Taste Waterford Kitchen Demo Line-Up Launches for Waterford Harvest Festival

Taste Waterford has revealed its exciting demo programme for the 2026 Waterford Harvest Festival.

You’ll be treated to a mushroom masterclass, a chocolate and bitter fusion, a collaboration with an outstanding café and bakery, and a fascinating insight into a café that partners with an organic farm. They’ll also have a sous chef from an award-winning hotel, and finish with a taste sensation from a cookie crafter!

See cooking demos, hear food stories, and enjoy delicious tastings with their members and guests – an unforgettable experience celebrating Co. Waterford’s food and drink.

When and where: John Roberts Square, Waterford – Saturday 05 September, 11.00 am to 5.00 pm.

Quick glance…

11.00 am            Claire O’Sullivan – Crough Wood Wellness

12.00 pm            Judit McNally of Cocoa by Judit collaborating with Mary O’Sullivan of Beara Bitters

1.00 pm               Wayne and Krisztina Halloran from The Olive Café collaborating with David Foskin and Silvia Salvana of Sunny South Yeast Bakery & Catering

2.00 pm               Fiona Byrne and David Kearns of The Railway Cottage, and Kirk Dionela from Al Eile Farm

3.00 pm               John Devereux – Faithlegg Hotel

4.00 pm               Oriana Ramirez – Oh My Cookies

11.00 am –  Claire O’Sullivan, Crough Wood Wellness

Meet the mushroom maestro!

There are many passionate Taste Waterford members, and when it comes to being healthy in mind, body and spirit – as well as showcasing fungi friends, there’s no more of a superfan than Claire.

Harvest time brings a bounty of delicious and nutrient-packed mushrooms, versatile in many dishes – and Claire will create on stage a culinary masterpiece – which you can try! She’ll also talk about mushrooms available locally, and other foraged herbs and plants that offer edible options in your lifestyle and medicinal benefits.

What a fascinating and delicious start to this year’s Taste Waterford Kitchen Stage!

12.00 pm – Judit McNally of Cocoa by Judit collaborating with Mary O’Sullivan of Beara Bitters

On stage next are two Co. Waterford producers that have just been nominated in the prestigious Blas na hÉireann – The Irish Food Awards.

Judit McNally of Cocoa by Judit has taken many accolades since launching three years ago, and is being joined by Mary O’Sullivan of Beara Bitters – to bring a unique and exciting demo. They’ll create a chocolate-and-bitter-inspired recipe that showcases sweet with an infused blend that traditionally is added to cocktails.

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear incredible food stories from experts in their craft, and taste a dish that delights!

1.00 pm – Wayne and Krisztina Halloran from The Olive Café collaborating with David Foskin and Silvia Salvana of Sunny South Yeast Bakery & Catering

When two stars of Waterford from the producer and hospitality world come together on stage – you know you’re in for a treat!

Wayne and Krisztina Halloran from The Olive Café and David Foskin and Silvia Salvana of Sunny South Yeast Bakery & Catering have been steadily raising the profile of quality food and service over the past few years. They’ll combine their love for bread and offering an outstanding menu to produce a sourdough dish that packs flavour, looks amazing – and showcases local.

And with a chance to try the food, you’ll appreciate just why people head back to these standout destinations again and again.

2.00 pm – Fiona Byrne and David Kearns of The Railway Cottage, and Kirk Dionela from Al Eile Farm

There’s a quality about the food and drink offering in Co. Waterford that may not be easily visible – but operates behind the scenes – and The Railway Cottage is just one example.

To explain all is Fiona Byrne – head chef, and manager David Kearns of The Railway Cottage in Dungarvan, and their close partnership with Kirk Dionela from Al Eile Farm – located just five kilometres from the café.

Their menu showcases much of the produce that Al Eile produces – including salad leaves, vegetables and herbs – and highlights using local and seasonal produce to a new level. As well as talking about their close association, Fiona will use her culinary skills to create a parmesan and basil arancini with Al Eile beef ragu.

This will be a demo packed with tastes, knowledge, and inspiration!

3.00 pm – John Devereux, Faithlegg Hotel

Hotels play an important role in telling the rich food and drink story of Co. Waterford to visitors – and the next guest does this with plenty of passion.

John Devereux is sous chef at the multi-award-winning Faithlegg Hotel, located just outside the city. He’ll be on stage talking about showcasing local producers on their menu, and creating a dish that is inspired by the nearby landscapes.

John will not just offer delicious tasters; he’ll explain how outstanding food and drink attracts visitors globally.

4.00 pm – Oriana Ramirez, Oh My Cookies

Oh my! – it’s Oh My Cookies.

Join Oriana Ramirez on stage to hear about this emerging food business quickly creating a name for delicious New York-style cookies, cookie bars, and cakes. Her love for baking and cookies quickly took off when she started making them for friends and family.

With feedback that wowed, she saw a business opportunity. She now attends markets, has many stockists and online orders, and recently won an entrepreneur business pitch to boost her business.

Oriana will talk about starting a new business, why her cookies are so loved, and what Oh My Cookies will look like in the future.

And don’t forget, you can get a taste of these captivating cookies – what a way to end the Taste Waterford Kitchen Stage!

For the full festival programme, visit: https://www.waterfordharvestfestival.ie/