Moyle Local Produce Directory 2008 Launched

20 August 2008

Supported by top local TV chef, Jenny Bristow, Menu of Moyle's new district-wide directory of locally produced food was launched today. The Moyle Local Produce Directory 2008 introduces the Moyle consumer to great produce on their doorstep – offering the option of local food for local people.

Highlighting the variety of food and drink that can be found in the Moyle area, what is available and how it can be purchased, the Moyle Local Produce Directory provides an easily accessible resource for anyone interested in making use of local produce. The great selection available includes some of Moyle’s more unique produce such as locally caught lobster and seafood, hand-made speciality chocolates, famous local whiskey and refreshing spring water bottled at source. You can also choose great quality meats from one of our many renowned local family butchers, freshly grown local herbs, potatoes and vegetables, free range eggs or a wide variety of home-baked goods, jams and chutneys.

You don't need to be a connoisseur or a chef to appreciate the value of good food and the flavour that local produce has to offer. By making more use of our local produce, we can enjoy seasonal fresh food and goods at their best, do our bit to support our own local rural economy and be safe in the knowledge that the produce hasn’t travelled half-way around the world to get to our plate. We also have the unique opportunity to deal directly with the producer and ask them any questions we might have about the produce.

With such a wealth of quality local produce throughout the Moyle area, why not take the opportunity to discover some for yourself! Be sure to pick up your copy of the Moyle Local Produce Directory 2008 which is now available in many shops across the Moyle area and from the Tourist Information Centres. Alternatively you can download the directory from the Menu of Moyle website http://www.menuofmoyle.com/ or have one posted out to you by contacting Deirdre McNeill, Cultural Tourism Officer at Moyle District Council on: (028) 2076 2225 or email: dmcneill@moyle-council.org.

The Menu of Moyle Local Directory 2008 is just a part of the overall Menu of Moyle local food initiative which is aimed at encouraging more use of local produce. Now in its second year, the Menu of Moyle Competition 2008 for local eateries is well underway with over 20 competitors throughout the Moyle area striving to offer the very best ‘Menu of Moyle’ using local produce.

The undercover panel of judges are currently making their visits to the short-listed restaurants and you can help them. Simply look out for the Menu of Moyle window stickers displayed in competing restaurants, pubs and cafés and then log onto www.menuofmoyle.com to complete a feedback form and tell us about your experience. Your feedback will count towards our judges final decisions in the competition.

The Menu of Moyle Competition is running from May until September 2008 and full list of establishments taking part in the Competition can be seen along with their competing menus on the Menu of Moyle website: www.menuofmoyle.com. The winners will be presented their awards by celebrity TV chef and Menu of Moyle supporter Jenny Bristow at a special celebration event on 8^th September 2008.

Menu of Moyle is organised by Moyle District Council’s Cultural Tourism Programme which is funded by the European Union through the EU Programme for Peace and Reconciliation, managed for the Special EU Programmes Body by Moyle Local Strategy Partnership.