Winners of the 2016 Euro-Toques Food Awards announced

The annual EirGrid Euro-Toques Food Awards took place today Monday 13th June. This year the awards were held at Ballymaloe House as part of the celebrations for the 30th anniversary of Euro-Toques Ireland, to honour its founder Myrtle Allen.

Euro-Toques members include some of Ireland’s greatest chefs, many of whom came together today to honour Mrs Allen on the 30th anniversary of this celebrated organisation. Mrs Allen also founded the Euro-Toques EirGrid Food Awards over 12 years ago to recognise and promote Ireland’s unique food producers.

The winners are nominated and selected by the members of Euro-Toques and inspected by members of the Euro-Toques Food Council. The awards are completely independent and entirely the selection of the chefs of Euro-Toques.

Euro-Toques Ireland is part of Euro-Toques International which was also founded in 1986, by Gualtiero Marchesi from Italy, Juan-Mari Arzak from Spain, Paul Bocuse from France, Cas Spijker from the Netherlands and Myrtle Allen from Ireland. Euro-Toques is a community of cooks and chefs who uphold a charter to protect and promote authentic artisan and high quality produce and high culinary standards in their kitchens. There are 16 European countries in Euro-Toques International, with a membership of over 3,000 dedicated chefs.

Euro-Toques Ireland was founded by Myrtle Allen in 1986

The awards ceremony took place in the Grainstore at Ballymaloe at 2pm today, compered by Darina Allen of Ballymaloe Cookery School. Canapés using the award winners' produce were prepared by Irish Michelin-starred chef and Euro-Toques member Enda McEvoy, of Loam in Galway.

Tonight, several award-winning Euro-Toques chefs have come together to create a celebration dinner at Ballymaloe House for Mrs Allen, including current Commissioner General Graham Neville (Residence and Restaurant Forty One), former Commissioner General Feargal O'Donnell (The Fatted Calf), and EuroToques chefs Kevin Aherne (Sage in Midelton), Rory O'Connell (Ballymaloe House) and Bryan McCarthy (Greene’s in Cork).

The Grainstore at Ballymaloe

This year’s the awards focused on the important, yet challenged, categories of raw milk cheese and free range pork, both of which have been shrinking year on year in the face of regulatory and economic barriers. 

Speaking at the awards Darina Allen said: “Perhaps no artisan product expresses the place and people that produce it as much as raw milk cheese. Each one is unique and almost certainly a labour of love by the cheesemaker, especially as they are increasingly facing challenges in today’s heavily regulated industry."

 She added, “Free range pork production is becoming more rare in Ireland. It is a challenging occupation that takes patience, skill and sensitivity to the needs of the animals in order to produce a good product. All of our winners are fine examples of how it’s done in the case of both these categories.”

Speaking about the awards, Euro-Toques Ireland Commissioner General Graham Neville said: 

“The artisan sector in Ireland has grown so much in the last 10 years, there’s almost nothing Irish artisans can’t produce at this stage. We are proud to be able to recognise their achievements and promote their huge value to our industry.”

Euro-Toques Ireland Commissioner General Graham Neville

A study by the New Economics Foundation in London found that every €14 spent at a local food business is worth €35 for the local area, compared with just €20 when the same amount is spent in a supermarket or wholesaler.

This year’s Euro-Toques Ireland Food Awards 2016 Winners are:

• Joint award for free range pork- Fergus & Sandra Dunne, Pigs on the Green, Offaly
  and Dave & Diana Milestone, Andarl Farm, Co Mayo
• For excellence and innovation in dairy- Aisling and Michael Flanagan, Velvet Cloud Irish Sheep's Milk Cheese, Co Mayo
• For raw milk and raw milk cheese- James Gannon, Cloonconra Cheese, Co Roscommon (his own herd of Irish moiled cattle)
• For excellence in aquaculture- Hugh O'Malley, Achill Oysters, Co Mayo
• For excellence in baking and collaboration to educate- The Founders of Real Bread Ireland
• Special Commendation for their support of Irish artisan producers- Ardkeen Quality Food Stores, Waterford

Asked about their success, Keith Bohanna, co-founder of Real Bread Ireland said: “There are only a handful of food awards that are really meaningful and the annual Euro-Toques awards, selected by a group of top chefs, are in that category. If this award encourages more bakers and chefs to start their journey into the world of real bread and sourdough then thank you."

