Winners announced in Menu of Moyle scheme
Thursday, 11 September 2008
Ksenia McFaul, of The Manor House, Rathlin Island, Fionnuala Mitchell, of The Cellar Restaurant, Ballycastle, Mary Butler, of Donnelly's Bakery & Coffee Shop, Ballycastle and Anne Taggart of The Fullerton Arms Guest Inn, Ballintoy pictured.
An extra award had to be created in this year's Menu of Moyle competition, as chefs and caterers from across the district gathered to discover who would take home the prestigious prizes.
The much anticipated awards ceremony took place in the Marine Hotel, Ballycastle on Monday, September 8.
The Cellar in Ballycastle was victorious in the restaurant category, while the Manor House on Rathlin Island received a highly commended award.
This was the first time two awards were presented in the same category, as the judges felt it was very difficult to make a decision between the two establishments.
The Fullerton Arms Guest Inn in Ballintoy was the winner in the pubs and inns category, for the second year in a row, while Donnelly's Bakery & Coffee Shop in Ballycastle won the brasseries and coffee shops category.
Speaking at the event, celebrity chef Jenny Bristow, said she was delighted to be involved with the initiative.
She said: "This year we have seen local food and tourism all come together, and now, more than ever, we have seen joined up thinking.
“I am very passionate about Northern Ireland produce, and that, combined with the area you have here, with Fairhead and the sea, the marketing is done for you and the story is there to see.
“It is a great way of bringing more money into the area and moving forward. It lovely to see the passionate work that went into the menus, and there is no better food in the world. What is happening here is very special."
20 establishments from across the Moyle district took part in the scheme, which aims to promote the use of local produce.
See next week's Chronicle for a full report and more photographs.
