Caolan McCourt of Notorious Street Food serves up cookery masterclass

A full house was seated early for the recent Cookery Masterclass with Caolan McCourt of @notoriousstreet food fame in Creggan’s Old Library Trust, where the packed attendance was given cooking tips, advice on using fresh and simple ingredients, and the chance to sample some of the finest dishes in the north-west!

The affable local chef demonstrated how to make his amazing beef birria tacos, which incidentally included mixing Guinness (yes Guinness!), tomato ketchup and lime juice into the marinade - something that shouldn't work but incredibly the finished product was superb.

The event, organised by Julie White at the Old Library Trust in Creggan in conjunction with Safefoods Community Food Initiative is a continuation of OLT’s Masterclass series of event.

Thursday’s Masterclass saw a diverse audience asking questions of chef McCourt on his cooking, preparation and best markets to source produce.

Caolan also took time to talk on his personal journey in life dealing ADHD, his passion for cooking, the importance of family and how his career has developed over the years.

Old Library Trust staff members and Caolan’s wife and niece, Chloe and Erin made sure everyone was treated to the tasty and delicious birria tacos, chicken tacos, and wings during the night’s proceedings.

Speaking during the event, OLT’s Project Manager Sabrina Lynch said she was delighted with the turnout on the night and how everyone appeared to enjoy not only the experience but being able to taste some superbly prepared food.

"Hopefully, this is something we can build on going forward such was tonight’s success."

One of those in attendance, local teacher and owner of @outforeats.com Christopher Martin praised the local chef and said the Masterclass was a top-notch experience.

"Caolán’s cooking masterclass at the OLT was fantastic tonight. A humble Derry fella with a passion for food, he wowed us with his beef birria tacos. The marinade - featuring 17 easily bought store ingredients, including Guinness and ketchup—shouldn’t work, but it absolutely does. Unreal! His approachable style and expert tips made the session both fun and inspiring. A top-notch experience!"

While two others in attendance, Linda Morgan and Dolores O’Donnell described it as ‘food heaven!’. 

IN PICTURES: Cookery Masterclass served up to crowds at Creggan Old Library Trust

Linda added: "A heartfelt thanks to Caolan, Chloe and Erin, from Notorious for a fabulous cookery lesson and demonstration, and best of all sampling, it was food heaven! Who knew 17 ingredients, to make a sauce including Guinness, tomato sauce and lime juice could result in a super sauce, it tasted absolutely divine."

Dolores concluded: "Caolan not only taught us how to chop and prep fruit and veg, he sourced supermarket buys, so we could recreate economically all the dishes at home.  A charming, funny, imaginative knowledgeable chef, and he was prepared to share his talent with all of us in attendance. A great night!"