French-Spanish summit. The Basque Mountain. More Food.

Up with the eagles on the Basque Mountain

More pics here

La Rhune http://www.rhune.com is regarded as the Basque Mountain. The 903 metre peak is the last of high Pyrenees on the west and is easy to reach as it is served by a long standing cogwheel railway that takes you right to the summit that is shared by France and Spain and complete with shops and restaurants.

We headed for it today and were surprised to find the substantial car park full of cars and buses. No luck either in the overflow. But we spotted a second overflow and drove back to that. By then though, our 11.30 train, the last of the morning, was full. Luckily, they had added another and soon we were on our way.

Within minutes, we are rising up and the views of the surrounding land are opening up. On the slopes, semi-wild ponies known as Pittocks graze and up above eagles soar. It takes about 35 minutes to reach the top. There is a 360 degree view of the coast from San Sebastian to Biarritz and the mountains. We had clear views of Hendaye and St Jean du Lutz. And, of course, there are magnificent views across the Pyrenees and into Spain.

Phew. It was hot up there, possibly in the low 30s. After a quick view from the top, we went into a restaurant and enjoyed a terrific mixed salad and a smashing Spanish Omelette plus two glasses of wines for a total of 1.8 euro each. Not bad.
Refreshed, we went for a bit of a walk on one of many paths by the summit and got even better views of the mountain range, of the ponies and the eagles. There was a bit of a log-jam after the lunch break and instead of departing at 2.30 we had to wait until 3.05. Then back to the apartment and a dip in the pool.

Dinner-time!

Couldn’t quite get away from La Rhune even at dinner time as it overlooked La Cabane du Pecheur www.lacabanedupecheur-hendaye.fr on the bay. The view also included a few biggish planes coming and going on a water bounded airport that serves Hondarribia and San Sebastian.

The restaurant was excellent, terrific food and friendly service. The seven euro starter was Moules Mariniere (7.00), top quality mussels, much better than the previous effort at Santa Maria, top quality and the classic sauce left nothing to be desired. 

And neither did the wine, Andere D’Ansa, a blend of Gros Manseng (mostly) and Petit Manseng from the local Irouleguy vineyards.

My mains was line caught hake with asparagus from the Landes and a cream of petit pois (18.00). Loved it: hake was perfect, the thick asparagus was to die for (best I’ve ever eaten) and the pea cream delicious.

CL picked the sorbet (5.50) for her dessert – it had been a long hot day! Three balls of sorbet – raspberry, lemon and peach – and crumbed biscuits went down a treat. I was also very happy with mine: Coffee Gourmand (4.80) which included an espresso, a mini (generous) Gateau Basque (Cherry, rather than custard) and a macaron. Good end to another good day in Hendaye.

Vista Bar And Grill, Hotel Montenotte

Vista Bar And Grill

Hotel Montenotte

I’ve been using some of those better than half price deal vouchers and the most recent was this week when I called to one of my local hotels, the Hotel Montenotte. The Groupon voucher promised a couple of cocktails and a main course each for €25.00.

Hadn’t been to the Montenotte for quite a while but it turned out to be quite an enjoyable experience. The voucher mentioned the Vista Bar and Grill but we were directed to the adjoining restaurant section; both enjoy the same views over the city.

The hotel and dining room looked brilliant. Service was low key, courteous and efficient. The cocktails didn’t materialise. Instead we were served with a glass each of a rosé Prosecco, quite dry and tasty. No quibbles there; only bubbles. There were supplements on the various steaks but again this had been flagged to some extent by Groupon.

We checked out the well worn menus as we sipped the bubbly. CL decided to go for the Poached Darne of Atlantic Salmon (C), priced at €16.75. This turned out to be quite a pleasant surprise. It was served, unusually, on baby potatoes with a fresh mussel and winter vegetable broth, with a side dish of spot-on vegetables. A little different and a very pleasing main course indeed.

Didn’t expect any problems with my sirloin and none materialised. It was done just as requested and I really enjoyed the creamy mushroom sauce and my little bucket of French fries (nice touch!).

