Tuesday, May 20, 2025

Eating and drinking the best of local at the 2025 Ballymaloe Festival of Food. Here’s a sample or two!

Eating and drinking at

 the 2025 Ballymaloe Festival of Food. 

I did it my way! Here’s a sample or two.

As always, there were some amazing chefs and amazing dinners on offer at the 2025 Ballymaloe Festival of Food. With the weather so fine, dining Al Fresco fitted my bill quite well, and I picked dishes from a range of stalls. Fiadha (from Kerry) and their Pulled Pork in a Blaa was a tasty gem. Another enjoyable lunch dish was the La Bolognese, a traditional Italian Ragu made with minced Angus Irish beef from Christian Spaccamonti's IMonsu Market. Catch him at the local Farmers markets including Kinsale, Douglas and Mahon Point. For a garden supper later on, a quartet of Hederman's smoked mackerel fillets did the trick! Plenty of sweet stuff too including from Yum Gelato and, below, the Raspberry Bow Tie from the Grumpy Bakers.




Non Alcoholic drinks are often in the conversation these days. There was even a Festival session about them on Sunday morning. Here's the logic (?) behind the name of this newish one: a beer defined by addition, not subtraction - a special yeast and a trilogy of hops helps unlock that true beer character. The result, an alcohol-free extra pale ale that's intense in flavour (our fierce side) yet mellow enough for any occasion (our mild side). Many Irish non alcoholic beers are not great but this was quite impressive and I bought a pack.


Four years ago, Artisan Sea Salt Harvesters West of Dingle began with more hope than cash (the starting budget was €300). Ballyferriter-based, they hand-harvest their sea salt from the ocean off the Dingle peninsula. Now, they have expanded quite a bit and have five different flavours "which enhance every meal you add it to. We only use natural ingredients in our blends." I've been a fan since day one.




Another small company at the festival was Mad Beans, founded just a few years back by Tipperary couple Martin and Jenny Blanchfield. They say: This dream-turned-reality isn’t just about pouring the perfect cup—it’s about making a real difference. We love coffee (obviously), but we also believe business should be a force for good. That’s why 50% of our profits go straight back into the community." They now offer a Brazilian and a Columbian coffee but it was their Cold Rush, a powerhouse concentrate —refreshing, smooth, bold, and strong - that caught the eye in Ballymaloe, helped no doubt by the warm weather. Looking for recipes for iced coffees? Try their recipe page here.


Leitrim Hill Creamery is a small holding goat farm and creamery in Drumcong, County Leitrim. They make small batch artisanal raw milk cheeses utilising milk from their own herd of goats as well as milk from partner farmers in the region. I haven't opened this pack yet but the taster at Ballymaloe was superb and a useful keep it cool bag clinched the deal!

Hungry Soul from County Clare produces this range of Cream Cheese Alternatives. My favourite was the Garlic and Chive, and I have a pack in the fridge.

Honey is a staple in this house and this particular Wildflower one, rather scarce at present, is a favourite. It is 100% Irish and raw. Galtee Honey Farm is home to 200 colonies of Native Irish Black Honey Bees – a threatened honey bee. It is nestled at the edge of the picturesque Galtee Vee Valley in Tipperary. It’s a three-generation family business, founded by Micheál Mac Giolla Coda in 1970. Now his daughter Aoife and grandchildren work with him – making raw wildflower honey, candles, skincare and food wraps.  

 There were plenty of tours and walks during the festival, and we joined Ballymaloe's head gardener, Mags, who took us on an informative tour of the Ballymaloe Walled Garden. The garden featured everything from cut flowers to forced sea kale, rhubarb, and the more unusual, such as the emerging cherries (above) and the promising peaches (below). 





Monday, May 19, 2025

Ichibanya Sushi & Noodles Bar. So many tempting dishes

Ichibanya Sushi & Noodles Bar

So many tempting dishes

If you’re in Bishopstown, whether a resident or visitor, and feeling hungry, why not give Ichibanya Sushi & Noodles Bar a call? This bright 50-seater place offers a friendly welcome and an extensive menu that will take quite a while to read.


