Whetting the appetite for Restaurant Week

How do Portstewart lobster, Bushmills whiskey steaks and Causeway Martinis sound?

In celebration of the Year of Food and Drink Northern Ireland, the very first Causeway Coast and Glens Restaurant Week will run from 12-20 November.

There will be themed nights and taster menus, featuring fresh, local and seasonal ingredients, complemented by fine wines, artisan ales and of course, the world’s oldest licensed whiskey from Bushmills.

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Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Alderman Maura Hickey said: “Anyone who has visited recently will have noticed our burgeoning food scene

with new restaurants, food trails and markets popping up throughout the area.  From Ballykelly to Bushmills, from Cushendall to Cloughmills, and from Portstewart to Portballintrae, this new event is for both locals and visitors to enjoy and it offers a very different short break experience away from the traditional holiday season.”

Kerrie McGonigle, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Destination Manager added: “The tourism team has linked up with food trade partners and the Causeway Coast and Glens Food Network to create a nine-day culinary event that will showcase local produce and the expanding, vibrant restaurant scene in the

stunning surroundings of coastal spots such as Portrush, Ballycastle and Ballintoy, and the market towns of Coleraine and Limavady.”

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Chefs are planning and prepping menus to provide memorable, dining experiences. 

Featuring on the bill of fare will be many of the award winning food producers from the area, including Broughgammon Farm (goat) and Ballinteer Farm (quail), who have partnered with the restaurants to serve up some unique tastes.  As well as offering modern twists on Irish food heritage, restaurants will be offering French, Spanish, Australian and Turkish themed nights to transport the diner to other worlds.

There are even menus to let you eat like a king from Game of Thrones!

Not sure where to start? Why not embark on a food tour, a wine and cheese appreciation evening or a gin pairing night! Accommodation offers and a full programme of Restaurant Week events can be found on www.visitcausewaycoastandglens.com

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For further information contact Ballycastle Visitor Information Centre 028 2076 2024

Local chefs Stella Bolton from The French Rooms, Bushmills and Derek Steele from the Bell Tower Restaurant at the Dark Hedges Estate were pictured at the launch of Causeway Coast and Glens Restaurant Week with Richard Connor, crew member of the Causeway Lass fishing vessel. Derek is getting into character for his Game of Thrones themed menus.