Had a look at the desserts but, after two sizeable platefuls (and the fact the Champions League was about to start on telly!), decided to finish off with coffee. Again, this was well up to standard, Bewley's I believe.

There are some other items on the menu worth exploring and you can see the lot here. If you'd like to see more local deals from Groupon click here.

5 Cork companies feature in Bord Bia/Tesco programme

A press release from Bord Bia

Bord Bia and Tesco Assist Companies to Grow at Retail Level

~ Five Cork companies to take part in retail programme for Irish food and drink companies ~

Pictured at the launch in Bord Bia’s Dublin headquarters were Aidan Cotter, Chief Executive, Bord Bia, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Simon Coveney T.D. and Maxine Hyde, Ballymaloe Country Relish.

4^th April 2012 Bord Bia and Tesco have developed a programme, to help food and drink companies to develop the required skills to achieve sustainable growth at multiple retail level. At the launch today, in Bord Bia’s Dublin headquarters, the participating companies were joined by Bord Bia and Tesco representatives.

The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Simon Coveney TD who was in attendance, added, ‘I am pleased to be launching this programme, this form of cooperation is something which will drive this sector forward both at home and abroad. Tesco plays a large part in the current retail environment and so it is essential to work together.’

Pictured at the launch in Bord Bia’s Dublin headquarters were Sergio Furno, Cashel Blue, Co. Tipperary, Gillian Swaine, Bord Bia, Carmel-Anne Brennan, Tesco and Cullen Allen, Cully & Sully in Shanagarry.

This comprehensive retail programme will equip participants with the necessary skills required to secure, grow and maintain a listing with Tesco. The programme will involve three different levels Local, National and Export to assist small, medium and large sized companies in growing to the next level of business with Tesco. This programme will be supported by Enterprise Ireland.

Pictured at the launch in Bord Bia’s Dublin headquarters were Scott Baigent, Eight Degrees Brewing based in Mitchelstown, Jacqueline O’Neill, Tesco, Gillian Swaine, Bord Bia, and Tadhg O’Donovan from Glenilen in Drimoleague.

Aidan Cotter, Chief Executive, Bord Bia stated at the launch, ‘The Irish food industry is experiencing strong growth in export markets yet the domestic market remains challenging, with spending under pressure and consumers searching for value.  Based on Eurostat data, food prices in Ireland today are just 3 to 4 per cent above their level of seven years ago.  By comparison, in the euro area as a whole they have grown by 15%, and in the UK by as much as 35%, a period moreover of strong commodity price inflation.   It is vital in this environment that Irish food and drink companies work with the retail sector to build their competitiveness on the domestic and export markets alike. This programme with Tesco is designed to arm the participating companies with the insight required to have success at home and the opportunity to expand abroad.’

Sixteen companies covering the dairy, seafood, ready meals, beverage, frozen and ambient sectors have been selected to participate on the programme. Amongst those partaking are five Cork companies; Ballymaloe Country Relish, Cully & Sully, Glenilen, Green Saffron and Eight Degrees Brewing. Clear objectives and targets will be set for each company partaking to help them achieve key opportunities identified for their business with Tesco. The programme will consist of workshops, bespoke mentoring and access to relevant Tesco consumer data and consumer insights.

Tony Keohane, CEO, Tesco Ireland said, ‘At Tesco, we are long and committed supporters of the Irish food industry. Today’s initiative continues our desire to source local products, particularly fresh foods, which have always been a key part of our strategy and a cornerstone of our business. We hope that as many as possible of the programme participants will grow with us to become Ireland’s next generation of food entrepreneurs and exporters.’

The Irish Retail Market

The Irish grocery market is valued at €8.8 billion. The latest figures from Kantar Worldpanel in Ireland, for the 12 weeks ending 18^th March 2012, show the grocery market has slid back into decline following four months of modest sales growth. The latest data show that the sector has fallen in value by 0.5% when compared with the same period last year. Shoppers, according to Kantar, are continuing to look for ways to control their spending.  This is reflected in growing pressure on branded items, which have seen a drop in market share from 54.1% to 52.9% in the past year. The Irish retail market is increasingly competitive with new format development, technological advances, such as contactless payments and private label all impacting on its development.

