Chef McCourt in the melting pot for international literary award

Mayor Cllr Brenda Stevenson; Garbhan Downey from Guildhall Press and Emmett McCourt, Director Irish Food Heritage Project celebrating the success of Gourmand nomination with all the nominees.

Gourmand officially confirmed the nomination at a ceremony in Belfast City Hall along with other Northern Ireland finalists.

Feast or Famine , a Culture Food Journey of the North West of Ireland has been shortlisted for Best Local Book and Best Culinary Travel Book in the World.

Emmett McCourt said: “To achieve international recognition through the Gourmand World Cook Book Awards – is a massive achievement for everyone involved in the concept, development and publication of the book – Feast or Famine.

“The award creates an international opportunity to introduce our cultural food story to a global audience. To be a category winner and shortlisted by the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards for best in the world, builds confidence in our fantastic food offering and gives us a unique opportunity to profile the region and grow its appeal as a world class food destination.

On behalf of everyone involved, I am honoured and delighted to receive this award in acknowledgement of all our contributions, commitment and dedication to create and share our cultural food story”.

McCourt researched the importance of his hometown’s contribution to world cuisine for many years.

Through the Irish Food Heritage Project and the publication of Feast of Famine, he has recovered age-old recipes, revived traditional cooking techniques, and rediscovered long-forgotten Irish food treasures. Feast or Famine takes you on an historical tour of Derry and Donegal and explores what makes this region such an abundant source of food and drink. His publication –Feast or Famine - shares the cultural food story of the North West Region.

Editor of Feast or Famine, Garbhan Downey from Guildhall Press speaking about the award said: “It is both important and timely that Emmett’s commitment to Ireland’s culinary heritage is being rewarded in this way.”

He has established himself as a national authority in food history and has brought great credit to the Northwest region with his tireless endeavours”.