Members’ Success at Irish Breakfast Awards
Five Taste of Ulster and Food NI members have received gongs at the new Georgina Campbell Irish Breakfast Awards in association with Failte Ireland.
The awards showcase both the breakfast ingredients and places to eat the most important meal of the day. Clandeboye Estate Yoghurt won the Dairy section in the Irish Breakfast Foods category.
“Many people will be surprised to hear that this is the only yoghurt made in Northern Ireland but, boy, is it a good one. Free from additives or preservatives, it is blended by hand and cultured very gently over 24 hours in small batches, which helps create an exceptional flavour and texture. It makes a great contribution to a thoughtfully assembled breakfast menu” said Georgina Campbell.
NATIVE by Yellow Door, the MAC (Metropolitan Arts Centre), Belfast was Highly Commended in the Visitor Attraction section.
In her speech, Georgina Campbell said “food and theatre are a happy marriage at this modern café bar and restaurant in Belfast’s impressive MAC arts venue, and the menus read like a Who’s Who of Northern Ireland artisan food and drink production. As would be expected of any enterprise that The Yellow Door puts its name to, it’s big on local, sustainable and home-grown produce (and the famed Yellow Door baking of course), and the food that Simon Dougan and Marianne Hood’s team delivers is vibrant and packed full of flavour.”
Newforge House Magheralin, Co. Armagh won the Guesthouse category.
“Louise and John Mathers are the sixth generation of John’s family to live in this beautifully located Georgian country house. Local and seasonal produce is the philosophy applied to carefully prepared breakfasts featuring freshly baked breads and pastries, a lovely selection of fruits and juices (including local apple juice), organic yoghurt and delicious hot dishes in which Moyallon dry cured bacon and award winning sausages and puddings from Madden’s butchers in Lurgan are the stars of the traditional Ulster Fry – along with the Newforge freshly-laid eggs, collected each morning from the rare breed chickens that peck around the orchard, juicy tomatoes and that Ulster classic potato bread. Other tempting choices include scrambled egg with the famous Walter Ewing smoked salmon, and a vegetarian breakfast is also offered. Great coffee too, and delicious homemade preserves with you toast – a breakfast to relish”.
In the 4 star hotel category, Galgorm Resort and Spa, Ballymena was Highly Commended.
In her speech, Georgina Campbell said “this former gentleman’s residence is one of Northern Ireland’s best known country house hotels. Following major redevelopment, it emerged much larger and more contemporary – and ready to take its place among Ireland’s leading hospitality players .Particular pride is taken in the breakfast offering (‘the renowned Galgorm breakfast’). Depending on the category of your guest room, breakfast service is split between Gillies and the River Room, but both feature an extensive choice of buffet offerings (including organic and ‘healthy’ options) and cooked to order hot dishes. Daily specials are offered as well as the full traditional cooked plate, and (notably in the River Room) the presentation is unusually creative. A real pleasure”.
The Culloden Estate and Spa, Belfast was Highly Commended in the 5 star hotel category
Georgina Campbell said “The Culloden has always taken particular pride in the food served and its provenance. Fine dining in the Mitre Restaurant, overlooking the lough, can be memorable, and the excellent Irish Breakfast that is also served here is keenly anticipated by guests who have spotted that the information supplied in guest rooms includes the Hastings Hotels booklet ‘Food Heritage, Our Little Book of Local Cuisine’ catalogues many of the food and drink producers that the Hastings Group support and makes an interesting read – leading on nicely to the excellent Irish Breakfast experience, with its exceptionally informative breakfast menus and labelled displays of local produce. A great experience all round” said Georgina Campbell.
The Awards were held at the Intercontinental Hotel in Dublin earlier this morning (Wednesday 26th April, 2017).
