Ireland’s Science Week 2017 is taking place between the 12th and the 19th of November and it features over 900 events happening across the country. From family friendly robotic workshops to excursions, from origami to astronomy, this is the perfect opportunity to enjoy and learn.
While the list of events has something for absolutely everyone, we can’t help but feel particularly excited about those related to food and drink. Below a selection of the most interesting and delicious things going on for Science Week 2017.
Cocktail Chemistry @ Edison
Join Edison for a “Cocktail Chemistry” experience. A team from Queens University, Belfast will combine alcohol and alchemy and discuss the ways in which science can change your perception of colour and taste.
Two sessions are available, one at 7:00 pm and the other at 8:30 pm.
Where: Edison, 11-12 Washington St, Centre, Cork
When: Thursday, 16 November 2017, 7 – 9:30pm
Admission: €5 which includes cocktail tastings.
More information: sfi.ie/events
“Insects as Food?” with Alchemist Café Dublin
Entomophagy is the human use of insects as food. While this is not unheard of across the glob, most diets in Ireland do not yet feature meaningful amounts of insects or insect-derived ingredients. At this event, guests are going to discuss the possibility incorporating insects into the human diet, sparked off by an introduction from an expert researcher in this area, Anna Rettore. She is a graduate researcher in Dublin Institute of Technology investigating proteins derived from insects.
If you are interested in tasting them for yourself, there will be samples of food-grade roasted insects on the evening.
Where: NoLIta Dublin, 64 South Great George’s Street, Dublin 2
When: Tuesday, 14 November 2017, 7 – 9pm
Admission: Free
More information: sfi.ie
Festival of Farming and Food
This event will give primary school children some contact time with Ph.D. students and their experiments and get to try some hands on experiments and see some growth chamber experiments, field and lab experiments and of course, the dairy cows on the farm with their calves.
Where: Teagasc, Johnstown Castle, Wexford
When: Tuesday, 14 November – Wednesday, 15 November 2017
Admission: Free for all events
More information: sfi.ie/events
The Alchemy of Food: Science & Senses
Accomplished Executive Head Chef at Greenes Restaurant and Cask bar, Bryan McCarthy, has teamed up with Cork Science Festival to create a unique tasting menu to bring to light the incredible alchemy of food and science of flavour.
Preparing diners’ palates for the 5 course tasting menu, distinguished mixologist and manager at Cask, Andy Ferreira, will share his insights on the science of cocktail making. Moving to Greenes Restaurant, diners will begin a journey of exploration through a world of culinary science over a number of specially created courses.
Where: Greenes Restaurant, 48 MacCurtain Street, Cork City
When: Wednesday, 15 November 2017, 7-11pm
Admission: €75
More information: eventbrite.ie
The Science of Distillation
Teeling Whiskey Distillery will share its knowledge on the science of distillation during a unique evening featuring a tour, tasting and in depth discussion on the science behind whiskey distillation.
The evening will include a very special tour of the distillery with a focus on the science behind whiskey. After this, a guided tasting and talk will take place in the beautiful Alchemy room. Teeling distiller Paul Corbett and researchers Dr. Roderick Jones and Darren Cappelli from UCD will then talk about some of the interesting aspects of whiskey distillation and the similarities and differences to other types of distillation.
Where: Teeling Whiskey Distillery, 13-17 Newmarket, Dublin 8
When: Thursday, 16 November 2017, 7 – 9pm
Admission: €25, book HERE
More information: sfi.ie/events
Science of Beer
Come along and meet the expert and hear the exact science behind brewing. Brewing is the production of beer by steeping barley in water and fermenting the resulting sweet liquid with yeast.
Where: Johnston Central Library, Cavan
When: Friday, 17 November 2017, 7 – 9pm
Admission: Free, register HERE
More information: sfi.ie/events
Science of Gin
Did you know that when it comes to gin, it’s all about the ethanol, H2O and flavour molecules at the end of the day? Join a tour of the Distillery of Old Carrick Mill Gin and taste the results of good science. Learn about the different reactions and scientific principles behind one of today’s most popular drinks and “experiment” its taste. Strictly over 18’s only.
Where: Old Carrick Mill Gin Distillery Carrickmacross
When: Saturday, 18 November 2017, 6 – 7:30pm
Admission: Free (prebooking essential)
More information: sfi.ie/events
Gastronomy @ Castle Leslie – Science of Good Food
Attendees will enjoy the stunning Castle Leslie Estate and be delighted by food demonstrations. They will be treated to a drinks reception on arrival, followed by the Head Chef Darragh Dooley’s presentation of dishes including a selection of appetisers, starters, main courses and desserts.
He will explain the techniques he uses to prepare these dishes and some will incorporate a molecular element. In addition, guests will get the opportunity to sample his food creations followed by Questions and Answers.
Where: The Oriel Room in The Lodge, Castle Leslie
When: Sunday, 19 November 2017, 5 – 6pm
Admission: Free (prebooking essential)
More information: sfi.ie/events
Build the Ultimate Umami Burger
This promises to be a multi-sensory molecular gastronomy and gastro physics experience where guests will be amazed at how delicious a burger can be when science and great cooking come together. Foodoppi presents “Eat your science” hosted by Celebrity Chef Louise Lennox and Food Scientist Aisling Larkin. This event will explore chemical reactions and physical changes of food like never before!
Where: The Sugar Club,8 Lower Lesson Street, Dublin 2.
When: Tuesday, 21 November 2017, 6:30 – 8:30pm
Admission: €15, to book, contact louise@foodoppi.com
More information: sfi.ie/events
More information about Science Week 2017: sfi.ie