Kinsale’s 36th Gourmet Festival promises a weekend of gastronomic bliss for food and fun-lovers

05 October 2012

The picturesque town of Kinsale is gearing up to celebrate its 36th Gourmet Festival, which this year will take place from Friday 12th to Sunday 14th October in association with the Kinsale Good Food Circle. The Kinsale Gourmet Festival has established a well-earned reputation over the years for its delicious food and fine wines, and this year promises to once again deliver the finest in food, wines and fun-filled entertainment.

The festival officially kicks off on Friday 12th at 6.30pm  at the Trident Hotel, where guests  will enjoy a sumptuous West Cork dining experience and Black Tie ball, with  popular radio and TV personality Derek Davis acting as Master of Ceremonies. Patrons will be treated to the finest foods from West Cork throughout an eight-course dinner. The food will be accompanied by champagne, and fine wines from the event sponsor Laurent Perrier. Once palates have been satisfied, guests are invited to dance into the small hours. 

The festival continues on Saturday morning with the famous Mad Hatter's Taste of Kinsale event with a sparkling reception sponsored by Christy's Wines & Spirits. Ticket holders can join Alice and friends for an escorted ‘Alice in Wonderland' themed tour around each of the tasting venues to sample fine cuisine, complemented by selected wines from the Festival wine sponsors, NASH's KARWIGS, SEARSONS & BARRY FITZWILLIAM. Beer is available for non-wine drinkers, and water is supplied courtesy of Tipperary Water. This event gives the chefs of Kinsale the perfect opportunity to demonstrate their culinary skills, and for guests to feast on a range of delicious cuisine. Diners are encouraged to wear a "Mad Hat" as a tribute to the special guest, the Mad Hatter; the best of which will win a prize, compliments of HATTITUDE, Kinsale. Afterwards, it's 'all aboard' the land-train heading for the Festival Club, where revellers can dance the evening away to the sounds of Crazy Chester and Crazy DJ Anthony.

On Sunday 14th October, the Members of the Good Food Circle will host a Fruits De Mer luncheon, during which patrons can enjoy a mouth-watering four-course lunch that will include lobster, oysters, crab, prawns and all the freshest seafood Kinsale has to offer. The food will be accompanied by the finest wines sponsored by Findlater Wine & Spirit Group, and freshly roasted coffee sponsored by Bewleys. Derek Davis will host the afternoon's entertainment of fun, games and spot prizes, including the annual charity auction in aid of Kinsale's Pink Ribbon Walk, to raise funds for Breast Cancer awareness. Afterwards, patrons will enjoy live music from The Magnetics.

Commenting on the event Roman Minihan, Director of the 36th Kinsale Gourmet Festival, said "We are really looking forward to another exciting Gourmet Festival this October. Every year, Kinsale welcomes visitors from around the world to this hugely enjoyable event which is an absolute must for food lovers.  A special thanks to all our sponsors and supporters, both new and old, as without them this wouldn't be possible."

Participating restaurants in this year's Festival include Restaurant d'Antibes @ The White House, The Blue Haven, Crackpots, Jim Edwards, Max's, Man Friday, Fishy Fishy, Pier One @ the Trident Hotel, Toddies @ The Bulman, and White Lady.

Tickets for the Festival are now available at varying prices; for the complete line-up and ticket information, visit www.kinsalerestaurants.com www.facebook.com/Good.Food.Circle, or call 021 4773571.