Food and Drink

Northern Ireland’s rich soil, dependable rain, clear waters and lush pasture land produce some of the world’s tastiest food and drink, their magnificent flavors crafted by gentle climate and artisan skill.

It’s this wonderful combination of natural resources backed by considerable experience in food processing, first class health and hygiene controls and a commitment to quality that means in Northern Ireland - “Good Food is in our Nature.”

For centuries food and drink have been important parts of our culture and today agriculture and food manufacturing form the very backbone of the local economy. Much of traditional Northern Irish food was hearty and simple, with many and varied local delicacies; speciality foods based on potatoes – boxty and champ; tender lamb based stews; bacon and cabbage; brambly apple pies; wheaten and soda breads; smoked herring and salmon; buttermilk and creamy butter.

Today the cuisine in Northern Ireland is fresh, creative and tastefully presented. From farm shops and farmers markets, local pubs and cafes to the finest restaurants, Northern Ireland offers a gastronomic adventure and a freshness borne out of tradition.  Some of our finest food and drink will be celebrated during our Rediscover Northern Ireland Program and during the Smithsonian Folklife Festival.

An invitation-only Masterclass Gala Dinner featuring four renowned guest chefs from Northern Ireland will be hosted at Cathal Armstrong’s Restaurant Eve, Alexandria, on Tuesday 22 May 2007. The celebrated chefs are Nick Price, Proprietor of the award-winning Nick’s Warehouse restaurant in Belfast; Sean Owens, Head Chef and Owner of Gardiners Restaurant, Magherafelt; Liz Moore, Chef and Manager at Belle Isle Cookery School, County Fermanagh, and Noel McMeel, born and bred in Toomebridge, and currently Executive Chef at Castle Leslie. Cathal and each of the guest chefs will prepare and present a signature dish illustrating the real taste and quality of food and drink from Northern Ireland.

Harpist Cliona Doris will add a special musical flavour to this event.  At many of the other concerts, exhibitions and events throughout the Rediscover Northern Ireland program, hospitality reflecting Northern Ireland food and drink will be an added attraction.