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Chef Mark Moriarty revealed the menu he prepared for visiting European leaders at a state dinner held in Dublin this week. The event formed part of the 9th European Political Community Summit and took place in the Shaw Room of the National Gallery of Ireland.
The evening and its purpose
The dinner was designed to put Irish food and suppliers centre stage, highlighting artisan producers, provenance and a focus on sustainable dining. Organisers said the menu aimed to celebrate the country’s culinary heritage while serving senior political figures and their delegations.
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The menu
Baked Potato Sourdough
Glenilen Farm Butter
Celeriac Baked in Barley
Yeast, Hazelnut, Celeriac & Fino Sherry Sauce
Sally Barnes Wild Irish Smoked Salmon from Co Cork
BBQ Butter Sabayon, Green Apple
Striploin of Dry Aged Ridgeway Beef from Co Wicklow
Artichoke, Seaweed, Roasted Bone Marrow Jus Gras
Side service to share: Jenny McNally’s Roasted Cabbage, Bacon, Herbs & 50/50 Mashed Potato
Irish Coffee Gâteau Opéra
Salted Irish Milk Sorbet
The drinks selection included Killahora Rare Apple Ice Wine.
Behind the scenes
Moriarty paid tribute to the team that delivered the dinner under tight protocol and security. “Myself and the team at Mark Moriarty Studio were honoured and delighted to represent Irish hospitality, and to showcase our chefs, producers, and food makers to leaders and prime ministers from all across Europe,” he said.
“Delivering an event of this scale under strict protocol and security has been a massive team effort.” He also thanked the front-of-house team: “Alongside our own kitchen team, we had the finest talent on the dining room floor, led by Virginia Anton and a team of industry heavyweights and sommeliers, ensuring our guests got to experience Irish warmth and excellence at its finest.”
“A huge thanks to everyone who pulled on the green jersey last night.”
Moriarty described the moment of seeing his food presented in the National Gallery as almost surreal. He called it a “pinch me” moment to view the dishes served on the State china “with its little golden harp!”
Where this fits in for Moriarty
The state dinner capped a busy period for Moriarty. Earlier this year he brought New York’s The Dead Rabbit to Dublin in September and opened the Mark Moriarty Studio at Wilton Park.
