A popular food shack in the heart of Killybegs has scooped the coveted title of best chowder in Ireland.
Chefs Mairead and Garry Anderson of the Killybegs Seafood Shack set tastebuds alight with their dish at the 2019 Chowder Cook Off in Kinsale.
The high-stakes cook-off saw representatives from 32 counties competing for the title on Sunday.
But Donegal is no stranger to chowder success, and it was Chef Mairead’s turn to impress and claim the €1,000 prize.
Mairead Anderson from the Seafood Shack, Killybegs who won first prize at the 9th All Ireland Chowder Cook Off in Actons Hotel Kinsale, organised by the Kinsale Good Food Circle.
Picture. John Allen
The Seafood Shack previously won best Seafood Chowder in Donegal at the 2018 Hooked Festival in Killybegs, which paved the way for their success in Kinsale.
The All-Ireland title is a prestigious award that will enhance the Seafood Shack’s stellar reputation for good food.
The tiny eatery at the pier is a favourite of locals and tourists who love the fresh seafood and casual street-style experience.
Mairead credits the winning chowder recipe to her husband Garry, who she met at catering college in Killybegs.
Mairead and Garry Anderson from the Seafood Shack in Killybegs have won first prize at the 9th All Ireland Chowder Cook Off.
Picture. John Allen
She said: “Seafood chowder is Garry’s recipe. Garry was a chef for 20 years and in my opinion his chowder is exactly what seafood chowder should be – done traditionally and finely tuned over the years.
“Garry’s chowder is made using the stock of the finest fish like turbot and monk. We make a roux and it is made slowly and with a lot of love. It is made using only the finest ingredients, but Garry does add a secret ingredient that makes the chowder his own.”
Mairead and Garry Anderson from the Seafood Shack in Killybegs have won first prize at the 9th All Ireland Chowder Cook Off in Kinsale.
Picture. John Allen
Previous winners of the chowder champ title include Kieran Duey Doherty of Nancy’s Barn Ballyliffin. He went on to represent Ireland in the World Chowder Championships in Rhode Island, USA in June 2017 and brought the international title home to Donegal. He competed again in 2018 to win four more accolades, including Rookie of the Year, Most Enthusiastic Team, International Competitor and second place for Most Creative Chowder.
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