The 5th All-Ireland Chowder Cook Off takes place in Kinsale This Weekend!

And Kinsale Good Food Circle want your help to choose the chef that makes the Best Chowder in Ireland!

Representatives from all 32 counties will compete for the title of  “All-Ireland Chowder Champion” at the 5th annual All-Ireland Chowder Cook-Off 2015. Everyone attending the event will have a chance to vote for their favourite chowder-chef as sponsored by Clona.

Building on the huge success of last year’s Chowder Cook-Off, Ireland’s gourmet capital & Best Small Town is pleased to announce that this year’s event will take place at Actons Hotel, Kinsale on Sunday 19th April from 2 to 4pm. The All-Ireland Chowder Cook-Off will feature chefs from 32 professional restaurants, each selected to represent their county, in competition for the title of All-Ireland Chowder Champion.

The All-Ireland Chowder Cook-Off is the highlight of a two day Family Festival that will take over the streets of Kinsale on Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th April. On Saturday, this popular annual event sees areas of the town transformed into an open-air street market, with food stalls and family fun. Local businesses will offer samples and take-home food for under €5, and there will be something for all age groups. A 'pay as you eat' system means you are in control of your spend and not left with books of tickets! This event is supported by Kinsale Chamber of Tourism.

Members of the public will be the judges in the All-Ireland Chowder Cook-Off on Sunday. Everyone will be given a voting card at the entrance, which entitles them to sample all chowders from the individual stalls, before casting their vote for the All-Ireland Chowder Champion 2015.

How to choose the best chowder? Do you like a lobster-stock base, topped with a swirl of cream, or a spicy bowl laden with mussels and a hint of coconut and chilli? You can be the judge! You the public will decide - Tickets are €10 each, making it an unusual and affordable Sunday lunch option!

Liam Edwards, Chairman of Kinsale Good Food Circle said “The All-Ireland Chowder Cook-Off has become a much-loved event on Kinsale's annual calendar. A thriving fishing port, famous for its gourmet restaurants, and an anchor destination of the Wild Atlantic Way, Kinsale is the natural home for this prestigious national competition. We extend a warm welcome to visitors from every county in Ireland, and from overseas. May the best chef win”!

2014 Winner - Danny Fitzpatrick - Fitzpatrick’s Restaurant, Dunleer, Co Louth

Competition among chefs is keen. The winning chef will not only be crowned All-Ireland Chowder Champion, but will also receive a customised trophy and be invited to Newport, Rhode Island, Kinsale’s transatlantic twin town, next summer as a guest chef. The 2014 winners, Fitzpatrick’s Restaurant, Dunleer, Co Louth will represent Ireland this summer.

Tickets for Sunday’s All-Ireland Chowder Cook-Off from 2 to 4pm at Acton’s Hotel are available from Finishing Services +353 (0)21 4773571 (office hours) or at the door on the day for €10 each.

Check out the Kinsale Good Food Circle website at www.kinsalerestaurants.com

Zack