Tuesday, January 26, 2021

Goldie Shines And Is Awarded Michelin Bib.

 Goldie Shines And Is Awarded Michelin Bib

Aishling and Stephen


Goldie fish restaurant in Cork's city centre has netted one of only four new Bib Gourmand accolades to be awarded to restaurants in Ireland at this year's Michelin Awards 2021. It is also the only restaurant in the Munster region to be recognised with a 'Bib' for its fantastic food at this year's event.


As well as the quality of food at Goldie, the judges commented that they have included this "lively, on-trend seafood bistro" in this year's Michelin Guide because of it's " tight-knit team and friendly service in a relaxed and informal setting."


They added that "the daily menu offers well-priced, modern dishes which use a gill-to-fin approach, making use of the whole catch from the smaller day boats that supply the restaurant."

Head Chef and co-owner of Goldie, Aishling Moore, says that she and her partner, Stephen Kehoe, are "absolutely shocked, delighted and incredibly proud of our little restaurant. It is totally a team effort at Goldie" she continues "and our team is the best."

Diners at the restaurant can expect delicious dishes such as 'buttermilk fried pollock with lime aioli' and 'pan-fried monkfish with langoustine ghee butter dhal, lime pickle and carrot. Puddings include 'spiced port pannacotta, clementine curd and ginger crumb' and 'Wisdom treacle tart, brandy ice-cream and ale caramel'; the latter referencing some of the award-winning beers brewed by its sister restaurant, Elbow Lane Brewery & Smokehouse, which are also served at Goldie.

Asked how she would like to celebrate the win, Moore says "ideally it would be with a full restaurant, which is impossible at the moment, but we are looking forward to being in a position to do so in the near future."

Goldie first opened for business in September 2019 to much critical acclaim and Moore was awarded ‘Best Chef of the Year 2020 Award' by the Bridgestone Guide. The restaurant has also established itself as a shining example of sustainability and ethical sourcing.


Monday, January 25, 2021

MICHELIN STAR SHINES ON WEST CORK RESTAURANT

  MICHELIN STAR SHINES ON WEST CORK RESTAURANT

Beetroot and Peach in Ahmet Dede's "back-yard"

 

- One new One Michelin Star for Ireland

- Baltimore restaurant Dede features amongst 21 Irish Michelin Star restaurants (18 in ROI and 3 in NI)

- Three new Michelin Green Stars – for commitment to sustainable gastronomy

- Four new Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurants

- Dublin chef Ross Lewis of Chapter One wins ‘Chef Mentor‘ award

- Northern Ireland restaurant Noble in Holywood wins ‘Service and Welcome’ award

 

Dede at the Customs House in Baltimore, Co. Cork has been awarded a Michelin Star in the 2021 Michelin Guide Great Britain & Ireland just published.

 

The popular West Cork establishment is the only newcomer to join what is now an 18-strong list of Michelin Star restaurants in the Republic of Ireland.

 

No stranger to the Michelin Star, head chef Ahmet Dede was awarded One Michelin Star in the 2019 edition of the Guide when at the Mews restaurant, Baltimore, an accolade he retained in 2020.

 

Other restaurants that hold their Michelin Star from previous years are the Two Star Restaurants Patrick Guilbaud and The Greenhouse in Dublin City along with Aimsir in Celbridge. One Star Dublin establishments are Chapter One, Variety Jones and L’Ecrivain in Dublin City and Liath in Blackrock village. Elsewhere, other one-star restaurants are Aniar and Loam (Galway City); Campagne and Lady Helen at Mount Juliet Hotel (Kilkenny); Wild Honey Inn, Lisdoonvarna (Clare); House Restaurant at Cliff House Hotel, Ardmore (Waterford); Ichigo Ichie (Cork City Centre); Chestnut in Ballydehob, West Cork; Bastion (Kinsale) and The Oak Room at Adare Manor in County Limerick.

 

In Northern Ireland, three Belfast restaurants – Eipic (Howard Street), Ox (Oxford Street) and The Muddlers Club (Cathedral Quarter) – have also retained their Michelin Star status.

 

Three new Michelin Green Star restaurants committed to sustainable gastronomy

This year’s Guide sees the introduction of the new Michelin ‘Green Star’ distinction – highlighting restaurants that are leaders in sustainability practices.

