Dennis Smith knows how to throw a good party. Last week he celebrated been open 10 years in Supervalu Johnstown. What a great achievement. He decided to showcase some of our local and Irish Artisan Food and Beer suppliers. I was delighted to be there and meet some of owners of the products that are always in my kitchen.
First up was Bru Beer, I don’t think there is any need to give an introduction, these guys are everywhere, and so they should be. They have some of the most amazing beers,from Pale Ale, Rua, and their flagship Brú, their new beer is their Autumn Ale, really nice pumpkin flavour. A BIG Congrats to the lads who picked up 2 awards this year at the Bank Of Ireland Start Up Awards. Its well deserved, these guys work really hard. (Below)
Next up was Goodness Grains who have been in business for over 3 years, their products are gluten free Breads, Desserts and Pastries, and they pride themselves in customer satisfaction. They got 6 winning products in this years Taste Awards, what a great achievement. (Above Left)) Next to Try was Burkes Ice Cream. Makers of the finest Jersey Milk Ice Cream and Sorbets, Their business is located just outside Navan Town. They have a great selection and always have in season specials. Nothing is ever to much for them. I remember a few months ago I asked Bernie Burke (owner) to make me a Basil Sorbet for a special menu, we both got excited with this little project and anxious to see the result. Of course it was simply delicious. (Above Right)
As I pushed my trolly around I could see the Coole Swan Display. This Liqueur is one of the Top Irish Liqueurs, ( in my opinion ) and a friend of mine living in Australia loves it, so I regulary sent it to her. Its not only good as a drink but can be used in lots of desserts. I really enjoy knowing where products get their inspiration from and theirs is a great story. (Below Left) I was keen to see what Hartys had to sample, I’m embarressed to say I hadn’t tried any of their products until that day, and I wasn’t disappointed. The Ginger Hot Pepper jelly was to die for and some got added to my shopping. (Below Right)
As my shopping trolly was getting full ( and so was I with all the sampling ) i couldn’t resist but stop off here at Meade Rooster Chips I LOVE this great IRISH product. The only home grown frozen chips now on the market in Ireland. Made exclusively from Irish Rooster potatoes, sunflower oil and nothing else. If you haven’t tasted yet, you must. I can not recommend them highly enough.
Mc Donnells were here also, passing out samples of their crisps, another great Irish Product. They have 5 different varieties, all I’m sure equally as good as the next, my favourite is Cider Vinegar and Sea Salt, what I love about this product is that their is no artificial colour or flavours. Im pretty sure their Hickory Bacon Crisps won an award last year at the National Food awards. (Below Left)
Of course a stop had to be made at Lilys Tea, i don’t drink Tea, even flaovored tea but i did have a sampler with me, who loves his tea and this got a big thumbs up, I even got talked into adding it to Copper and Spices tea selection. (Below left) Last on my list to try and right next to the checkout was Whats for Pudding again had my sampler on hand and The Sticky Toffee Pudding he declared was the best he tasted. Two packs were snapped up by him at the checkout. Happy days. (Below Right)
There were more Local business at the 10th Birthday Celebrations but I simply didn’t get to go and chat to everyone. Its great to see so many Local Irish Small Business getting support. And walking around my Local Supervalu and seeing all the displays were truly an enjoyable shopping experience. Kudos to Dennis Smith.
CorriganSays 