On Tuesday 21 January 2020, the Office of the Northern Ireland Executive in Brussels hosted a New Years’ Reception showcasing Northern Ireland food and produce prepared by locally renowned Chef Paula McIntyre MBE.
Entitled ‘A Taste of Northern Ireland’, the menu introduced the guests to a variety of delicious courses, including fish (with our famous Lough Neagh eels proving particularly popular), cheeses, meat and desserts. Every dish reflected Northern Ireland’s culture and produce.
Paula McIntyre gave a short and entertaining speech to around 100 guests explaining how Northern Ireland’s landscape and nature produces the unique quality of the food presented. For example, Magilligan carrots gain their flavour in the sandy soil around Lough Foyle while Lough Neagh eel is unique in its fatty, rich flavour. Next to that, Northern Ireland favourites like Veda, colcannon or potato bread were served with a “twist” in some of the dishes she had prepared for the evening.
The evening offered the chance for the office to connect with friends and colleagues of Northern Ireland, including Ambassadors and Heads of Mission. Director Lynsey Moore welcomed everyone, and highlighted the all-party agreement ‘New Decade, New Approach’, which has paved the way for the new Northern Ireland Executive.
All in all, the event was an excellent demonstration of Northern Ireland’s Agri-Food sector to the large turnout of senior colleagues, contacts, friends and supporters of the Office of the Northern Ireland Executive in Brussels who were delighted to mark the start of the New Year with us while enjoying the famous talents and inspirational menu from Paula.