Chefs cook up a storm for Causeway Hospital Scrubs

A group of chefs are serving up online masterclasses in a unique fundraising initiative to support frontline staff in the Causeway area.
Trudy Brolly, Stella Bolton and Stephen Lampard three of the chefs that are taking part in the Causeway Hospital NHS Cook for ScrubTrudy Brolly, Stella Bolton and Stephen Lampard three of the chefs that are taking part in the Causeway Hospital NHS Cook for Scrub
Trudy Brolly, Stella Bolton and Stephen Lampard three of the chefs that are taking part in the Causeway Hospital NHS Cook for Scrub

The ‘Causeway Chefs for the NHS’ project has been developed by freelance chef Derek Steele who has worked extensively across the region for many years.

Together with six dynamic colleagues, he wants to put the region’s renowned culinary capabilities to good use and raise funds for the NI Scrubs Causeway Coast group, set up to produce much-needed masks, tunics and trousers for staff at the frontline of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The participating chefs are set to provide a unique insight into some of their best-loved recipes with two weeks of daily online demonstrations.

Derek Steele recently made the decision to hang up his chef whites, however he is still very much involved in helping to promote local food and restaurants and developed the Causeway Chefs initiative to raise some money for some of those front line heroes who are saving lives while also sharing some of his own cooking skills developed throughout his careerDerek Steele recently made the decision to hang up his chef whites, however he is still very much involved in helping to promote local food and restaurants and developed the Causeway Chefs initiative to raise some money for some of those front line heroes who are saving lives while also sharing some of his own cooking skills developed throughout his career
Derek Steele recently made the decision to hang up his chef whites, however he is still very much involved in helping to promote local food and restaurants and developed the Causeway Chefs initiative to raise some money for some of those front line heroes who are saving lives while also sharing some of his own cooking skills developed throughout his career

Their pre-recorded videos will be shared on social media via the Causeway Coast Community News page and in return, the public is asked to make a donation towards their £3,000 target.

All money raised will be used to buy essential materials needed to produce and deliver the ever-increasing demand for protective wear.

Among those taking part is Stella Bolton of The French Rooms in Bushmills.

She said it’s a way of showing appreciation for the medical staff in the local area: “This is a much-needed fundraiser for our brave NHS staff at our local Causeway Hospital and care homes.

Gary Stewart is the proud owner of local Bushmills eaterie, Tartine at the Distillers ArmsGary Stewart is the proud owner of local Bushmills eaterie, Tartine at the Distillers Arms
Gary Stewart is the proud owner of local Bushmills eaterie, Tartine at the Distillers Arms

“As members of the local hospitality industry we are passionate about the people and the magnificent place we live and we wanted to pull together to help raise much-needed funds to allow the ‘Scrubs’ group to carry on with their vital work.

“One of the group’s Co-ordinators is Claire O’Kane of Mussenden Sea Salt who is a member of Taste Causeway and we are delighted to be able to support what they are doing.

“It started out as a small initiative but they have been totally overwhelmed by demand and we are really hoping that we can help to make a difference.”

Derek Steele said he hoped to inspire home cooks: “It’s so important that our restaurants, bars and bistros remain closed at this time to help slow the spread of coronavirus.

Nigel Steele is now Head Chef at the Portrush Atlantic HotelNigel Steele is now Head Chef at the Portrush Atlantic Hotel
Nigel Steele is now Head Chef at the Portrush Atlantic Hotel

“We are all in this together and as people stay at home we want to give them the opportunity to recreate a restaurant standard dish themselves from the comfort of their own kitchen.

“We will talk you through the whole process from beginning to end, and even if you’re not that experienced in the kitchen please give it a go.

“There’s no better time than now to develop your cooking skills. Let us help you, and at the same time you can help to support this very worthy cause.”

To give viewers a little idea of what to look forward to there’s everything from paella and beef wellington to Bushmills Whiskey apple tart and Moroccan lemon cake.

You can donate online now by searching for Causeway Chefs 4 NHS on Just Giving or by using this link: www.causewaycoastcommunity.co.uk/causewaychefs.

Registered charity The Bushmills Trust will manage the funds on behalf of the chefs and ensure all donations go directly to the NI Scrubs Causeway Coast group.

The first demonstration from Derek Steele, which showcased his rack of lamb dish, was streamed on the Causeway Coast Community Facebook page last Sunday.

Derek paid tribute to his loyal and supportive suppliers including First 4 Fruit, Keenan’s Seafood and The Copper Pig for delivering produce to his doorstep and helping him create the delicious dishes.

He also thanked everyone involved in the campaign including all the chefs who have taken part in the demonstrations.

The daily demonstrations are already up and running and will continue until Sunday, May 2.

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