The Irish Dairy Board Listowel Food Book of the Year 2013 was awarded yesterday evening to Michelin-starred chef Ross Lewis, author of ‘Chapter One: an Irish Food Story’.
Lewis was presented the award by Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Jimmy Deenihan and Kevin Lane, CEO of the Irish Dairy Board.
Making a welcome return to the Listowel Food Fair, the Irish Dairy Board Listowel Food Book of the Year award recognises contributions to food writing, which highlight the purity and taste of natural Irish food products. These attributes are embodied by the award sponsor’s iconic Kerrygold brand which is globally recognised for its premium quality and purity, made from the milk of grass fed cows.
This year’s winner ‘Chapter One: an Irish Food Story’ has garnered praise for presenting modern Irish cooking and championing Irish artisan suppliers. Among the recipes included are the dishes Lewis cooked for Queen Elizabeth II’s banquet in 2011.
The Minister for Arts noted: “Listowel is where food and literature come together, being a location for the food industry and with a long literary tradition. This is the sixth year of the competition, and previous winners include Darina Allen, Georgina Campbell, Sophie Morris, Edward Hayden and Cornucopia Restaurant. The judges make their decision on the quality of the content, presentation, design and the promotion of Irish artisan food products. This book is very strong in all of these categories, and will make a fantastic addition to any kitchen.”
Speaking at the presentation, Kevin Lane, CEO of the Irish Dairy Board, said: “Now in its sixth year, the calibre of entries is increasing each year and we are thrilled to give the award to Ross Lewis. His stunning book showcases the award winning food, the people behind his restaurant and also the producers who supply the high quality Irish artisan ingredients. Ireland’s farmers and food producers are key to the success of the Irish food industry and their dedication to producing quality is fuelling our growing food culture.”
Ross Lewis said: “It’s an honour to receive the Irish Dairy Board Listowel Food Book of the Year award. After 21 years in the business we wanted to celebrate this milestone with fellow food lovers and showcase the quality of locally grown organic and artisan produce that we use in the restaurant every day. Many of our specialist growers and artisan producers have been supplying us since we opened and we’re delighted to feature some of them in ‘chapter one: an Irish food story’, their passion for Irish produce is an inspiration to me and my cooking.”
The 19th annual Listowel Food Fair opens today and continues until Sunday, 24 November. The Food Fair will have a strong festive theme this year and highlights will include a cookery demonstration with celebrated chef Simon Regan on the opening night, the popular farming seminar this Friday, and a packed programme of workshops for all ages and levels, cookery competitions and the craft fair on Sunday.
The book award prize includes a culinary tour of Chicago, home of the Kerrygold US team.
Pictured Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Jimmy Deenihan and Kevin Lane, CEO of the Irish Dairy Board