A group of chefs are hoping to show they’ve got the recipe for success by joining forces for a unique fundraising initiative in aid of front line staff in the Causeway area.
The ‘Causeway Chefs for the NHS’ project has been developed by freelance Chef Derek Steele who has worked extensively across the region for many years.
Together with six willing colleagues, he wants to put the area’s renowned culinary capabilities to good use and raise funds for the NI Scrubs Causeway Coast group, set up to produce much-needed masks, tunics and trousers for staff at the front line of the pandemic.
The participating chefs are set to provide a unique insight into some of their best-loved recipes with two weeks of daily online demonstrations starting on Sunday 19th April.
Their pre-recorded videos will be shared on Social media via the Causeway Coast Community News page and in return, the public is asked to make a donation towards their £3000 target.
All money raised will be used to buy essential materials needed to produce and delivery the ever-increasing demand for protective wear. Among those taking part is Stella Bolton of The French Rooms in Bushmills.
She said it’s a way of showing appreciation for the medical staff in the local area:
“This is a much-needed fundraiser for our brave NHS staff atour local Causeway Hospital and care homes. As members of the local hospitality industry, we are passionate about the people and the magnificent place we live and we wanted to pull together to help raisemuch-needed funds to allow the ‘Scrubs’ group to carry on with their vital work.
“One of the group’s Co-ordinators is Claire O’Kane of Mussenden Sea Salt who is a member of Taste Causeway and we are delighted to be able to support what they are doing.
“It started out as a small initiative but they have been totally overwhelmed by demand and we are really hoping that we canhelp to make a difference.”
Derek Steele added:
“It’s so important that our restaurants, bars and bistros remain closed at this time to help slow the spread of coronavirus.
“We are all in this together, and as people stay at home we want to give them the opportunity to recreate a restaurant standard dish themselves fromthe comfort of their own kitchen.
“We will talk you through the whole process from beginning to end, and even if you’re not that experienced in the kitchen please give it a go! There’s No better time than now to develop your cooking skills. Let us help you,and at the same time you can help to support this very worthy cause.”
The daily demonstrations will continue until Sunday 2nd May, and to give you a little idea of what to look forward to there’s everything from paellaand beef wellington to Bushmills Whiskey apple tart and Moroccan lemon cake.
You can donate online now by searching for Causeway Chefs 4 NHS on JustGiving or use the following link www.causewaycoastcommunity.co.uk/causewaychefs.
Registered charity The Bushmills Trust will manage the funds on behalf of the chefs and ensure all donations go directly to the NI Scrubs Causeway Coast group.
The first demonstration from Derek Steele, who will showcase his rack of Lamb dish, will be streamed on the Causeway Coast Community Facebook page at 5pm on Sunday 19th April 2020.
Derek paid tribute to his loyal and supportive suppliers First 4 Fruit, Keenan’s Seafood and The Copper Pig for delivering produce to his doorstep and helping him create some delicious dishes.
