Here’s our exciting line-up for the Taste Waterford Demo Stage at the 2025 Waterford Festival of Food, sponsored by McCarthy Insurance Group.
There’ll be something for everyone – expert chocolate making, a surprise recipe from an award-winning chef, artisan beer, butter that delights, sustainable cooking, and an insightful talk focusing on healthier lifestyle choices for children.
See cooking demos, hear food stories, and enjoy delicious tastings with our members and guests – an unforgettable experience celebrating Co. Waterford’s food and drink.
We’re located at Grattan Square, Dungarvan – Sunday 27 April, 11.00am to 4.45pm.
Here’s what’s happening…
11.00am Judit McNally – Cocoa by Judit
Our demo stage kicks off this year with not just an artisan making the highest quality of chocolates – their collaborations with local producers are winning praise wherever they go.
Cocoa by Judit launched last year with Judit McNally heading the company with over 20 years of confectionery experience.
Based in West Waterford, her sustainable chocolate range embodies indulgence, craftsmanship and flavours that delicately balance traditional flavours, and some that bring a unique twist on the palate like seaweed.
She’ll be showing chocolate artistry by hand painting chocolates, and talk about her love of the area and inspiration for flavours.
And with a chance to try these delectable delights – your first demo will leave you with unforgettable memories, and tastes!
12.00pm Gillian Hegarty and Melissa Byrne – The Kids Food Revolution
It’s fair to say the future lies with children.
But when they grow up surrounded by sweets, processed food and sugary treats – is this really a good start for them, and life? This is what drives a new initiative by Gillian Hegarty and Melissa Byrne – The Kids Food Revolution.
Melissa and Gillian are starting conversations with schools, businesses, sports clubs and other groups, about the amount of nutrient poor food surrounding kids, and the impact it is having on their health. The community is standing together and making changes, creating a new normal where rewards and treats are not sweets.
They’ll be on hand to talk about how the food environment needs to enable healthier lifestyle choices, and to give a template that can be rolled out across communities.
This will be a thoughtful and inspiring talk, and with Gillian and Melissa ready to answer questions, you’ll have a new take on what has become the norm for children’s treats.
1.00pm Luis Martin – Mara Restaurant
When his dishes regularly receive comments like “it’s a work of art” and “stunning”, you know something exciting is happening on stage. Please give an applause for Luis Martin – head chef and owner of Mara Restaurant in Waterford.
Michelin star trained and skills honed in renowned Irish establishments – his food ethos blends innovation, creativity, and flavours that bring further comments like “wow”.
And with a love for the area – Luis is up there when supporting local producers and making sure Waterford is a standout destination for food and drink.
And what is he preparing on stage? We’ll, that’s for you to decide!
Before the event, we’re running a poll on Instagram. With a choice of three dishes – it’ll be you who chooses. Will it be soup, a fish dish, or delicate dessert? Even we don’t know!
2.00pm Tom Dauber and Cormac O’Dwyer – Dungarvan Brewing Company
Food and drink have been a draw for Dungarvan – not just locals of Waterford, but international visitors too.
And a long-time driver of this has been the Dungarvan Brewing Company. They set the benchmark for artisan brewing way back in 2010 – and bringing in a haul of awards along the way.
One of the original founders of the company, Cormac O’Dwyer, has now returned in his new role as Head Brewer and Client Relationship Manager.
He’ll be joined on stage by the new owner – Tom Dauber – where they’ll both talk about how the company has achieved recognition on a global stage, their range of craft beers, and what the future holds now the team has expanded.
Along with fascinating insights into the running of a successfully brewery, you can get to taste what has made these beers a standout drink for so many.
3.00pm Mary Sharpe – Irish Gourmet Butter and Harrison Sharpe – Elbow Lane
Irish Gourmet Butter do one thing – butter. And they do it extremely well.
With multiple award wins, regularly taking gold, they are no stranger to receiving claim for traditionally made butter using fresh, natural ingredients.
To showcase their offering, Mary Sharpe, co-owner of the company will be joined on stage by her son – Harrison Sharpe of Elbow Lane in Cork.
This family pairing will shine a light on butter by using quality ingredients to make delicious cookies, and a fish dish.
Their demos bring praise wherever they go, and with tasters at the ready – you’ll appreciate just why Irish Gourmet Butter brings in the accolades!
4.00pm Bruno Dantes – GROW HQ
Our last demo of the day blends great flavours, vibrant food, and a healthy dose of local and seasonal ingredients with a zero-waste ethos – bring on Bruno Dantes, head chef at GROW HQ.
This demo will inspire you to create dishes from what you may think is waste – and turning it into something tasty that’s kind to the planet too.
With a delicious dish that showcases everything they care about at GROW HQ – Bruno will also talk about steps you can take at home to use leftovers and strive towards a zero-waste kitchen.
Bruno will be handing out tasters too of his dish using veggies gathered earlier in the day.
And with a chance to ask him questions – you’ll be full of ideas and brimming with enthusiasm for a way of cooking that brings so many benefits – go GROW HQ!
