Thursday, May 30, 2024

Stonewell Sting. Drink of the Week. Maybe drink of the summer!

Stonewell Sting. Maybe the drink of the summer!

Stonewell Sting Limited Edition Craft Cider, 5.50% ABV, Ballymaloe Food Festival


One of the most refreshing drinks of the summer.


I'm pretty sure I was the first person, aside from the Stonewall crew, to taste this exquisite cider, now our taste of the week. I got that first "sting" at their stall in the Ballymaloe Food Festival earlier this month.


Colour is pale gold, with a few

Two Green Shoots Launch Immersive New Summer Experiences. Celebrated chefs and producers featured.

press release

Two Green Shoots Launch Immersive New Summer Experiences

Celebrated chefs and producers featured.

Learn from Sally Barnes of Woodcock Smokery

 Two Green Shoots in Glengarriff, West Cork, a haven in which visitors can ground themselves in nature and escape the everyday, has launched two immersive new summer experiences

Wednesday, May 29, 2024

TUTORED BEER TASTINGS NOW ON THE MENU AT ELBOW LANE, IRELAND’S SMALLEST BREWERY

TUTORED BEER TASTINGS NOW ON THE MENU AT 
ELBOW LANE, IRELAND’S SMALLEST BREWERY
Russel Garrett, Master Brewer, Elbow Lane Smokehouse & Brewery


To celebrate its 10th Anniversary this year, Elbow Lane Smokehouse & Brewery, the country’s smallest brewery has created a new

“Powerful attack of black fruits, lots of freshness, long finish.” You may like this Dolcetto from Piemonte

GD Vajra Monterustico Dogliani (DOCG) 2022, 13% ABV

€24.95 Bradleys



“Powerful attack of black fruits, lots of freshness, long finish.” You may like this!


This organic red from Piemonte is made from 100% Dolcetto. The grape name translates as “little sweet one”, and it is, but the wine is very dry! Quite a contradiction!


It has a deep

Clonmel's Mad Beans. More than a business

Taste of the Week.

Clonmel's Mad Beans. More than a business


Clonmel's Mad Beans have combined their passion for quality coffee with a commitment to social responsibility. Founded by Martin and Jenny Blanchfield, the company "is the culmination of years of

Tuesday, May 28, 2024

Convenient Food from the English Market!

Convenient Food from the English Market!

You want to avoid being stuck in the kitchen on a hot summer's day - and we will have them! You'd prefer to be in the garden enjoying some nice food. 

Here's one suggested meal solution, based on a quick visit to the English Market. "Ingredients" include the always superb Smoked Chicken from Ummera (buy at the Good Food shop). The Sushi is available from the Maki stall. The olives were a present from Spain while the Glenilen Mango and Passionfruit Cheesecake is widely available from various farmers' markets and Dunnes Stores.

Ummera Smoked Chicken is added to

Beer of the Week. Brett and Hops combine in another knockout from Ballymahon's Wide Street

Beer of the Week

Yeast and Hops combine in another knockout from Ballymahon's Wide Street


Wide Street Sidechain Brettanomyces IPA 5.7% ABV, 440 ml can Bradleys


They know their music in Ballymahon and for sure they know their beer as illustrated by this knockout IPA.


Colour is a hazy lemony/orange, with

Monday, May 27, 2024

AN IMPRESSIVE NEW LOOK FOR THE ICONIC SHANNON SUITE AT THE LIMERICK STRAND HOTEL

 

AN IMPRESSIVE NEW LOOK FOR THE ICONIC SHANNON SUITE AT

THE LIMERICK STRAND HOTEL



 

The Limerick Strand Hotel has just unveiled their newly refurbished Shannon Suite after an impressive €200K refresh.

Millimetre Design, were tasked with creating a bespoke new look, where every detail is tailored to perfection. Inspiration for the interior design was drawn from the River Shannon, which breathes life into Limerick city and given the

From an artisan powerhouse comes this stunning Cleto Chiarli, Vecchia Modena Lambrusco

Cleto Chiarli, Vecchia Modena Lambrusco di Sorbara (DOC), 2022, 11% ABV

RRP €32.95. Stockists: Mitchell & Son, Pinto Wines



With millions of gallons of industrial Lambrusco flowing from Emilia Romagna, the province has somehow managed to become an artisan powerhouse. 