The best place to start reading is the Sushi section, which has some sub-sections. If you are new to Sushi, it may be a good idea to start with individual pieces, such as Maguro Nigiri (Raw Tuna) or Suzuki Nigiri (Raw Seabass). Nigiri is a popular type of sushi consisting of a small mound of vinegared sushi rice topped with a slice of raw fish or other seafood. 



If you have experience with sushi (or sashimi), you could do worse than order the Nigiri Mix. That’s what I did on my recent visit, and I certainly enjoyed the seven-piece selection of Salmon, Tuna, Seabass, Unagi, Cooked Prawn, Cooked Octopus, and Crabstick.


The Bento Boxes are good value here, and there is often one on special offer, as was the case with ours: the Chicken Teriyaki Bento (deep-fried teriyaki chicken, mixed salad, gyoza, rice). 


A traditional Bento typically includes rice or noodles with fish or other meat, often accompanied by pickled and cooked vegetables in the compartmentalised box. Other Bento boxes on offer here include a Beef Yakiniku Bento (wok-fried beef in yakiniku BBQ sauce, mixed salad, takoyaki, rice), a Salmon Teriyaki Bento, and more!


Our little group also got the Chicken Katsu Curry, a pretty generous amount of chicken with rice, some small pieces of vegetables, and a little ginger. We also got a bowl of Miso Soup, which comes automatically (no extra charge) with quite a few of the dishes here (including the bentos).


Some of you are probably familiar with Ramen dishes, and here, you can choose from six different types. We also missed out on trying the Noodle dishes, such as Yaki Udon (Japanese-style stir-fried thick wheat noodles with chicken) and Beef Udon (medium-cooked sirloin beef in hot bonito soup).



Sake is a Japanese alcoholic drink, and they sell two here: Nigori Yuzushu Sake and Hakutsuru Sake. Had I been having a drink, I may well have opted for the Plum Wine. Quite a few soft drinks are available, plus teas and coffees.


Starters and appetisers each have their own section on the menu. And then there is dessert! I’m sorry, I skipped the sweet ending, in particular the Japanese Cotton Cheese Cake, a fluffy, soufflé-style cheesecake with a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture and the Rainbow Mille Crepe Cake, a colourful, multi-layered crêpe cake filled with cream cheese, offering a delightful taste with every bite. Next time!



Ichibanya Info

📍Unit 3, High Street, Bishoptown Road T12 KF85

☎️021-4541611

Opening hours 12.30pm-9.30pm Dine-in & Takeaway & Delivery (via Deliveroo and Just Eat. 

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/ichibanya_cork/

Web (Including ordering): https://www.ichibanya.ie/



Friday, May 16, 2025

Mo Chara Gin & ALDI Partner for Ireland’s first 5km Gin Run

press release

Mo Chara Gin & ALDI Partner for Ireland’s first 5km Gin Run

World Gin Day on Saturday 14 June 2025, will see Ireland’s first 5km Gin Run organised by Mo Chara Gin in partnership with ALDI Ireland.


Participants will run from the ALDI Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan to the Old Carrick Mill Distillery, conveniently located five kilometres away, where Mo Chara Gin is created and distilled.


The run is to celebrate the delicious new Mo Chara Strawberry Gin, as well as the beautifully redesigned bottles across the Mo Chara range. 



Each participant will receive a 50ml bottle of all three flavours of Mo Chara Gin - Strawberry Gin, Passionfruit & Mango Gin and Pineapple Gin. Cash prizes of €300, €150 and €50 will be awarded to the top three male and female finishers.


Steven Murphy, founder of Old Carrick Mill Distillery, Co Monaghan, commented: “We have worked with the ALDI team for several years, and we continue to be impressed by their support of artisan Irish producers. 


We are excited to host Ireland’s first 5km Gin Run, a fun way to celebrate World Gin Day.


With the support of ALDI, our small batch gins have been able to reach a larger target audience, and we are delighted to see our newest gin featured in 163 ALDI stores nationwide. We can’t wait to hear what consumers have to say once they taste the products.”



The race will cost €25 to enter and is restricted to adults over 18. For the entrance fee, participants will receive a branded race jersey, bespoke Mo Chara medal, ALDI goody bag including three 50ml Mo Chara gin samples, and an official finish time.


Proceeds will be donated to Inver College Carrickmacross, St.Daigh's National School Inniskeen and the local active retirement group (The Ramblers).


