What Not to Miss at This Year's Food On The Edge
Founded by Galway chef JP McMahon, Food on the Edge, taking place Monday 27th and Tuesday 28th October, sparks conversation on the future of food and its impacts on the planet.
The theme this year – ‘Evolution’ – reflects on the ideas and innovation from the past ten years of the symposium, and prompts discussion on sustainable food production.
Hosted in Atlantic Technological University across two days, this year's programme is full of exciting conversations with national and international food experts, as well as interactive masterclasses.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a self-proclaimed foodie, we’ve rounded up the top events not to miss.
Dan Barber’s debut
This year's line up sees the exciting addition of renowned American chef and influential author Dan Barber, who is widely recognised for his focus on sustainable practices.
Chef and co-owner of Blue Hill, New York City and Blue Hill at Stone Barns in Pocantico Hills, Barber has a farm-forward approach to fine dining. His work centers on regenerative agriculture, seed diversity and collaboration with farmers, which has earned him several James Beard Awards.
Beyond the kitchen, Barber is also co-founder of Row 7 Seeds, a company that develops new vegetable varieties with flavour and resilience at the forefront, working with farmers to reintroduce ingredients that enhance biodiversity and soil health without compromising on flavour.
Barber is set to speak on Tuesday 28th alongside event founder JP McMahon at 11.15am.
Food is Medicine panel discussion
One of the most interesting conversations appearing this year explores how the food we consume impacts our health.
The panel includes ATU Head of Department for Culinary Arts & Service Industries Jacinta Dalton, gut health specialist and founder of Happy Tummy Co Karen O’Donahue and culinary medicine expert Heather Maguire.
The discussion will examine how what's on your plate can prevent illness and how to eat to support a healthy body and mind.
The panel will be held on Monday the 27th at 12.15pm
Meet award-winning journalist Anna Norstrom
Based in Stockholm, Anna is a food and travel journalist, covering food trends and news for Scandinavian media and frequently appears on public service broadcaster SVT’s morning show Morgonstudion.
Her most renowned works are investigative articles into sexism in the kitchen, which led to the creation of an association to create important changes for those working in the industry.
Outside of writing Anna lectures, moderates food conferences and has a keen interest in sommelier studies.
Anna will be speaking at 5.05pm on Monday 27th October.
Reflect with Michelin-starred chef Adam Byatt
Byatt began his career with the Savoy Education Trust, where he gathered skills as an apprentice chef at Claridges Hotel, going on to graduate Bournemouth college with a distinction.
From opening his first restaurant Thyme to becoming the culinary Director at Brown Hotel in Mayfair, and receiving the Michelin Guide Mentor Chef Award, Byatt will discuss the importance of mentorship in achieving success and the highlights of his career from start to finish.
Byatt is due to talk at 5.35pm on Monday, 27th October.
Catch up with the Dough Bros
If you’re from the west, you know of Eugene and Ronan Greaney. Creators of the famous Dough Bros pizzas, these business-savvy brothers have gone from food truck to 15th best pizza in the world in just ten years. Now with three locations in Galway, and many awards along the way, it's time to hear their story.
The Greaney brothers are scheduled to speak at 4.40pm on Tuesday, 28th October.
Masterclasses you won’t want to miss
Stop being your own worst dinner guest
Join Blasta authors Orla McAndrews and Aoife McElwain for their masterclass The Worlds’ Worst Dinner Guests. Ideal for those who struggle with perfectionism, this class delves into how to embrace chaos and reduce the weight of imposter syndrome. Whether it be in the kitchen or throughout everyday life- learn how to name your inner critic and stop its power.
Monday 27th, 2-2.45pm, Room 996.
Brush up on your pastry skills
Renowned pastry chef and cookbook author Will Goldfarb shares his wisdom in this Room4Dessert masterclass. Goldfarb has appeared on Netflix show Chef’s Table, and is the proud owner and chef of critically-acclaimed fine dining experience Room4Dessert. Goldfarb also hosts workshops at the Room4Dessert Academy, sharing his techniques to create and plate and innovative dessert that tastes as good as it looks. Learn from the best as Will creates a new dessert, bringing his innovative ideas to Food on the Edge.
Monday 27th, 3-3.45, Pastry Kitchen.
Get your cravings fix
Join Cocoa Atelier chocolatier Maria Maher and Bell Lane coffee roaster Nico Sunko for a delicious afternoon of tastings. If you’re a fan of coffee or chocolate, then this is the perfect masterclass for you.
Tuesday 28th, 3.10-3.45, Pastry Kitchen.
Learn to cook zero Waste with Tom Hunt
In partnership with farmer Kenneth Keavey from Green Earth Organics, award winning eco-chef Tom Hunt will introduce his zero waste philosophy, making eating sustainable easy with his simple techniques. In this interactive ‘Fruit to Root’ workshop, attendees will co-create their own dishes using organic vegetables straight from Green Earth Organics.
Tuesday 28th, 3.10-3.55pm, Kitchen Unit 3.
For more information and purchase of tickets visit foodontheedge.ie
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