Slow Synergy

Plans are well under way for the first "Annual Slow Food Ireland Weekend", at which members (both from Ireland and overseas) will have a chance to meet and experience 'Slow Food' producers from all over the country.

The date fixed is 28th - 30th March 2003 and the main venue will be the 'Celtic Ross Hotel' in lovely Roscarbery, West Cork. The weekend offers seminars, guided tours, markets, music and - of course - superb meals. The venue overlooks the sea in West Cork - one of the most beautiful parts of the country - and your hosts will be some of Ireland's leading producers, chefs, food writers and commentators. And the value for money is amazing: so get hitched to Slow!

The programme

The weekend starts on Friday night with a buffet supper and an opportunity to meet some local producers followed by live music. Saturday morning, after breakfast, you can choose between one of three different excursions (each to a different market and restaurant) or make your own arrangements (we're preparing a food lover's guide to West Cork for those that want to get out and explore). Saturday evening there will be drinks, a Slow Feast and dancing to live music. Sunday morning is devoted to workshops, and a private market. At midday brunch will be served and the last event will end at around 2.30. Your hosts for the weekend will include:

• Darina Allen, chef, author and proprietor of Ballymaloe Cookery School.
• John McKenna, food writer and publisher of Bridgestone Guides.
• Regina Sexton, food historian, writer, and television presenter.

As well, of course, as our Slow producers. Incidentally, the main Slow Feast on Saturday night will be cooked by Rory O'Connell, Head Chef, Ballymaloe House.

The venue

The Celtic Ross hotel overlooks the sea in Roscarberry - about an hour's drive from Cork International airport or two and half hour's drive from Shannon. There are some beautiful beaches and walks right outside the front door. It is an ideal location for anyone who wishes to explore West Cork. The Celtic Ross is a four star hotel which incorporates a health club with gym and swimming pool. The hotel will be closed to the general public for the whole weekend.

Booking

All-inclusive packages (by which we mean everything from accommodation to your wine!) start from €275 for the entire weekend. We'll be delighted to help with transport and any other arrangements.

For more information visit www.slowfoodireland.com or email clodaghmckenna@eircom.net

For hotel booking and enquiries about accommodation, please contact:

Celtic Ross Hotel Conference and Leisure Centre
Rosscarbery
County Cork

T 00 353 23 48722
Lo-call 1850 272737
F 00 353 2348723
Email: info@celticrosshotel.com

For programme enquiries please contact: Clodagh McKenna Tel: 087 6831602 or email: clodaghmckenna@eircom.net

Some Slow Synergy

The other big news for Slow Food Ireland is that Febvre & Company Ltd. of Dublin have agreed to be the National Partner of Slow Food, incorporating Slow Wine. "Febvre & Company Ltd. Is proud to have been selected as national partner of Slow Food Ireland", said Gregory Alken, sales and marketing director of Febvre. "There is a strong synergy between Febvre and Slow, in that we work with family producers who are the custodians of the best winemaking traditions. Febvre and Slow share many similar values; the Febvre ethos and quality focus mirrors that of Slow Food", added Mr Alken.

This is great news for Slow, and will allow further presidia projects to be commenced, and allow the vital Slow Food message to be brought to even more food lovers.

More details from Mary Patircia Gallagher: mp@gallagher-assoc.com