 

Ireland’s three Michelin Green Star recipients are Kai and Loam Restaurant (both Galway City) and Inis Meáin Restaurant & Suites on the Aran Island of Inishmaan in Co. Galway.

 

Republic of Ireland – four new Bib Gourmand awards

Four restaurants join the list of 18 Bib Gourmand recipients in the Republic of Ireland whose names feature in the 2021 Michelin Guide Great Britain & Ireland.

 

Michelin Bib Gourmand awards recognise those establishments offering good food at affordable prices.

 

The four newcomers are: Spitalfields in The Coombe, Dublin City; Volpe Nera in Blackrock, Co. Dublin; Goldie in Cork City and Table Forty One in Gorey.

 

Others, all of which retain Bib Gourmand status from earlier years, are 1826 Adare (Adare); Aldridge Lodge (Duncannon); Chart House and Land to Sea (both Dingle); The Courthouse (Carrickmacross); Kai and Tartare Café & Wine Bar (both Galway City); Morrissey’s (Doonbeg); Sha-Roe Bistro (Clonegall); Thyme (Athlone) and in Dublin City, Uno Mas (Aungier Street); Pichet (Trinity Street); Pigeon House (Clontarf) and Richmond (Portobello).

  

In Northern Ireland, five establishments retaining their awards from last year are Balloo House in Killinchy, Newtownards; Noble (Holywood); Wine & Brine (Moira) and Belfast’s Deanes at Queen’s and Home in Wellington Place.

 

Two special awards – highlighting the talent of the restaurant industry

Ross Lewis of Chapter One in Dublin was honoured with the Michelin Chef Mentor award 2021, whilst Noble Restaurant in Holywood won the Michelin Service and Welcome Award 2021.

 

Speaking at its launch, Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the Michelin Guides, said: “This has been a hugely challenging period for the hospitality industry and our thoughts remain with all those who have suffered from the pandemic and by the restrictions that have been put in place.

 

“We were heartened by the number of chefs who called us during the year to ensure we were still going ahead with the Guide and our yearly awards. The Michelin Guide is about promoting the hospitality industry as a whole and we want to shine a light on the hard work, tenacity and commitment of chefs and restaurant teams,” he added.

 

Published now in a digital format only, by tyre manufacturer Michelin, the Michelin Guide Great Britain & Ireland 2021 is available at https://guide.michelin.com/ie/en

and via the iOS app: https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/michelin-guide-worldwide/id1541129177


press release


Greenes@Home Serve Up Three Course Winner. Hit Jackpot With Click And Collect!

 Greenes@Home Serve Up Three Course Winner.

Hit Jackpot With Click And Collect!



We’re staying close to home for our takeout meals these days and our latest came from Greenes Restaurant in MacCurtain Street. Collected the box about 5.30pm and while walking to the car began to think that there was something missing as it felt so light. But everything was there and, after a little “work” at home, we enjoyed a magnificent high quality, restaurant quality meal.


They do vary the offering and the starter of Goatsbridge Trout and Crab Rillettes (paté), organic salad leaves, peppers, Lemon and Dill Mayo and crackers was new to us and one that we can highly recommend. We’re big fans of Goatsbridge. With produce of this quality meeting a chef of Bryan McCarthy's skill, we knew that we were onto a good thing and so it proved. The Rillettes were superb and those impeccable organic salad leaves and peppers were elevated by the Mayo.





The other starter available on the night was Beetroot, Ardsallagh Goats Cheese, Walnuts Puff Pastry Tart. Enticing, especially with the salad on the side. As you see with Goatsbridge and Ardsallagh, the Greenes kitchen has deep and long lasting ties to the region.


Meanwhile the cod was being cooked in the oven, the Dashi cream and sea vegetables in a saucepan on low heat. A pretty simple dish really but simply superb. The fish was pristine and exquisitely delicious, the sea veg provided an injection of ocean flavour, plus a little crunch and all wrapped up in that creamy dashi sauce. Well presented too, by the way! Must say the service was top notch.


Other mains on the nights menu included Twomey’s Lamb Shoulder, carrot purée, caramelised carrots, red wine jus; also on the list was Braised Feather blade of Angus Beef (a speciality of the house), parish purée, glazed parsnip black cabbage, red wine jus. Plus a Courgette & Lemon Risotto.





