AS we all know, the discovery of a new dish is of greater importance than the discovery of a new star. So, astronomers should be prepared to be eclipsed as the nation's chefs set about inventing Irish recipes to win the £1,000 prize and the chance to represent Ireland at the Bocuse d'or competition which is the prize in the Restaurant's Association/An Bord Bia/Guinness Best of Ireland Recipe Competition.
Chefs and cooks should submit recipes for a seasonal three course meal, with a regional bias, based on native or traditional ingredients. They should give an explanation of the dish and mention local suppliers. They should also be prepared to cook their dishes for the judges and before an invited audience, and before the TV cameras. Gadzooks, stardom!
And hurry: entries must be received by Thursday 29th February. Full details from Henry O'Neill of the Restaurants Association on (01) 677 9901.