Sketch opens at the Imperial. Cocktail and Birdcage with Grace and Jazz.

Oriental Martini

Sketch opens at the Imperial.

Cocktail and Birdcage with Grace and Jazz.

You’ll see illustrated echoes of Jazz and Princess Grace when you visit Sketch, the classy new Wine and Dine venue at the Imperial Hotel. Sketches by Ethan Desmond (From the Sketch Up) evoke the good times when Princess Grace stayed here some sixty years ago and also the hotel’s enduring links with the annual Jazz festival in this comfortable corner with its overall Rus en Urbe vibe created, with a light touch, by Sandra Looney of To Have and To Hold.

Les bon temps rouler

Let the good times roll! Grab a buddy and dust off those glad rags and head for the Sketch entrance on Pembroke Street (though you can of course access it also through the South Mall entrance). Here, relax and enjoy a cocktail or two and, of course, a Bird Cage full of top notch snacks, the produce sourced from the nearby English Market.

#2 Birdcage

We had the privilege of doing just that last weekend when the official opening took place. Hotel GM Bastien Peyraud had a warm welcome for his guests: “We are truly delighted to launch Sketch and to welcome you all to the opening. The Imperial family have worked incredibly hard over the past year, and we are extremely proud of our focus on local, sustainability and what we have created overall. The most important thing to us is creating memories and I anticipate Sketch will be a fantastic melting pot of people, style, music, good food and great drinks.”

And fair play to Bastien and his team as they went on to illustrate exactly what he had in mind for the rest of very enjoyable evening with superb cocktails and those tasty Birdcages! 

The mini cocktail on the way in, a welcoming shot of Glendalough Rose Gin and Taittinger, set the mood and, after that liquid amuse bouche, a good time ensued.

Appropriately, the first cocktail delivered to our table was Princess Grace, a delicious one of Ketel One Vodka, raspberries, Triple Sec, their own champagne syrup and Prosecco. 

The opening shot

They have a few smoked cocktails on the regular menu and we enjoyed the Spike Island (Oak Smoked Spike Island Rum Old Fashioned).

The most popular drink of the evening appeared to be the Eau De Champagne. The mix here is Taittinger Champagne, Glendalough Rosé Gin, Homemade Rosemary Syrup, Egg White.

There was a bit of theatrical fun to end with. The final cocktail, Lemon meringue (Ketel One Vodka, Lemon, Pineapple, Homemade Limoncello, Meringue) was served with the selection of petit fours. The ooh and aah bit came when the Meringue was blow torched at the table.

The regular menu has four Birdcages, each inspired by the English Market: Sushi, Charcuterie, Cheesy and Meaty.

The Princess Grace

Our selection, an extensive sample of what is available on a regular Sketch night, came in two servings. First top was Charcuterie & Cheesy with Tom Durcan’s Spiced Beef, Gubbeen Salami, Iberia Chorizo, Gubbeen Smoked cheese, Cashel Blue, Ardsallagh Goats Cheese, and Carrigaline Garlic and Herb. 

Quite a start to the evening and that was soon followed by Meaty, Seacurterie and Vegan and here we were tempted by Fribbins BBQ Glazed Ribs, Imperial Spiced Wings, Southern Fried Tenders, and Asian Duck Roll. The fishy bits were Peeky Toe Crab Roll, Sake Salmon, Torched Seabass and Ballycotton Smoked Salmon. And the third plate had Grilled Courgette, Ras El Hanout Spice, Avocado Mousse, Vine Tomato, Plum Tomato and Basil Bruschetta.

If you do call in, you don’t have to stick strictly with the cocktails and Birdcage. There are small plates of ribs, wings and Ham Hock Croquettes for instance. And, on the drinks side, there are many wines, also Prosecco and Champagne (including a flight for €20.00) listed. There’s a full bar at hand, so plenty of beers, gins and whiskeys to choose from. 

Read all about Sketch, including full menus, here.

Carlingford Oysters land Great Taste Golden Fork with natural treasure from the Irish Sea

Carlingford Oysters land Great Taste Golden Fork with natural treasure from the Irish Sea 

 

On Sunday 17 October, the Great Taste Golden Fork from Ireland was presented to Carlingford Oysters from Mullatee, for its Louet Feisser Select Carlingford Oysters. Sponsored by Bord Bia, the trophy for the best food or drink from Ireland was announced at the Great Taste Golden Fork Reception at the Yorkshire Event Centre in Harrogate, as the largest and most trusted food and drink awards on the planet reached its exciting finale.  

 

Out of 218 Great Taste 3-star award-winning products to be re-judged to find this year’s Golden Fork Trophy winners and the Great Taste Supreme Champion 2021, these beautifully plump and creamy oysters were one of 13 products to pick up the coveted trophy for their respective country or region.  

 

Grown in the A classified waters of Carlingford Lough, these beautiful oysters take their perfect tear drop shape and smooth pearly white shell from the natural flow of the water. With unspoilt growing conditions, the oysters feed on the naturally occurring plankton and unique minerals, which flow down from the mountain streams, giving them a unique flavour, colour and texture.  