About 170 million bottles a year are produced and it is the dominant wine here. No shortage of quantity then and I was somehow lucky enough to get my hands on one of the quality ones, this by Cleto Chiarli. This is where the recent book VINO (very highly recommended!) comes in handy as they have a shortlist of the More Exceptional Producers of Lambrusco in Emilia-Romagna and Cleto Chiarli is one of them..


So what is Lambrusco? It is a style of dry sparkling red wine made from several clones of the red Lambrusco grape. Our Cleto Chiarli is made from

Friday, May 24, 2024

Cork on a Fork Fest announces first events for 2024 programme

 Cork on a Fork Fest announces first events for 2024 programme

Get a taste of Cork’s unique food culture at the 5-day food festival which returns from 14th-18th August 2024  ~

Nascimento Nunes, Head Chef at Paladar; Alexandre Petit, Group Executive Chef of Trigon Hotels; and Brian Murray, Chef and Owner of The Glass Curtain, at the launch of Cork on a Fork Festival See www.corkonaforkfest.ie for more. Photo: Joleen Cronin

Get ready to savour the unique flavours of Cork at ‘Cork on a Fork Festival’, returning from August 14-18 2024 throughout Cork City centre. This celebration of food brought to you by Cork City Council and local businesses will showcase Cork’s unique food culture, culinary excellence, dining experiences and quality local produce over five days of food, trails, events, talks, demos and festival fun.  

Cork on a Fork Fest has just unveiled the first events for its

Tickets for The VQ Shared Table at Cork on a Fork Fest Now Available!

Tickets for The VQ Shared Table at Cork on a Fork Fest Now Available!

A long-table dinner experience on MacCurtain Street, August 14th 2024

Nascimento Nunes, Head Chef at Paladar; Brian Murray, Chef and Owner of The Glass Curtain; Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr. Kieran McCarthy; and Alexandre Petit, Group Executive Chef of Trigon Hotels, at the launch of Cork on a Fork Festival, which takes place from

Drink of the Week. Killahora Pét-Nat Rare Bittersweet Cider 2022

Drink of the Week

Killahora Pét-Nat Rare Bittersweet Cider 2022, 6.0% ABV, Ballymaloe Food Festival



Pale orange is the colour, with a fountain of little Bubbles rising through the haze to the top. The apple in the aromas is subtle rather than strong. In the mouth, there’s a nice balance of acidity and tannins.


On the palate, it may be best for me to take a step back and just endorse what Killahora say: This is a real expression of our natural terroir and will appeal to those who may enjoy other wild fermented liquids such as lambic beer, especially Oude gueze, and natural wines.  The complexity that can come from ciders such as these will undoubtedly surprise and delight those who try it.


And yes I am delighted with it as I also like those Belgian beers. This bottle contains wild fermented ciders aged in neutral Irish whisky barrels and allowed to mature in their cellar.  Each production is unique…it is 100% Killahora terroir-based juice, wild fermented, cask aged and unlike most ciders you’ve tried.


With its acidity and tannins, it is a real food all-rounder. They advise to serve it with cooked meats, oily fish or roasted vegetables. Or, of course, serve it lightly chilled and enjoy it as an aperitif.


Pét-nat – pronounced pet-naa – is short for Pétillant Naturel, meaning naturally bubbling. It is a return to tradition in sparkling wine production and here is used in cider. The method may be borrowed from the winery but no one would mistake this complex sipper from Glounthaune for a wine!

