A Couple Of Youthful Reds From The Rhone and The Veneto

A Couple Of Youthful Reds From The Rhone and The Veneto

Mas Theo Le P’tit Gaby (Vin de France) 2019, 13.0%,

€14.65,  Taste Food & Wine Shop in Castletownbere, Mary Pawle

This blend from the area of Drome (about 20 minutes east of the Rhone river) consists of 40% Syrah, 40% Grenache, 20% Carignan and it is organic and biodynamic.

Colour is a mid to dark red. Aromas are rather concentrated, a melange of floral and fruity (blackcurrant), herbal notes too. And there’s a double barrelled palate, fresh and forward fruit (nothing jammy about this) and high level spice, the aromatics still a factor. This very drinkable Rhone wine impresses all the way to the lip-licking finish..

While the fruit is grown and the wine is made in the Rhone, it is labelled Vin du France, but don’t let that put you off! Very Highly Recommended.

While the Rhone in general may have its problems - this year’s big freeze for example - Mas Theo has one of its own. They’ve named it Operation electric fence.  “The presence of the wolf in our woods has been officially confirmed which also resulted in this predator decreasing the wild boar population. We would have thought we were quiet for grapes but there are finally some resilient ones who are in the industry and enjoying the sweetness of our clusters.” 

Tips from the source: This is a good wine to consume in its youth, which helps to highlight its fruity and slightly spicy notes. P’tit Gaby was the nickname of Laurent Clapier’s great grandfather : Gabriel Théolas.

Match with: grill on the barbecue, aperitif with tapenade, gambas a la plancha …

Service temperature: 10°C.

*Mas, by the way, simple means farmhouse. You’ll see it in Provence (Mas de la Dame was a favourite of mine on one visit to the area) and also at the other side of the Pyrenees (Mas Igneus, for example, is a Mary Pawle supplier in Priorat).

Giol Cabernet Sauvignon Veneto IGT 2019, 12.5%, 

€13.70 Taste Food & Wine Shop in Castletownbere, Mary Pawle

This organic (and vegan friendly) Cabernet Sauvignon blanc from the north east of Italy is a deep ruby colour. The aromas are fresh and fruity with a herb-y hint. The palate is quite intense, flavours of cherry and red and darker berries, harmonious start to finish. It is a youthful Cabernet Sauvignon and quite a pleasant easy-drinking wine that has no added sulphites. Highly Recommended.

They say: Our grape must and wines are pure grape juice; they are not tampered with in any way but are shown respect and allowed to mature naturally. In addition to the organoleptic quality of the flavours and aromas, we also guarantee food quality: digestibility, hygiene and freshness. Our products are as genuine and honest as our know-how and experience makes possible….  For nearly 600 years, our winery has placed an emphasis on nature, quality and beauty. Our family’s long experience is apparent in our esteemed wines.”

Pairings: haute-cuisine meat dishes, charcoal-grilled meats, red and white roast meats, fancy poultry and game, mature cheeses like medium-mature and mature Piave, and medium-fat semi-hard cheeses. Serve at around 20° C to heighten the aromas and flavours.

Ballymaloe Craft Fair is Back! TWO WEEKENDS this November

Ballymaloe Craft Fair is Back!

Artist Beata Dagiel

 

Christmas market goers and craft lovers delight as Ballymaloe Craft Fair makes a welcome return to Ballymaloe Grainstore for TWO WEEKENDS this November

 

It may seem a little early to mention Christmas, but it’s always the right time to start planning a visit to beautiful Ballymaloe in East Cork – especially with the announcement that the annual Ballymaloe Craft Fair is back!

 

Taking place this year across two weekends – Friday 19^th to Sunday 21^st November and Friday 26^th to Sunday 28^th November – the 2021 Craft Fair will see the fabulous Ballymaloe Grainstore transform into a magical market, with over 150 stalls showcasing and selling artisan products from Ireland’s finest food producers, artists, designers and craft brewers. The event, which is suitable for the whole family, will be open from 5-9pm each Friday evening, while there will be ample opportunity to browse and buy on Saturdays and Sundays, with the Craft Fair open from 10am to 5pm.

 

Following the cancellation of the 2020 event due to the pandemic, this year’s Fair is set to more than make up for lost time.