Three desserts tempted: Sticky Toffee Pudding; Chocolate Tart; and our Calamansi Cheesecake with Honeycomb. Calamansi is a citrus fruit similar to lemon and limes; the tree is indigenous to the Philippines. A new one to me but would have no hesitation if I see it offered in the future. No hesitation either in going back to Greenes for another Click and Collect or, better still, for a sit-down meal there when the time is right!


You’ll be glad to know that Greenes are continuing their At Home offering for the foreseeable (although this word is becoming somewhat redundant these Covid days) future. They normally have one set of menus for Wednesday and Thursday, another for Friday, Saturday and Sunday. There is some overlap of course but, with changes every now and then, plenty of variety as well. Check out the current offering here and, while you’re on, have a look at their drinks offers (wines, beers, cocktails).


Our choices from last Saturday’s menu were:

Goatsbridge Trout and Crab Rillettes (paté), organic salad leaves, peppers, Lemon and Dill Mayo and crackers. No home “work” needed!

Pan Seared Cod, Dashi Cream sauce and sea vegetables. (About ten minutes in the oven - you do get instructions and you may even watch online tutorials on Instagram and Facebook.

Calamansi Cheesecake with Honeycomb. The only thing I had to do here was look the word Calamansi! 

Sunday, January 24, 2021

Go Wild in West Wicklow! When the time is right.

GO WILD IN WEST WICKLOW!



Getting out in nature has never been more important for both our physical and mental health, equally, we all need something to look forward to – a break away from our homes, the drudgery of lockdown and a change of scenery.  So, when the time is right, and when we can all travel again why not consider a socially distanced getaway and go wild in West Wicklow? Walking, hiking and biking and just ‘being in nature’ and the wild countryside helps us to reset our stressed and worried minds and bodies.  Base yourself at Tulfarris Hotel and Golf Resort in Blessington Co. Wicklow and discover the best the Garden County has to offer with its wild mountains, lakes, forests and verdant valleys.

This stunning, 4-star resort is set on the shores of the Blessington Lakes, at the foot of the Wicklow Mountains.  It comprises of a luxurious hotel which has recently been completely renovated, an 18-hole championship golf course and several self-catering lodges. The Manor House at the heart of the resort dates from the 18th century and has been sympathetically restored to its former glory, boasting opulent fabrics, open log burning fires and original antique furniture. 

The newest addition to the property is the stunning hotel restaurant, Fia Rua.  It overlooks the 18th hole of the championship golf course and enjoys incredible vistas across the lakes and to the mountains beyond.  The restaurant is a very large space and has several private booths, allowing for greater social distancing for diners.

Tulfarris has several walking and exploring packages on offer and is ideal for those of us looking to be pampered but also wanting to get out in the fresh air.  Guests on the walking packages can enjoy hikes along The Wicklow Way or strolls around the shores of the Blessington Lakes.  The nearby Blessington Greenway Trail offers walkers a great opportunity to take in lake, mountain and forest vistas all at once. The pretty villages of Ballyknocken, Valleymount and Lacken are also very interesting and within a short drive of Tulfarris.    

 Guests may also easily access the nearby, historic Russborough House, reputed to be the longest house in Ireland.  Russborough is only a short walk away from the hotel and is certainly worth a visit. Designed by Richard Cassels, Russborough was built in 1755 and is a fine example of Palladian architecture. Outside, the walled garden, maze and extensive, mature parkland is a delight to explore with its myriad of ancient, native trees and plants.  The 200-acre estate is also home to the National Bird of Prey Centre where owls, falcons and birds of prey from all over the world can be found.

The Tulfarris Hotel and Golf Resort ‘Walking In Wicklow’ package includes two nights bed and breakfast, a 3-course dinner in Fia Rua and a picnic lunch and is priced from €189 per person sharing.  Guests will be provided with walking maps and can avail of a 20% discount on admissions to Russborough House. Self-catering options are also available in the onsite three-bedroom cottages while the Manor House is available for exclusive hire upon request (separate, exclusive hire rates apply).

To book the ‘Walking In Wicklow’ package log on to www.tulfarrishotel.com or call (045) 867 600.

Two to Recommend: A Kiwi Gruner and an Aussie Shiraz.

Two to Recommend: A Kiwi Gruner and an Aussie Shiraz.


