IT looks like they are declaring on the north side of Dublin with the first Fingal Spring Food Festival pulling together the talents of four of the county's finest chefs: Aidan MacManus of Howth's King Sitric restaurant; Terry McCoy of the Red Bank, Skerries; Patsy McGuirk of Malahide's Bon Appetit and Eric Faussurier of the Portmarnock Hotel and Golf Links.
Things kicked off last night with a whiskey tasting in the club and over the next week all the restaurants will offer spring food menus. There will be lunch tomorrow in The Red Bank, school demonstrations on Monday, a cookery demo in The King Sitric on Tuesday, a Tour of Fingal By Food with Terry McCoy on Wednesday, a tasting surprise menu in the Bon Appetit on Thursday, a Dutch evening in the King Sitric on Friday and a gala finale evening in all four restaurants on Saturday, with a St Patrick's weekend lunch in the Red Bank on Sunday bringing the week to a close.
It's a smashing idea, which not only showcases the talents of the four cooks but also celebrates their region. A special Fingal Spring Food Festival Voucher is available which entitles you to dinner for two in all four restaurants, costing £160. The voucher is available from the restaurants.