Entrance is done online and can be done by using the link HERE.


All Mo Chara Irish Small Batch gins are available in 163 ALDI stores nationwide while stocks last.


Steven has created a selection of wonderful cocktails with the gins, three of which are easy to make at home this summer—the recipes are below.


Passion Fruit & Mango Frozen Daiquiri

  • 100ml Mo Chara Passionfruit and Mango Gin
  • 1 Large mango
  • 200g Ice
  • Juice 1/2 a lime
  • 25ml sugar syrup


Method:

  1. Put all ingredients in an electric blender and mix until they resemble a frozen slushie. 
  2. Pour into a coupe glass and garnish with a slice of mango.


Strawberry Basil Spritz

  • 100ml Mo Chara Strawberry Gin
  • 120ml Strawberry basil purée
  • 60ml Lime juice
  • 60ml Sugar syrup
  • 60ml Elderflower liqueur
  • Soda, to top



Method:

  1. Blend a punnet of strawberries and half a pack of basil together in a blender, strain through a sieve to create your purée.
  2. Pour the gin, purée, lime juice, simple syrup and elderflower liqueur into a shaker with ice.
  3. Pour into a wine glass, top with soda. Garnish with a strawberry slice and basil leaf.


Pineapple Cooler

  • 35ml Mo Chara Pineapple Gin
  • 15ml Elderflower liqueur
  • 25ml Fresh lime juice
  • 25ml Sugar syrup
  • Fresh mint - 5-10 leaves
  • Apple juice – to top up glass


Method:

  1. Pour the gin, lime juice, sugar syrup and elderflower liqueur into a shaker with ice.
  2. Pour into a highball glass and top with apple juice and garnish with fresh mint leaves.



https://www.instagram.com/oldcarrickmilldistillery/ 


Race entry Link: https://in.njuko.com/mo-chara-5k-gin-run-20251747046157399


RACE DETAILS

Race start time: 10am

Arrival Time: 8am

Parking

parking on site at Old Carrick Mill, Derrylavan, Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan, A81YV10

They will be running a bus from the Old Carrick Mill to the start line.

Anyone with a wheelchair we kindly ask you to park at the start point in ALDI Carrickmacross.

Race Entry Pack Pick Up

Monday 9 - Friday 13 June the team will be onsite for participants to pick up their race pack. 9.30am to 4.30pm

Late night pick up on Friday 13 June until 8pm

Participants can also get their pack in the morning at the entry point to ALDI car park (open from 8am).


TASTES LIKE SUMMER Dining offer for Summer 2025 at The Limerick Strand Hotel

#hotelssummer25


TASTES LIKE SUMMER

Dining offer for Summer 2025 at The Limerick Strand Hotel


Instagram: @limerickstrandhotel Facebook: @LimerickStrandHotel www.strandlimerick.ie

 

As we look ahead to a predicted warmer-than-normal summer in Ireland, it's exciting to think about all the delightful food and drinks we'll be savouring al fresco in the coming months!

To celebrate the good weather news, the award-winning AA Rosette River Bar & Restaurant has introduced a new Tastes of Summer main course, accompanied by a cocktail offer.  Offering stunning views across the River Shannon, The River Bar & Restaurant features a superb outdoor dining space where you can experience the latest addition to their innovative Munster Mile Menu, for an attractive €28 per person. With so many events happening in the city this summer, it’s an ideal base for a bite to eat before heading out to enjoy the theatre or live entertainment.  Equally, The River Bar & Restaurant is an atmospheric venue and a local social hub, making it the perfect spot for a catch-up with friends and family.  You can enjoy live music every Friday evening from 8 pm to 10 pm., creating the perfect atmosphere to unwind and have a great time!

