TODAY is the last day for the people of Derry to vote for the city as the best Foodie Town in Ireland 2015.
Mayor Elisha McCallion is urging the public to use the last few hours to get voting and get Derry across the winner’s line.
Earlier this week, Derry’s restaurants and cafes were shining up the cutlery on Monday as the Foodie Town of Ireland judges arrived in the city to check out the latest developments on the local culinary scene.
Mayor McCallion, was on hand to meet and greet them when they arrived, before a tour of some of Derry’s favourite eateries.
Derry has been shortlisted among ten foodie locations across the country all vying for top position on the local food tourism map, and while the judges influence 50% of the vote – the public hold 50% of the voting power.
Following the visit Mayor McCallion urged local food fans to get online and register their support for Derry businesses.
“I was delighted to see Derry shortlisted in this prestigious competition. My meeting with the judges this week was extremely positive and they had the opportunity to meet with some of our most talented and creative local chefs and to sample some delicious local fayre.
“The award would be a fantastic additional endorsement of the city’s profile as a top tourism destination, and it would be of great benefit to our local chefs, hoteliers and food producers.
“While I know the judges’ visit went extremely well – it’s only half the battle, and the public have a huge influence on the vote.
“I am calling on everyone to get voting and support Derry’s bid to become ‘Foodie Town of Ireland’. Today is the last day.”
Tourism Officer with Derry City and Strabane District Council, Mary Blake said: “I was thrilled to meet with the judges this week to share with them some of the city’s culinary secrets.
“We are already catching the attention of eminent food critics such as Georgina Campbell and John and Sally McKenna, and winning Foodie Town of Ireland would be a real testament to the food revolution that has been taking place in our city over recent years.
“Voting for Derry will support all our hardworking chefs, artisan food producers, fishermen, farmers, restaurateurs and hospitality staff.”
The Foodie Town competition is an annual competition organised by the Restaurant Association of Ireland.
You can register your vote daily for Derry until the end of today, Friday, Ocober 2, at www.foodietowns.ie
