Top chef Rachel on the menu for event launch
Launching the live cookery demonstration that will kick off Carlow Restaurant Week were Michael Walsh, chairman of Carlow Tourism, Caolán Prendergast, head chef at the Woodford Dolmen Hotel, chef Rachel Allen, Cian Waters of Waterlilies, John Carey, chef at the Seven Oaks Hotel, and Linda Culleton from Carlow County Council
CELEBRITY chef Rachel Allen will join Carlow’s top chefs for a live cookery demonstration at the Seven Oaks Hotel on Thursday 23 October at 8pm, officially launching Carlow Restaurant Week.
The interactive evening will feature a three-course demonstration using local ingredients, with all proceeds going to the Carlow Lions Club Christmas Food Appeal in association with Carlow St Vincent de Paul. A fully equipped display kitchen supported by professional IT will ensure that all guests can follow the action as Rachel shares her expertise alongside local culinary talent.
The evening begins with onion bhaji prepared by Jamiul Alam, owner and chef at New Moon Indian Restaurant in Tullow and Bronze Medal winner at Blas na hÉireann 2024. Using produce from Carlow Farmers Market, his vegetarian dish combines traditional flavours for an aromatic start.
John Carey, chef at the Seven Oaks Hotel, will present a savoury beef and Carlow ale pie served with rooster potatoes and vegetables. The dish features Wagyu beef from Coppenagh House Farm near Tullow, slow cooked with local Carlow ale from Carlow Brewing Company and topped with golden pastry, accompanied by the county’s famous Rooster potatoes.
Head chef Caolán Prendergast from the Woodford Dolmen Hotel will conclude with sour apple pannacotta, honey and whiskey caramel and dehydrated apple. His dessert uses honey from the hotel’s own beehive, whiskey from Walsh Whiskey, milk and cream from Village Dairy, and apples from local orchards.
Cian Waters, co-owner of Waterlilies, will prepare sourdough breads paired with local cheeses from Carlow Farmhouse Cheese to accompany the three courses.
Cllr Ken Murnane, cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council, said the partnership with Carlow Tourism provides “a wonderful opportunity for people to come together, learn more about the great local food producers and chefs that work within Carlow’s food sector”.
Michael Walsh, chairman of Carlow Tourism, noted that Restaurant Week “provides an important platform for chefs, restaurants and food businesses to showcase their commitment to local while also delivering on sustainability and climate action”.
Carlow Restaurant Week runs from Saturday 25 October to Sunday 2 November, featuring events from 14 members of the Carlow Food Network, including pumpkin carving workshops, themed afternoon teas, and ‘meet the maker’ showcases. Each participating venue has added a special Carlow dish to its menu, including The Rooster Booster Soup at Goodly Barrow Café, Eggs Con Tomate at Waterlilies, and the Clonmore Beef Burger at Woodford Dolmen Hotel.
Further information is available at carlowtourism.com/carlow-food-network.