What to Eat. This book might change me! You?

What to Eat

What to Eat (Joanna Blythman), Eason’s €20.40

What to Eat is the title of the latest eye-opening book by experienced food writer Joanna Blythman and comes highly recommended.

Darina Allen: “A badly needed encyclopaedia of facts and common sense on food and nutrition fro which I am truly grateful.”

Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall: “Joanna Blythman has one of the sanest heads in the western world – and this brilliant book encapsulates her admirably clear thinking in a wonderful accessible, entertaining way.”

I’ve seen the accessible bit questioned elsewhere because, amazingly, the almost 400 page book has no overall index. True, each chapter starts with a list of items to be found there. That helps but an overall index would have been so much better.

That quibble aside, this is an enormously helpful book about “Food that’s good for your health, for your pocket and plate”.

The title is, by the way, a statement, not a question. Basically, Joanna sets out her food philosophy in the introduction which features “The 20 principles of eating, made simple” and “10 ways to save money on food without compromising your principles”.

The sensible principles include:

-       Get your food variety over the year, not in a week.

-       Understand the benefits of organic food.

-       Don’t eat foods that trash the planet.

Principles sometimes lead to an uncompromising rigidity. Not so with author Blythman: “You don’t have to get hung up on eating 100 per cent organic though. There are many high-quality, wholesome foods around that do not come with organic certification – such as grass-reared meat, game, wild fish and hand-made cheeses.”

She then moves on to what Darina rightly terms the “encyclopaedia of facts and commonsense”. Chapter headings are: Vegetables, Meat, Dairy, Fish, Fruit, Larder.

Each food gets its own few pages, Take the humble spud, for instance. There is a general discussion, also helpful hints on “how to buy real spuds, not duds” and a variety of ways on how best to use them.

Virtually every food item (I’ve used potatoes as an example below)  in the book is treated in the same manner and the very detailed info comes under various headings:

-       What to do with potatoes

-       Are potatoes good for me

-       How are potatoes grown

-       Are potatoes a green choice

-       When and where should I buy potatoes

-       Will potatoes break the bank?

Quite a lot of info in the 400 pages and all delivered in a clear style and in some detail (potatoes, for instance, get six pages to themselves).

This hard cover un-illustrated book cost me €20.40 at Eason’s. I reckon it is very good vale indeed.

Food and Drink Spotting Digest

My Food and Drink Spotting Digest

Getting great use here from Gimme the Recipe, the newly published book by Cork food blogger Sheila Kiely. The latest success was her Chicken Provencal (right) and that proved a treat at a dinner over the weekend. The book, a very practical one, especially for the busy mum (Sheila has six kids), is available at Eason’s and Waterstone’s.

Two great coffees going in the house at the moment. Badger and Dodo have come up trumps with their Tanzania Ngorongoro Blue. I got my pack at Bradley’s in North Main Street but I understand supplies are running out so you’ll have to hurry to get this well balanced coffee from the small farms under Mount Kilimanjaro.

Don’t believe I ever tasted a coffee from Thailand until the Thai Doit Chaang came in the post via the Connoisseur Coffee club of Robert Roberts. Another cracking cupful, smooth with excellent flavour.

While I was in Bradley’s for the coffee, I noticed another breakfast cereal: Superior Spelt Muesli from Tipperary’s Ballybrado Farm. I’m hooked, a terrific balance of tastes and flavours and organic to boot. Now to try their other products.

Many of us foodies are often inclined to run down supermarkets but not all of us, Gimme the Recipe author Sheila Kiely had praise galore for her local Supervalu (Ballincollig) at last week’s book launch.

