Food News: East Meets West in a Culinary Competition by The Irish Food Board

Cook up your favorite beef or pork recipe and, with the luck of the Irish, you just might be on your way to a culinary tour of the Emerald Isles... 

That's right. A unique cooking competition highlighting the renowned world-class quality of Irish beef and pork may just be your ticket to Ireland. The Irish Government Food Board or Bord Bia recently launched their first online culinary competition dubbed "East Meets West" last August 1, 2020 as part of its on-going and sustaining program to build and raise awareness on the high quality as well as the unique taste and versatility of European Pork and Beef among Filipino consumers and institutions. It's also the perfect opportunity to showcase your cooking skills and favorite family recipes to some of Manila's finest chefs. If you're up for the culinary challenge, read on for a chance to embark on a memorable culinary tour in the food island of Europe...

The verdant and lush fertile isles of Ireland and its uncompromising commitment to safety, sustainability and traceability combine for some of the world's best dairy, seafood, beef and pork. Knowing where your food comes from is now increasingly becoming a part of the decision process for both consumers and the food service sector in ensuring the finest quality ingredients. The European Union remains committed with its uncompromising high international standards for food safety and animal health through viable "farm-to-fork" systems in place that's constantly monitored. And when it's from Ireland, you know you're getting some of the world's finest produce (for more on Bord Bia and Irish beef and pork, see my previous posts, Let's Talk Irish Beef...at the Bord Bia Dinner in Discovery Primea's Flame on a special dinner with world-class Irish beef at Discovery Primea's elegant Flame Restaurant and The Chef's Choice: Bord Bia Brings World-Class Quality Irish Pork and Beef to the Philippines and to Your Plate at New World Makati Hotel's Glasshouse).  

The lay of the land and the climate always plays a defining role in the flavors of any ingredient, and Bord Bia adds established protocols in the production of their world-class beef and pork. Exclusively grass-fed, Irish beef is well known for its fork-tender texture with a depth of fresh, clean and rich notes. It's no wonder Irish beef is the top-of-mind choice of the world's very best Michelin star chefs and institutions. And now you can enjoy world-class Irish beef in your own homes...

Globalization makes it easy to access the finest ingredients, including quality beef and pork from Ireland. World-class Irish beef just transforms your favorite savory beef dish with its exquisite and robust flavors. And in the masterful hands of talented chefs, memorable meals are guaranteed. But along with its impeccable quality comes versatility, allowing passionate home cooks to create magnificent restaurant quality meals at home including local dishes hence the "East Meets West" concept for Board Bia's culinary competition.   

Just like Irish beef, Irish Pork is renowned for its delicate yet flavorful notes and melt-in-your-mouth richness. Ireland has no local wild boar population and its geographical island status has safeguarded its stocks from diseases like the African Swine Flu which ravaged and infected many of the world's pork producers. Irish pork production is guided by the same stringent EU standards of Irish beef following strict safety, sustainability and traceability protocols to ensure high quality and the best flavors for any dish.   

The continued popularity and demand for quality pork in the Philippines continues to grow with pork deeply woven in our culinary heritage. Now, you can elevate your favorite pork dishes with the very best...

In a unique move, Bord Bia decided to open the competition not only to chefs and culinary professionals but to foodies, homemakers, culinary students and even food bloggers. No longer a competition exclusively for chefs, Board Bia's East Meets West culinary competition broadens the playing field and is expected to generate exciting cooking twists to well-loved Filipino dishes. This year's competition will be judged by noted chefs including Escoffier Philippines Chairman Philip Golding, Manor John Hay Executive Chef Billy King and Grand Hyatt Manila Executive Chef Mark Hagan. With the deadline for submissions ending last August 31, 2020, the ten semi-finalists will be announced this September 7. 

These may be challenging times with the new normal changing the way we go about our daily routine. But this doesn't mean putting your passion for cooking on hold. Bord Bia and its world-class Irish beef and pork is right by your side in helping you feed your culinary dreams...

For more on Bord Bia, visit their FB Page at https://www.facebook.com/BordBia/ and their website at https://www.bordbia.ie/ for more information. You can also check out https://www.facebook.com/EUPorkandBeefPH/ for more local updates.

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