Following our introduction to Taste of Monaghan 2010 last week, the Taste of Monaghan committee has received lots of very positive and encouraging comments from many of the people who enjoyed last year’s Festival and are looking forward to Taste of Monaghan 2010.

There is a lot of interest in the event and in fact – you should note that – due to unprecedented demand – we are actually changing the venue for the Kevin Dundon Demonstration on Thursday 7^th October to a larger venue – more below …

We have had a number of enquiries about the Festival Programme.  Full details are available at www.tasteofmonaghan.com and the official Festival Programme has been published, but here is a summary of the Taste of Monaghan 2010 programme for your convenience

Programme:

Wednesday 6^th October

Official launch of Taste of Monaghan 2010 by well known and popular celebrity chef, Neven Maguire at 8.00pm in the Four Seasons Hotel.

The launch event – which will be compeered by popular Northern Sound broadcaster, Joe Finnegan - will include cookery demonstrations by Neven Maguire and lots of fun and entertainment.  The night will also include the opportunity to win many great prizes - including Dinner Bed and Breakfast for two at Neven’s much coveted MacNean House and Restaurant. 

Taste of Monaghan Cook Book

Neven will also launch the unique and eclectic Taste of Monaghan Cook Book at the event.  This new and refreshing publication presents 71 recipes by over 20 local restaurants, producers and growers.  This is a local publication with a genuinely international flavour which encapsulates the variety and richness of the Taste of Monaghan cuisine in 2010.  Copies will be available at a low low price of €10.00 per copy.  So come prepared to acquire this unique reference book for your own kitchen.  The Taste of Monaghan Cook Book will also make a perfect Christmas gift for friends and family, at home and abroad.

Admission to the Taste of Monaghan Launch 2010 is €20.00.

Tickets are available at Mallon’s Food Hall, The Westenra Hotel and the Four Seasons Hotel.

Please note that holders of tickets to the Taste of Monaghan launch are also invited to attend the next great event of the Festival – A Cookery Demonstration by popular and well known chef, Kevin Dundon, also in the Four Seasons Hotel on Thursday 7^th October, compliments of Fleming’s SuperValu and Department Store.  (Please note the change to the larger venue which was necessary due to the high level of demand).

Thursday 7^th October

There will be more instruction and entertainment at 7.00pm on Thursday 7^th October when the very popular Kevin Dundon will treat you to his culinary demonstration.  Another great evening is promised.

Admission to the event is only €10.00 which is payable at the door.

As noted above, holders of tickets to the Taste of Monaghan launch are also invited to attend this great event, compliments of Fleming’s SuperValu and Department Store. 

Friday 8^th October

Festival Marquees

This year, there will be two Festival Marquees on Church Square– the Taste of Monaghan “Kitchen” marquee and the Taste of Monaghan Producers’ Marquee. 

The “Kitchen” marquee which will be home to a series of cookery demonstrations throughout Friday and Saturday by many of our popular local chefs and producers and some guest chefs from slightly further afield, including Liz Moore from the Belle Isle School of Cookery whose demonstrations were a great success last year.

The Taste of Monaghan Producers Marquee will be home to tastings, entertainment and exhibits by many of our leading local producers including Silver Hill Foods, Mallons Foods, Flemings Department Store, Sillis Prepared Vegetable,  Green Field Foods, Monaghan Bottlers and many others.

This important event not only showcases our many local Monaghan businesses which have become major players at international level.  Also, very importantly, it gives our producers an opportunity to meet with you, their customers, and to get your all important feedback on their products and services and learn from you.  So, make sure that you visit the Producers’ Marquee – this is a unique opportunity to meet a range of our major producers face to face, sample their fare and share your views, opinions and suggestions with them.

Monaghan Farmer’s Market

In addition to the two marquees, an extended Monaghan Farmers’ Market will take place in Church Square from 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. on Friday 8^th and Saturday 9^th October, giving you yet another opportunity to chat with and sample the range of top quality products on offer.  This is also an opportunity to meet with many of our very expert and valued contributors to the Taste of Monaghan Cook Book and other top quality suppliers.

Friday’s Festival event will include coverage by Northern Sound’s Outside Broadcast Unit which will no doubt add to the fun and festive atmosphere at the event.

“Food for Thought” Exhibition by Monaghan Artists

We are delighted to welcome our very talented Monaghan Artists on board the Taste of Monaghan “menu” 2010.  The Monaghan Artists are staging a specially themed “Food for Thought” exhibition as part of the festival this year.  The official launch of the exhibition will take place in the Producers’ Marquee on Friday evening and the art will be on display to visitors to the Marquee throughout the week end.

