Seven businesses from across the county have been named as finalists in the forthcoming Good Food Ireland\u00ae Awards.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The awards, which champion those who uphold Ireland\u2019s culinary excellence, celebrate local provenance and honour sustainable practices, will take place on Monday, November 10, at Host Partner venue The K Club in Kildare.<\/p>\n
The Donegal businesses that have been shortlisted are: Crolly Distillery \u2013 Food Tourism Experience of the Year and Drinks Producer of the Year; Rathmullan House \u2013 Culinary Haven of the Year; The Bakery Shack \u2013 Bakery & Chocolate Producer; Breac House \u2013 Food Lovers Choice Award \u2013 Wild Atlantic Way; The Lemon Tree Restaurant \u2013 Restaurant of the Year; The Blue Goat Ramelton \u2013 Shop of the Year; and The Yellow Pepper Restaurant \u2013 Wine List of the Year.<\/p>\n
The Good Food Ireland\u00ae Awards are judged by an independent panel of Irish and international experts through onsite mystery inspections and detailed assessments. These experts shortlist nominees and select winners based on strict criteria, which include local sourcing, Irish provenance, and sustainability.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u201cGood Food Ireland\u00ae was born from a desire to celebrate Ireland\u2019s world-class food, drink and farming champions,\u201d Margaret Jeffares, Founder of Good Food Ireland\u00ae, said: \u201cMany years later, our awards are now recognised as the pinnacle of excellence in food, drink and tourism experience, recognising those businesses who play a vital role in the entire Irish food ecosystem, one that fosters local pride and drives international tourism.<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u201cFrom food and drink producers and regenerative farmers to chefs and tourism destinations, we were delighted to have received an incredibly high calibre of entries from Donegal.<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u201cThis year\u2019s awards\u2019 theme is \u2018Rooted in Taste. Backed by Trust, and each of our finalists truly embodies this sentiment. I would like to congratulate them on already being amongst the best culinary experiences in Ireland, and wish each of our finalists well for the awards event.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
In addition to the main categories, the awards feature the Food Lovers’ Choice Award, which is open to all agri-food, drink and tourism hospitality businesses, and voted for by the public.\u00a0 Five Food Lovers\u2019 Choice award winners will be presented on the night, featuring winners from the Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland\u2019s Ancient East, Ireland\u2019s Hidden Heartland, Dublin and Northern Ireland.<\/p>\n