Cong will become a culinary capital next week when it holds its first ever Cong Food Village festival.
The event which will run from June 23 to 26 will showcase the wide array of eateries and food producers in the immediate area.
Cong Food Village is made up of local restaurants, hotels and food producers who aim to promote Cong as a top quality food destination and support local producers and businesses.
Chairperson of the organisation is Jonathan Keane, Head Chef of The Lodge at Ashford Castle. Last year, Cong Food Village was honoured with second place at the 2015 EDEN (European Destination of Excellence ) awards ceremony, in association with Fáilte Ireland. At the Restaurant Association Awards, members of the Cong Food Village took home four awards.
The festival will showcase the wonderful produce of the west in a fun and educational way, and is supported by among others, Fáilte Ireland, European Region of Gastronomy 2018, and Cong Tidy Towns.
Thursday will kick off events with an official opening in St. Feichín’s Kitchen, the festival marquee, followed by storytelling and Bonfire Night Pig On A Spit. On Friday there will be talks on nutrition, foraging, food awareness and healthy eating advice throughout the day.
Saturday and Sunday will host the farmers market, which includes beer tasting, street food and cooking demos. Renowned chef JP McMahon, culinary director of the EatGalway restaurant group, will hold a cooking demo on Sunday at 2pm.
Cong Food Village is a movement with a true community heart run by people who are passionate about food; growing it, making it, cooking it, sharing it and eating it.
For more information on Cong Food Village and the festival, like their Facebook page and keep up to date at facebook.com/www congfoodvillage.ie
