The 2016 Mighty Spud Awards.
Nominate your favourite local chippy chip or 5*creamy mash in the 2016 Mighty Spud Awards.
Chef Paula McIntyre is leading the search for the best potato dishes that Northern Ireland has to offer in the inaugural Mighty Spud Awards 2016. The awards are part of an ongoing campaign to support the NI potato industry, while also recognising excellence in the hospitality sector. There will be four nomination categories – Mightiest Chip, Mightiest Mash, Mightiest Potato Innovation and Mightiest Healthy Potato Dish.
Food outlets including restaurants, pubs and takeaways and their customers have four weeks to nominate a potato creation that they believe should be hailed as mighty. Following the closing deadline, Paula along with Food NI’s Michele Shirlow, Angus Wilson (Wilson Potatoes) and Michael McKillop (Glens of Antrim Potatoes), owners of two of Northern Ireland’s top potato brands, will form an expert panel to shortlist entries and crown one winner in each of the four categories.
At the launch of the Mighty Spud Awards, Paula McIntyre, Chef, said: “The Mighty Spud Awards is a fantastic initiative developed by a group of Northern Ireland’s hard-working potato growers, processors and packers. The group continue to work tirelessly to shine a light on the healthiness, versatility and value of potatoes.
“The campaign focuses on hailing the potato as mighty, not humble. And what better way to do that than showcase the culinary talent that exists in Northern Ireland. The spud is more than just a bit on the side – whether it is triple cooked chips, creamy champ or decadent potato gratin, it is impossible to imagine mealtimes without it,” continued Paula.
Nominations are now open and entries can be made at:
Entries will close at 12 noon on Monday 15 February. Following the nomination process, entries will be shortlisted for tasting and four winners will be announced. Join the conversation on Twitter @MightyNotHumble
Northern Ireland Stakeholder Potato Promotion Group (NISPPG) are promoting the Mighty Spud campaign.
They are a co-operative of potato farmers, packers and processors dedicated to highlighting the healthiness, versatility and value of potatoes. Potatoes have always been a much loved staple of the Northern Irish diet and following a recent decline in consumption, the group wants to see them back in their rightful place as the king of the dinner table.
The Mighty Spud is funded by NISPPG members and supported by the Department of Agriculture’s NI Regional Food Programme.
Award categories
Mightiest Chip: This award category celebrates the tastiest chip in town. Whether it’s straight, chunky, crinkly or wedges. Or cooked twice or even three times! Maybe even season it with herbs and spices or sprinkle with cheese…
Mightiest Mash: Mash or champ – whatever your naming preference, this dish is close to our hearts. This category will prove to be very competitive and possibly emotional…
Mightiest Potato Innovation: This category celebrates innovative creations using the potato – no rules and no boundaries…
Mightiest Healthy Potato Creation: Bake, boiled but never fried! Entries will need to demonstrate a healthier option without compromising on taste.
