News
Local chefs take on vegan challenge
VEGANUARY: Local chefs plan to take on a vegan challenge this month. From l-r were: Exec Chefs, Rory Gabriel (Great Southern Killarney), Cyril Durand (Dromhall Hotel), Abraham Nur (The Brehon), John Drummond (Gleneagle) and Chad Byrne (The Brehon).
By Michelle Crean
Chef Chad Byrne and the kitchen team at The Brehon, Killarney are busy preparing post festive feel good food to kick start the new decade.
Chad, a champion of plant-based food, is leading the Veganuary charge in Killarney by offering his customers the opportunity to taste incredibly tasty and healthy vegan and plant-based options.
“The concept of Veganuary or going vegan for the month of January began in 2014 and has since swept across the nation,” explains Chad.
Chad went vegan last year and loved the challenge. He believes that he learnt more during this period of cooking than at any other time in the last decade. He has even convinced two of his team, Dan Moynihan and Abraham Nur, to take part in Veganuary.
“I knew I needed to go full circle in order to learn as much as possible about what we're providing on our vegan menus. It’s great that I have company in the kitchen this year,” Chad, who was last week named the Irish Examiner Food Hero of the Year 2019 for his work with Chef Collab, said. “I’m hoping to get more people interested in trying and exploring plant-based foods and bring awareness to the abundance of choice we have.”
He added that it used to be hard to be a vegan working in a commercial kitchen but now around 20 percent of their menu is plant based.
“We have a big plant-based customer base. We are known already for having vegan and vegetarian menus and we love to experiment with new produce and flavours.”
The Brehon will be offering vegan specials every day throughout January in both The Brehon Bar and Danú Restaurant. Then on Saturday, January 25, Chad along with a number of guest vegan chefs will create a special five course tasting menu. Tickets for this special evening cost just €45. To book visit www.thebrehon.com or call 064 66 30700.
Green light for Torc Dinis walkway
Planning approval has been granted for a long-awaited lakeside walkway and cycleway connecting Torc and Dinis inside Killarney National Park.
An Coimisiún Pleanála confirmed permission for the elevated platform project, which will complete the popular scenic loop while removing a dangerous 800-metre section along the busy N71 Killarney to Kenmare road.
Walkers and cyclists currently have to navigate narrow bends alongside heavy vehicular traffic and tour buses to complete the circuit between the Dinis and Torc car parks.
Mayor of Killarney John O’Donoghue welcomed the decision, calling it a transformative development for the region: “Since beginning in the Council in 2021, this has been one of my priorities as an issue I inherited from my predecessor Michael Gleeson, he being the first person to initially pursue the idea. I have repeatedly kept it on the agenda at Council meetings and now delighted to see we finally have positive news as this decision, which has been long overdue and eagerly awaited, will prove transformative for the area.”
Mayor O’Donoghue added: “The path, which will be on the lakeside, will offer views to rival those anywhere in the world and I have no doubt will prove very popular with locals and visitors alike. Huge credit is due to Kerry County Council and the NPWS for their co-operation on the issue. Once the decision has passed through its statutory waiting period, the design and tender stage can begin.”
The project, which will be built on a raised platform to protect the natural habitat beneath, will also be fully accessible for people with mobility issues. Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce also welcomed the green light, noting that the completed loop will create a major safe attraction showcasing Muckross Lake, Dinis Cottage, and the Old Weir Bridge.
LAKESIDE PATH: An Coimisiún Pleanála has approved planning permission for a new raised walkway and cycleway connecting Torc and Dinis in Killarney National Park.
LOCAL GOLD: Terrie O’Shea, founder and owner of Killarney-based business Sorella Berries, celebrating her Gold award win at the Blas na hÉireann Irish Food Awards held in Dingle last week. Her hand-crafted chocolate covered strawberries secured the top spot in national competition, earning recognition for the local food producer on the national stage.
Green light for Torc to Dinis walkway
Green light for Torc Dinis walkway Planning approval has been granted for a long-awaited lakeside walkway and cycleway connecting Torc...
LOCAL GOLD:
LOCAL GOLD: Terrie O’Shea, founder and owner of Killarney-based business Sorella Berries, celebrating her Gold award win at the Blas...
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