There are currently over 3,500 small to medium sized food businesses operating in Ireland. Euro-Toques chefs work directly with the small producers and credit this produce that comes through their kitchen doors every day with the success of their award-winning restaurants.

Supporting small local food businesses benefits the local economy and Euro-Toques has been instrumental in encouraging restaurants, hotels and the general public to buy local food, from local producers. This has generated a re-discovery of pride in our Irish food and the growth of artisan produce all over Ireland.

Congratulations to all the award winners and Happy 30th Birthday Euro-Toques Ireland!

Zack

Dublin Foodie Caroline Byrne is appointed new Secretary General of Euro-Toques Ireland

Caroline Byrne has been appointed as the new Secretary General of Euro-Toques Ireland. Caroline is taking over from Ruth Hegarty, who worked with Euro-Toques Ireland for the past 11 years. 

Caroline Byrne takes over as Secretary General of Euro-Toques Ireland

Caroline is best known in the industry as chief Dublin Editor of John and Sally McKenna’s Food Guides (formerly known as Bridgestone Food Guides) and for her involvement with the TASTE Council of Ireland, the steering committee for artisan food producers. Previously, Caroline was editor of food industry trade magazine ShelfLife and has experience in PR, Marketing, Business Development and Social Media through her work with small and medium size food businesses and consumer foods focussed PR agencies.

Commissioner General Wade Murphy and the Board of Commissioners welcome Caroline to Euro-Toques Ireland and look forward to working with her in the next phase of the organisation’s development.

Euro-toques – the European Community of Chefs – was established in Brussels in 1986 by the top chefs in the region. Their purpose was to form a network of chefs committed to quality local food sourcing and to be a voice for the industry to protect Europe’s traditional foods and culinary heritage.

Myrtle Allen of Ballymaloe House was one of the founding members and went on to found Euro-toques Ireland the same year. Euro-toques Ireland lobbies on a variety of food policy issues and is heavily involved in education, focussing on food education for children and skills training for chefs, in addition to organising food-related events and activities for both industry and the public. 

You can follow Caroline on Twitter at @DublinFoodie

For more info on Euro-Toques see: www.euro-toques.ie.

Zack

22 year old Matthew Logan is Euro-toques Young Chef of the Year 2014

Matthew (Matt) Logan, a chef de partie at Chapter One restaurant, Dublin, was awarded the coveted 2014 Euro-toques Young Chef of the Year title earlier today. 

22 year old Matthew Logan is Euro-toques Young Chef of the Year 2014 

The annual Euro-Toques Young Chef final took place today, at an exclusive pop up event on Capel Street and Matt was one of five finalists who battled it out over the past two months to win this esteemed title. His prize includes an all expenses paid work-period at the world-renowned The Square Restaurant in London. There Matt will work under the direction of two star Michelin chef Philip Howard, who was this year’s special guest judge. Philip is also co-proprietor of the Ledbury and Kitchen W8, both also in London.

The other four finalists were: Luke Ahearne, aged 22, Chef de Partie at Campagne, Co. Kilkenny, John Fitzmaurice, aged 25, Sous Chef at the Mustard Seed, Co. Limerick, Chris Fullam, aged 21, 3rd year Culinary Arts student at DIT, Cathal Brugha Street and Ian McHale, aged 26, Senior Chef de Partie also at Chapter One restaurant.

Euro-toques, the European Community of Chefs, was established in Brussels in 1986 by a group of top chefs in Europe. Their purpose was to form a network of chefs committed to quality local food sourcing and to be a voice for the industry to protect Europe’s traditional foods and culinary heritage. Myrtle Allen of Ballymaloe House was one of the founding members and she went on to found Euro-toques Ireland the same year. 

In recent years, the Euro-Toques Ireland Young Chef competition has evolved, incorporating social media elements and exciting new event formats but the reason behind it has remained the same. The competition is a search for Ireland’s best young chefs, who show creativity, skill and superb cooking talent. The core value of all Euro-Toques chefs is a passion for local and seasonal sourcing of food product.