Admission to all events in the Festival Marquees is free.

Saturday 9^th October 2010

Activities at the two Festival Marquees will continue on Saturday 9^th October. 

Saturday will also offer the following additional events

St. Patrick’s Hall 1.00 pm – 5.00 pm

Viewing - Home Produce Competition

Viewing – Schools’ Art Competition

As you will see below, there’s lots of scope to let everyone see the results of your growing, artistic or culinary talents at Taste of Monaghan 2010.  So whether you are a veteran in the Home Produce area, or a keen beginner – why not make put in an entry and let everyone view your skills!

The Taste of Monaghan Home Produce Show and Competition includes the following categories.

Home Industries Classes

Section A – Jam

Class 100 – Blackcurrant Jam
Class 101 – Plum Jam
Class 102 – Marmalade
Class 103 – Raspberry
Class 104 – Pot of Jelly

Section B – Home Baking

Class 105 – White Soda Cake
Class 106 – Wheaten Bread
Class 107 – Cherry Cake
Class 108 – Madeira Cake
Class 109 – Plain Sandwich Cake (Butter) – Undecorated
Class 110 – Apple Tart
Class 111 – Six Plain Scones

Section C – Fruit, Vegetables, Flowers

Class 112 – Five Cooking Apples
Class 113 – Five Plums
Class 114 – Three Long Carrots
Class 115 – Vegetables – 3 kinds, 3 of each kind
Class 116 – Three Swedes
Class 117 – Best Pumpkin
Class 118 – Best Floral table arrangement

Section D – Eggs

Class 119 – Three duck eggs – any colour
Class 120 – Three hen eggs – brown
Class 121 – Three hen eggs – any other colour

Primary Schools’ Section

Class 122 – Best Edible Necklace (Under 8)
Class 123 – Best Edible Necklace (Over 8)

Schools’ Art Competition

We also look forward to admiring the artistic creations of up and coming Monaghan artists in this year’s Schools’ Art Competitions.  This year’s event will include the following categories

Section E – Art – Primary School

Class 124 – “Food Theme” – Picture in any medium (Under 8)
Class 125 – Picture of a landmark in Monaghan in any medium (Under 8)
Class 126 – “Food Theme” – Picture in any medium(Over 8)
Class 127 – Picture of a landmark in Monaghan in any medium (Over 8)

Section F – Art – Post-Primary School

Class 128 – “Food Theme” – Picture in any medium (Under 15)
Class 129 – Picture of a landmark in Monaghan in any medium(Over 15)
Class 130 – “Food Theme” – Picture in any medium (Under 15)
Class 131 – Picture of a landmark in Monaghan in any medium

“The Hot Dog Competition” 2pm, Saturday 9^th October, Church Square.

And yes – it’s back this year – the search for Monaghan’s “hottest dog”.  The Dog Show will include the following classes –

Class 148 – Large Dog
Class 149 – Small Dog
Class 150 – “Hot Dog” – The dog you would most like to take home
Class 151 – Best Child’s Pet

The Entry Fee for all Classes is €1.00 and Entries must be received by Tuesday 30^th September.  Entry Forms are available to download from www.tasteofmonaghan.com

Sunday 10^th October – Wedding Fair and Fashion Extravaganza

Continuing with the busy and varied programme, come and enjoy the Taste of Monaghan Fashion Show and Wedding Fair in the Festival Marquee, Church Square, 1.00 pm – 6.00 pm on Sunday 10^th October.  This is the Wedding Fair not to be missed.

In addition to the Wedding and Fashion show, the wide variety of exhibitors will include many of our top wedding venues,  stag and hen party night venues, DJs, car fleet rentals, makeup artists, hairdressers, jewellers, travel agents and many more.  The event will also include a wide range of music, family and children’s entertainment.

Tickets to the Festival Launch by Neven Maguire and the Kevin Dundon Cookery Demonstration

Tickets are now on sale at Mallon’s Food Hall, The Westenra Hotel and The Four Seasons Hotel.  Admission to the Launch event is €20.00 and admission to the Kevin Dundon Demonstration is €10.00.

Remember – when you purchase a ticket to the launch night for €20.00 you are also invited to attend the Kevin Dundon Demonstration admission free, courtesy of Fleming’s SuperValu and Department Store.

Buy your ticket now to avoid disappointment – demand is high and places are limited!

For full details of Taste of Monaghan 2010 please visit www.tasteofmonaghan.com or contact the organisers at info@tasteofmonaghan.com