Smugglers Creek Inn’s Chef Joe Clinton has become the county’s first ever Chowder Cook-Off Champion during the Donegal Food Festival, after beating off competition from seven other chefs in a top class field to take the prestigious honour. Next step is to represent Donegal to compete in next year’s National Chowder Cook-Off in Kinsale. A very well done to Joe and his team for such a great achievement!

Chef Mark & Ian at Donegal Food Festival 2013

For those of you who visited us at the 2013 Donegal Food Festival would have enjoyed the food & wine prepared and served by Chefs Mark & Ian, pictured here working very hard at the Smugglers Stand!

Following it’s huge success in the past 4 years, the Taste of Donegal Food Festival has just finished it’s 5th year running with even more celebrity chefs, exhibitors and  visitors. Don’t miss the 6th Annual A Tastes of Donegal Food Festival next year, watch this space for more details to come.

Donegal Food Festival 2013

Smugglers Creek will be exhibiting at this year’s Donegal Food Festival in Donegal Town. Do pop in and visit our stand!

Join us on Friday the 14th June at 9pm for great food, fun and music. All proceeds in aid of North West Culinary Team. Tickets available now from Smugglers Creek Inn (opens everyday from 12 noon). Also available to via telephone, just call + 353 71 9852367 or email info@smugglerscreekinn.com

Emily Browne with Head Chef Deirdre Clinton and Panel of Chefs Chairman Eoin McDonnell, POCI Team & Representatives from other Restaurants & Hotels

Smugglers Creek Proprietor Emily Browne, together with representatives from five other restaurants and hotels attended a Presentation Ceremony hosted by the Panel of Chefs Ireland in recognition of their support over the years to the POCI team at the Glasshouse Hotel in Sligo on Tuesday 12th March.

Mark, Deirdre, Terri, Joe & Emily at CATEX 2013

The Chefs from Smugglers Creek Inn, Joe & Deirdre Clinton, Commis Chef Terri Gallagher and Gabriel McSharry took part as a team in the International Culinary Competitions at CATEX, the food service event of the year took place at the RDS, Dublin on 19th-21st Feb 2013.

Terri competed in the Junior Terrine, Junior Pasta & Open Class Pork competitions. She took the Class Winner of the Junior Terrine and a Silver Medal, another Silver Medal in the Junior Pasta. She also won the third Silver medal in the Open Class Pork where Junior & Senior Chefs competed.

Gabriel competed in the Junior Terrine & Junior Pasta which he took home a Silver & Bronze medal. He also took part in the Young Chef of the Year Competition and received a Certificate of Merit.

Joe & Deirdre competed in two team events in the Hot Salon. Firstly, the Prestigious Mystery Basket where they won two Bronze medals, they then took part in the Master Chef’s Challenge sponsored by Nestle which they won two Gold medals.

Deirdre competed in the International Cold Salon with a Donegal Seafood Platter winning yet another Gold Medal.

“We are so proud of our chefs’ achievements at CATEX 2013. They faced intense competition from other experienced chefs with great culinary skills yet achieved brilliant results, bringing back 3 Gold, 4 Silver and 3 Bronze medals. It’s our privilege to come in each day and work alongside our talented chefs. We feel so lucky to be part of such a dedicated and hard-working team. We would like to take this opportunity to thank our sponsors Michael Doherty for his wooden platter which was used in the Terrine competition, Albatross Seafood and Alistair McClay from Starcrest Seafood for their continue support .”said Proprietor, Emily Browne and General Manager, Mark Rush.

Valentines Celebration at Smugglers Creek 2013

Three Evenings of Romance…Celebrate Valentines at Smugglers Creek Inn!

Saturday the 9th & 16^th February, celebrate Valentine’s Day with a romantic dinner where you can avail of our exceptional a la Carte menu accompanied by a good selection of wine & champagne.  Fabulous time….guaranteed!

Thursday, 14th February, St. Valentine’s Day, as it is said to be the most romantic day of the year, Smugglers Creek will be opened from 5pm to provide our guests a wonderful way to celebrate your special relationship or just treat yourself and your loved ones to tasty food and gorgeous wine & champagne!

If you haven’t already booked, message us on Facebook, email or call us on 071 9852367 to reserve a table.

Guess who pop in for lunch with his family on New Year’s Eve? It’s the 6-foot-8-inches tall retired Rugby Union player Malcolm O’Kelly, pictured here with Smugglers Creek staff.