Eunice Power: Community Is the Secret Ingredient for Waterford

Eunice Power, award-winning chef in Dungarvan, is reflecting on her extraordinary success at this year's Irish Restaurant Awards.  On the night, she was named All-Ireland Local Food Hero for her contributions to regional tourism, the developing food industry locally, and her work as CEO of Waterford Festival of Food. Eunice, who owns AndChips in Dungarvan has long been a champion of the local food industry in County Waterford and dedicated her award to the wider community who work with her for the betterment of food and social sustainability. Speaking on that very topic, she told Ollie and Dymphna on The Big Breakfast Blaa that while we talk extensively about food sustainability, social sustainability is just as important. Events, she says, like Waterford Festival of Food unites people and offers social calendar events which allow people to physically meet others in a warm, welcoming setting. When asked what continues to drive her, Eunice's answer was 'curiosity' for people, for food, and for community.  The Irish Restaurant Awards recognised Waterford on a significant level this year, with an Outstanding Achievement Award presented to Paul and Máire Flynn of The Tannery Restaurant, Townhouse, and Cookery School.  Also big winners on the night were Farmgate, Lismore for Best Casual Dining, Merry's Gastro Pub named Best in Munster, J. & K. Walsh Victorian Spirit Grocer named Munster Pub of the Year, and Slow and Steady for Munster Innovator of the Year. Play to listen back to Eunice in full. Keep up to date on all the latest from The Big Breakfast Blaa with Ollie and Dymphna from 6am until 10am daily. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.