And I have seen, at first hand, some very good local inputs at various Supervalu’s, the latest at Scally’s in Blackrock. Been sampling some of their in-house products recently and was delighted with the excellence. Two that really impressed were their sea-food chowder and the Shepherd’s Pie, really tasty and at a very good price.

Called in to see Paul Kieran at Bubble Brothers, just back from his packed Australia trip. Of course he sold me, a willing accomplice, a bottle of wine from Oz, a smashing Chardonnay from the Irish founded Xanadu winery in the Margaret River.


But I also ended up with a Japanese plum liqueur in a 5ml jar. It was 15% but I didn’t really become aware of the alcohol until I bit into the whole plum that had been in the jar for years. Like brandy! Phew. Think he’s still got some of them if you’d like to experiment!



Shorts:

Pot Roast with a difference: http://www.fastcompany.com/1685223/cannabis-catering-offers-marijuana-infused-haute-cuisine

Recipe for Provencal Tomato Sauce: http://www.blogsuculento.co.uk/?p=2333

On a light note, thanks to Eoin Lettice ‏ @blogscience http://www.communicatescience.eu/2012/03/on-lighter-note.html

Impressive Lunch at Fresco Bistro

Click on image to enlarge

FRESCO BISTRO

Fresco Bistro is a bright spot, almost hidden away in the tress of lower UCC and by the impressive bulk of the Glucksman Gallery directly above. But a spot worth visiting, as I found out when I called there yesterday. You walk into the Glucksman as normal and then go downstairs. This takes you to the Bistro and its floor to ceiling views of the college lawns and more importantly to some classy food.

Brian Casey, one of the principals, had invited me out to sample the meals and boy was I glad I took him up on it. Brian made another good move when serving us with soup while we waited. It was a Lamb Harira Moroccan style hearty lamb soup with chick pea, coriander, lemon, mint and tender lamb pieces (€5.00).

Eating and drinking in it as they say around this city but still light, slightly spicy, moderately aromatic and those little chucks of lamb were certainly tender. A brilliant combination even if the temperatures outside were around the 20c mark.

Quite a choice of main courses as you can see from the site but there are also a number of daily specials, marked on the blackboard.

CL choose the Nicoise Salad Grilled marinated fresh ahi tuna, on organic mixed leaf salad, tossed in a homemade tomato dressing (€8.95). Just superb, everything done to perfection. The salad, so nicely dressed, had a nice crunchy bite, but always a pleasure never a chore. Fantastic dish, fantastic price.

And I could say the same about mine: Seafood Risotto Risotto Cooked in a melange of seafood, fresh asparagus and wild mushroom €9.95. The colourful rice was packed with little pieces of fish, prawns, salmon and white fish and that fresh asparagus was a tasty contributor to the overall pleasure. Great stuff.

The good things continued with the desserts, both under a fiver. I thoroughly enjoyed my Flourless Chocolate Cake, lighter than normal. And CL was very happy with her Apple and Blackberry Tart. No mistaking the apple: real chunks by comparison with that ghastly goo that you see used in some other restaurants.

While I had heard good things about Fresco Bistro over the past few months, I must say I was surprised by the excellence of the dishes and the very competitive pricing. The location too is lovely, especially if the sun shines (there is an outdoor section). But, believe me, the food is so good, it is a place you can visit in any weather!

Food Fest in Blackrock

Food Fest in Blackrock

Quite a big turnout for the Scally SuperValu led Food Fest that took place on Wednesday night in the Blackrock GAA club premises. I arrived quite early but already the place was buzzing; many were sampling the food available at a string of stalls and others keen on getting the best seats for the cooking demonstrations.

Tom and Mary Scally were naturally delighted with the interest and the big turnout and the chance to meet their customers in a more relaxed situation. We were greeted, like everyone else, with a glass of wine and few nibbles on the way in and then headed for the stalls, well spread out around the hall and in another room nearby.

Quite a lot of interest in the handmade cookie dough by Gookie and also in the tasty products – enjoyed their salmon pate – by Kinsale’s Blue Haven.