A slice of heaven at Dunmore House with Boatshed Pizza

 press release

A slice of heaven at Dunmore House with Boatshed Pizza


Perfectly nestled against the stunning backdrop of Clonakilty Bay, Dunmore House is a

Thursday, May 23, 2024

SOUPerb Awards 2024. Cully & Sully and McKenna Guides Launch Quest For Ireland's Best Bowl of Chowder

 SOUPerb Awards 2024 


Cully & Sully and McKenna Guides Launch Quest 

to Find Ireland's Best Bowl of Chowder

(L-R) Sally McKenna of McKenna’s Guides, Seán O'Driscoll, local fisherman, John McKenna of McKenna’s Guides, and Cullen Allen of Cully & Sully, at Schull Pier, West Cork, for the launch 

Cully & Sully, renowned soup enthusiasts, have joined forces with John and Sally McKenna of McKenna Guides to unveil the highly anticipated SOUPerb Awards 2024. This exciting initiative aims to discover and honour the establishment that serves Ireland's most

Shake Up Your Summer with Mucchieto Soave: A Classic Italian with A New Attitude

“Mucchieto” Soave (DOC) 2022, 12.5% ABV

€16.95 (13.95) O’Briens Wines



Shake Up Your Summer with Mucchieto Soave: A Classic Italian with A New Attitude



Move over Pinot Grigio, there's a Soave comeback in town! This Mucchieto Soave (DOC) 2022 from O'Briens Wines  is an aromatic, light-bodied delight that's set to become your new summer go-to.

Sunshine in a Glass: 

This Soave

Wednesday, May 22, 2024

La Stoppa Trebbiolo. “Youthful and purple and vibrant. Cries out for a big plate of charcuterie.”

La Stoppa Trebbiolo 2021, 12.5% ABV.

RRP: €25.50.  Stockists: Le Caveau, 64 Wine, Greenman Wines, Bradleys Cork



Youthful and purple and vibrant. Cries out for a big plate of charcuterie.


This remarkable Trebbiolo, named after a local river, comes from the hills near Piacenza in Emilia Romagna and is produced by Elena Panteleoni, “one of the most powerfully charismatic voices of the natural wine movement” according to

Kids bored of Sambos? How about a Zambo? Zambrero Launches ‘Zam Boxes ‘ The New Kids Meals

 press release

Kids bored of Sambos? How about a Zambo? 

Zambrero Launches ‘Zam Boxes ‘ The New Kids Meals

Burrito


Zambrero has just launched a range of kid's meals available nationwide throughout their 23 stores. The new range includes

Non-Alcoholic Cider Gems By Highbank and Stonewell

Non-Alcoholic Cider Gems 

By Highbank and Stonewell 

Two of the best non-alcoholic drinks, across cider, wine and beer, that you are likely to come across. 




Highbank Organic Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Drivers Cider, 0% ABV, 330 ml bottle, Ballymaloe Food Festival


Made with Organic Cider apples from the Highbank Farm in

Tuesday, May 21, 2024

AISHLING MOORE OF GOLDIE WINS 'IRELAND'S BEST CHEF 2024' AT RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION OF IRELAND (RAI) AWARDS

press release

AISHLING MOORE OF GOLDIE WINS 'IRELAND'S BEST CHEF 2024' 

AT RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION OF IRELAND (RAI) AWARDS


The ultimate accolade for a chef in Ireland has been awarded to Aishling Moore of Goldie Restaurant in Cork, who was named ‘Best Chef Ireland 2024’ at the Restaurant Association of Ireland’s Annual Awards which were announced last night, Monday 20 May 2024, to a

Dievole Petrignano Chianti Classico. The soul of our terroir.

Dievole Petrignano Chianti Classico (DOCG) 2019, 14% ABV.



RRP €38.95 Stockists: Wineonline.ie


More more than just a wine. The soul of our terroir.


This organic Chianti Classico from Dievole is more than just a wine; it's the "soul of our terroir," the producers proudly proclaim.  Living up to the name, this single-vineyard Sangiovese boasts a mid-to-dark ruby robe while the nose is

Beer of the Week. Jigsaw DDH IPL by Rye River , with help from Yakima Chief Hops

Beer of the Week. Rye River with help from Yakima Chief Hops

Rye River Jigsaw DDH IPL 5.0% ABV, 440 ml can Bradleys



In your glass you see a beautiful pale gold colour with millions of little bubbles racing towards the soft white top. “Piecing together what we love about lager and IPA”, say Rye River, very happy with this collaboration with Yakima Chief Hops. It is, as you’d expect, quite a hoppy beer, more so on the palate than on the nose. But this hybrid (between IPA and lager) is

Monday, May 20, 2024

Blarney Castle Gardens

 Blarney Castle Gardens

20th May 2024

Giant

Barley and Grape Rag in Ballymaloe Drinks Theatre. Rory Gallagher on the road.