The competition is now in it’s 24th year and focused on the theme “No Chef is an Island”. Euro-toques, in association with Fáilte Ireland and industry sponsor La Rousse Foods, is a search to find a young Food Ambassador for Ireland, who can contribute to developing an identity for Irish cooking and to promote Ireland’s culinary reputation at home and abroad.

Guest Judge Philip Howard is impressed with Matt Logan's Euro-Toques final dish

Speaking after being crowned Euro-toques Young Chef of the Year, Matt said,“I am absolutely delighted with the result. The competition has been a huge challenge and has really tested my abilities in lots of ways. It’s been a very intense few weeks, but there is a lot of intensity to being a chef and that is what we thrive on. It has been a great buzz working with the other lads and a huge honour to cook for the judges. The whole experience has been great, tough work, but great. I am looking forward to representing Euro-toques and Fáilte Ireland over the next year and going to work with Phil Howard at the Square – and thrilled to have the opportunity”.

Chefs JP McMahon, Philip Howard, Paul Kelly and Euro-Toques Ireland President chef Wade Murphy

Commenting at the final, Wade Murphy, President of Euro-toques Ireland said, “The 5 young chefs here tonight have gone through a rigorous selection process and some very tough tasks. Their work ethic and passion for what they do is inspiring. I loved seeing the seriousness with which they approached each stage, but also the camaraderie between them and the enjoyment they clearly took in each challenge. They are all extremely talented chefs and they are the people who will build Ireland’s culinary scene and reputation in the years to come." He continued, "It's always very difficult to have just one winner, but the points decide it in the end. Matt consistently showed great skills, creativity and dedication to his craft throughout the competition and we are delighted to announce him as Euro-toques Young Chef of the Year 2014”.

Failte Ireland Food Tourism Manager, Helen McDaid

Helen McDaid, Food Tourism Manager at Fáilte Ireland said, “In the last few years, as Ireland’s food revolution has gathered pace, Fáilte Ireland has worked closely with Euro-toques Ireland and their Young Chef of the Year competition as a key means of identifying the new wave of inspired Irish chefs to establish and promote ‘Irish cuisine’ in both domestic and international markets.” This partnership has allowed the competition to reach new heights and new audiences ensuring it will provide an excellent opportunity for a future sponsor who shares these goals.

The event also gave the finalists the chance to tantalise the taste buds of Ireland’s most celebrated chefs and almost 200 other guests as they served out their own signature dishes. The five young chefs were assisted on the night by a professional team consisting of Declan Maxwell (Chapter One Restaurant) acting as front of house, Peter Everett (Restaurant Forty One at Residence) overseeing the kitchen and special guest MC’s for the evening David and Stephen Flynn from The Happy Pear.

Congrats to Matt on an excellent performance throughout the Euro-Toques Young Chef 2014 competition and we wish him a continued successful career as an award-winning Irish Chef.

Zack

Euro-Toques launch search for Ireland's Young Chef of the Year 2014

The search has officially begun to find Euro-Toques Young Chef of the Year 2014.

The most coveted culinary title in Ireland will this year focus on the theme “No Chef is an Island” and asks young chefs to embrace all the influences associated with their gastronomic adventures in the kitchen. 23 rising Irish culinary stars (including Neven Maguire in 1994) have held this coveted title since the competition began in 1990.

The overall talented winner will receive an all expenses paid stage, at the world-renowned The Square London, where they will work under the direction of two star Michelin chef Philip Howard – this year’s guest judge. 

Guest Judge, 2 Michelin Star Chef Philip Howard of The Square Restaurant in London

Young professional chefs between 18-26 from any catering background can enter online via www.youngchef.ie. Entry closes on Tuesday, September 30th at 12 noon. Candidates will later be notified if they have made it to stage two of the competition.

Euro-Toques Ireland is looking for three key ingredients when selecting candidates:

• a passion for Irish produce and food heritage
• outstanding cooking talent
• the ability to showcase their creations as a sharing experience.

Ireland’s top 5 young chefs will compete for the title at a culinary skills test Final, on Sunday 23rd of November, in Dublin and will cook for guests at an exciting event that evening where the winner will be announced.

