Taste of the Week. Mella's Butter Fudge Irish Cream Liqueur

Taste of the Week

Mella's Butter Fudge Irish Cream Liqueur

Mella's Butter Fudge with Irish Cream Liqueur.

Indulge in the delicious flavours of Mella's Butter Fudge Irish Cream Liqueur, our Taste of the Week.

Mella's passion for making fudge began at a young age when she helped her mother in their kitchen overlooking Bantry Bay. Today, in Clonakilty Industrial Estate, she uses the creamiest West Cork butter to create her old-fashioned, yet never out-of-fashion, crumbly buttery fudge.

But what makes this fudge truly irresistible is the addition of Irish Cream Liqueur produced by Skibbereen-based West Cork Distillers. The combination of the rich and decadent fudge with the creamy liqueur is simply mouth-watering.

The fudge is widely available - I got mine in Roughty Foodie in the English Market - but don't wait too long to try this enhanced fudge, as it won't last!

Beer of the Week: Rascals Empire Haze NEIPA. Make some room in your fridge for this beauty!

Beer of the Week

Rascals Empire Haze NEIPA, 6.0% ABV, 440 ml can Bradleys

Make some room in your fridge for this beauty!

Rascals, celebrating 10 years of making beer, recently joined forces in a New York City with KCBC, Finback Brewing and Return Brewing as well as Crosby Hops to produce this oustanding New England IPA.

It has the usual rich colour, hazy of course, of the New England style. It promises lots of fruit and delivers but in a balanced way. Rye say the hops really bring it to another level. And it’s hard to argue against that when you savour the delicate orange, pear and apricot flavours and aromas along with hints of pine.

That delicious combination comes from the Vista (CGX) Hops, also Cascade CGX and Idaho 7 T90. Wheat and oats malts bulk up the body, giving a pillowy mouthfeel from the  first sup to the last drop.

By the way,  every Rascals limited edition beer for 2024 is a collaboration. Hope they are all as good as this one. Very Highly Recommended.

A Golden Gem from Portugal. Quinta Da Ribeirinha Contracena Curtimenta Tejo

Quinta Da Ribeirinha Contracena Curtimenta Tejo (DO) 2022, 11% ABV

€22.00, on offer €17.60, Matsons (Bandon, Grange, Youghal)

Quinta Da Ribeirinha Contracena Curtimenta Tejo (DO) 2022

A Golden Gem from Portugal

This "orange" wine from Quinta Da Ribeirinha is a refreshing change from the norm. Made from 100% Fernão Pires grapes, it boasts a unique golden hue and a vibrant citrusy flavour profile.

The winemaking process is equally intriguing. The grapes spend seven days in contact with their skins during fermentation (with native yeasts), giving the wine its distinctive colour and extra depth. After that, it's aged in a mix of French oak barrels and concrete tanks, adding complexity and smoothness.

This Contracena Curtimenta is a medium-bodied delight, with a crisp acidity and a lingering finish. It's perfect for those who love a bit of adventure in their glass. With its refreshing citrus notes, we recommend pairing it with sushi rolls.

The Fernão Pires grape is a leading white grape in Portugal, with lime, peach and orange blossom notes. This iteration is Very Highly Recommended.

The Tejo wine region in central Portugal is spread on each bank of the eponymous river. The Tejo (Tagus to us, Tajo in Spain) is the largest river of the Iberian peninsula. It ends its over 1,000 km run in the Atlantic, having passed through Lisbon. 

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**** I've often mentioned here over the past few years that one can find great value in Portuguese wine. If you walk into a Matson store (Bandon, Grange and Youghal) you'll find a real indication of this. With Wine Development Manager Nicolas Sicot at the helm, they have sourced quite a few other wines from Quinta Da Ribeirinha. Labels include Val De Cabanas and Val De Lobos, all excellent value at €13.00 but even better at a tenner. You'll have no bother finding them in Grange as there's a display just inside the door. In any case, Nicot or his team will help you.  I'll be highlighting some of them here over the next few weeks but the tip is to get to Matson's now!

The Scenic Walk at Camden, Crosshaven

 The Scenic Walk at Camden, Crosshaven

I was in Carrigaline recently with a few hours on my hands. I saw the 220 bus for Crosshaven and jumped on and it took me all the way to Camden. Because it was a Monday, I was thinking that the fort would be closed and so it was but I was enjoying the views over the harbour.

