Tartine at Distillers Arms Gary Stewart delivers dynamic food demonstration at the Balmoral Show

Chef Gary Stewart has been wowing Northern Ireland's culinary scene for quite some time now. This award-winning Chef Proprietor and Producer from Tartine at Distillers Arms Bushmills is a true champion of local produce. He showcased his skills in association with Food NI at the historic Balmoral Show today by performing a demonstration at the Tourism Northern Ireland Theatre Kitchen.

Gary was delighted to have the talented Chef Noel McMeel on hand as a compere. Like Gary, Noel is a well-respected Chef who champions ‘modern Irish cuisine’. Noel has had an incredible career to date, including two appearances on the much-loved TV show Great British Menu.

An excellent partnership for an entertaining cooking demonstration at the Balmoral Show.

The 154th Balmoral Show is taking place from Wednesday 10th, May to Saturday, 13th, May 2023, at Balmoral Park, Lisburn. Excitement is building for agriculture fans across Northern Ireland as the most-anticipated event of the farming year kicks off; with a wide range of stock, trade and entertainment, the show promises to have something for everyone. In addition, the Food NI & Drink Pavilion is jam-packed with delicious and original food, from award-winning gins to mouth-watering cheese. Three Theatre Kitchens are cooking up a storm with dozens of chefs and producers showcasing the very best of food and drink from NI over the four days. In addition, the Healthy Horticulture Marquee has an exciting programme of demonstrations, including gardening, health, biodiversity and social farming.

 Gary's charm, charisma, and passion for cooking with the best local ingredients have captivated food enthusiasts and encouraged us all to get into the kitchen and give it a go! Gary's talent lies in taking simple ingredients and turning them into extraordinary dishes. His presentation is stunning, and his food tastes incredible, leaving a lasting impression. So it is no wonder his upbeat personality and infectious energy make him a crowd favourite.

At the Balmoral show, Gary wowed the crowds with his innovative creations. His Bushmills whiskey and orange glazed Lough Neagh Dollaghan fillets with warm North Coast Smokehouse Salmon, fennel, orange, and bulger wheat salad represent Northern Ireland's rich tradition of incredible food and drink produce. The delicate flavours of the fish are perfectly balanced with the smoky and earthy notes of the whiskey, creating an exquisite, elegant, and rustic taste.

Gary passionately believes that the key to creating truly exceptional dishes lies in the quality of the ingredients.

 Gary is one of the founding members of the Taste Causeway movement, which is the unifying vision for the growing community of food and drink producers, artisans, food tourism and hospitality in the stunning Causeway Coast and Glens.  By sourcing everything from local farmers and producers, Gary has become an award-winning producer in his own right with his range of Distillers sauces. He launched his Distiller's Pickle sauce, perfecting the flavour during the lockdown. Made with Armagh apples, spices and a generous measure of Black Bush Irish Whiskey, this condiment is perfect for cheeses, charcuterie, burgers and sandwiches. It won gold in the Irish Food Awards / Blas na hEireann 2021 and 1 gold star winner at the Guild of Fine Food' Great Taste Awards' 2022, an incredible achievement considering the challenges facing the hospitality industry during that period. He now has a delicious Distillers Raspberry and Apple Sauce, perfect for scones, granola, Eton mess, desserts such as the stunning lemon posset often featured on Tartine at Distillers Arm's menu or a moreish twist when added to a refreshing summer cocktail.

For the whole experience, make a reservation at Tartine at Distillers Arms, and book online at https://www.distillersarms.com/#for-bookings. To purchase Gary's products, visit Warke's Deli, The Belfry Deli, Apperley's Ballymoney, The Designerie Bushmills, Boyd's Ballymoney, The Chocolate Manor, Jam At The Doorstep Armoy, Naturally North Coast Market & Artisan online shop, Stone Row Artisans, Mc Atamney's Ballymoney to name but a few stockists. To buy online, visit https://www.artisanmarket.online/products/distillers-pickle-sauce.

As a culinary powerhouse, Gary is committed to showcasing the diversity and richness of Northern Ireland's local produce. Using locally sourced ingredients, he captures the essence of Northern Ireland's rich culinary heritage while infusing his modern flair and creativity. It's no surprise that Gary is sought-after, as his unique approach to food and cooking has won him numerous accolades. So, visit Tartine at Distillers Arms, order his award-winning products and keep an eye out for him on his socials for his next demo.