A GROUP of chefs in Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon want to make the area the top food destination in Northern Ireland.
The Tourism NI backed initiative has seen a hospitality forum set up as part of the local councils Food Heartland programme.
It is encouraging food outlets to source more ingredients locally, drive consumer demand for local artisan produce and further develop the Food Heartland brand.
Speaking during a visit by the forum to local producers, Mervyn Steenson, chef at Groucho’s on the Square in Richhill said: "In the past decade the dining scene in the Food Heartland has been transformed with new gourmet restaurants opening due to demand. Together, we want to go further and make this area Northern Ireland’s premier foodie destination.
“We have brilliant local produce on our doorstep including two of Northern Ireland’s three PGI products, Lough Neagh eel and Armagh Bramley apples. We also have some wonderful artisan producers who between them have accrued dozens of awards.
“By combining the skills of local chefs with the calibre and variety of local produce, we believe that we can maximise the economic potential of the local food sector to create jobs and drive tourism.”
And chefs are being asked to showcase local produce in seasonal menus.
Simon Dougan, proprietor and chef from The Yellow Door, added: “The Forum wants to promote the entire food experience and encourage greater consumer appreciation of food integrity. By working with other chefs, producers and the local council we’re already starting to see the benefits.
“There’s greater awareness of what produce is out there and restaurants are looking for ways to source local ingredients where possible. We’re also getting to know producers, sharing best practice and developing new products."
The group is also organising fact finding visits to local producers such as the Armagh Cider Company near Portadown which currently exports to eight international markets.
Owner Helen Troughton said: "It’s great to have the opportunity to showcase our orchards to local chefs, organise tasting sessions for our juices and award winning ciders, and explain the provenance behind our produce.
“By working together we can drive demand and raise standards for the whole industry locally. That’s good for business at home, but it will also help make us more competitive overseas.”
The next Hospitality Forum meeting is at the 4 Vicars, Armagh, recently named as Georgina Campbell’s Casual Dining Restaurant of the Year 2017.
Upcoming public events include the Armagh Food & Cider Festival in early October, the Richhill Harvest Fayre at Halloween and the Georgian Banquet in Armagh in November.