Tinpot Hut `McKee Vineyard` Gruner Veltliner Marlborough 2017 13.0% ABV

RRP € 24.99 Baggot Street Wines, Drink Store, Wineonline.ie



Very pale gold in the glass with micro bubbles clinging to the sides. Aromatic for sure, citrus prominent and subtle hints of the grape’s trademark white pepper. The lovely mouthfeel makes an immediate impression as does the lively acidity. And then the fruit, peach and nectarine, quickly begins to show in this excellent crisp wine. Terrific lip-smacking finish lingers. Very Highly Recommended.


The Tinpot Hut story began in 2003 when winemaker Fiona Turner and her husband Hamish established their own 20 hectare vineyard in Marlborough's emerging sub-region of Blind River. Naming her range of wines after a historic Marlborough mustering hut, the 'Tinpot Hut' links the area's sheep farming past with its current state as one of the world's most dynamic wine regions. 


Fruit is sourced from Fiona's 'Home Block' and is supplemented by grapes from selected vineyards (grown by the McKee family, Fiona’s friends and neighbours). Fiona is assisted by Matt Thomson, a friend and colleague with whom she has worked for many years.


Tinpot say: The 2017 growing season presented some challenges with a major earthquake in November affecting trellising at the home block. Variable weather during the flowering period in Spring delivered moderate crop levels and a cool and windy Summer required a lot of canopy manipulation. This hard work rewarded us with good quality fruit showing classic flavours and balance. Careful harvest decisions along with fast, flexible picking and good management in the winery have ensured an exciting spectrum of flavours in the harvested grapes.


Suggested pairings: Enjoy with oily seafood such as salmon and tuna or, alternatively, roasted pork and duck.




16 Stops Shiraz South Australia 2019, 14.0%, 

€ 15.99, Baggot Street Wines, Blackrock Cellar, Clontarf Wines, Drink Store, Ely Wine Store, Fresh - The Good Food Market, Jus de Vine, Station to Station Wine, The Cinnamon Cottage Cork, Wineonline.ie, World Wide Wines


 

This Shiraz (no messing around with Syrah here) has a crimson colour,  a little lighter towards the edge. Aromas are of dark fruit, including plum. Only a small proportion has been matured in French oak hogsheads for added complexity. And the oak supports rather than dominates on the palate which has intense fruit. The lively spice though is not as shy. Round tannins evident too as this well balanced wine proceeds smoothly to a dry finish. Quite a bit of character and Highly Recommended. Good value too by the way.


Importers Liberty: We felt it was best to invest in premium regions for our 'entry point' Australian wines. Given the quality of the fruit from which they are made, the 16 Stops wines offer tremendous value for money.The wines are made with fruit from the McLaren Vale and the Adelaide regions. They are produced alongside the Willunga 100 wines in McLaren Vale and benefit from the same expert input from Mike Farmilo.


The name 16 Stops refers to the number of stations on the railway line from Adelaide. It was built in 1915 to transport goods and people between the country town of Willunga and Adelaide. I know an Australian who would rename it as 16 Stubbies.

Friday, January 22, 2021

Amuse Bouche

 


Everybody was very nice. Normandy peasants. There was a widow there who was running a restaurant. We used to go in and ask for oeufs sur le plat - fried eggs. But she couldn’t fry an egg. So I went into the kitchen, one day, and asked whether I could show her how to fry an egg. So I started getting my eggs for free and I used to sit drinking wine with her when the customers weren't there. And eventually, I had to fight this widow off. She became amorous.


from Dunkirk, Forgotten Voices series, by Joshua Levine (2010). Highly Recommended

Liberty Wines welcomes Pierre Péters to its Champagne portfolio

Liberty Wines welcomes Pierre Péters to its Champagne portfolio

 


Liberty Wines is delighted to be appointed Ireland and UK agent for Pierre Péters, one of the most renowned producers of Blanc de Blancs champagnes. The domaine is based in Le Mesnil-Sur-Oger, in the heart of the Côte des Blancs, and was one of the first growers to start selling their own champagnes in 1919.
 



Sixth-generation grower Rodolphe Péters (right) took over the running of the family estate from his father François in 2008, having been involved in the assemblage since 2000. He initiated the house’s ‘perpetual reserve’ of reserve wines in the late 1990s. A graduate in oenology and business, Roldolphe believes that “a good winemaker must listen to his raw materials”, trusting the quality of the exceptional soils of the Côte des Blancs to bring a natural tension in his wines and therefore practising minimal intervention in the winery.
 