 

Often described by craft fair and Christmas market enthusiasts as a shopper’s paradise, the event will feature an abundance of crafty goods, such as textiles, glassware, sculpture, art pieces, woodwork, jewellery, leather goods and of course, a plentiful supply of stunning Christmas decorations. It provides the perfect opportunity to shop for locally made goods, supporting the ‘shop local’ mantra while picking up unique Christmas gifts for loved ones in the process. The majority of the stalls at this year’s Craft Fair will showcase crafts that have been made here in Ireland.

 

Much to the delight of avid foodies, Ballymaloe Craft Fair will once again feature a wide range of goods from artisan food producers, with everything from farmhouse cheeses to smoked fish, as well as a gourmet selection of delicious Ballymaloe accompaniments that will give the perfect finishing touches to any feast in the upcoming festive season.

 

Sallyann Marron from Sallyann’s handbags

Commenting on the return of Ballymaloe Craft Fair was Bree Allen of Ballymaloe Grainstore, who said: “Having had to cancel last year’s Craft Fair, and all of our other events for that matter, we are hugely excited to welcome everyone back to the Ballymaloe Craft Fair this year. We have a wonderful selection of suppliers and stall holders organised and we’ve decided to run it across two weekends, in a bid to cater for as many people as is safely possible. The Ballymaloe Craft Fair provides the perfect opportunity for people to locally source Christmas presents this year and with the variety of stalls set to be displayed, we’re certain that you won’t be disappointed!”

 

In an effort to give something back over the festive season, Ballymaloe Grainstore has partnered with St. Vincent de Paul South West region on their annual Car Draw fundraiser. The charity will be showcasing the car on the first weekend of the festival, while revellers can also support it across both weekends by purchasing a €5 raffle ticket at the majority of the stalls or on entry/exit to the event. All raffle ticket sales will go directly to St. Vincent de Paul to provide direct assistance to those in need, caring for the homeless, providing social housing, operating holiday homes and other social support activities, while promoting community self-sufficiency, enabling people to help themselves.

 

Visual Artist Aoife Banville with one of her light installations

The added bonus of the potential to win a car or a number of other high-ticket prizes is the cherry on top for those who support the draw.

 

Those who attend the first weekend, Friday 19th to Sunday 21st November, will be offered a return ticket at a discounted rate of €5 for the second weekend Friday 26th to Sunday 28th November, in case they wish to return and experience the delights of the Craft Fair all over again!

 

The Ballymaloe Craft Fair takes place in indoor, undercover and outdoor areas, making it a perfect day out for all the family. Free parking is available on site, while admission costs just €6, with free entry available to children under 12. With live craft demonstrations, children’s activities, countless stalls, hot food, mulled wine Ballymaloe cider, and live music, this is an event not to be missed.

 

If any Irish made crafts people would like to apply to have a stall, please contact bree@ballymaloe.com. To find out more about Ballymaloe Craft Fair, visit www.ballymaloefestivals.ie or call 021 4757200. To enquire about room rates and reservations at Ballymaloe House, visit www.ballymaloe.ie. Follow the conversation on Facebook @thegrainstore, Instagram @ballymaloe_grainstore, Twitter @thegrainstore.  

A Quart of Ale± #70. On the craft journey with a session of Galway Bay, White Hag, Hope and Dungarvan

 A Quart of Ale± #70

On the craft journey with a session of Galway Bay, White Hag, Hope and Dungarvan

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Galway Bay NZ Pils Motueka Dry Hopped Pilsner 4.9%, 440 can Bradleys

Safe to say, this Pilsner from Galway Bay has seen more hops than all the bunnies in the county. And the hop doing the business here is the Kiwi Motueka, an impressive performer in both bittering and aroma. I’ve been looking it up on Hoplist and it seems this was bred from Saaz and an unnamed New Zealand breeding strain and lends itself well to Lagers, Pilsners and Belgian Ales. It sure does a good one.

They say: “..a Motueka dry hopped Pilsner. Decoction mashed with Pilsner and spelt malt. Hopped in the boil and whirlpool with Motueka hops to 60IBU before a long cool fermentation with our favourite lager yeast. Then dry hop with more Motueka before packaging…a beautiful simple beer. A delicate lemon and grapefruit profile bolstered by a little bread crusts with a refreshingly crisp & bitter finish. Cheers! 

