TASTEBUDS were in overdrive on the streets of Carlow last Saturday as the Taste of Carlow food festival got underway, offering a tantalising array of local produce with terrific entertainment.
“We were absolutely delighted with how it went and the feedback both from the public and traders has been very positive,” enthused Margaret Nolan from Carlow County Council.
The event this year moved to the town centre location of Potato Market, joining forces with the weekly Carlow Farmers’ Market to bring the very best in local produce and services to the public’s attention. “We decided to have it in Potato Market to bring business into the town centre; it was a partnership with the regular famers’ market, Carlow Chamber of Commerce, Carlow Tourism and the council,” added Margaret.
With more than 40 stalls to savour, a feast of food demonstrations, make-and-do workshops, face painting, a raffle, a display from Rancho Reilly’s, a bouncy slide and the ever-popular Wibbly Wobbly Wendy, there really was something for everyone.
Margaret Nolan and Carmel Harmon making smoothies
Photos: Thomas Nolan
Among the food demonstrations held during the day were smoothie making with Carmel Harmon, Margaret Nolan and the Roadhouse Café, with the delicious produce used from Malone’s Fruit Farm, the Ryan brothers’ fruit and veg stall and locally-produced orange juice.
Sinead Byrne from Lennon’s Restaurant made delicious cheesecake and elderflower panacotta, while Dee Sewell from Greenside Up gave an interesting demonstration on growing your own herbs.
Fionnghuala Ryan from Carlow County Council gave a talk on food waste and how to make the most of your weekly shop, while Mario Esposito from Bella Vita Restaurant, Tullow Street gave a demonstration on pizza making. Tom Malone from Malone’s Fruit Farm gave a demonstration on raspberry jam making, while Oonagh Barrett created some amazing sweet and savoury bites.
Entertainment wasn’t in short supply either with a wonderful display from Marie Cashin’s dancing school, a trad session organised by Niall Broderick, Eddie Townsend and Music Generation, and some terrific performances from the talented crew at Carlow Regional Youth Services, who also gave a top-notch food demonstration and some terrific performances from a number of local bands.
“We had very large crowds all day long and were blessed with the weather … it really worked for everyone this year. It was great,” said Margaret.
