New book charts NW food journey

The City Hotel in Londonderry was the venue recently when chef, lecturer, broadcaster – and now, author – Emmett McCourt launched his new book, Feast or Famine to an audience of around 300 invited guests.

There were plenty of familiar faces from the hospitality industry among the gathering, including fellow chef, Sean Owens, and special speakers on the night included Garvin Downey, the book’s editor; Martin Malarkey, senior programme with The Culture Company and Calum Morrison, curriculum director at the North-West Regional College, where Emmett is a lecturer.

The Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness – who comes from the city and has contributed a trout recipe for the book – was to have attended but was unable to fulfil the engagement at the last minute.

It has taken Emmett five years to research and write the book which discusses the development of the culture and history of the north-west of Ireland through its food. The book has generated considerable interest both at home in Ireland and abroad, particularly among the Irish diaspora, and Emmett has been able to establish a number of spin-off businesses as a result, including a walking tours series and a mobile exhibition roadshow which travels around the country demonstrating many of the recipes contained in the book.

“The launch was really about saying thank you to all those who have supported me in any way through the long process of writing the book,” Emmett told LCN recently. “I was surprised and gratified by the turn-out and I am delighted with the way that the book has been selling to date.”

Emmett is now looking forward to launching his mobile exhibition trailer during the LegenDerry Food Festival, a three-day family event which takes place in Derry between March 15 and 17.

Feast or Famine is available from good booksellers such as Waterstones or Easons, priced £19.95. It is also for sale on Amazon or directly from the publishers at Guildhall Press – www.ghpress.com.