Menu of Moyle delights Minister

Minister Michelle Gildernew MP MLA has congratulated the winners of the prestigious Menu of Moyle Awards which champions local food producers and eating establishments.

This unique local eateries competition has grown from strength-to-strength, as its celebration of Moyle’s local food sees competitors creating menus using at least 60% of ingredients sourced from local producers.

Produce available ranges from beef, lamb, eggs, herbs and vegetables to locally caught seafood, freshly baked traditional breads and home-made chocolates. Restaurants, cafes, coffee shops, pubs and inns are all encouraged to serve up unique dishes that have been inspired by what the area has to offer.

Speaking at the Menu of Moyle Awards ceremony in the Bushmills Distillery, Minister Gildernew said: “With the importance of buying ‘local food’ becoming an increasingly recognised issue in today’s world, there is a growing understanding among consumers about the benefits of buying locally. Purchasing direct from local producers not only helps us ensure our food is fresh, nutritious, tasty and traceable, but by buying in this way we also support our local businesses and local economy.

“This is a fantastic district-wide food initiative aimed at promoting and developing local producers and encouraging the local restaurant trade to ‘buy local'.

“I would congratulate all of the winners and indeed all of the competitors who have showcased their creative skills in imaginative, locally-inspired dishes. And I have no doubt this competition will continue to be a huge success as it promotes the use of quality local produce in new and exciting ways.”

Seventeen establishments took part in the Menu of Moyle competition as mystery judges in the district sampled menus to decide on this year’s winners.

Notes to editors:

1. The Menu of Moyle Awards was launched in 2007 and is funded by Moyle District Council’s Economic Development programme.
2. The awards ceremony was attended also by Ian Dempsey, Chief Executive of West Cork Development Partnership.
3. All media queries should be directed to the DARD Press Office on 028 9052 4619. Out of office hours please contact the duty press office via pager number 07699 715440 and your call will be returned.