‘Bia Not Bluster’

"Bia not Bluster", a new food event curated by Richard Jacob, formerly of Idaho Café, will get its first outing at the upcoming West Waterford Festival of Food. The Dungarvan-based food celebration is in its 14th year and is one of Ireland’s largest food festivals.

Bia not Bluster takes place on Saturday 15th April from 11am to 3.45pm at Dungarvan Town Hall, and attendance is free.

Panel discussions will focus on the biggest debates in food, including the future direction of the food industry, from sustainability and farming to the shifting nature of restaurants themselves.

Debates will include “Is nomadic the new NOMA?” with Peaches Kemp, co-founder Itsa Bagel; guide author John McKenna; chef Paul Flynn and food truck owner Caitlin Ruth. Panellists on “The future of farming” debate will be Joe Gill, Clotilde Kiely, Donal Sheehan and Conor Mulhall. Contributors to “Green is the new black” will be Fergal Walsh, baker, and Johnny Flahavan.

In the midst of all things topical will be a “Toast Off” cookery showdown as well-known chefs face off to make the best toastie in 15 minutes, equipped with only a domestic sandwich toaster and the best of Waterford’s regional ingredients.

The 14th annual festival will again showcase the very best food from the region as visitors enjoy upwards of 70 events including a food stage, pop-up dinners, a full children’s programme, foraging trails, bus tours, cooking demos, top chefs, high-end and casual dining experiences, plus one of Ireland’s largest outdoor markets.

The main hub for the three day festival is in the harbour town of Dungarvan, with events also taking place in Lismore and throughout the West Waterford region, making it a truly local celebration.