Royal Visit Food 'Specially Selected'

With food and drink both on the agenda for Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall, who have arrived in Northern Ireland for a two-day royal visit, a national food retailer was very timely with news of its own 'Specially Selected' food range.

As Prince Charles was being met by Taste of Ulster Chairman, restaurateur, Nick Price at the long-established Nick's Warehouse restaurant in Hill Street - where they were presented with a hamper after sampling produce from groups representing the benefits of sustainable local foods - Tesco was highlighting its own winning suppliers.

Doubly appropriate - as just days ago the prestigious Balmoral Show was attended by Prince Charles's brother, Edward, the Earl of Wessex - Tesco announced details of its 'Specially Selected Steak' award.

The Tesco supplier who 'steaked' his winning spot with a 'fry off' for the award at the show was Strabane man John McCrea with his Charolais steak.

Well-known local chef Paula McIntyre cooked steaks from the 10 finalists in the Tesco Pavilion, which was situated in the King's Hall grounds for the duration of the event.

The 'Specially Selected Steak' competition, run in conjunction with Foyle Meats and the Livestock and Meat Commission, was open to all 1,600 members of the Foyle Valley Beef Producers Club who could enter up to two animals each.

The grand fry-off and judging attracted a large crowd of show visitors including many farmers whose cuts of meat were competing in the final.

Of course, as the second royal visit inside a week kicks off, news that Ulster's best produce is to play a big part is no surprise.

While food has already been on the menu, the remaining events are to include a garden party at Hillsborough Castle and - of course - a visit to Bushmills distillery - a fine accompaniment to such products as Ulster's finest beef.

(BMcC)