Colour is light gold, a slightly hazy one. Nice head but doesn’t hang about too long. Aromas are of the tropical and citrus variety and so too are the flavours. This is a Pilsner that starts well, carries itself well and finishes well. Another one to note from the prolific brewery in Oranmore.

White Hag Duo Series Idaho 7 & Citra Pale Ale 5.5%, 440 can CraftDirect

This White Hag ale has a pale gold cloudy colour with a fluffy white head that doesn’t rush away. Citrus and mango feature in the sweetish aromas. And that sweetness is evident too on the palate, tangerine the carrier here but don’t worry, there’s a decent balance at play in quite an impressive beer.

The brewers are also at play here: this Idaho 7 and Citra is first pair of hops used in the Duo Series. The second is El Dorado and Cascade which “has a grapefruit, tangerine and citrus aroma, with a smooth, slightly bitter zesty Grapefruit, Mango, and Citrus flavour. The Duo Series allows us to explore the best combinations of our favourite hops, in one beer, two per time”

They have a mixed case available: “the perfect ‘paint by hops’ mix and comes with 24 beers made up from 2 different styles. The styles in this box will allow you to explore the best combinations of our favourite hops.”

Hope Grunt Citrusy Wheat Beer 4.8%, 440 can

Light orange is the colour, slightly hazy but you can plainly see a myriad soft bubbles rising; soft white head stays a spell. Aromas are citrusy but you’ll also note some banana and juniper. Grunt is very refreshing though, straight from the bone-dry citrusy intro to the bitterness in the middle to the dry finish with a touch of juniper. It is a very pleasant beer, easy-drinking. 

They say: “ … citrusy and spicy ale inspired by Walloon farmhouse brewers that’s packed with flavour and refreshment.” And they also suggest some food pairings. Grunt is an excellent accompaniment to most food, in particular fish, to replace a traditional dry white wine, but also spicy food, where the strong flavours and refreshing quality of the beer can hold its own where a wine could not. It is also good with both strong cheese, and creamy cheese. EBU, the bitterness count, by the way, is 21.

And the name? If a Howth fisherman didn’t fancy going to sea after a heavy night’s drinking he would tie a pig to the ship’s mast. With it’s devil-like cloven feet, the sheer mention of the word pig was thought to bring forth gales and storms. Only a brave captain would set sail, unless he fancied a rasher sandwich!

Dungarvan Brewing Greenway Waterford Pale Ale 4.5%, 440 can Bradleys

A day out walking or cycling by the Waterford coast and this Greenway Pale Ale is your reward. Colour is tending towards amber, the hazy variety, perhaps there was a drift of fog out by Bunmahon. 

Anyways, we’re sitting down as the white head is creeping down. Citrus is strong in the aromas and indeed quite robust on the palate. A good sip though and refreshment immediately seeps across the mouth and soon the restorative effect spreads deeper. Just the job!

This is the most recently Dungarvan beer to be canned. They say: Celebrating the Waterford Greenway, we are delighted to announce the 2019 launch of our Greenway Waterford Pale Ale. First launched in the summer of 2018.., this refreshing beer has been generously hopped with Simcoe, Citra and Amarillo to give a lively citrus flavour which we think is the perfect restorative beer after a (long or short!) trek on our coastal route.

The Waterford Greenway opened in 2017 and is a 46km scenic coastal walking and cycling rail along the old railway line from Waterford to Dungarvan. Sandwiched between the Comeragh Mountains and the Copper Coast, it hosts unparalleled views and wonderful features such as the Durrow Tunnel, Ballyvoile Viaduct and Mount Congreve Gardens.

Barnabrow House Launches New Tea Rooms

Barnabrow House Launches New Tea Rooms 

The sun shone brightly as the guests gathered in front of a splendid Barnabrow House and owner/director Geraldine Kidd welcomed those coming to help her launch the new Tea Rooms.

The sun was something of a symbol for Geraldine and her team, as they emerged from the Covid induced restrictions. “Thanks for coming. I’ve been here a lot of the time…, trying to maintain the place.. it’s been difficult. The Tea Rooms, a combination of ideas from all the team here, will change all that and allow us welcome people in.”

