Strand strolls to success at awards
THE annual Blas na hEireann National Irish Food Awards celebrate and reward the very best of Irish produce, and the passionate, driven individuals behind it. Nationwide entries are invited to submit products to see who is best of the best.
Limerick Strand Hotel executive chef Tom Flavin has exceeded all his expectations by winning Silver for his Caesar Salad Dressing part of The Secret Ingredient inhouse Pantry Range.
In addition to this the Limerick Strand Hotel won overall ‘Business Diversification Award’ sponsored by AIB. This award acknowledges the fact that as a hotel we are “thinking outside the box” in diversifying our business into other areas.
Using their inhouse knowledge and passion for food, the Limerick Strand say that it has “allowed us to expand our services beyond the norm, giving us a separate unique selling point from our competitors. We are the only hotel in Ireland to have made the final 164 being chosen from over 1500 entries down to the last five for his Caesar Salad Dressing and Chicken Liver Pate.”
Earlier this year Tom beat off over 7000 entrants to win 2 Gold Stars for his delicious Caesar Salad Dressing and Homemade Chicken Liver Parfait at the Great Taste Awards. Tom said, “The team and I are delighted with the win particularly given that we were the only hotel in Ireland to make the finals with our produce.”
The range is currently being supplied across a number of local producers in Limerick keeping in with the theme of supporting our own.
Tom Flavin, Executive Chef, Limerick Strand Hotel with his award winning chicken liver pate and Ceasar’s Salad dressing’ at the Blas na hEireann Food awards at the Dingle Food Festival in County Kerry with on left Artie Clifford and Paul Ward and in centre Padraig O’Connor, AIB, Dingle. Picture by Don MacMonagle
Christmas market set to thrill and treat patrons of the Milk Market
Preparations are well underway for the Christmas Market at the Milk Market Limerick, which will run on selected days between November 25 and Christmas Eve.
According to David O’Brien, Milk Market Manager, “We are really excited about this year’s Christmas Market which will see more trader stalls, more entertainment, more Christmas fare ‘n fun and a brand new family ‘Visit Santa’ experience.
“We expect to attract over 60,000 shoppers during the four weeks of the Christmas Market, which will be a great boost to both the traders at the Market and the City.
“With so many shoppers visiting and buying, it will be a great opportunity for new traders who wish to sell their produce directly to the consumer, and we are actively seeking them out. The type of produce we are keen to see more of includes Christmas crafts and gifts, quality festive and speciality foods, collectables, bric-a-brac, toys, books, fashions, seasonal decorations and “the unusual”.
“We will be delighted to talk to anyone about the opportunity and particularly those who are using locally sourced produce. Once a trader qualifies we will provide every support – they just need to have a good supply of quality products and be there to sell them.”The Christmas Market will operate Thursday to Sundays from November 25 and daily during Christmas week until Christmas Eve. It will feature up to 60 stalls and shops – all packed with a wide range of artisan food, craft and gift possibilities and all set within a wonderful, fun, festive environment”.
