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Writer's pictureLove Ballymena

Oysters, scallops and langoustines on Elephant Rock menu as world class chef fires the flames

Seafood Chef, Stephane Delourme of Stephane Delourme Gastronomic Adventure.

Seafood Chef, Stephane Delourme of Stephane Delourme Gastronomic Adventure.


STEPHANE Delourme, one of the world’s most renowned seafood chefs, is returning to the Causeway Coast in September where he’ll be cooking up a feast as part of a two-day takeover at the award-winning boutique hotel, Elephant Rock in Portrush.


The 55-year-old Frenchman, hails from Brittany but has lived in Cornwall for the past 25 years where he worked for Rick Stein in the iconic Seafood Restaurant in Padstow, as head chef and group chef, before hanging up his apron last year to embark on his own gastronomic adventure.



In March this year, while Stephane was visiting Northern Ireland for the first leg of The Celtic Connection Tour, Stephane met up with the team at Elephant Rock to discuss creating an event to showcase seafood mastery.


Stephane Delourme of Stephane Delourme's Gastronomic Adventure, with chefs Paula McIntyre and Niall McKenna.

Stephane Delourme of Stephane Delourme's Gastronomic Adventure, with chefs Paula McIntyre and Niall McKenna.


Since then, Charlotte Dixon, the hotel’s owner, has been collaborating with Stephane, food and drink producers, fishermen and storyteller Mark Rodgers, to create two very different dining experiences which encapsulate the tales of our connection with our shores and our landscapes.


Speaking about the event, Charlotte said:


“We have invited Stephane back to the Causeway coast because when he was here in March we were blown away by his passion for seafood, his international travelling experiences with Rick Stein, his work with fellow internationally renowned chefs as well as his flair for culinary creativity for team takeovers, pop ups and private dining, internationally and in the UK.



“So, we have created two dining experiences – each of which will be so special in their own right. The first is a ‘Fire and Feast’ evening and the second evening is a four-course tasting menu.


“The day before our events begin, Richard Lafferty, of Aquaholics, will be taking Stephane and a group of invited guests to Rathlin. The group of foodie enthusiasts will watch as Stephane hand-picks king scallops as he dives beneath the water’s surface to carefully choose the right scallops.


“The group will then come back, anchor up at Carrick-a-Rede, and, to get the full flavour of how magnificent the Causeway Coast is, the group will then enjoy the exclusive ‘Beyond the Bridge’ tour with Mark Rodgers.



“That evening, our very own celebrity chef, drink producer and board director for Slow Food NI, Paula McIntyre, will host a Q&A with Stephane for our team here at Elephant Rock and the public.


“‘Fire and Feast’ on Friday, September 19 will be a superb outdoor dining experience on our terrace and the four course taster menu on Saturday, September 20, will be a sit down four-course tasting menu in our restaurant. My team at Elephant Rock will work alongside Stephane to create the most divine plates which will include local seasonally grown produce and a range of seafood including Loüet-Feisser Oysters from the Carlingford Oyster Company.”


Stephane Delourme with Rick Stein at the Seafood Restaurant in Padstow.

Stephane Delourme with Rick Stein at the Seafood Restaurant in Padstow.



Looking forward to his return to the Causeway Coast, Stephane said:


“I had such a wonderful experience meeting so many amazing people in March and working with Charlotte over the last few months has been wonderful. 


“There’s a special place in my heart for Ireland. The seasonal treasures of the ocean, and the land, connects us all with nature and I am very excited to be cooking with the bounty which nature delivers. I love to make new friends and new memories with the lovely team and guests at Elephant Rock.”


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