Issue 171 - Belfast BT6 • BT7 • BT8
South Belfast Chef wins Top Culinary Competition Talented local chef, Gareth Crawford, wowed judges with an extraordinary display of culinary excellence. The Belfast-based Cú restaurant chef went headto-head with Wine & Brine’s Conor Ryan and Dan Welker from James Street South who finished in second and third place respectively. The three talented local chefs had successfully fought off competition from over 24 aspiring chefs from across the island of Ireland in a series of culinary challenges to earn their place in the Grand Finale at the Balmoral Hotel in Belfast. Each of the finalists had to impress the esteemed judges in an intense culinary battle of skill, passion, and creativity with the talented chefs carefully crafting their signature three-course menu aimed at showcasing their distinct cooking styles. Gareth Crawford’s three-course menu dazzled the judging panel of Michelin star chef, Danni Barry, 2023 Great British Menu contestant, Kerry Roper, and BBC’s Lord Mayor of Belfast Councillor Ryan Murphy got on board with festivities to launch the action packed Belfast Maritime Festival which takes place in September
Discover a treasure trove of family fun at Belfast Maritime Festival
Belfast’s rich maritime history and spirit of innovation will take centre stage with a host of free family activities on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 September. The Belfast Maritime Festival will take place along the city’s Maritime Mile, with activities stretching across Queen’s Quay to HMS Caroline in the Titanic Quarter. Visitors can enjoy nautical-themed fun from
11am each day, including live music and pop-up performances, street entertainers and the colourful Belfast Bazaar, featuring the very best local produce and crafts. The first ever ‘Science
Street’ on Titanic Slipways will host an array of fun interactive activities, demonstrations and live shows exploring topics such as navigation, marine biology, climate change and biodiversity. Whether
you’re a seasoned science enthusiast or a curious learner, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
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Farm to Feast judge, Joris Minne, with his culinary artistry using subtle barbecue influences. His Starter featured Pan-Roasted Cod with velvety curry corn velouté, carrot purée, and crispy skin drizzled with dill oil. For his Main course, Gareth prepared his exquisite Ex-Dairy BBQ Cote de Boeuf with fondant potatoes, BBQ hispi cabbage, glazed king oyster mushrooms, and chimichurri gravy. His delectable Dessert was a Strawberry Parfait with Creme Fraiche Sorbet, macerated strawberries, strawberry gel, and a delicate chocolate tuile. Gareth was crowned “Ireland’s Next Top Chef” and will get the chance to select an all-expenses paid mentorship to cook and train with a leading culinary team at a prestigious Michelin-starred restaurant: Dinner by Heston Blumenthal in London, Liath in Dublin or Muddlers Club in Belfast.