Top chowder chef at Rathlin Sound Maritime Festival prepares for All-Ireland competition
Mon, April 09, 2018
The winner of last year’s Rathlin Sound Maritime Festival chowder cook-off will compete in the All-Ireland competition this month.
Gary Stewart, owner of Tartine restaurant in Bushmills, is hoping to be crowned champion chowder maker in Kinsale, County Cork on April 22nd.
He earned his place in the grand final after winning the Ulster-heat in Ballycastle last year. The Chowder Cook-Off is a popular element of the annual Rathlin Sound Maritime Festival, which is inspired by the rich coastal heritage of Ballycastle and Rathlin Island.
Offering her good wishes, the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Joan Baird OBE, said: “The Causeway Coast and Glens is developing a well-deserved reputation as a foodie destination thanks to our local producers and skilled chefs. Gary will be a terrific ambassador for the region and his participation in this All-Ireland competition will help to put the Causeway Coast and Glens firmly in the spotlight. The Chowder Cook Off at the Rathlin Sound Maritime Festival has proved to be one of the event’s most popular attractions, and Gary was a very worthy winner. I would like to offer him my very best wishes as he prepares to compete against chefs from all over Ireland.”
Plans are now well under way for this year’s Rathlin Sound Maritime Festival which returns from Friday 25th May – Sunday 3rd June. Named after the body of water between Rathlin Island and Ballycastle, the ten day event enjoys a reputation as a must-see celebration of nautical culture and history. Highlights include traditional boats, talks and tours, the best of local produce from Naturally North Coast and Glens Artisan Market and have-a-go sea based activities.
Tickets are now available for country sensation Lisa McHugh who will appear at the Marine Hotel on Sunday 27th May.
Keep up to date with the very latest announcements on Facebook and Twitter or go to www.rathlinsoundmaritimefestival.com.
