By Michaela Clarke
Last Wednesday night saw the launch of NI’s Year of Food & Drink 2016 at Belfast’s Ulster Hall and Oysters Restaurant was honoured to be numbered amongst the 200 distinguished guests.
The venue was transformed into a stunning backdrop for a celebration of our local products and a taste of the exciting festivities for us all to indulge in from now until March 2017.
NI Year of Food & Drink 2016, New Year Banquet- Ulster Hall 13/1/16
On the evening, Yellow Door Deli provided the catering, serving up pan-seared Lough Neagh Eel with bacon cubes, Armagh Bramley apple puree, black mustard frills and sweet pickled beetroot to start. For main course guests enjoyed roast Baronscourt Venison and shoulder fritter with celeriac, smoked Comber potato fondants, chanterelles, crispy Calvo Nero and Ruby Blue blackcurrant jus. The flow of local produce continued with, caramelised pear and Bushmills whiskey tart with chocolate and candied hazelnut crumb and buttermilk sorbet served for dessert.
At one of her first public engagements as First Minister, Arlene Foster commented that:
“There is no better time for tourists as well as our global markets than now to enjoy Northern Ireland” – First Minster, Arlene Foster
We are invited as a nation to develop, enhance and promote Northern Ireland as one of the best isles for food and drink. With so many wonderful artisan producers and award-winning restaurants in the region, now is the time to showcase this to the rest of the world.
One of the most exciting announcements to come on the evening was that Northern Ireland will be host to the BBC Good Food Show in the Waterfront Hall, Belfast in October.
“This year provides a strong link with people and our native soil” – Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness
With many exciting events taking place across the country we, at Oysters, are only too excited to jump on NI Year of Food & Drink’s bandwagon and join in in the celebration of our local, heritage and food to promote the local Strabane area and put it on the map as a foodie destination.
Keep watch for specialities and events that will bring monthly themes to our customers. #enjoyni16
NI Year of Food & Drink 2016 – Calendar of events