Embrace Slow Food This March

Embrace Slow Food This March

Here at the Designerie, we’re delighted to showcase some of the finest Taste Causeway approved local food and drink that our Bushmills neighbours have to offer.

Since the Causeway Coast and Glens was awarded the prestigious title of being the first accredited Slow Food destination in Northern Ireland, it’s been a delight to see just how successful the programme of Slow Food events, immersive dining experiences, foodie tours and special menus have been.

With many events regularly selling out, it’s great to see the people of Northern Ireland embracing all things Slow and supporting the great local artisan producers that our county has.

There is no better time to get involved in the Slow Food movement that seeks to promote good, clean and fair food and upholds local products and traditions, so if you’re planning a dinner party or a romantic escape to the North Coast, we encourage you to come and experience the great tasting products and the friendly people, which make Bushmills and beyond a must-see place for genuine food lovers.

Why not visit Bushmills this Spring and sample some of the impressive Taste Causeway and Slow Food Causeway approved restaurants?

There is so much to see and experience, including Tartine; the modern, bustling brasserie serving a selection of hearty dishes made from high-quality ingredients that draw influence from traditional Irish cuisine, including Northern Irish poultry, seafood and homegrown vegetables.

The French Rooms; Our vision is for a pleasantly relaxed, informal and friendly licensed restaurant offering simple French inspired and elegantly presented dishes priced for regular visits and not just for special occasions.

The Restaurant is imaginatively designed with zinc topped tables and bar counter setting the tone. There’s French inspired wall decorations, hide away ‘snugs’ and a Petite Salon’ with a cosy open fire. For small parties the semi private area, affectionately known as the “Moulin Rouge”, is the perfect spot for parties for up to 10 people.

The Bushmills Inn; an AA Rosette restaurant that welcomes diners with a selection of traditional and modern Irish cuisine, with a variety of dining options to choose from including an afternoon tea in the Loft, al fresco dining on the Patio or Irish tapas bar bites in the Gas Bar.

If you’re planning on hosting a dinner party or simply want to Spring clean your kitchen cupboards, read our list below of the award winning Taste Causeway cupboard essentials that you can find in The Designerie that are guaranteed to suit everyone’s taste:

  1. North Coast Chocolates

The newest addition to the Designerie, North Coast Chocolates are master chocolatiers with a range of hand-crafted, luxury and ethically produced chocolates that contain only the finest local and Irish ingredients.

Meet the man behind the chocolate this Easter at the Easter Egg making workshop led by Ruaraidh Bailey where you will learn how to create a perfectly moulded Easter Egg using the finest quality Callebaut milk chocolate.

You can get your ticket to the event here or find their products in-store at the Designerie.

  1. The Chocolate Manor

The Chocolate Manor is a luxury artisan chocolate producer specialising in handcrafted and printed chocolates which can help bring customer ideas to life through the delight of personalised chocolate.

The Chocolate Manor is the perfect choice for birthdays or special occasions, with a taste so divine it is guaranteed to bring a smile to a loved one's face.

Founder Geri Martin also runs an exciting range of workshops for kids and adults alike that bring people together over their love of chocolate.

Check out The Chocolate Manor Slow Food event ‘Slow Cocoa’ in collaboration with chef Paula McIntyre and Basalt Gin here.

  1. Broighter Gold Rapeseed Oil

Perfect for everyday cooking, dressing salads or adding finishing touches to your appetisers, the multiple award winning rapeseed oil, Broighter Gold is not only delicious, but it is also great for your health. 

With less saturated fat than any other commonly used cooking oil, Broighter Gold’s Rapeseed Oil is a rich source of vitamin E, the antioxidant that contributes to the protection of your cells from oxidative stress, making it essential for your cupboard.

  1. Causeway Coffee

Using the very best ethically sourced premium coffee beans from across the globe, Causeway Coffee are dominating the hot beverage market one coffee bean at a time.

Not only can Causeway Coffee’s unique roasts energise you in the morning, but it should have a spot reserved for it in your cocktail cabinet if you enjoy Espresso Martinis or White Russian cocktails.

  1. Irish Black Butter 

Owner and producer of the award-winning conserve Irish Black Butter, Alastair has put his own modern twist on the traditional black butter and created an Irish version perfect for fine food enthusiasts, home cooks, chefs and international visitors alike.

A blend of Armagh Bramley Apples, cider, brandy, sugar, treacle and spices, Irish Black Butter is the perfect companion to toast and biscuits and cheese pairings.

  1. North Coast Smokehouse

North Coast Smokehouse specialises in producing naturally smoked foods in the picturesque coastal town of Ballycastle in Co. Antrim.

You can find their smoked sea salt, smoked dulse seaweed, and smoked black pepper in the shop at our Taste Causeway stand.

Wonderful on potatoes, salads, meats and seafood, their smoked sea salt is also perfect to rub on roasts, added to stews, soups and casseroles.

Why not try to salt the rim of your margarita glass with Smoked Sea Salt?

  1. Dundarave Estate 

Nestled into the quaint setting, Dundarave Estate's very own farm shop stocks an extensive range of jams, chutneys, high-quality fresh meat hampers and fresh apple juice. 

Paired with cream cheese and served with crackers, Dundarave Estate chutneys are the perfect appetiser dip for a get-together, or you can even use them as a glaze for roast meat and vegetables to elevate your dishes.

You can pick up a selection of their popular jams or chutneys in The Designerie and add it to your kitchen cupboard.

  1. Old Bushmills Irish Whiskey Fruit Cake

Marrying the flavours of sultanas and raisins with the deep sherry flavour of Black Bush Whiskey, this delicious fruit cake is hand-baked locally in Bushmills.

Make sure you keep one of these delicious fruit cakes in your cocktail cabinets as they pair perfectly with your favourite wine, rum or even with a glass of Bushmills Black Bush Whiskey.

You can find the Fruit Cake at our Taste Causeway display in the shop or online.

  1. Mussenden Sea Salt

Not only is Mussendent Sea Salt Northern Ireland’s first sea salt, but it is also ethically sourced and produced with a commitment to preserving the coastal environment and landscape.

Harvested by hand from the waters of the world-famous Causeway Coast, the sea salt is delicate in texture yet strong in taste making it the perfect accompaniment to any home-cooked meal.

You can see their range of sea salt infusions on their website or find select products in The Designerie.

  1. Taste Joy Company

Spread on a piece of toast or added to your morning porridge, Taste Joy’s peanut butter is a must-have in your cupboard. Not only is it a delicious treat but it is perfect as a dip or added to Asian dishes. You could even try your hand at making a Peanut Butter martini.

The artisan peanut spread company has a delicious range of flavours suited to everyone’s taste such as Double Roasted Smooth, Crunch and Dark Chocolate and Orange Peanut Butter. 

For more information about how you can get involved with Slow Food Northern Ireland, visit https://slowfood.tastecauseway.com/ or follow the hashtags #SlowFood and #SlowFoodCauseway.

Don’t forget to call in-store to see our Taste Causeway display where you’ll find award-winning local produce, and while you’re in the shop, you can check out our Designerie Home display for some spring decor inspiration.