Signature Dish Winner

To showcase the wealth of culinary talent within Northern Ireland’s hotel sector the Northern Ireland Hotels Federation (NIHF), in partnership with Cater2 and Rational, recently hosted a ‘Signature Dish’ competition on Instagram. Grand Central Hotel, Belfast has now been named as the winner.

The brief was to create a seasonal dish using local ingredients for a summer menu.  Grand Central Hotel’s pretty pink confection of Loughgall Strawberry Eton Mess – Strawberry Sorbet, Elderflower Crème Diplomat and Vanilla Meringue with Erin Grove Strawberry Jam Donut was picture perfect.

Created by Executive Head Chef, Damian Tumilty the dessert captivated followers on Instagram.  As part of the prize Damian will travel to Oktoberfest 2023 and receive a tour of the state-of-the-art Rational factory.

Discussing the win NIHF President Eddie McKeever said: “There was a real buzz about this competition with NIHF members stepping up to the challenge. The dishes created showcased the exceptional standard of food on offer in Northern Ireland’s hotel restaurants making them ‘destination worthy’.  Dishes featured used great local, seasonal, sustainable ingredients. The culinary talent within the sector is incredible and the Federation will continue to promote it and the career options that exist at every opportunity.”