Headed over then for a chat with Avril from Rosscarbery Recipes but just time to say hello as she was busy with the queues for her sausages and blackpudding and also for her “secret recipe” bread!

West Cork Meats had some tasty ham there and then there I stopped at the Old Creamery Cheese stall. Must say I like their stuff, especially that marble looking porter cheese and I notice they have now added a lovely blueberry cheddar.

Dunmanway based Insanely Good were there with their range of delicious sauces, including a Classic Pasta Sauce and a Fresh and Fruity Curry Sauce. Carrigtwohill based Fresh Farm Salads  make our favourite Coleslaw and also other 100% Irish salads.

Came across two cheese stalls next. Carrigaline  has always been a favourite here and, by the way, they do cheese biscuits as well. Have tasted the Horgan’s cheese previously also. Sampled the Brie this time and liked it.

"Fresh is best" aptly sums up the situation with food and it seems to me that Supervalu do better than many. I’ve been in a few of their stores over the past few months and was very impressed with the amount of local food available in outlets in Skibbereen, Riverstown (Glanmire) and Ticknock (Cobh).

The Scallys too underlined that trend with a very impressive selection of breads displayed in the hall. And they were also serving up some tempting samples of their cooked dishes, really loved the fish cakes in the photo. These are cooked every morning and ready for the customers (in bigger sizes than the samples photographed!).

I may have missed out on a few, certainly missed the sample chowder from the Good Fish company . Overall though it turned out to be a very enjoyable evening. Well done to the Scallys and to all the producers who put their best foot forward on the night.

Lunchtime at L’Atitude

Lunchtime at L’Atitude

Enjoyed a light lunch with a difference at L’Atitude 51, the newish Wine Cafe opposite the City Hall (1, Union Quay). The choice, see photo of board, is not huge but the quality is excellent.

There is an even bigger board, much bigger, where you can see the huge wine list; must be over fifty choices. In many cases, you can buy by the small taster glass (75ml), a full glass (150ml) and also by the pichet (250ml).

While waiting, I decided to try one of the taster glasses and picked the 2008 Cat Amongst the Pigeons, Cabernet Sauvignon, from Australia’s McLaren Vale. Later, with the meal, I enjoyed the 2008 Massaya Classic (Cinsault, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah) from the Lebanon. Both come under the Fruity with Attitude heading on the list and each was excellent.

They also have a range of beers here, including some local craft brews. Indeed, you may try 8 Degrees Brewing HowlingGale here straight from the tap and it was great to meet up with Scott from the new Mitchelstown company who was making a call.

Coffee too comes from a local Cork company, Badger and Dodo. They know their stuff and so do the servers so you’ll enjoy the best here; I did, but before I got to that stage there was some eating to be done!

Emma Lagrande, who runs the wine cafe along with Beverly Matthews, recommended I try the Haddock Chowder. Very good and excellent value at €4.50. I had seen some of the sandwiches being served and they looked tempting but I opted for the Spiced Vegetable Pie, a tasty dish at a bargain price of €6.50 and served with a well dressed salad.

Service was friendly, low key and top notch, just the way I like it. My only regret was that I was I couldn't make it back for dinner that evening. Would have liked to have tried the Frogs’ Legs on the menu! Vive la différence.

Hands on and join the food dots in West Cork weekend

Stephen Sage has been on to tell us all about a fantastic Weekend Break for food enthusiasts in West Cork, Ireland, for St Patrick’s Day 2012

West Cork has a reputation as a centre of excellence for artisan food production; a reputation founded on the care, commitment and skill that the artisan producers and providers of this enticingly beautiful part of Ireland bring to all that they do.

Many of them have a lifetime’s worth of practical experience, and are more than happy to share their skill and passion with people who appreciate good food.

West Cork Food has been created to bring the treasure-house of that experience within the reach of individuals like you, people who truly appreciate good food, how it’s produced and how it’s cooked.

During a weekend or longer, you get to meet and visit artisan producers, watch the experts at work, acquire some new skills, stay in quality accommodation and enjoy the captivating landscape and seascape of West Cork in all its diversity.

