Prepare to embark on an extraordinary adventure for the senses as Roe & Co Distillery proudly announces the launch of “Chef’s Stories by Roe & Co Distillery,” a new, immersive culinary and whiskey experience that will bring guests on a journey of discovery this summer. Following five successful summers of pop-ups and a sold-out takeover with Bech Bailey, Roe & Co Distillery is propelling its culinary offering to exciting new places, inviting guests to delve into the heart of Irish food culture through the captivating narratives of some of its most celebrated chefs from across the country, each offering a distinct experience over four weekends this summer.
“Chef’s Stories by Roe & Co Distillery” is an immersive dining experience where the art of cooking intertwines with the rich tradition of storytelling. Curated in partnership with, and hosted by, acclaimed food journalist Ali Dunworth, this exclusive series will feature four of Ireland’s top culinary talents – JP McMahon, Aishling Moore, Melissa McCabe, and Graham Herterich – each taking over the distillery for a dedicated weekend. The concept truly embodies the spirit of Roe & Co – a blend of tradition and innovation, collaboration, and creativity – offering an unparalleled experience that celebrates the rich tapestry of Irish food and culture.
Guests will journey through the beautiful Roe & Co Distillery, exploring five unique paired courses based on the reflective prompts: Inspire, Admire, Perspire, Aspire, and Retire. Each bite sparks a memory and every sip a story, as our four incredible chefs guide you through a personal journey. Each course is meticulously crafted to reflect a pivotal moment in the chef’s personal and professional journey, offering a unique insight into their creative process and the influences that shaped their culinary identity. Courses will be thoughtfully paired with Roe & Co Irish Whiskey cocktails and neat serves, creating a seamless dialogue between flavour, memory, and meaning.
Introducing the Culinary Storytellers:
- From August 8th – 10th – Melissa McCabe (Feast, Rostrevor): The self-taught Northern Irish chef and BBC Great British Menu Northern Ireland winner will tell the story of the food she grew up with and the dishes that shaped her career. Melissa’s menu promises traditional and seasonal flavours with plenty of unexpected twists, reflecting her innovative approach to modern Irish cuisine and her commitment to showcasing Northern Ireland’s finest produce.
- From August 22nd – 24th – Graham Herterich (The Bakery, Dublin): The bestselling author and baker will delve beyond his renowned sweet treats, taking guests through the rich and storied cooking past that made him. Graham’s menu will weave in his unique creativity, delivering delightful dishes that reflect his ability to tell stories through food, drawing inspiration from traditional Irish recipes with modern twists.
- From September 5th-7th – JP McMahon (Aniar, Galway): The Michelin-starred chef, restaurateur, and best-selling author will take diners on a retrospective journey through his extensive career, from early Italian influences to Galway’s gourmet renaissance, and a glimpse into the world of Michelin-starred cooking. His menu will explore his strong interest in Irish food and storytelling, reflecting his diverse background and passion for the craft.
- From September 26th – 28th – Aishling Moore (Goldie, Cork): Renowned for pioneering “gill-to-fin” cooking, Aishling will showcase the dishes that have propelled her to the forefront of Irish cuisine. Her menu will highlight her innovative whole-catch philosophy while celebrating the breadth of exceptional Irish ingredients, offering a taste of her jam-packed career and the dishes that brought her to where she is today.
“Chef’s Stories by Roe & Co Distillery” promises an immersive experience, blurring the lines between food journalism, performance, and hospitality. Within the distillery, each unique setting will evoke a distinct moment, inviting guests to explore how stories are told through flavour, texture, and emotion. A Journey Through Five Tastes:
- Inspire: A dish sparked by an early moment of inspiration that ignited the chef’s passion for cooking paired with a Roe & Co sparkling Aperitif.
- Admire: A nod to an admired figure in the chef’s career, presented in Room 106, a nostalgic space reminiscent of a food writer’s workspace, paired with neat whiskey.
- Perspire: A reflection on the gruelling hard work and dedication inherent in a chef’s life, with an entrée-style dish and a self-made cocktail, showcased in the Roe & Co Distillery immersive Flavours Workshop.
- Aspire: Representing the chef’s desired legacy and contribution to the culinary world, served in the sensory Outdoor Garden, featuring a dish paired with a Roe & Co cocktail.
- Retire: The comforting dessert the chef would make for loved ones after hanging up their whites, paired with a Roe & Co and Faux-tified Wine Pairing.
Don’t miss out on tickets for this exciting series, on sale via www.roeandcowhiskey.com, on Tuesday, 15th July at €110 per person.