Then, right alongside the

San Polo Rosso Di Montalcino. Delicious with depth and character. Very Highly Recommended.

San Polo Rosso Di Montalcino (DOC) 2021, 14% ABV

RRP €37.95. Stockists: Kelly`s Off Licence, Jus de Vine

Delicious with great depth and strong character. Very Highly Recommended.

Rosso Di Montalcino (DOC) is regarded as the lighter, younger and less expensive cousin of the area’s well-known Brunello (DOCG**), created so that

A Sustainable Summer Feast: The Met Bar & Restaurant Shines

 A Sustainable Summer Feast: The Met Bar & Restaurant Shines

Celebrate summer flavours and local bounty at Cork's iconic Met Bar & Restaurant. The Metropole Hotel's Summer Special Menu is a culinary delight, championing fresh, seasonal ingredients while minimising waste.

A Feast for the Senses and the Soul

This €32.50 menu, available seven days a week from 5 pm, offers a delightful choice: a main course from seven tempting options and a

On the craft trail with a trio of Very Highly Recommended Beers from Hope, Bullhouse and Third Barrel

On the craft trail with a trio of Very Highly Recommended Beers from Hope, Bullhouse and Third Barrel 

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Hope Overboard Witbier 4.8% ABV,  440 ml can O’Briens

Hope tells us this pale gold beer is a Belgian-style Witbier, disclosing also that it is infused with curacao orange peel and juniper berries, not that there’s any major sign of

Celebrate Global Flavours at the Taste of Kildare Festival 2024

press release 

Celebrate Global Flavours at the Taste of Kildare Festival 2024

Derry Clarke, Natalie Collins, and Pippa Clancy, all set to go!

 

This September, food lovers are invited to indulge in a culinary celebration like no other at the 2024 Taste of Kildare Festival. Set against the scenic backdrop of Naas Racecourse from the 20th to the 22nd of September, this year's festival is brought to you by Into Kildare, the tourism board for County Kildare, and is supported by Ballymore. The festival, now in its third year, promises

Connemara Calling: A whirlwind tour of Wild Beauty and Delicious Bites

Connemara Calling: A whirlwind tour of Wild Beauty and Delicious Bites

Superb Chicken dish at Misunderstood Heron.

Glasshouse in walled garden at Kylemore Abbey

Connemara stole a piece of my heart over a recent whirlwind 3-day trip. Foyle's Hotel became our cosy home base in charming Clifden,  a lovely 3-star hotel filled with friendly faces. You immediately see why it has been so popular over the centuries and remains so.

Westward Bound: Smokehouses, Scenery, and Seafood

Our days were dedicated to exploring

On the craft trail with Kinnegar, Hope and Killarney

On the craft trail with Kinnegar, Hope and Killarney

Kinnegar Wee Bunny Session IPA 4.0% ABV, 440 ml can Bradleys

Wee Bunny, up for a session, joins his older and bigger siblings in Kinnegar family

The Wee Bunny has a bright straw colour under his soft white head, with the bubbles rising through a medium haze. A punchy Citrus kick on the palate follows Citrus aromas, as the American hops show their character. Quite a pleasant surprise, that is

“Fresh, fruity, an everyday wine with lots of Tuscan character.” Serego Alighieri BellOville Toscana

Serego Alighieri BellOville Toscana (IGT) 2019, 13.0% ABV

€20.95 O’Briens Wine

“Fresh, fruity, an everyday wine with lots of Tuscan character.”

The colour of this smooth supple organic wine is a deep ruby red. Rich berry fruit and liquorice on the nose. Firm and richly fruity, but soft

A Culinary Journey Awaits at Clifden's Lamplight!

A Culinary Journey Awaits

 at Clifden's Lamplight

Chicken

Clifden's Lamplight isn't just a tapas bar; it's an experience for the senses. This charming spot offers a delightful exploration of small plates from around the world, all crafted with fresh, local ingredients and a touch of seasonal magic.

Tapas for Sharing and Savoring

The heart of Lamplight lies in its

Taste of the Week with Jack and Janet.

Taste of the Week

Jack McCarthy's Pastrami and Janet's Country Fayre Ploughman's Chutney.

