Food for thought in ballina

FOOD lovers rejoice: Food Fleadh Ballina is ready to serve another helping of foodie fun.

Building on last year’s success, which saw 7,000 people attend the inaugural event, the food festival has been extended to span this Saturday and Sunday (September 26 and 27), with cookery demonstrations by internationally and nationally renowned chefs, essential cooking tips and techniques, and a special cooking session for children with GMIT’s culinary team to get the young ones preparing and cooking three types of dough: cookie dough, pasta dough and pizza dough. 

Meanwhile, a very special celebrity cook-off is sure to be the highlight of the event. Local TDs Dara Calleary and Michelle Mulherin will battle head-to-head to produce a restaurant quality dish each. With their culinary kudos on the line, both will have to bring their A games.

In recent years the Mayo region has seen a surge in modern and traditional cooking. Food Fleadh Ballina celebrates the best that Mayo has to offer and brings together leading artisan food producers and internationally and nationally renowned chefs.

On Saturday, the historic military quarter at the Market Square will be the backdrop for a day of delicious food, cooking demonstrations, entertainment and the sensational celebrity cook-off which will end the day.

Sunday will honour the town’s title as the Salmon Capital of Ireland with a ‘river to plate’ themed cook on the banks of the River Moy. Event-goers will get the chance to sample some amazing food prepared by distinguished chefs and enjoy the best of local music and entertainment.