Odaios Foods are a food distributor supplying products to food services and fine food retail markets. Their second tented food exhibition took place in Fitzwilliam Square, Dublin 2 on 20th and 21st of May 2013. This was a trade event for professionals of the food industry, showcasing over 50 food and drink producers.
Attendees could wander around, talk to all the different food producers and taste all the products. From charcuterie to champagne, pastries to ice cream, it was a true food heaven and a real pleasure to meet passionate food professionals. In the learning lounge, guest speakers gave food talks: amongst them, Kevin Thornton (chef proprietor of Michelin starred Thornton’s Restaurant, food writer and photographer) and Andrew Gravett (chef pâtissier Valrhona Northern Europe & Darren Hogarty, Chapter One).
The venue
The event took place in the beautiful Georgian Fitzwilliam Square in the centre of the city. Twelve giant tipis full of food and drinks, wooden picnic tables, bunting and vintage vans: it felt like a stylish food festival.
Kettyle's Pig on a spit
Anyone passing by Fitzwilliam Square would have smelled the beautiful pig on a spit provided by Kettyle Irish foods. Located in county Fermanagh, Kettyle is a meat supplier specialising in Irish dry aged beef. Their pig was really something, I had a lovely lunch of pig meat in a bap with gorgeous apple sauce. Divine!
Gaillot and Gray Wood Fired Pizza
French man Gilles was making wood fired pizzas at the event. He owns a vintage Citroen van and parks in Greystones from Wednesday to Sunday (5-9pm) to sell his products. I got to taste his super fabulous Merguez, sausage, shitake, caramelised onion and red chard sprouts pizza, specially made for the Odaios' event. Oh my! It was fabulous. I think I'll have to travel to Greystones soon (I love that he uses Emmental cheese)! Find them on Facebook here.
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Valrhona Chocolate heavenessIf you don't know Valrhona chocolate you're missing something in your life. Odaios Foods have been working with the French chocolate brand for the last 10 years. There was an impressive Valrhona stall at the event showcasing their different products and a beautiful display of chocolate eggs. Their new Dulcey chocolate is to die for. I was given a tray with 4 different desserts made with Valrhona chocolate to highlight its versatility, needless to stay they were sumptuous.
French products
Odaios Foods work with well know French brands that of course reminded me of my French life, these included Castaing Foie Gras, Loste, Valrhona chocolate, Elle & Vire, La Fruitière, Château Blanc Breads & Pastries, Bordier butter and cheese, Eurovanille, etc...
Other highlights
Everything I tasted was high quality food: delicious, ready to drink hot chocolate by Benoit's chocolate factory, divine Blazquez Iberico ham from Salamanca being thinly sliced in front of me, delicious patés from Patchwork pate, Coopershill House's smoked venison, Arbutus beautiful breads, smashing Roquefort crackers from The Fine Cheese and Co and much more.
Special thanks to the staff from Movenpick, they were so lovely to make me taste their exquisite raspberry sorbet, macadamia ice cream and also to sacrifice an ice cream pack by halving it with a knife to show me the swirl's perfection. I could have stayed with them all day.
Disclaimer: I was invited to this event by Odaios. I gave no undertaking to write a review and the words above are, as always, my honest opinion.
Have you attended this event? What were your highlights and/or favourite products?
