Author of “Irish Seaweed Kitchen”, Dr. Prannie Rhatigan, is hosting a demonstration and talk on how the thousands of tonnes of seaweed washed up on Irish coastline each day can be exploited for their potential as a foodstuff.
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| Prainne Rhatigan - distinguished author of Irish Seaweed Kitchen |
Meanwhile, Sally McKenna of John and Sally McKennas' Guides (formerly The Bridgestone Guide) and Stefan Kraan, author of "The Science and Gastronomy of Umami", will be discussing the benefits for Ireland's seafood industry in harvesting seaweed.
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| Sally McKenna's new book on the culinary & cosmetic wonder of seaweeds |
The festival also features food sampling of local artisan foods, a chance to meet local producers and growers, engage with fellow foodies and enjoy cookery demonstrations from well-known chefs including Jess Murphy, Kai Restaurant, Galway; John Sheedy, Sheedy’s, Lisdoonvarna; and Aidan McGrath, Wild Honey Inn, Lisdoonvarna.
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| Dillisk (Palmaria palmata) before drying |
Other highlights of the weekend include a talk by Slow Food Ireland President and chef Darina Allen; a Wild Food Foraging Walk hosted by Oonagh O'Dwyer from Wild Kitchen in Lahinch; and a demonstration of the essential skills of making handcrafted fine chocolates by Burren Chocolatier and Burren Food Trail Kasha Connolly.
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| Getting ready for the Burren Slow Food Festival |
The main festival banquet on Saturday night will be prepared by Vivian Kelly of Kierans Kitchen at the Roadside Tavern who will serve Gleninagh Lamb, Burren Smoked Irish Organic Salmon, desserts from Fabiola’s Pâtisserie and wines from Burren Fine Wine & Food.
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| Carlo Petrini, founder of the Slow Food Movement |
This year a team of food writers from Italy, the home of the international Slow Food movement, will travel to County Clare this week to report on the 2014 Burren Slow Food Festival. MyChef.tv, an Italian food magazine which highlights excellence and originality in the world of food, will be creating a complete reportage of the event including videos, photographs and articles. The Slow Food movement was originally founded in Italy, in 1986, by Carlo Petrini.
For more details on the Burren Slow Food Festival visit www.slowfoodclare.com
Zack