Guests gather

The Lord Mayor Cllr Colm Kelleher had earlier cut the ribbon with a perfect snip and wished Geraldine and Barnabrow all the best with the venture as we sipped Prosecco or lemonade in the noonday sun.

Soon we were inside the beautiful high-ceilinged room that is the Tea Room, a really splendid venue. And in no time at all we were enjoying a sampling (tapas style) of what is usually on the menu. Geraldine also indicated that menu will change to reflect the “change in season”.

Stylish cut by the Lord Mayor as Geraldine looks on

Last Thursday it was Ham Hock Terrine, Egg Mayonnaise on Brioche, Salmon Rillette with pickled Cucumber, O’Connell’s Beef with pickled garden beetroot and horseradish cream and Arsallagh Goats’ Cheese with Organic Tomato Salsa from their walled garden. 

The desserts (see video above) were Raspberry Delice, Chocolate Marquise, Lemon Tart with Cream, Creme Anglaise custard tarts with summer berries, Carrot Cake,  Poppy Seed Cake and Scones with cream and homemade raspberry jam,  Homemade Chocolate Fudge and organically grown (in the garden) grape pastilles.

Savoury!

There is a new head chef here and Adrian Kazsinski got a strong round of applause when he was introduced to the gathering at the end. Adrian is well used to Barnabrow as he worked here with the previous chef, Stuart Bowes, for some ten years.

As you can gather, much of the produce is their own and they support local producers too. Geraldine: “We are using Drury’s coffee, roasted in Youghal.” Nick, the coffee roaster, was there on Thursday. The Tea Rooms opening hours are 12 noon to 4.00pm

And she has lots of plans for Barnabrow, for both the house and the grounds. “Over the Winter, we are planning to have Afternoon Tea every Saturday and hope to have small parties from less significant birthdays, to genteel Hen Parties  (we had one in the Summer that got dressed up on Downtown Abbey-style costumes) to poetry reading and perhaps small Christmas parties.”  

Geraldine with Donie O'Brien
of Eno Wines

"Next Summer we plan to have picnics, providing guests with a box of food and a blanket to find their own spot on the grounds.  We also will try to organise 'Teddy Bear Picnics’ and we hope to create walk ways around the grounds and up the hill to allow people to explore more and perhaps walk off the calories.  The Pygmy goats and the donkeys like to have visitors!” 

And there’s more, including a Santa Lunch. Stay up to date by checking their Facebook page here. 

What is the fuss about?

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Just to give you an idea of what you can get if you are in for lunch, I’ve listed items from the current menu below:

Soup of the Day €5.50

Ham Hock and Chicken Terrine with Spinach, Serrano Ham, Fig and Port Puree, Crystalized Nuts €9.50

Salmon Rillette on Brown Soda Bread, Sesame Pickled Cucumber €8.50

Ardsallagh Goat’s Cheese Brochetta, Tomato Salsa, Garden Herb Pesto €8.50

Spiced chicken Wrap with Roast Red Peppers, Sweetcorn, Cheddar €8

Roast Beef Sandwich with Horseradish Mayo, Pickled Beetroot, Forrest Mushrooms Dressing €8

Ham & Cheese Toasted Sandwich €5

See Tea Rooms video here 

Sweet Treats

Scones €3

Coconut and Poppy Seeds served with Mango Puree €5.50

Hazelnut Brownie €5.50

Carrot Cake €5.50

Lemon Drizzle Cake €5.50

Plum and Frangipane Tart €5.50

Lemon Tart €5.50

Chocolate Chip Cookies €2.50

Power Balls €2.50

All Homemade at Barnabrow House

Blarney Castle Gardens. September Sunshine.

 Blarney Castle Gardens 19th September 2021

Two of a family of six cygnets, being raised on the lake

A bee, hard at work in Fuchsia, above and below

Picnic tables, close to the entrance

Into the woods, a lane less travelled

Corner of road and herbaceous border

Fuchsia

At the base of a tree 

Elderberries

The sides of this road will be full of daffodils in the spring

Black Eyed Susans guide you towards the coffee shop

Kinsale Mead Co. wins Great Taste again!

 Kinsale Mead Co. wins Great Taste again!