Euro-Toques Young Chef of the Year 2014, in association with Fáilte Ireland and industry sponsor La Rousse Foods, is the perfect launch-pad for a fresh young chef to walk in the footsteps of Ireland’s most recognised culinary artists such as Myrtle Allen, Ross Lewis, Kevin Thornton or Derry Clarke.
The Euro-Toques Ireland judges are looking to be enthralled this year by exciting tastes, interesting traditions and refreshing experiences.

The 2013 Young Chef winner Mark Moriarty will be one of this year's judges

Successful candidates will be involved in a number of competition stages and events between now and the end of November and will be judged by some of Ireland’s most respected chefs including Wade Murphy, President of Euro-Toques Ireland, Domini Kemp.

The 2013 winner, Chef Mark Moriarty, will also be judging. Mark, in his role as Euro-Toques Young Chef of the Year has cooked at Taste of Dublin, Electric Picnic and events in Paris and Boston this year. Mark is currently teaching in Cooks Academy having previously worked in The Greenhouse Restaurant.

Chef Wade Murphy, President of Euro-Toques Ireland

Speaking at the launch Wade Murphy, President of Euro-Toques and proprietor of Restaurant 1826 Adare, said: “Sourcing of top quality local and seasonal food is at the core of what Euro-Toques is about and that will always be there, but we also need to start recognising the huge culinary talent that exists in this country and that is creating a really exciting food scene across Ireland. I feel very passionate about passing on knowledge and skills to the next generation of chefs and nurturing their raw talent and ability – that is what the Euro-Toques Young Chef of the Year is all about.”

Helen McDaid, Food Tourism Manager at Failte Ireland

“Ireland has long been recognised for the beauty of its landscapes, the buzz of its cities, and the warmth of its people" said Helen McDaid, Food Tourism Manager at Failte Ireland. "Now visitors are coming for its food and drink too. Ireland’s culinary reputation is growing both at home and abroad and so it is important to continually seek out young chefs who champion Irish cooking and nurture their talents. Fáilte Ireland is delighted to be involved with the Euro-Toques Young Chef for a third year as it provides the opportunity to identify and celebrate this new wave of inspired chefs who represent the future of Irish cuisine.”

This year's Industry Sponsor is La Rousse Foods

Closing date for entry is September 30th 2014 at 12.00 noon.

Watch & Share this Euro-Toques Young Chef 2014 Promo Video:



For more information on the competition and details on entry log onto www.youngchef.ie 

Follow Euro-Toques on Twitter @eurotoquesirl and check the #youngchef14 hashtag

Zack.

Winners of the Euro-Toques Ireland Food Awards 2014

The very best of Irish produce has today been recognised and celebrated at the EirGrid Euro-Toques Food Awards 2014 at the Residence Club on Stephen’s Green in Dublin at a reception hosted by Ear to The Ground presenter, Ella McSweeney.

With Irish cuisine currently enjoying excellent international recognition, five food producers were recognised at the 18th annual awards for their outstanding produce and methods and were presented with a coveted Euro-Toques Award.

Euro-toques, was established in Brussels in 1986 by the top chefs in the Europe with the aim of forming a network of chefs committed to quality local food sourcing and to be a voice for the industry to protect Europe’s traditional foods and culinary heritage. Ireland's Myrtle Allen of Ballymaloe House was one of the founding members and went on to found Euro-toques Ireland the same year.

The Euro-toques Food Awards have been in existence since 1996. Their purpose is for Euro-toques chefs to identify the very best food being produced in Ireland for the benefit of fellow chefs and consumers, and above all the producers themselves, who are often very small operators. In doing this they seek to highlight foods and production methods that may be in danger of being lost and to promote people who were producing food of the very highest quality and, above all, the best taste. 

Producers are nominated by Euro-Toques member chefs who use their produce on their menu. The Euro-toques Food Council made up of 8 chefs from across Ireland carry out tastings, investigations and visits before choosing 5 winners each year. The awards have been sponsored by EirGrid since 2010.

The prestigious awards honour enterprise, innovation and the preservation of traditional methods behind the fine produce that is celebrated and enjoyed by top restaurants in Ireland and abroad.

