Tipperary Food Extravaganza

I spent an absolutely fantastic evening g at the Food Extravaganza in Clonmel last week. As you can see from the above panel I was in very good company indeed. The idea was very novel and I think it was a great way to communicate to the outside world the great work being done in Tipperary to promote the local artisan food movement. From my point of view I think it was a good opportunity to meet some of the food producers I have learned to admire over the last few years and I also think it is very important to share ideas and hopefully work closely with them in the future.
Hats off to all involved but make no mistake we in Kilkenny will be back next year for the all Ireland hurling final. They have started on their diet of trout already!!

Bloom brought to you by bord bia

It was another first for Goatsbridge when we participated in Bloom in the Phoenix Park on 27th of May this year. Although sales of my products were important in order to cover the cost of the stand it was’t my primary objective for being there. I could not bring my fresh fish along so I made up lots of smoked trout quiche and pates, products that we hope to bring to market sometime in the New Year.
It was my first time working directly with Bord Bia as they have been given the unenviable job of promoting fish here in Ireland as well as abroad. You may have noticed a new Bord Bia campaign headed by Doaithi O Shea encouraging people to eat more fish .As Martin Shanahan tells us “no skin, no bones ,no problem”.
It was great to meet @icanhascook, @babaduck, @bibliocook, @SHearnesmith ,@smorgasblog @dailyspud and of course the young and dynamic Donal Skeehan. These food bloggers are the new generation of food writers and I just love to dip in and out of their blogs keeping us up to date on the latest food trends. I had to laugh to myself when I realized @dailyspud was a woman so I guess you can say it is always good to put a face to a name. Donal Skeehan is the new up and coming Jamie Oliver and I look forward to watching him make his way to the top. Check out his good mood food blog.
On Monday evening after an exhausting 5 days it was time to make the return journey to Kilkenny. If I am to be honest I did’t have time to miss my family until that moment and I could’t wait to get home expecting a welcoming party at the door.Oh how they must have missed their mother. At 9 o clock I walked up the stairs to say good night only to be welcomed by my youngest with a look of bewilderment and astonishment on her little 4 year old face. She looked at me as she went into the loo for her ritual last minute wee wee and stopped momentarily and said “Hi Mum. Aine (my 7 year old going on 15!!) told me you were dead.” On she walked to do her business and that was that.

Just shows how Bloom,trout,food bloggers,market research ,award wining gardens were insignificant in her life. At least her mother was alive.!!!!