The domaine owns 82 plots over nearly 20 hectares of sustainably-managed vineyard. Sixteen hectares lie within the Côte des Blancs, primarily in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, as well as the other prized villages of Avize, Cramant, Oger and Vertus. The plots are distinguished by their soils, which range from limestone to argile à silex in composition and give very different styles of wines. The domaine also owns three hectares of vineyards near Sézanne and one in the Côte des Bars. 
 


David Gleave MW, managing director of Liberty Wines, says: “Pierre Péters is one of Champagne’s most famed growers and we are thrilled to be able to offer their wines to our customers. Their blanc de blancs champagnes are widely regarded as among the finest produced in the region and complement perfectly our already strong Champagne portfolio.”


press release

Cheers 212201 Beer, Wine, Spirits with Porterhouse-Kinnegar-Lineman-Rascals-BeerCloud-O'Briens-Teeling

Cheers 212201

Beer, Wine, Spirits with Porterhouse-Kinnegar-Lineman-Rascals-BeerCloud-O'Briens-Teeling

Independent Breweries Ireland

 "Beer of the Year"


The results are in for #ICBIBeerOfTheYear
This is a new and unique competition where beers are judged by peers!
2021 Gold goes to
Porterhouse Brew Co.
for their Round the Clock Imperial Stout, followed by Silver to
Lineman
for Astral Grains Stout and Bronze to
Kinnegar Brewing
for their Thumper Double IPA.


The idea is that microbreweries each submitted one beer of their choice - these were then supplied unbranded to all the entrants who had a very enjoyable time judging each beer! You can read a little more here http://icbi.ie/beer-of-the-year/





Best greetings of the day to you all.

The Breakfast of Champions 6.1% oatmeal stout is yours to buy! It’s an oatmeal stout like no other. We’ve made it with specialty coffee roasted by our Dublin 8 neighbours Imbibe. The base recipe of our new stout has a generous helping of chocolate wheat and café malt; we’ve also used plenty of oats and some lactose too. We’ve even added a few cacao nibs just because we know how well they’ll complement the beer. Combine all the ingredients and you’ve got the breakfast stout of champions!
 
Buy The Beer
BeerCloud

Welcome to the January BeerCloud

BREWSLETTER

We're delighted to announce that, once again, we're teaming up with the Craic Beer Community to bring you the January Brews virtual meet-up.

This (virtual) mini-festival kicks off at 7.30pm next Friday, 29th January.

As well as plenty of beer-chat, we'll be joined by brewers from Hope, Larkin’s, Canvas, O Brother and Dead Centre to talk through some featured beers. 

To book your place just purchase a Craic Box before Wednesday 27th. Attendance numbers are limited, so don't leave it too late! 

WINES FOR NETFLIX NIGHTS

with Lynne Coyne MW, O'Briens Wine

If you are settling down to Netflix on these January lockdown nights, add to your relaxation and enjoyment by trying these wine and movie matches along with a simple, easy to put together plate of tasty nibbles.


Champagne Piper-Heidsieck Cuvée Brut NV

 

Enjoying the antics of Bridgerton and their society parties? then Champagne is the perfect match. Champagne would have been flowing freely during this period, establishing itself as a luxury celebration wine. Piper-Heidsieck's history dates back to 1785 and now own 70 hectares of sustainably managed vineyards. Their signature cuvée Brut is round and vibrant with a richness from the high proportion of black grape varieties. With notes of almond and hazelnut to accompany lively bubbles and fresh flavours of pear and crunchy red apple, the beautifully balanced finish is delicate and long with a hint of citrus fruits.

 

Food Match - Rustic Bread & Black Olive Tapenade

 

Netflix Match - Bridgerton

More of Lynne's wine suggestions here


Teeling Got That Lovin' Feelin'

Bring back that ‘Loving Teeling’ this Valentine’s Day! We’re hosting a virtual Valentine’s Cocktail class. Cocktails kits for 2 include - 4 cocktails, utensils including (2 mason jars & glassware) to accompany a live online demo. Book Now

Tumbler glass

Smiling face with heart-shaped eyes

teelingwhiskey.digitickets.ie/event-tickets/