Manx queenies have been crowned as the Isle of Man’s new national dish following a public vote.
The poll was run over a four month period by the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture, and saw over 2,500 votes cast. Over 500 people voted for the Queen scallop, which has become synonymous with Manx cuisine.
In second place was chips, cheese and gravy with nearly 400 votes.
Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture, Geoffrey Boot MHK, welcomed the result:
'This was a hard-fought race that led to some lively public debate. It’s great to see so many people so passionate about Manx food. The vote has helped to raise the profile of the variety of Manx produce available as well as cementing the quality of our products in the public consciousness. Our Queen scallops are world-renowned for their quality and taste. They are worth millions of pounds to the Island’s economy and support hundreds of jobs. Our efforts to conserve stocks, whilst not always popular, mean this is a sustainable export that we can use to fly the Manx flag around the world'.
The Minister added:
'Food and drink is a real growth area for the Island’s economy and the industry is supported by my Department as part of efforts to grow the Isle of Man’s food and drink sector by £50 million by 2025'.
The result of the public vote was unveiled by local chef Tony Quirk as part of the 2018 Isle of Man Food & Drink Festival. Tony made a dish of Manx queenies, bacon and garlic. Festival-goers were able to take away a copy of the recipe which is also available online at www.gov.im/food.
The Isle of Man Food & Drink Festival was sponsored by PokerStars, Dave’s Delicious Dogs, Event Management Solutions, Magnet, Shoprite, Thai Thai Restaurant, and The Buchan School with 3 FM as media partner.