The Euro-Toques Ireland Food Council, together with the Euro-Toques Commissioner General Wade Murphy chef/proprietor of acclaimed 1826 Adare restaurant in Adare, Co. Limerick, selected the winners following a nationwide process that involved Ireland’s 160 Euro-Toques chefs nominating producers. Central to the selection criteria was taste, production methods, preservation of traditional methods and provenance.

At the Awards ceremony Wade said: “All five winners are true champions of Irish produce and deserved recipients of these coveted awards. The exceptional standard of nominations considered by the panel demonstrates the passion and expertise within the industry that makes Irish produce famous around the world.”

“All of these winners have been innovative in preserving traditional techniques and bringing their products to market, ensuring that quality traditional farming and produce does not just survive, but it thrives.”

Euro-Toques Commissioner General, Irish Chef Wade Murphy

"What is special about all of today’s award recipients is that they channelled their passion for traditional produce into thriving artisan, and above all, local businesses. Ireland is a nation of great producers and great food and the survival of the traditional techniques and skills, handed down from generation to generation are very much alive with these award winners, albeit with an innovative twist."

The common underlying theme for this year award recipients is the rural nature of their produce, the care and attention towards our precious heritage and an in-depth knowledge of the raw materials, resulting in these five products which are rare gems in the Irish culinary scene.

The five recipients of Euro-toques Food Awards 2014 are:

Toby Simmonds and Johnny Lynch Toonsbridge Dairy

Toby Simmonds and Johnny Lynch from Toonsbridge Dairy have been making celebrated Mozzarella at their dairy farm in Macroom, County Cork since 2011, using traditional techniques learned in Italy to make delicious mozzarella from their herd of specialty Prince of Lombardia Buffalo. www.therealoliveco.com Twitter @ToonsBridgeCafe

Ed Hick of J. Hick & Sons, Dun Laoghaire

Ed Hick of J Hick & Sons is renowned for his curing and smoking techniques. He is a champion of innovation and tradition, particularly in his production of his much vaulted cured and smoked Irish wild venison, which is celebrated at restaurants throughout Ireland. His shop is situated in Dun Laoghaire and they attend Temple Bar Food Market every Saturday. www.hicks.ie Twitter @edhick

Lucy Deegan and Mark Cribben of Ballyhoura Mountain Mushrooms

With a background in food science Lucy Deegan and Mark Cribben of Ballyhoura Mountain Mushrooms are celebrated growers of specialty mushrooms popular for their taste and texture and famed for their scientific methods to produce a unique natural microclimate in Ballyhoura, County Cork to deliver their award-winning Shitake and Marinated Oyster mushrooms bursting with flavour and texture. www.ballyhouramushrooms.ie Twitter @irishshiitake

Marjorie and Kieran O’Malley of Achill Island Sea Salt

New on the scene, Marjorie and Kieran O’Malley of Achill Island Sea Salt, have been producing the finest hand-harvested sea salt since 2013 at Achill Island Sea Salt. Their passion to deliver a pure, natural, product that celebrates traditional techniques, coupled with the famed texture, flavour and appearance quality of their artisan sea salt has proven a hit with consumers and critics alike. www.achillislandseasalt.ie Twitter @achillseasalt

Mick Healy of Wild Irish Game Ltd.

Mick Healy of Wild Irish Game Ltd in County Wicklow is Ireland’s only Department of Agriculture approved processor of wild game including pheasant, venison, rabbit, quail, guinea foul, grouse, pigeon and duck and his customer list reads like a guide to Ireland’s top restaurants. www.wildirishgame.ie Twitter @WildIrishGame

All of today’s award recipients have chosen the path of directly marketing their produce, which has ensured the viability of their businesses and has given them a vital direct link to the restaurant kitchens! Euro-Toques chefs cherish the direct link with the producers and their kitchen door is always open to those who constantly inspire their menu. 

Irish food producers with this calibre of dedication to their craft are vitally important as they encourage others to also concentrate on top quality. Thus begins a new Irish Food Legacy. Congratulations to them all!

Zack

21 year old Mark Moriarty from The Greenhouse Restaurant wins Euro-Toques Young Chef of the Year 2013

21 year old Mark Moriarty from The Greenhouse Restaurant, was today awarded the prestigious title of Euro-toques Young Chef of the Year 2013 at an exclusive event titled “Carnival of Memories” at Google Ireland’s Garage Cafe, in Dublin 2.