West Cork is an area served and supported by small businesses, a key element of its distinctive character. West Cork Food is itself a small, local business, and we act as a focus for the wide range of artisan producers scattered across the region so that they can provide food, cookery or gardening enthusiasts like you with a unique experience; an experience that incorporates the active participation of those producers themselves.

West Cork Food is organised and managed by Sally Barnes and Stephen Sage, and grew out of their discussions around how to bring the world-class quality of West Cork artisan food production to a wider audience.

Journalist Carol Gilbert described the initiative in these terms: ‘Sally Barnes and Stephen Sage have initiated an enterprise, which effectively joins up the dots. They have included all that is best to showcase West Cork food and provide an enjoyable quality experience for groups visiting the region.’

Web: www.westcorkfood.com

URRU: small, but a big reason to visit Bandon

URRU

The aim in Bandon’s URRU  is to help you enjoy shopping for food and food related items. The formula is a successful one in this bright well laid out shop.

Called there last Saturday and enjoyed the visit, the browsing, the shopping, and the chat with Ruth and the coffee. Not to mention the gorgeous Patisserie Regale Dunmanway made giant Ginger Spice Cookie that accompanied the coffee.

 Shopping for food is easy here as some of the great local names are suppliers: Glenilen, Jack McCarthy, Ummera, Arbutus, Green Saffron, Macroom Mills and many more, including the cheesemakers. Oh, and not forgetting Mella and her irresistible fudge. Ended up with quite a bagful, as usual.

There was a sale on in the kitchenware “department”, 50 per cent off on many items, and we got one or two bits and pieces. URRU also have a collection, an impressive one, of cookery books and also a good wine corner.

 

You won’t go short here. Vegetables? That department is now well covered too at the URRU Greengrocer which is more or less next door to this lovely not so little shop on McSwiney Quay. We had a look in there too. Lots of local vegetables and also enticing imports such as figs and hazelnuts.

A small place but a big reason to visit Bandon, which is so close to the city. Don’t by-pass. Stop for a coffee and a browse (and do bring a bag!)

A GOOD FOOD VALENTINE'S

Vicky Jago has been in touch with a gift idea from Good Food Ireland, a Unique Gift this Valentine's!

"If you love good food, then look no further than a Good Food Ireland gift voucher which allows you the freedom to choose from over 300 Good Food Ireland approved providers located around the island of Ireland. They promise you an experience of the very best in Irish cuisine and hospitality. 

Whether you are looking for a romantic break, an intimate meal, a relaxing spa weekend or a dinner in a famous Irish eatery or just pure food indulgence this is the ideal gift for everyone who simply loves good food!

Good Food Ireland gift vouchers starting from €10 are available to purchase through the Good Food Ireland office Tel 053 9158693 or Online www.goodfoodireland.ie"   

NEW HANDS ON THE BRICK OVEN

Click on image to enlarge

LA DOLCE VITA

There is a new kid on the brick. On the brick oven that is, once part of the Proby’s Quay restaurant of the same name. It has been taken over by an Italian-Chinese combo and they sure know how to work that brick oven, an essential for top class pizzas and lacking in many pizzerias even in Italy.

The two principals of the newly opened La Dolce Vita are Paolo Perrone from Sciacca, Italy and Jacky Sen Wang from Dahiam, China. They also have a brilliant staff, alert, friendly and informative. The fire was blazing when we stepped in from the bitter cold last night and, of course, that centre-piece oven helps heat the place as well.

Had every intention of ordering a pizza but that will have to wait, after a big change of mind. But let us start at the start which was an Antipasto Misto (15.95) to be shared between two: a massive plate-ful (photo) of meats, cheeses and vegetables, really well dressed and accompanied by another large plate, full of foccacia and a dish of mainly olives. So simple yet so tasty.

 And the same applies to my main course: Baked Sea Bream with lemon dill fresh tomato (16.95). “Lovely woods fried oven baked fish drizzles with olive oil.” A terrific full fish (see photo), soft and juicy. Just gorgeous. Loved the effect of the oven here.

