Rostellan Hosts FEAST
Crustacean and Chocolate
 |
| Courtyard at Rostellan Chocolate |
 |
| Lobster roll |
Lobster and chocolate featured on the menu as FEAST, the East Cork Food Festival, arrived at Rostellan last Friday night. The crustacean and the chocolate weren't on the same plate, by the way, as the music played and prosecco sparkled in the old courtyard. The opening hour weather wasn't all that promising - windy and showery - but soon relented and a pleasant evening ensued.
Peter could have brought all his guest indoors, into the spacious cafe that adjoins his chocolate factory, but that would have taken from the atmosphere and left the stallholders outside. The local Lobsterman was busy with an attractive list including Hot buttered Lobster in a roll (10.00) and Scampi (8.00). Very tasty stuff indeed, good value too.
 |
| Needless to say, this box didn't last long! |
Stephen Bender’s cheese stall was another popular call. Based in Ballinrostig, the Dutchman produces a Dutch style Gouda from local milk. His basic cheese is Ballinrostig Gold. And then are are variations of that, such as Cumin; Smoked; Nettle; Red pepper, onion and garlic; Seaweed (Dillisk), along with a Nettle and Garlic cream cheese. We sampled the lot on a platter (with Ballymaloe relish and some bread) for eight euro.
I know Rostellan is only a few minutes out the road from Midleton but the new FEAST needs more satellite events like this one, more events too where you can spend as little or as much as you like. Great to see producers such as the Lobsterman (he was in his usual spot in Midleton Market on Saturday), Ballinrostig Cheese (they had a festival stall) and Rostellan Chocolate. Methinks there’s a blog post or two between them.
 |
| Dutch orange for the gouda man! |
Just an idea, borrowed from West Waterford. Why not reach out to the producers in the general East Cork area during the festival? In Dungarvan, on the Saturday, four buses are organised, each with a different itinerary and each calling to three different producers.
This year, for €25.00, you’d have been bussed to Knockanore to taste local cheeses on Lonergan’s farm, then ice cream at Baldwin’s Farm, then cross the Blackwater to Cappoquin and visit Barron’s Bakery, finishing with lunch at the bakery. Lunch wasn't included the year I did that trip and the cost was halved.
Another example from the 2017 festival: Dungarvan Brewing Company for a brewery tour, Harty’s Oyster Farm, Criostal na Rinne and finishing with lunch in the café of Sólás na Mara. Something for FEAST to think about for next year!
 |
| Music and bubbles |
See other posts from FEAST 2017