Winner of the 2013 Euro-Toques Young Chef of the Year, Mark Moriarty

Mark is from Blackrock Co Dublin and works as a Chef de Partie in The Greenhouse Restaurant, situated just off St.Stephens Green Dawson St, Dublin 2. 

Mark was a runner up in the final of Euro-Toques Young Chef of the Year last year and is delighted with his triumph. "To make this final stage with the other four finalists was an honour in itself and right now it’s still sinking in that I have just been awarded the title of Euro-toques Young Chef of the Year 2013, " he said after the award presentation.

Mark was one of five finalists who battled it out over the past three months to win this esteemed title. The other four finalists in this year's competition were:

• Kevin Burke (aged 24 from Castleknock, Dublin 15) Chef de Partie, Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud, Merrion Hotel
• Paula Leavy (aged 26 from Dromcondra Dublin 9) Chef de Partie from Locks Brasserie
• Brian O’Flaherty (aged 24 Barntown in Co Wexford) Commis Chef in Restaurant Forty One
• Grainne O’Keefe (aged 22 from Blanchardstown, Dublin 15) Junior Sous Chef in Pichet

One of the best female Chefs in the world, Elena Arzak, presented the award

Elena Arzak, World’s Best Female Chef 2012 and joint head chef at three Michelin star restaurant Arzak, was on hand to award Mark the distinguished title which includes a stage at ALMA, the International School of Italian cuisine in Colorno Italy, headed by world renowned chef Gualtiero Marchesi, amongst other exciting opportunities.

The judging panel included Elena Arzak, Michelin-starred Ross Lewis of Chapter One, Euro-Toques President Wade Murphy, Marc Amand, MD of La Rousse Foods and Lorcan Cribbin of Unicorn. The panel was chaired by Neil McFadden.

Speaking at the final Mark Moriarty said,  "I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of the competition and would definitely say that is has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my career to date not to mention the most challenging! To get the chance to work and learn from Ireland’s top chefs has been invaluable and 2014 is now set to be a memorable year with my stage in ALMA under the guidance of the great Gualtiero Marchesi.”

Now in its 23rd year, the theme of this year’s Euro-Toques competition was "Food Memories". The competition, in association with Failte Ireland, looks to find a young food ambassador for Ireland who can contribute to developing an identity for Irish cooking and promote Ireland’s culinary reputation at home and abroad.

A special event celebrating Irish cooking took place on Sunday evening at Google Dublin to mark the 2013 Euro-toques Young Chef of the Year and announce the winner. Guests were treated to a champagne reception and a 5-course meal prepared by the finalists and their restaurants based on the theme "Food Memories".

President of Euro-Toques Ireland, Chef Wade Murphy, Chef/Owner of 1826 Adare

Commenting at the final, Wade Murphy, President of Euro-toques Ireland said, “This year’s Euro-toques Young Chef of the Year competition focused on Food Memories and we really wanted to see the finalists talents when it came to the interpretation of their own food memories from their childhood. Ireland in its own right is becoming a well-known culinary destination and we wanted to select finalists that can develop and add to this culinary revolution."

"The passion, talent and determination we have seen over the past few months has been astounding and these five finalists are set for great things in the coming years. All five finalists brought something different to the table but in the end Mark’s hard work and unique talent shone through and we were delighted to announce Mark as the overall winner of Euro-Toques Young Chef of the Year 2013,” he added.

What is Euro-Toques?

Euro-toques, the European Community of Chefs, was established in Brussels in 1986 by a group of top chefs in Europe. Their purpose was to form a network of chefs committed to quality local food sourcing and to be a voice for the industry to protect Europe’s traditional foods and culinary heritage.

Myrtle Allen of Ballymaloe House was one of the founding members and went on to found Euro-toques Ireland the same year. Euro-toques Ireland lobbies on a variety of food policy issues and is heavily involved in education, focusing on food education for children and skills training for chefs, in addition to organizing food-related events and activities for both industry and the public.

For more information on the Euro-Toques and the Young Chef 2013 competition see www.euro-toques.ie

Zack