 And that oven was also used in the other main dish. CL decided to go for an Italian favourite:  Pollo cacciatore (16.95), chicken supreme with mix vegetable in tomato sauce. There must be about 2000 versions of this Italian classic and this was another. But no complaints. A terrific simple dish at a very good price again.

Desserts were also well priced and we decided to share the Fresh Strawberry with crema di aceto balsamic and vanilla ice cream (4.95). It was quite a bowlful with the strawberries at the bottom. A lovely way to finish off a gorgeous meal. Maybe next time I’ll go for that pizza!

We had the Sicilian Njiro IGT 2009 Nero d’Avola (Per Bottle €17.90, Per Glass €4.50) and also the Verdicchio (Per Bottle €18.90, Per Glass €4.90), and found both more than fit for purpose and, again, well priced.

 So all in all it was two happy campers that, after a warm farewell from the LDV crew, that stepped to into the night. For some reason, it didn’t seem as cold as it was earlier! Maybe that kick ass double espresso (€2.50) had something to do with that! Ciao for a while.

PHEASANT WELCOME AT BLAIR'S INN

BLAIR’S INN

The game season is well underway and Blair’s Inn  is the place to be. Very enjoyable lunch there yesterday. 

After a warm welcome from Duncan – he sat us by the fire – we had a big choice to make between their famous venison casserole and the pheasant. In the end, I plumped for the bird. Oh, by the way, there are many other choices on the menu. 

This was the menu description for my mains: Half braised wild Wicklow pheasant on a chestnut stuffing, served with a wild mushroom and red wine sauce (€17.75). Must say this was a top drawer dish and I was delighted with it. 

The pheasant was perfectly cooked and the stuffing was delicious and all set up by a luxurious sauce with the mushroom pleasantly evident with excellent vegetables, including potatoes, also served separately. Five out of five for this one. And top marks too for the gluten free dessert, an Apple and Pear Cobbler with almonds and ice-cream. 

And the wine? No wine today. Just a smashing pint (€4.15) of the Dungarvan Brewing Company’s Coffee and Oatmeal Stout. Duncan told me: “Delighted you enjoyed the Coffee & Oatmeal. We are honoured to be one of the two pubs in the country (indeed, the only one outside of Dublin) to get hold of this very limited special brew. We are very lucky to have it. It is seriously good.” 

Just as well I had it as Tom Dalton, Sales and Distribution Manager with the Waterford company, was in the house. Duncan brought him to the table and we enjoyed our brief chat. Great to get the chance to say well done and keep up the good work! 

And well done too to Duncan and all the team at Blair’s Inn.

BUY LOCAL

BUY LOCAL

I’ve been privileged this past week to have had four longish conversations with local food heroes: Kay Harte of the Farmgate Café  in Cork’s English Market, Pat Whelan of James Whelan Butchers  in Clonmel, Con Traas of the Apple Farm  in Cahir and Avril Allshire-Howe of Rosscarbery Recipes and Caherbeg Pork.

Had a couple of hours with Kay when she hosted myself and two US bloggers from the mega site footspotting.com. Then made a long promised trip to Tipp to see Pat Whelan and his marvelous shop and hear his history in food and his plans for the future, particularly that new shop that opens in Monkstown (Dublin) next week; lucky people in the Monkstown area.


And then called to the Apple Farm at Moorstown near Cahir where I met Con Traas. Lots of tidying-up work going on in the orchards and in the raised strawberry "beds" and a new processing building coming close to completion. Such a positive busy man in a positive place. And still time to pick me a four leaf clover.

Later in the week, I drove down to Supervalu (what a friendly supermarket!) in Ticknock in Cobh to see Avril who was on duty with her samples of her black and white pudding. The black is good but the white is really amazing and is a great match with scallops. Avril is on the road regularly and will be travelling all over the county every day ‘til Christmas and still finds time to help the food movement in West Cork.

