereen Walking Group will host a guided walk of the Famine Trail. The walk will commence and end at The West Cork Hotel.  Don’t forget to bring your walking boots, light rain gear (hopefully you won’t need it) and bottle of water.
	Sun 20th - Childrens' Teddy Bear Picnic Venue: The Fairfield Car Park Time: 3pm Contact: Sonia Caldwell 087 0667871 soniacaldwell@eircom.net A fun and exciting event for children of all ages.  Come and join local artist, Sonia Caldwell, who is hosting a Tea party with a difference.  Bring your teddies and tea sets.  Prizes for the best dressed Teddy Bears.  A great place for parents and kids to congregate.

There are more exciting events taking place during the Festival Weekend, the  programme of events is being updated daily so please keep visiting our site.

For further information: contact Eilis Cohalan Tel: 086 222 3531

 Thank you to our sponsors!