The Taste of Summer offer includes a select main course dish and a cocktail per person, with a choice of either a Passion Fruit Martini or a Whiskey SourThe menu features an array of delicious, homemade, locally sourced Irish and international dishes specially created by the talented Executive Head Chef, Paddy Anslow. A passion for their location is evident in all menus, and for more than 10 years, they have been at the forefront of the ‘farm-to-fork’ and traceability food movement. By using fresh, high-quality, and seasonal food, and partnering with local farms and dairies whenever possible, they ensure that guests enjoy a taste of the nearby Wild Atlantic Way in the heart of the Golden Vale.  The Tastes of Summer dining offer includes main course dishes such as:

MUNSTER DOUBLE BURGER
Seamus Butler 100% Irish Beef Burger, Toasted Waterford Blaa, Lettuce, Caramelised

Onion, Smoked Effin Cheese with Ballymoloe Relish & Fries

OR

TREATY CITY BEER BATTERED WILD IRISH HAKE & CHIPS Golden Fried Wild Irish Hake Served with Fries, Urban Farmers Salad Leaves & Tartar

 

The Tastes of Summer dining offer at The Limerick Strand Hotel features a selection of delicious main courses and a selected cocktail for €28 per person.

They strongly recommend making reservations in advance to avoid disappointment and wait time. To make a reservation, please visit www.strandlimerick.ie to book online or contact 061 421800 or hello@strandlimerick.ie for assistance.

THE ULTIMATE SUMMER

 

AT THE LIMERICK STRAND HOTEL



 Make this summer one to remember with a delightful city escape that perfectly blends comfort, value, and adventure. It's ideal for couples, families, and friends, offering a fantastic base to explore the best of Limerick and beyond.

 

Nestled in the heart of Limerick city, the award-winning 4* Limerick Strand Hotel is the perfect launchpad for discovering the treasures of the Gateway City to the Wild Atlantic Way. Located centrally in Limerick city, it’s the ideal spot for uncovering the city's gems like the famous Milk Market while enjoying a variety of special discounts at nearby local attractions, with savings of up to 15% off entry to King John’s Castle, Bunratty Castle & Folk Park and the Hunt Museum, to name a few.

 

Why not treat yourself to The Ultimate Summer in Limerick Package, including overnight accommodation with an ice cream welcome treat, an award-winning breakfast, and special discounts to an array of local attractions. Make the most of Energize Health Club’s 20-metre heated pool, relaxing jacuzzi, sauna, and rejuvenating hydrotherapy pool. Savour exquisite, locally sourced dishes at River Bar & Restaurant or enjoy a cocktail crafted by their talented mixologist. This overnight package costs from €189 per room per night for two adults sharing.

 

Whether you seek relaxation or thrills, the Limerick Strand Hotel has everything you need to ensure a remarkable summer stay experience. Reserve your stay today and create unforgettable memories!

 

To make a reservation, please visit www.strandlimerick.ie to book online or contact 061 421800 or hello@strandlimerick.ie for assistance.

 

*******************

NEW FOOD EXPERIENCES

 AT THE COLLEGE GREEN HOTEL DUBLIN, AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION


  

v  Tomahawk Thursdays
v  Savour & Sip Fridays
v The Minted Graze (launching June|)

 

Hot off the grill, and we are thrilled! Starting this month, Morelands Grill at the 5-star College Green Hotel Dublin will launch two new exciting dining experiences. The perfect venue for a stylish after-work gathering or a relaxed evening out. With its chic city centre setting and premium food & drink offerings, it’s the ideal spot for those looking to unwind in style.

 

Beginning with Tomahawk Thursdays – an indulgent new dining experience crafted in exclusive partnership with the renowned Irish butchers, John Stone. Each Thursday evening, guests can enjoy a 28oz John Stone Tomahawk steak for two, served with three sides, a selection of house-made sauces, and a bottle of house wine, all for €120.  


 

Friday is not just a day; it’s a mood, and Morelands Grill is ready to set the scene for the weekend ahead! Introducing Savour & Sip FridaysFor just €59 per person, enjoy a delicious two-course meal accompanied by a refreshing spritz cocktail upon arrival. Designed to kickstart your weekend in style, this exclusive affair promises a chic, relaxed atmosphere perfect for those seeking a sophisticated yet laid-back dining experience, allowing you to indulge in a luxurious escape in the vibrant heart of Dublin City.

 

Over the coming weeks, The College Green Hotel will introduce exciting new offers, including The Minted Graze at The Mint Bar, featuring La Tinta de Verano and a delicious grazing board for €25 per person, available Monday through Thursday from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. 

 

To book, please call +353 1 645 1000 or book via Open Table.   For more details, please visit www.thecollegegreenhotel.com