The Irish Pantry

Lough Erne Chef Noel McMeel puts Irish Cuisine on world stage with ‘The Irish Pantry

Noel McMeel’s ‘The Irish Pantry’ has been awarded third best cook book in the world at the 20^th World Gourmand Cookbook Awards which took place in Yantai Wine Region, China.

Regarded as the world’s most prestigious cook book awards, this recognition establishes the Lough Erne Resort’s executive chef as one of the foremost chefs working and writing today. The event acknowledges books in a range of categories but the cookbook award is the most coveted and was contested by chefs from 205 countries globally.

Only nine entrants were shortlisted and McMeel’s book was the sole representative on the shortlist for both the island of Ireland and for the UK. The category was won by Danish chef Martin Pilsmark for his book ’61 Clicks’.

Commenting on the win Noel McMeel said: ‘I was stunned to win third in the cook book awards and to be recognised as blazing a trail of authentic Northern Ireland cuisine. We have the best ingredients any chef could wish for and ‘The Irish Pantry’ showcases that with its traditional breads, preserves and treats.’

Noel McMeel grew up near Toome in County Antrim. He developed a passion for food in his childhood and has nurtured that passion throughout his life. He worked under Alice Waters at Chez Panisse in San Francisco after he graduated from culinary school, embracing the farm-to-table philosophy he has developed ever since.

On his return to Northern Ireland, Noel McMeel’s career continued to flourish and he has been featured on both Irish and British television. For the last decade he has been executive head chef at the world-renowned Lough Erne Resort in County Fermanagh, where he continues to espouse his passion for the best local ingredients cooked and presented simply but exquisitely.

Written in conjunction with respected New York food writer Lynn Marie Hulsman and released by American publishing house Running Press ‘The Irish Pantry’ by Noel McMeel has already notched up impressive sales throughout the United States as well as in its home market. The book is available from all good book stores including Waterstones and Easons and online channels www.amazon.co.uk and www.barnesandnoble.com.