Another visit to the English Market and another Taste of the Week, the superb Jack McCarthy pastrami from On the Pig's Back. We also bought some of Jack's

Vino Di Anna Vendredi 13 Vino Rosso. A lovely light red wine that “majors in red fruits and drinkability”

Vino Di Anna Vendredi 13 Vino Rosso, 13.0% ABV

RRP €29.45. Stockists: 64 Wine, Greenman Wines, Bradleys Cork, Le Caveau online

A lovely light red wine that “majors in red fruits and drinkability”

This organic wine has come all the way from the northern slopes of

Jacques. Encore. A warm welcome. Excellent food.

 Jacques. Encore.

Crab

Jacques, now into its fifth decade, continues to set the gold standard for Cork restaurants. Our visit last week was a delightful confirmation that it remains as exceptional and reliable as ever.

Upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed by the

Coyles, Clifden's New Gem, offering good food and coffee

Coyles, Clifden's New Gem, 

offering good food and coffee

The news spread like wildfire through Clifden: Alice Coyle, the mastermind behind the popular Cork Fab Food Trail, was opening a food and coffee shop on her native ground! We all knew Alice for her incredible food design skills, having designed the stunning

Beer of the Week. Wicklow Wolf 10th Anniversary American Amber

 Beer of the Week

Wicklow Wolf 10th Anniversary American Amber

4.8% ABV, 440 ml can Bradleys

American Amber will always have a special place in our hearts at Wicklow Wolf. 

The Newtown Mount Kennedy  Brewery has very good reason to get a little nostalgic about their American Amber, our latest

The Met Summer Special Menu

press release

The Met Summer Special Menu

The Metropole Hotel is excited to announce the launch of

A PODCAST CELEBRATING THE UNISON OF IRISH FOOD & DRINK. Ep2 is live.

press release

EPISODE 2 OF BEÁR BIA IS LIVE - A PODCAST CELEBRATING THE UNISON OF IRISH FOOD & DRINK. THIS EPISODE IS A SHOWCASE OF THE PRODUCERS AT BORD BIA BLOOM FESTIVAL

Oisin and Dee with Dennis Dempsey (left) and Birgitta Hedin-Curtin (right)

Dee Laffan and Oisin Davis are on a mission to highlight the finest Irish food & drink pairings through their brand new podcast "Beár Bia." Translated to

Egawa Sushi: A Fusion Frenzy in Cork City's Kyle Street where Japan meets Brazil.

Egawa Sushi: A Fusion Frenzy in Cork City's Sushi Scene

You'll find her in Kyle Street. Not the girl from Ipanema!

Move over, California rolls! Cork City's sushi scene just got a splash of vibrant fusion with the arrival of Egawa Sushi on Kyle Street. You'll find them in the former Brazilian Golden Bites space, Egawa offers a unique twist – Japanese sushi with a Brazilian flair - note the international flags (Japan and Brazil!) displayed on their Instagram.

Intrigued by the

Beer of the Week. Kinnegar’s mixed 4-pack. Cold IPA. Pale Ale. Pilsner. Raspberry Grisette

Beer of the Week. Kinnegar’s mixed 4-pack. 

Cold IPA. Pale Ale. Pilsner. Raspberry Grisette 

Donegal’s Kinnegar has just launched their summer adventure into 4-pack territory and this very convenient format is out there to be enjoyed. “Look forward to a refreshing journey through these four great beer styles. We don't often indulge in tasting notes but this time we set Sean the task of putting the experience in words.”

Cold IPA 5.3%, 400 ml can Bradleys

Colour of this Cold IPA, a once-off by Kinnegar and part of their new 4-pack this summer, is a light gold with bubbles galore racing to the soft white head. Peach, apricot and grapefruit feature in this light hoppy beer with a very refreshing finish indeed.

Kinnegar report it as a big success.  “Can’t you make it part of the core range?” they’ve been asked.

Wondering what a Cold IPA is? I was. It is an IPA fermented at lower temperatures than what is normally used to ferment an ale. Brewers often use a lager yeast or a combination of a lager and an ale yeast. Kinnegar: “Another riff on a tune we’ve been playing with for the past year. Practice makes perfect.”

