Owner of Ballymaloe Cookery School in Shanagarry, Co Cork, Ireland, award-winning teacher, food writer, newspaper columnist, cookbook author and television presenter, Darina Allen has inspired and taught at least two generations of young and aspiring chefs, home cooks and artisan food producers through the Ballymaloe Cooking School, in County Cork, Ireland.
The author of six books, Darina has inspired many more home cooks throughout the world and her most recent book, Forgotten Skills of Cooking, has just won the prestigious Andre Simon Award for Best Food Book 2010. Darina is also a member of Eurotoques (European Association of Chefs), IWF (International Women’s Federation), Network Ireland, Guild of Foodwriters in UK and Ireland, International Slow Food Movement and the Bread Bakers Guild of America, IACP (International Association of Culinary Professionals - Darina Allen is a Certified Culinary Professional and Teacher and the school is accredited by IACP). She is also a member of Taste Council of Irish Food Board, Chair of Artisan Food Forum of Food Safety Authority of Ireland, Food Safety Consultative Council of Ireland, Trustee of Irish Organic Centre, Patron of Irish Seedsaver and was the founder of first farmers markets in Ireland and involved on an ongoing basis in helping set up new markets, Councillor for Ireland in Slow Food Movement and President of East Cork Convivium of Slow Food.