Celebrating a taste of the Causeway Coast and Glens

It brought together some of the region’s best local producers and chefs, along with representatives from the tourism and hospitality industries.

Hosted by Ulster’s Food Hero and renowned chef Paula McIntyre, the evening put the spotlight on the region’s buoyant food sector.

Guests enjoyed bite-sized portions of local produce, and were entertained by some of the ‘foodie’ themed short-films created by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s tourism department.

The Mayor, Alderman Maura Hickey, said: “It was a privilege to attend this celebration, and meet some of our finest local producers and chefs. The Northern Ireland Year of Food and Drink has proved to be a fantastic launch pad for our region, which has now firmly established itself as a foodie destination.

“All those involved deserve to be applauded for their efforts, and I would like to offer them my congratulations for all they have achieved so far.”

During the event, the Causeway Coast and Glens Food Network launched its new publication – A Taste of the Causeway Coast and Glens.

It includes information about local producers, markets, food tours, cookery schools, speciality retailers and delicatessens in an easy to use directory.

There was also an opportunity to recognise the producers of the future who have completed the Journey to Market programme, and the front-of-house staff who have gained World Host Ambassador accreditation.

Joanne McLaughlin, from the Causeway Coast and Glens Food Network, said: “We have so much to be proud of when we look back on the Year of Food and Drink, and I have no doubt that we will continue to build on this.

“I want to thank all those businesses who have joined our Food Network, and helped to make our first year such a success.

“The variety of producers in our ‘Taste of the Causeway Coast and Glens’ brochure is a clear sign of how we are leading the way in this area.

“This month, we are looking forward to attending the Balmoral Show, where we will showcase 10 of our local producers, and our new publication, to thousands of visitors over four days.”

For further information go to www.causewaycoastand glens.gov.uk/foodnetwork.

You can also find the Causeway Coast and Glens Food Network on Facebook (CCAG Food Network) or follow the network on Twitter @ccagfood.