FoodieForum and Gastronomy West to host largest culinary event in the west (Tuesday 3 February 2015)
Foodie Forum 2015 Photo Gallery - CLICK HERE
Gastronomy West 2015 Speakers' Presentations - CLICK HERE
Press Release
Following two successful events in 2012 and 2013, “The FoodieForum” is set to return to Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT) on Tuesday 3 February, 2015. This hugely successful event, the only one of its kind in an educational environment, is already attracting significant interest from chefs, food producers, craft brewers, restaurateurs and culinary enthusiasts from around the country.
The 2015 event will see the GMIT FoodieForum team merge with Gastronomy West, a symposium which brings together experts and key note speakers on gastronomy and tourism. Speakers will present on a range of topics including such as Eco and Adventure Tourism, “Seaweed and longevity – Improving the Irish diet with the consumption of Seaweed”, “The tourism experience in a rural environment”, “Food trail development” and “Managing your digital shop window - A case study presentation”.
As well as participating in these contemporary debates, delegates will have an opportunity to partake in food, wine, spirits and craft beer master classes as well as visit some of the best artisan producers from the region who will be displaying and offering food tastes in the “Made in Galway” artisan market. An impressive line-up of contributors have joined the Foodie Forum team in their quest to educate on the growing importance of the provenance of food, the support of local suppliers and the use of seasonal Irish food.
Some of Ireland’s most celebrated chefs will be present on the day and a collaborative demonstration by Sally McKenna and Kevin Thornton will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of the day. Speakers on the craft beer industry include Caroline Hennessy and Kristen Jensen, authors of the hugely successful Sláinte -The Complete Guide to Irish Craft Beer and Cider, and in the “Meet the Brewers” area visitors will have an opportunity to speak with the craft brewers and sample some products.
Leading food commentator and author of the McKenna’s Guides series John McKenna says that “The Foodie Forum is a particularly inspired initiative because it gives students what is the rarest thing in their days as a student: real live events under real live pressure in live time. They have to step out of their student skins into the real world, and whilst it's certainly a cathartic experience it's an experience they will never forget.”
GMIT lecturer and one of the event organisers, Jacinta Dalton, says the event takes food education to a different level. “As well as giving our students the opportunity to interact with key players in the Irish food industry, it creates an opportunity for chefs, restaurateurs, producers, academics, business advisors and members of the general public to debate, mingle, network and in many cases forge very successful and lucrative business relationships,” she explains.
“The event has proved to be a highlight on the national food events calendar and is a huge success due in part to the interactive nature of the day. We believe that this enhanced format with Gastronomy West for 2015 will offer even more choice to visitors and look forward to yet another hugely successful, educational food event.”
The event is open to the general public and industry colleagues. Admission is by ticket only and is set to attract a large number of visitors. All wishing to attend can reserve tickets on www.thefoodieforum.net For regular updates follow the team on @thefoodieforum @gastrowest
