Taste of Kildare shines on opening day
Lisa Carty, Lydia Chartientz, Jamie Flannery Sophie Sheridan-Burns and Grace Flannnery
Taste of Kildare brought out the crowds and the sun on its opening day on Saturday.
The showcase of Kildare food, drink and craft producers at Naas Racecourse attracted significant crowds from the moment doors opened and they will do it all again today between 12 noon -6pm.
The spacious, scenic surrounds of Naas Racecourse proved ideal for providing a relaxed atmosphere, while the array of food offerings meant queuing was minimal, apart from the ice-cream vendors and the face painter!
There was a host of delicious food options ranging from monkfish tacos to woodfired pizzas among the 100 vendors supplying everything from wine to crochet to artisan bread to soap, along with cookery demos from luminaries like Rachel Allen.
There was also excellent live entertainment from the likes of Newbridge Gospel Choir and cult cover band Spring Break.
Cathaoirleach of Kildare County Council Carmel Kelly and Minister James Lawless officially opened this year’s event.
Minister Lawless recalled the humble beginnings of the event around a decade ago.
“It’s gone from strength to strength.” Minister Lawless lauded the businesses taking part, noting they were all shapes and sizes, including a prosecco wagon on-site.
All politics is local, and Minister Lawless gave a special shout-out to his Sallins businesses, including Nude Wine Company and Lock House 13.
“We have so much in Kildare that is novel, that is exciting, tasty and enjoyable! It’s also a great event for people in the county to come socialise and gather.”
Minister Lawless had enjoyed a kombucha from Barry Flanagan’s ProKulture range early on Saturday.
“He sells a lot of beers, but I’m on the kombucha train today.”
Cathaoirleach of Kildare County Council Carmel Kelly said: “This location is ideal, you have got the space, the ambience and the weather is perfect, this showcases the artistry in Kildare, we have fabulous craftspeople and food producers all in the perfect location.”
On Sunday, there will be cookery demonstrations by Rachel Allen, Aisling Larkin, Barry Hayden, Erica Drum, Barry & Ronan while music will be provided by Newbridge Gospel Choir, Noughty Tributes, Morning Glory – Oasis Tribute.
For tickets, check out the Taste of Kildare website.
