Celebrity chef Rachel Allen to turn up the heat with live demo at Carlow Restaurant Week

Celebrity chef Rachel Allen will join some of the county's top chefs for a live cookery demonstration to mark the official launch of Carlow Restaurant Week next month.

Carlow Restaurant Week is a nine-day celebration of the county's vibrant food culture and will run from Saturday, 25 October until Sunday, 2 November.

Carlow Cooks with Rachel Allen will kick-off the exciting programme of festivities which will include a mix of events from the fourteen members of the Carlow Food Network such as pumpkin carving workshops to themed afternoon teas, gourmet food experiences, and “meet the maker” showcases.

Alongside the many events during the week, each premises has placed a special Carlow dish on their menu, showing the diversity of flavours across the county. These include The Rooster Booster Soup at Goodly Barrow Café, Eggs Con Tomate at Waterlilies, and three creations from the Woodford Dolmen Hotel — the Clonmore Beef Burger, Sour Apple Pannacotta and Pumpkin Pie dessert. 

The live cookery demonstration with Rachel Allen will take place at the Seven Oaks Hotel on Thursday, 23 October at 8pm. Guests will enjoy a live three-course cookery demonstration, accompanied by freshly baked breads and local cheeses, with every dish inspired by Carlow’s culinary traditions and crafted by chefs passionate about local ingredients.

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The interactive evening will offer guests practical tips and creative ideas as well give a rare opportunity to see one of Ireland's most renowned culinary figures share the stage with some of Carlow's very own food heroes.

All funds raised by the event will go to the Carlow Lions Club Christmas Food Appeal in association with Carlow St Vincent de Paul.

Some of the incredible local chefs also taking part include Jamiul Alam, owner and chef at the New Moon Indian Restaurant in Tullow, chef John Carey from the Seven Oaks Hotel, head chef at the Woodford Dolmen Hotel Caolán Prendergast, and Cian Waters, the co-owner of Waterlilies. 

Speaking ahead of the launch, Cllr. Ken Murnane, Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council, said: “Carlow County Council is delighted to partner with Carlow Tourism on this event. It’s a wonderful opportunity for people to come together, learn more about the great local food producers and chefs that work within Carlow’s food sector. Events like these highlight the value of our food sector to the county and I would encourage everyone to attend and experience what promises to be a memorable night.”

Michael Walsh, Chairman of Carlow Tourism, added: “The Carlow Food Network, supported by Carlow County Council, plays a vital role in supporting its thirteen members while also championing our local producers. Restaurant Week provides an important platform for chefs, restaurants and food businesses to showcase their commitment to local while also delivering on sustainability and climate action while also giving locals and visitors a chance to experience dishes that are both seasonal and rooted in Carlow’s rich food heritage.”