A young Donegal woman has been chosen as one of just five ambassadors for the Taste the Atlantic, Young Chef Ambassador Programme.
Twenty-three-year-old Aoife O’Donnell from Maghery has worked at Danny Minnie’s in Annagry for three years and is now their Fish Chef.
Proud of her Donegal heritage, Aoife believes there is huge potential for a stronger focus on local food and food tourism. She wants to work to feature more local seafood on menus and give visitors and locals alike a real taste of Donegal.
The immersive BIM programme, in collaboration with Chef Network and Fáilte Ireland, is now in its fourth year. Aoife, along with the other Ambassadors will embark on a four-month programme to familiarise themselves with Irelands premium seafood and the people who produce it along the Wild Atlantic Way.
The chefs came together for their induction to the Ambassador programme, which will include visits to several seafood producers in Kerry, Cork and Galway to learn all about oyster and mussel farming, the art of seafood smoking, fish mongering skills and recipe creation.
The Taste the Atlantic Young Chef Ambassador Programme is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union, under the European Maritime Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF).