(This article first appeared in The Irish Times on 9th July 2016)
Women stir it up in west Cork’s kitchens
Running a food business is a dream come true for these women, but it involves a lot of hard work and dedication
[caption id="attachment_4415" align="alignnone" width="800"]

Rachel (left) and Hannah[/caption]
Family values, a culture of collaboration, respect and sense of community are the common denominators in these five west
Cork kitchens run by remarkable women chefs in
Bantry,
Skibbereen and
Baltimore. They share stories of how their careers started and developed and their hopes for the bright-looking future of Irish food. If you are headed there this summer, be sure to sample the delicious serenity of their restaurants and the wholesome food they cook with so much love, care and pleasure.
Rachel and Hannah Dare, Organico, Bantry
In 2014, sisters Rachel and Hannah Dare expanded the Bantry organic health shop and cafe their parents Caroline and Alan had started in 1992, creating a brand new bakery and a big, friendly, open space on two levels. Ground-to-ceiling windows, reclaimed industrial fittings, high walls filled with work by local artists, comfy sofas and loads of child friendly space keep faithful clientele happy.
Continue reading →