Just underlines the hard work people in the food business put in. That is common to all that I’ve met in recent years. All too are proud of their work and are passionate about their produce and all talk of their integrity. And it is not just talk. They make sure the food you get is well sourced, in many cases they have control from start to finish, and quite often they have turned down the big bucks to stay cuiseach beag and maintain their integrity.

It was a pretty dull gloomy week all around, both in weather and financial terms. Yet these four showed me the bright side. I’m sure you all know someone like them, in your own county, in your own parish. Quite often, it is a family effort, with both parents and kids involved.

They should be supported by us. In the shops, in the markets, in the restaurants and wherever we eat and drink. Might not halt the economic storms but, sink or swim, by buying local, you’ll eat better!

MAJOR AWARD FOR GREEN SAFFRON

Local Food Company Wins Major Bord Bia Award

~ Green Saffron win at Bord Bia’s Food and Drink Industry Awards ~

Tuesday 22^nd November 2011 Arun Kapil (right) of Green Saffron, the spice company based in Midleton, Co. Cork, has won the Entrepreneurial Award at Bord Bia’s Food and Drink Industry Awards 2011, taking place in Trinity College Dublin tonight. In 2007, Arun Kapil set up Green Saffron, a company which specialises in premium, farm-fresh whole spices and blends for use in home and professional kitchens.

Eight Irish companies in all were honoured at the Bord Bia awards ceremony, which attracted over 220 senior representatives from the food and drink industry. The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Simon Coveney TD presented the awards. Speaking at the event, Michael Carey, Chairman, Bord Bia said “in spite of all the challenges we face – it is also probably the most exciting time ever to be in our industry. The increase in exports would be impressive at any time but against the backdrop of global economic uncertainty and our own domestic difficulties it is truly remarkable. Equally remarkable are the achievements of the award winners, who have demonstrated success in areas critical to future growth, from innovation and branding to sustainability and entrepreneurship.”

The Food and Drink Industry Awards, held in association with Rabobank, were open to all food and drink products manufactured in Ireland. This year, Bord Bia received a total of 184 award entries across the six categories. The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Simon Coveney TD presented the overall category award winners which included: (See Notes to Editor for profiles)

·         Innovation Award  – Natasha’s Living Food for Kale Crunchies, a healthy crisp alternative made from dried locally grown kale

·         Sustainability Award – Country Crest, a family owned business, situated in north County Dublin. As part of its environment philosophy, Country Crest includes a wind turbine, water recycling, and a wildlife pond. The company aims to be energy self-sufficient by 2015.

·         Branding Award – Largo Foods for Tayto, Ireland’s Number 1 crisp and snack brand and Ireland’s 5th largest grocery brand (Nielsen). Over 3 million bags of Tayto are sold in Ireland each week.

·         Entrepreneurial Award – Arun Kapil, Managing Director, Green Saffron.

·         Export Award – Jameson Over one billion glasses of Jameson are consumed around the world each year. Jameson is a global brand with a presence in over 120 markets.

·         Domestic Success Award – Flahavan’s Flahavan’s, one of Ireland’s leading private companies, has been milling quality Irish oats for over six generations.

Kerrygold and Cashel Blue were also honoured with a Special Award in recognition of their co-branding, ‘co-opetition’ initiative in the US market. The Irish Dairy Board, owners of the Kerrygold brand, has recently joined forces with Cashel Blue in a new co-branding and distribution agreement to build brand awareness and market share in the US. Speaking at the event Aidan Cotter, Chief Executive, Bord Bia commented “this is an excellent example of co-opetition as a business strategy and how a large multinational exporter can collaborate with a niche player to develop a mutually beneficial brand offering. Kerrygold has added an artisan product to its portfolio while Cashel Blue is leveraging an established international brand with global distribution channels. It’s a win-win situation and we look forward to working with more companies on this exciting new model to develop our exports further.” Bord Bia is actively supporting the principle of co-opetition, where food companies work together to create synergies resulting in cost savings, improved returns and/or increased market distribution.