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The Americans are here! Fifteen of Chicago’s finest chefs have swapped the ‘Windy’ city for Belfast city and will participate in this week’s Belfast Taste and Music Fest. From Thursday to Sunday, Belfast’s Botanic Gardens will see some of Northern Ireland’s finest chefs joining forces with these Chicago Ambassador Chefs for a cultural exchange like no other - creating the largest al fresco restaurant in town.

Primarily a celebration of great local food, this unique international culinary partnership is a first for Northern Ireland and will give the 35,000 expected members of the public the opportunity to indulge in world-class culinary delights and many different types of cuisine. Speaking at the official launch event today, which saw all the chefs meeting for the first time, the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Naomi Long welcomed the Ambassador Chefs from Chicago: “From a city renowned for its diverse ethnic neighbourhood, culture and cuisine, I am delighted to welcome the Chicago ambassador chefs and I am looking forward to seeing them share samples of their culinary delights as they cook alongside some of the best chefs from Northern Ireland.” “Events such as the Belfast Taste & Music Fest are vital in further enhancing our local tourism industry by providing cultural activities and entertainment that visitors will want to attend. I hope the ambassador chefs will enjoy using our first class local ingredients to recreate their wonderful signature dishes from Chicago and I look forward to seeing our Northern Ireland chefs presenting the best of local delicacies and dishes.’’ The Lord Mayor added: ‘’I would encourage everyone to come out this weekend and enjoy the festivities, fine food and world class entertainment at what promises to be a unique and unforgettable event for all the family.’’ Also speaking at the launch Belfast Taste & Music Fest Director, Connie Cunningham, Cunningham Events said: “It is a privilege to be working with some of the best chefs that Northern Ireland and Chicago have to offer, who together will create delicious cuisine for the public to enjoy, whilst also showcasing the finest Northern Ireland food produce.” “I would like to thank all of our event sponsors as without their support this event would not have been possible. This includes the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure, Belfast City Council, Coca Cola, Guinness and the Department for Social Development. A special thanks also goes to Stephens Catering, who are providing the finest equipment for all our chefs and also to Flogas for their culinary theatre and supply of gas. I would also like to thank our major food partners; O’Kane, Kettyle Irish Foods, Linden Foods, Dale Farm, Illy, Cookstown and Keenan Seafoods, our hotel partner the Europa Hotel and airline partner American Airlines and of course our Chicago event partners, the Chicago Office of Tourism and the Affinia Hotel.” As part of the Chicago delegation, the Director of Culinary Arts for the City of Chicago, Judith Dunbar Hines has also come to Belfast especially for the event. Ms. Dunbar Hines commented: " On behalf of the Chicago Office of Tourism, I am so pleased to be here in Belfast for the Belfast Taste & Music Fest. I truly believe that these kinds of cultural exchanges – which bring us “face to face” and “fork to fork” – make the world a safer and more pleasant place for us all to live in. From all of us in the Chicago contingent, we thank everyone involved for creating the opportunity for us to bring 'a taste of Chicago' to Belfast."