Bunratty Manor Hotel has been crowned National Chowder Champion 2011 at the National Chowder Cook Off which took place in Kinsale on Sunday 22nd May.

Over 600 people descended on Actons Hotel in Kinsale for the first ever National Chowder Cook Off contest. The competitors, made up of chefs, fishermen and commercial chowder producers travelled from around the country, with one contestant coming from as far as  Newport, Rhode Island, Kinsale’s twin town, to participate in the event.

In the end however, it was Bunratty Manor Hotel in Clare who wowed the public’s palate. Head Chef Paddy Collins from Bunratty, attributed his success to his special ingredient of smoked fish in the base when making the chowder.

Commenting on their win, Noel Wallace, owner of Bunratty Manor Hotel said “We’’e absolutely delighted to win. It was a fantastic day; we are thrilled to have been involved and to have done so well against some other fantastic competitors in Kinsale, the home of good food”.

The Cook Off was followed by the highly anticipated Celebrity Seafood Cook Off. Top Irish chefs Martin Shanahan of Fishy Fishy Cafe and RTE’’s Martin’s still Mad About Fish’: and Paul Flynn, of The Tannery Restaurant and winner of the Egon Ronay Chef of the Year were joined by top American Fox TV Chef Kevin Gaudreau for this fun filled cooking demonstration. The mouth-watering aromas, witty banter and delicious food made for a hugely entertaining and captivating event.

Chairman of Kinsale Chamber of Tourism Hal McElroy said “The Cook Off was a resounding success with queues forming up to an hour before the event kicked off. Tourists from Europe, America and beyond came in their droves as well as locals and visitors from all over the country. We are delighted with the response from both the public and the chefs who took part and I would like to thank them all for making the trip to Kinsale today, in particular Kevin Gaudreau who travelled all the way from Newport Rhode Island! I would also like to congratulate Bunratty Manor Hotel on being crowned National Chowder Champion and we look forward to an even bigger event in 2012!

Other special guests on the day included renowned broadcaster Derek Davis who MC’d the event and Mayor of Kinsale Michael Frawley.

As well as being crowned National Chowder Champion 2011, Bunratty Manor Hotel also received  a customised trophy and an all-inclusive package stay in Kinsale for the 35th Bollinger Kinsale Gourmet Food Festival 2011 – including tickets to all events, meals, plus accommodation for two people for two nights during the festival. Not only that but they will also go forward to the Newport, Rhode Island Great Chowder Cook Off in June 2012.

For more information on the National Chowder Cook Off and the 35th Bollinger Kinsale Gourmet Food Festival, which takes place in October, visit www.kinsale.ie / www.kinsalerestaurants.com