This weekend, some of Donegal’s finest chowder chefs will battle it out at the Donegal Chowder Cook-Off.
Hosted by ‘The Food Coast – Donegal’s Good Food Initiative’, the county cook-off takes place at the Hooked! Maritime Festival in Killybegs and will pit Donegal’s best chowder chefs against each other in a bid to find the county’s next chowder champion.
Members of the public are invited to attend the seafood chowder tasting, which takes place between 1.00 – 3.00pm this Saturday.
The winning chef’s chowder will be selected by public vote and will go on to represent Donegal at the All-Ireland Chowder Cook-Off competition in Kinsale next year.
The ten Donegal finalists to battle it out are…
Castlemurray House:
Castlemurray House, in St. John’s Point, Donegal is a boutique style hotel with ten individually decorated sea view bedrooms. The venue prides itself on exceptional service and the quality of its restaurant.
The restaurant uses the best of locally sourced ingredients to create innovative and decadent dishes.
They grow their own herbs, vegetables and leaves and their head chef forages for seaweed and wild mushrooms. The dinner menu at Castlemurray House is reinvented throughout the year to reflect the seasonal availability of fresh seafood and produce.
The Lemon Tree:
Situated in the heart of Letterkenny, Donegal, The Lemon Tree is a family operated restaurant that offers an intimate, relaxed ambience where customers can experience classically inspired dishes.
With over 15 years’ experience, The Lemon Tree’s passion for sourcing local and sustainable produce can be enjoyed from fork to glass, from local garden herbs and vegetables to a selection of Donegal brewed beers.
The open kitchen allows customers to observe the culinary pursuits of brothers, Thomas and Gary and Euro-toques chef, Christopher Molloy. The philosophy at The Lemon Tree is simple; contemporary Irish cooking inspired by classic French roots. Fresh fish is a special feature on the menu and almost everything is made freshly on site, including all breads, pastries, pastas and desserts.
Seaview Tavern, Malin:
The Seaview Tavern has been family owned since 1973 and is now run by husband and wife team, Michael and Caitriona who spent over ten years in New York.
This hidden gem in the north of the county serves food daily with a special emphasis on local produce including fresh seafood from the local pier.
Stephen Roland is the head chef at the Seaview Tavern and mussels, oysters, crab and salmon are just some of the succulent seafood options available throughout most of the year.
Dawros Bay House & Joe’s Seafood Bar:
Located at the edge of the county in Rosbeg, Dawros Bay House and Joe’s Seafood Bar menu features house favourites such as fresh Rosbeg lobster and crab as well as its famous homemade classic chowder and brown bread.
Maria Molloy is the head chef and, in addition to its food offering, the venue offers en-suite accommodation, serene sunsets and wild Atlantic waves.
Ahoy Cafe:
Described as a fresh young eatery, Ahoy Café is run by sisters Stephanie and
Claire.
Situated on the Shore Road, Killybegs overlooking the beautiful harbour and Boat Park, Ahoy Café offers customers an array of homemade bakes and fresh food.
Favourites at Ahoy Café include their famous Crab Burger and fresh local mussels served in a white wine sauce.
SONAS Restaurant at Óstán Loch Altan:
Named after Loch Altan in the heart of Donegal, Óstán Loch Altan has built up
an excellent reputation for the quality of its food in the SONAS Restaurant.
Head chef, Lorraine Duggan always includes a seasonal selection of the finest local produce with fresh Atlantic fish dishes a speciality.
As well as a unique culinary experience, customers are promised a warm welcome at the SONAS Restaurant.
The Bay View Hotel & Leisure Centre:
Overlooking Ireland’s premier fishing port of Killybegs, The Bay View Hotel & Leisure Centre is described as the ideal base for those who want to explore the Wild Atlantic Way and some of the breath-taking attractions that the area has to offer.
The Wheelhouse Bar at the Bay View Hotel & Leisure Centre serves carvery lunch daily and the exquisite bar menu features a host of local seafood dishes.
Breakfast can be enjoyed in Luke’s Restaurant where customers can watch the world go by while fishing ships dock their catch of the day.
Tara Hotel, Killybegs:
A member of The Food Coast – Donegal’s Good Food Initiative, the Tara Hotel is proud of the local produce on offer in the northwest and utilizes fresh local ingredients and artisan products to create its classic menu.
The Turntable Restaurant provides outstanding cuisine combining the very best of traditional hospitality with a friendly efficient service.
The bar and restaurant menu at the Tara Hotel features a massive selection of fresh seafood straight from the fishing port.
Florence Food Co., Letterkenny:
Florence Food Co. has established itself as one of Donegal’s finest artisan cafes.
The Letterkenny venue champions local food producers and provides customers with an authentic Donegal food experience. Everything on the menu at Florence Food Co. is made from scratch and in-house, using only the freshest local ingredients.
Chef Charlie Boyle serves up his homemade seafood chowder with fresh homemade brown bread and while the café is only open a year, it’s already become a house favourite.
Seamus Pat’s Shop-Cafe (Greencastle):
Seamus Pat’s Shop-Café is a family run business which has been running for over 40 years. The local shop and newly opened café sits in the heart of Greencastle pier and overlooks the River Foyle.
The café serves up delicious culinary delights including light lunches, fresh scones and tray bakes.
Seamus Pat’s Shop-Café’s chowder is a favourite among locals and visitors.