Hazy Pale Ale,4.5%, 440 ml can Bradleys

This session pale is light straw and cloudy. The American hops have endowed Kinnegar’s latest iteration of this quaffable popular style with quite a backbone of tropical fruit, citrus and pine and just a moderate bitterness. Refreshing as expected and ideal for a session.

Sean’s verdict: “Juicy, sweet fruit, high drinkability. An indispensable summer companion. One will not be enough.”

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See updated Beer of the Week index here

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Pilsner, 5% ABV, 440 ml can Bradleys

This latest lager from Donegal is straw-coloured with a soft white head and tons of bubbles rising. Much like the craft lagers we know in this part of the world but with a hoppy punch. A touch of lime runs through it to the refreshing finalé. Well worth a try and another excellent can in the 4-pack.

They say: An old-world style with new-world flair courtesy of its distinctive New Zealand hop profile. 

Sean’s verdict: Citrus (lime), grape, clean bitterness

Raspberry Grisette, 3.8% ABV, 440 ml can Bradleys

Grisettes are refreshing, low-alcohol beers with origins in the Hainaut province of Belgium. They are crisp, medium/light-bodied, citrusy beers—brewed to be endlessly approachable. It is also supposed to be a summer beer. I’ve waited long enough for summer, so here goes.

Our Raspberry Grisette from Kinnegar has an orange colour with a short-lived white head and lots of micro-bubbles. It is crisp and dry with a fruity tang from the raspberries. I reckon loganberries would have given it a real kick-ass tang. As it is, this is a very refreshing low alcohol beer indeed. Recommended pairing: with a summer’s day if you can find one in 2024. Preferably outdoors.

Sean’s verdict: Crisp, dry, citrus, raspberry. Sean doesn’t waste words. 

A Taste of Tradition: Connemara Smokehouse on the Wild Atlantic Coast

A Taste of Tradition: Connemara Smokehouse 

on the Wild Atlantic Coast

Tasting Plate

Nestled right on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, Connemara Smokehouse is a haven for seafood lovers. Founded in the 1970s by John and Bridget Roberts, this family-run business has become internationally renowned for their mastery of traditional Irish fish smoking, with Graham and Saoirse Roberts now at the helm.

The Smokehouse has achieved esteemed

Stepping into the Past, Embracing the Present. Victorian heritage with modern comforts at Foyle's Hotel, Clifden

Stepping into the Past, Embracing the Present. 

Victorian heritage with modern comforts at Foyle's Hotel, Clifden

. Celebrity chefs. Not really. Recognise anyone? Gerard King's painting is always a talking point in Marconi's

Imagine sinking into a plush armchair in Foyle's Hotel's foyer. The ornate wooden staircase whispers stories of a bygone era, transporting you to a time of classic elegance. 

Marconi's

Foyle's, a cornerstone of

Luxurious Low-impact Guesthouse, Barnahown, Opens Its Doors In Mitchelstown

press release

Room with a view. Pic: Kirsty Lyons

Luxurious Low-impact Guesthouse, Barnahown, Opens Its Doors In Mitchelstown

Offering Galtee Mountain Views Plus A Host Of Outdoor Adventures And Experiences

Barnahown, a luxurious new low-impact 4-bedroom Irish guesthouse near Mitchelstown in Co. Cork has opened its doors, offering Galtee mountain views, creature comforts aplenty, and access to a multitude of local wellness, adventure-based, and food-focused experiences.

The sensitively renovated and lovingly-restored 1800's farmhouse provides the

Dive into Oyster Nirvana at Moran's Oyster Cottage

Dive into Oyster Nirvana 

at Moran's Oyster Cottage

Thermidor

Imagine this: a quaint, thatched cottage perched right on the Galway coast, the salty breeze whispering promises of fresh seafood delights. That's exactly what greets you at

CELEBRATE THE MAGIC OF AYALA CHAMPAGNE AT FORBES STREET BY GARETH MULLINS

press release 

CELEBRATE THE MAGIC OF AYALA CHAMPAGNE

AT FORBES STREET BY GARETH MULLINS

 

Forbes Street by Gareth Mullins is delighted to announce the next wine dinner in their exclusive series on Thursday, 25th July. This prestigious event will be run in association with Findlaters & Co. and will celebrate the heritage and craftsmanship of the Champagne house AYALA, an esteemed family-owned establishment founded in 1860 by Edmond de AYALA. Nestled in Aÿ, in the