Derry's status as an international foodie destination will be in focus in February as the city hosts a month-long campaign to celebrate the North West’s outstanding food and drink, and the people who produce it.
The Love LegenDerry Food Month will create a platform for the city’s chefs and producers to showcase just why Derry and the wider region features on the bucket lists of those planning food themed breaks in 2023.
The campaign has been launched by the LegenDerry Food Network in partnership with Derry City and Strabane District Council and Visit Derry and will feature a series of special events and a mouth-watering food experiences.
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In addition, an immersive new food trail will launch as over 40 businesses from across the city and wider area come to showcase how they are using local food to offer a unique and authentic visitor experience.
Visit Derry Chief Executive, Odhran Dunne said the city has become a real melting pot of different flavours with chefs celebrating the very best of local produce by serving up both traditional dishes and international cuisine.
He said: "This city has always been known for its warm and welcoming hospitality but now it is really making a name for itself around the world as a foodie destination. Our local produce is second to none and it is fantastic to see such an exciting and dedicated group of outstanding chefs determined to serve the very best seasonal ingredients in their businesses.
"From growers, producers, chefs, brewers and restauranteurs there is something really fantastic happening in Derry and the Love LegenDerry Food Month will create the perfect platform to showcase this to visitors."
Odhran also highlighted some of the amazing food stories taking place in Derry including the Lough Foyle Native Oyster.
He said: "Our oyster is perhaps symbolic of the food scene here in Derry. A once abundant resource was in real danger of dying out before a major effort was made to help it flourish once again.
"Today the oyster sustains a buoyant local fishing fleet, with local chefs embracing this wonderful product and making it the star of some of their dishes. The Walled City Brewery have even used the oyster to brew their famous Foyster Stout."
James Huey, owner of Walled City Brewery said: "When my wife and I opened Walled City Brewery in May 2015, we had no idea of the success that would follow. Having recently launched our new taproom which showcases the best of local produce, we truly understand the value of collaborating with our business neighbours and the endless advantages it brings.
"Ourselves and Sippy Fest dreamt up the concept of Foyster during late-night, beer-fuelled chats about how to celebrate the Lough Foyle Flat Oyster which is native to our shores and a true pearl of the Foyle.
"In addition, we work with the fantastic team at Foyle Bia Marra, a family-run business with decades of experience and expertise in the Irish seafood industry, to ensure all of our oysters are of the highest quality and sustainably sourced.
"The launch of Love LegenDerry Food Month is an extremely exciting opportunity for everyone involved. We are delighted to have the chance to join forces with local producers and chefs alike to really showcase the amazing array of food and drink experiences on offer here."
Some of the stand-out events taking place at Love LegenDerry Food Month include Beer & Cheese Longtable on February 17, Urban Foraging on February 11, Couples Cooking Experience on February 17 - 18, Sperrin Goat Experience on February 17-18 and Oyster & Stout Festival on February 24-25
Full details are available here.
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