Kinsale Mead Co storm into autumn with an impressive win. Their popular berry mead, Hazy Summer Mead, has just won a Great Taste Award 2021 to join their flagship traditional mead Atlantic Dry Mead which won 2 years ago.

“We’re delighted,” says co-founder, Denis Dempsey. “It’s been a tough time for everyone, and every acknowledgement from independent sources is a boost.”

The Great Taste Awards is one of the most trusted and prestigious awards for food and drink globally with thousands of entries, so it’s stiff competition. In summing up, the judges said, “The aroma was of rich ripe strawberries and honey, which was extremely enticing.”

“As a small, artisan company and the only meadery in Ireland, we are very proud to be able to say that Irish mead is recognised as being among the best in the world,” says co-founder, Kate Dempsey. “And we work hard to select the best, pure honey and berries to make our meads.”

The care and passion that Kinsale Mead bring to their drinks is richly rewarded by the evocative summer flavours and that thirst-quenching pour and that welcome Great Taste One-Star award. They are stocked in many Supervalus, as proud members of the Food Academy, as well as many independent off licence or specialty food store. Ask in your local store.

The medals are now displayed proudly in the meadery in Kinsale where you can see them when you visit for a tour and tasting.

Web: www.KinsaleMeadCo.ie for online orders and stockists

Email: info@KinsaleMeadCo.ie  

Phone: 021 477 3538

Twitter/Facebook/Instagram: @KinsaleMeadCo

press release

Hayfield Manor launches exclusive range of GROUND holistic rituals

 

Hayfield Manor launches exclusive range of GROUND holistic rituals

 

Handmade by founder Peigín Crowley in County Cork, GROUND is a collection of face balms and body oils that are 100% natural, giving nourishment while helping us to bring focus, ritual and intention into our mind and body. 

“I am beyond proud, partnering with Hayfield Manor is an absolute privilege,” says creative aromatherapist and GROUND founder, Peigín Crowley, “being proudly Cork - Hayfield Manor is simply iconic, we have celebrated many family gatherings at this luxury hotel and treasure it’s warm welcome & charm”. 

GROUND Rituals have been designed in collaboration with Rachel O’Malley, Hayfield Manor’s own award-winning therapist. During Lockdown, Peigin & Rachel created rituals together that celebrate the importance of taking space for sacred moments to mind yourself and be minded, to reconnect to source and replenish. Blending mindfulness — being fully present in our body with breathwork, the power of touch, and the potent aromatherapy oils, GROUND Rituals will invite this awareness while encouraging a relaxed and peaceful state, a return to self.

“So fortunate to have worked with the very brilliant Rachel O'Malley - veteran therapist (twice awarded Therapist of the Year by Irish Tatler no less) and Spa Supervisor at Hayfield Manor. COVID gifted us months together, crafting these GROUND Rituals - designing all that we love about the power of touch coupled with self-care woven into purposeful massage rituals” – Peigin Crowley

Hayfield Manor will be the first in Ireland to offer ‘The Balancing Ritual’ especially created to empower & support women through change, offering relief of Perimenopause & Menopause symptoms. “Designed with women in mind, this hands-on approach to wellbeing is truly holistic, using Breathwork, Cold Stone Massage Therapy, Gua Sha, Reflexology and Lymphatic Drainage - this unique and purposeful ritual will bring alignment and balance when going through this change and experiencing the symptoms of menopause at any stage” says Treatment Designer Rachel O’Malley.

Rachel O’Malley

There are six GROUND Rituals at Hayfield Manor — 

• The ‘tóg go bog é’ Full Body Massage (60 mins, €110), 
• The Grounding Ritual for Deep Relaxation (60 mins, €115 or 90 mins, €160), 
• The Restorative Ritual for the Face, Neck & Scalp (60 mins, €120), 
• The Comforting Ritual for Pregnancy (60 mins, €115 or 90 mins, €160)
• The Cleansing Ritual for Gut Harmony (60 mins €105
• The Balancing Ritual for Peri-menopause & Menopause (60 mins, €120 or 90 mins, €165),

Each GROUND Ritual includes gentle breathwork, hands-on rhythmical pressures and techniques, including Gua Sha stones, and the compelling powers of aromatherapy oils. All these elements combine to create a mindful moment in time customised for you — a moment to be truly present in your body as you lean into relaxation and peacefulness.