A LegenDerry Evening- A Night That Showcased Derrys Thriving Food Scene

Foodies, you are well and truly put on notice! If you don't know, now you know... Derry has some of the best local chefs, breweries and distilleries in all of Ireland and the UK. On Thursday, February 20th, The Chalk and Cheese Travels team were invited to the Legenderry Food Event, an annual month-long initiative by Derry City & Strabane District Council in collaboration with LegenDerry Food and without a doubt- the craic was mighty!

From an atmospheric perspective, The Walled City Brewery perfectly balanced intimacy and professionalism with a unique charm that extended from the cosy bar area to the illuminated dining hall. Paul and I especially enjoyed chatting with other attendees, both during the courses and at the reception beforehand. Even as a newcomer among locals, it was clear that the welcome mat was well and truly rolled out from the get-go.

Throughout the evening, attendees enjoyed engaging stories from local food heroes and had the chance to interact directly with producers at a showcase of artisan products. They met the people behind the exceptional produce, including:

- Acorn Farm 

- Carrick Food 

- Dart Mountain Cheese 

- Donegal Prime Fish 

- Fairley's Sauce 

- Foyle Bia Mara 

- Monto Chocolates 

- Moore on the Quay 

- Northbound Brewery 

- Offing Coffee 

- Redgate Cider 

- Rough Brothers Beer 

- Scarpello  

- Wild Atlantic Distillery 

- William Grant & Co

Pictured above: The co-owner of Fairleys Flavours

The event’s menu was diverse and technically impressive, showcasing over 15 local producers across seven tasting courses (see the menu, dishes, and the talented chefs below). While it’s impossible to rank them—every dish was outstanding—a few immediate standouts off the top of our heads include the salmon nigiri with yuzu gel with wasabi tobiko and the 24-hour pork belly with langoustine bisque mousse, satay, wild garlic, and seasonal vegetables. As we savoured each course, one thought stood out: the availability of quality seafood here rivals the best in the country, no doubt thanks to the River Foyle’s proximity.

Sean Lafferty (Umi)- Salmon nigiri with yuzu gel and wasabi tobiko

Mark & Shauna Froydenlund (The Exchange)- 24-hour pork belly, Langoustine bisque mousse, satay, wild garlic, and seasonal vegetables

The Chefs (From top to bottom)- Chris Moran, Sean Lafferty, Mark & Shauna Froydenlund, Leigh Thurston, Julie & Kevin Hickey

While photos will capture the aesthetics, the sense of community and innovation driving each dish cannot, a feeling that, if possible, would undoubtedly be bottled (even the amazingly skilled distillers present on the night wouldn't be able to produce that type of magic). The combination of interacting with the chefs and hearing their stories provided a fantastic sense of clarity of the skill that went into every bite.

Accompanying each dish was a wide selection of local beers, ciders, vodka cocktails, and desserts alongside the Walled City Brewery's new brandy ball-flavoured Poitín, "Snifter." The paired drinks left an indelible mark on an already exquisite evening… while, also leaving an indelibly sore head for a few of the attendees the following morning (including our staff members).

As Legenderry Food Month continues, we highly recommend securing tickets for the upcoming Seafood Supper Club on Saturday, March 1st, at 7 p.m. This feast for seafood lovers will offer a seven-course dinner aboard "Big Decky," organised by Moore on the Quay and Pyke' N' Pommes. Tickets can be purchased here.

In Love Legenderry Food Month's effort to position Derry as a vital foodie destination, this event, in its third year, encapsulates what makes the city so unique: an incredible community spirit, a notable tapestry of local flavours, and a historical backdrop that elevates every bite to something genuinely legendary. Without question, the Derry food scene is Chalk and Cheese approved.