Ennis Food Festival 2018 – A Celebration Of Food Glorious Food!
Sponsored by Clare County Council and Ennis Chamber, Ennis Food Festival 2018 has revealed its programme of events to be staged around Ennis from October 11 to 14, and it’s good news – there’s something for everyone!
Highlight events this year include a cook-off at Hotel Woodstock, on Thursday October 11th, which will see Clare hurler Padraig ‘Podge’ Collins pitched against Tracey Guilfoyle of Ireland’s Fittest Family, overseen by celebrity chef Gary O’Hanlon of RTE TV show ‘The Restaurant’, with Fiona McGarry of Clare FM as MC. Bank of Ireland sponsors this event, and admission is free, but you must reserve your place at www.clarelocalenterprise.com
Friday October 12 sees the final of the ‘Home Brew Competition at McHugh’s’, Parnell Street, from 9pm. Members of the public are invited to cast their vote in addition to a panel of expert judges.
On the same evening a Whiskey Trail led by whiskey expert Eric Flynn of Chapel Gate Irish Whiskey starts at 7pm, it takes in Lucas’s Bar, Knox’s, Nora Culligan’s and Cruises.
‘Eat My Shop’ on Saturday October 13 sees local chefs and confectioners paired with 10 shops and asked to create a food to reflect the shop brand they are paired with. The food they prepare will be served between 11 -1pm on Saturday October 13, with bite-sized portions available to sample by the public free of charge. To view the list of shops and their culinary partners, see: www.ennisfoodfestival.com
Cycling enthusiasts are asked to sign up for the ‘Bike Buffet’ on Saturday October 13. It will blend cycling with eating (enjoy your food while working off those calories). First up is a starter served at The Rowan Tree Café, from there the group will cycle to Lees Road woods for lobster rolls or fish with hand cut chips from’ Julia’s Lobster Truck’. Background music will be bike-powered! The final leg of the cycle is back to Ennis to Peckish Vegan Café for dessert. This event to be led by Roisin Garvey of An Taisce Green Schools Travel.
Whether you cycle a high-nelly or a racer, the Bike Buffet is for everyone who enjoys excellent food. If you don’t own a bike, Tierney’s of Abbey St. will rent you one. No excuses! Tickets for the Bike Buffet event and also the Whiskey Trail are available from glór box office on 065 6843103
Saturday will also see the Local Artisan Food Market take place in the Market Building from 11am – 3pm. Chocolate, an assortment of cheese products, smoked salmon, nut butters, jams, pate, pork and lots of other delectable goodies.
Other quirky events taking place over the weekend include, ‘Honey, We Have a Show’ – Working bees will share the magic of how they create honey, in a live show hosted at the Rowan Tree Café with beekeeper Raymond Molloy – from 12 noon to 4pm, Saturday October 13.
An ‘Afterhours Chocolate Adventure’ at Willow boutique from 7pm that evening promises an evening of indulgence in the company of Wilde Irish Chocolates.
However, if your preference is for beer, you can indulge at Dan O’Connell/Square Bar from 6pm – 8pm when they will serve Loudon’s Draught Beer, brewed in Feakle, at the special promotional price of 2 pints for the price of 1 pint (while stocks last!).
Food will not only be consumed during Ennis Food Festival, it will also be appreciated in art form at the ‘Fruit & Veg’ still life exhibition at glór, with a launch on Friday October 12 at 6pm. This group exhibition will feature the work of locally based artists Dorothy Ledwith, Helen Lowe, Richard Sharp, Rena Casey Lewis, Larisa Bevillard, Patsy Ricks, Gloria Pahad, Vonnie Mahar and Angela Butterfield.
On Saturday October 13 there will be a ‘Fruit & Veg’ Still Life Workshop for Children (aged 10+), with artist Richard Sharp at glór. Canvases, paints and brushes supplied by Ennis Art & Craft Co. Bookings through glór box office.
On the menu throughout the weekend at No. 41 Abbey Street, The Town Hall, Legends Restaurant @ The Temple Gate Hotel and The Rowan Tree Café will be Clare-Inspired ‘Specials’ menu, including a starter, main and dessert all based around locally sourced produce.
Cruises will serve a bumper catch of fish caught off Clare coast, while Brogan’s will serve an “Artisan Burger Menu“, pairing 100% locally sourced gourmet beef burgers with some exciting toppings.
The mixologist at No. 41, the new trendy cocktail bar & restaurant on Abbey Street, will add a special Clare Cocktail to its extensive cocktail menu for one weekend only, to celebration Ennis Food Festival…… think saffron and blue!
Festival events will wrap up at the town’s newest restaurant ‘Mallee Thai’, located opposite St Flannan’s College,on Sunday October 14, with an ‘Ennis Food Festival 2-Course Menu’ offering a choice of starters and mains for €13.50. (children’s menu €5) served between 6pm and 8pm. Delicious food and terrific value for money, what better way to end this year’s Ennis Food Festival?
Check out all events for Ennis Food Festival 2018 on: www.ennisfoodfestival.com, or Facebook @EnnisFoodFestival