Barley and Grape Rag. 

Rory Gallagher on the road.

“When I'm walking down mainstreet, feeling no pain,

Along comes a cop, he can take my name,

And explain to me what a federal case is,

I'm mixing the barley with the grape again.”




“The road is a dangerous place” said Robbie Robinson of The Band in The Last Waltz. And anyone who saw the recent film 27: Gone Too Soon will

Friday, May 17, 2024

INTRODUCING METHOD AND MADNESS AMBURANA WOOD EDITION. A NEW DIMENSION OF WOOD INNOVATION IN IRISH WHISKEY

 INTRODUCING METHOD AND MADNESS AMBURANA WOOD EDITION

A NEW DIMENSION OF WOOD INNOVATION IN IRISH WHISKEY



Irish Distillers, maker of some of the world’s most

Looking for Chianti Classico? Look no further. This Ormanni Chianti Classico (DOCG) 2019 is elegant, powerful and beautifully balanced.

Ormanni Chianti Classico (DOCG) 2019, 14.5% ABV 

€25.00 Bubble Brothers 



If you're looking for Chianti Classico, look no further. Elegant, powerful and beautifully balanced.


This organic Ormanni has a light bright red ruby colour. The fragrance is intense, cherry leading the way. Beautiful red fruits on

Thursday, May 16, 2024

Granville's: Macroom's Culinary Gem Rises from the Ashes

Granville's: Macroom's Culinary Gem Rises from the Ashes

Menu Locally Sourced, Globally Inspired


In 2007, Paul and Leonie Granville transformed a derelict site into a Macroom jewel, Granville's Bar and Restaurant. A 2021 fire tested their resilience, but the family bounced back stronger than ever. It is a friendly place, service is with

Wednesday, May 15, 2024

Fattoria di Vaira Vincenzo Bianco, brimming with the promise of juicy goodness

Fattoria di Vaira Vincenzo Bianco 2021, 12.0% ABV

RRP: €20.95. Stockists: Le Caveau, 64 Wine, Greenman Wines, Bradleys Cork



Brimming with the promise of juicy goodness


Our blend in hand, which is organic, is dry and aromatic with a cloudy golden hue, brimming with the promise of juicy goodness.  On the nose, it's a delightful dance of white flowers, apricot, and peach, with a touch of pine and herbal intrigue. The palate is surprisingly dry and refreshingly herbaceous, with hints of orange peeking through. Light tannins and lively acidity keep it balanced and ensure a crisp,

Tuesday, May 14, 2024

Taste of the Week. Hederman's Whole Smoked Mackerel.

Taste of the Week. 

Hederman's Whole Smoked Mackerel.



Salad days are here. To stay? Well, we did get a few beauties last weekend and should get quite a few more in the months ahead.

When the sun shines, you want to be out, at a picnic by the beach or at a table in the garden. You don't want to be stuck

Livio Felluga Sharis Bianco Venezia Giulia. From one of the exceptional producers in the area

Livio Felluga Sharis Bianco Venezia Giulia (IGT) Sharis 2022, 13% ABV.

RRP €32.95. Stockists: Barnhill Stores, 64 Wine, Drink Store, Jus de Vine



from one of the exceptional producers in Friuli Venezia Giulia



This Chardonnay and Ribolla Gialla blend from Venezia Giulia, has a gold/yellow colour. Vibrant aromas are floral and fruity, quite intense, with hints of juniper and elderberry. Fresh with tropical fruit on the tangy palate. 


You may also notice the

Monday, May 13, 2024

Curragh Wood. A Coillte wood near Midleton

 Curragh Wood

A Coillte wood near Midleton

More info, and

An old favourite is Beer of the Week. Eight Degrees Howling Gale Ale.

Beer of the Week

Eight Degrees Howling Gale Ale 4.5% ABV, 440 ml can, No 21 Cork


An "old" favourite!



Didn’t realise until today that I’ve been enjoying Eight Degrees Howling Gale on and off since