Finding restaurants that serve food which has not had to cross the globe to get to your plate has never been easier, thanks to a new interactive map detailing more than 65 restaurants across the country making the best of local produce.
All the featured restaurants on the Bord Bia-inspired map have been selected by the food agency with the help of food writer Georgina Campbell, and they have all earned their place on it as a result of their excellence in sourcing and serving local foods.
The map has just been launched as part of Bord Bia’s Just Ask initiative, which encourages diners to look for information on the provenance of the food on their plate when eating out. “If it’s not written on the menu, then Just Ask” is the slogan around which the campaign is built, although in the future people won’t have to ask – they will be able to just look it up online.
While things are changing, many Irish diners are still reticent to grill restaurant staff about the provenance of the food they are about to order but the map will make things a whole lot easier.
It is hoped it will appeal to both local diners keen on eating food in restaurants which have a track record when it comes to serving local produce as well as to visitors from overseas who are anxious to try some genuine Irish food as part of their visit to the country
Bord Bia says it developed its foodie map in response to a growing desire among the dining public to back the sellers of local foods.
The Just Ask campaign has been running for seven years and each month since the start, a restaurant has been highlighted for its commitment to best practice in transparency and in food sourcing. All the restaurants that have been recognised now have a star on the map.
"We're delighted to provide diners with this new online resource as we know they are increasingly proactive about selecting local restaurants and seeking information about where the produce on the menu originates from," says Maureen Gahan of Bord Bia.
“The map showcases the distribution of award-winning restaurants across the country and consumers can find their closest Just Ask restaurant with one simple click. We would encourage all consumers to try out our map and to choose a restaurant that is actively supporting local foods.’’
On the list are restaurants catering for casual diners as well as high-end establishments which are illuminated by the stars from the Michelin men (and women).
The King Sitric in Howth and the Washerwoman in Glasnevin are two restaurants representing Dublin’s northside while Hatch and Sons on St Stephen’s Green and O’Connell’s on Donnybrook’s Morehampton Rd are flying the flags for the southsiders.
Galway City is well represented oan the Just Ask map with Kai, Ard Bia and the Michelin-stared Anair all featuring. The Step House Hotel in Borris Sage in Midleton and Harry’s Bar on Innishowen, Co Donegal also get a mention.
Just Ask judge and food writer Georgina Campbell said the awards celebrate “pioneering businesses who are at the forefront of producing exceptional food and first-class customer service. It’s really encouraging to see so many restaurateurs leading the way in sourcing local produce, and what better way to celebrate this than with an interactive map which provides Irish consumers with some guidance on where to eat to ensure they are promoting local foods”.