 

For more information about Carlingford Oysters, please visit www.carlingfordoystercompany.ie. 

 

Facts and figures about Great Taste 2021: 

• Established in 1994, Great Taste is organised by the Guild of Fine Food and is the world’s largest, longest standing and most respected food accreditation scheme for artisan and speciality food producers 
• 14,113 different products were entered in 2021 from 108 countries 
• 355 judges blind-tasted this year’s entries, including; Joanna Blythman, investigative journalist and food writer, cook, writer, stylist and voice of modern vegetarian cooking, Anna Jones, author, Olia Hercules, Kenny Tutt, MasterChef 2018 champion and restaurateur, food writer and cook, Xanthe Clay, presenter, author and tutor, Steven Lamb, baker and author, Martha Collison, and Kavi Thakrar from Dishoom, as well as food buyers from Selfridges, Fortnum & Mason and Partridges 
• Socially distanced judging took place over 86 days at four venues, including Guild HQ in Gillingham, Dorset and the Guild of Fine Food’s London home, No. 42 Southwark Street, SE1 
• 4,027 awarded a Great Taste 1-star - A food that delivers fantastic flavour. Approximately 30% of entries will achieve this rating each year 
• 1,138 awarded a Great Taste 2-star - Above and beyond delicious – less than 10% of entries will achieve this rating 
• 218 awarded a Great Taste 3-star - Extraordinarily tasty foods – less than 2% of products are awarded a 3-star each year – don’t leave the shop without buying it! 

press release

Sophie's at The Dean. Highest hotel restaurant in the city?

Sophie's at The Dean. 

Highest hotel restaurant in the city?

The bar in Sophie's

Caught up with an English based couple earlier this week for a city lunch. Being Monday, quite a few attractive places, such as Nash 19, were closed. As you may know, Sophie’s is the restaurant in Dean. It is on the 6th floor and has splendid views over much of the city, so is quite a good place to bring visitors.

And last Monday the sun shone and the Dean were able to accommodate us on the glass walled south-facing balcony. That added to the occasion and there was lots of chat as we caught up outdoors. And some pretty good food too, all served in a very pleasant manner indeed, as was the case on two other recent visits to Sophie’s, one as the lunch guest of a whiskey company, the other as part of a family confirmation group dinner.

Fish 'n Chips

Chicken Burger

Aside from the stylish restaurant and the splendid views, the Dean also has those famous swings. Beware, don’t lose your balance as you could lose your Dail seat. They proved very popular with the young guests at the confirmation event. And it wasn't just the juveniles that were swinging for Insta!

There is a quite an extensive lunch menu here, something for everyone. It includes soup, salads, sandwich, sharing board, pasta, burgers, and more. Good selection of sides and a half dozen or so pizzas (proved very popular at the confirmation, though there was a different menu for that).

Cheesecake

At the whiskey lunch, I had enjoyed my fish and chips so I was quite happy to see it on the day’s menu and I ordered the Tempura White Fish (hake on the day), pea purée, tartar sauce and chips. Quite good and also quite substantial, more a dinner dish! Enjoyed it even if the some of the finely cut chips were slightly overdone.

Crumble

Two more at the table had a similar “problem” with the chips that came with their Chilli and Lime Chicken Burger, Garlic Mayo, Buffalo sauce, tomatoes and fries, and relish. Not a big drawback though and the burgers were well appreciated and well dispatched, though with all the chat, the pace was rather sedate! The fourth dish was an excellent Beef Bolognese Tagliatelle.

Then decision time! Dessert? We had seen some quite substantial puddings pass by and, having been well fed already, just two were ordered, from a choice of five. We had been impressed by the Wild Berry and Apple, oatmeal crumble, vanilla ice-cream and custard at one of the earlier events so that was ordered again and, again, got the thumbs up. And a similar verdict from the other two who had enjoyed their Baked Caramel Salted Cheesecake that was served with Strawberry Ice-cream.

Lagunitas

No drinks, other than coffees, on this occasion. But from the other recent visits, I know they have quite a selection in the drinks folder: wines, whiskies, gins, beers, cocktails and mocktails and so on. At the confirmation, I spotted they had Wicklow Wolf as their only Irish craft beer but they were out of it on that evening. And I settled for the American Lagunitas (€6.70 a pint).

They have four wines on tap - I was previously quite happy with the Agredo Rosso Montepulciano – and more by the glass. No shortage of reds, right up to expensive bottles like La Réserve de Leoville Barton, St. Julien (110). But don’t worry, you may enjoy a nice Marlborough Pinot Noir for €35. And the range of white prices is something similar, €110 for the Louis Latour Meursault while a Piquepoul de Pinet by Richemer will set you back €35.00.

Downstairs by reception

• There is a large railway car-park a few minutes from the Dean and they have a deal there. But the deal is geared towards overnight guests (check the website). Locals are probably best advised to use your usual parking and, if the distance is short, why not walk.

The Dean 

Railway Street

Cork

BRING THE NEWBRIDGE SILVERWARE MAGIC HOME THIS CHRISTMAS

Press release

BRINGING THE NEWBRIDGE SILVERWARE MAGIC HOME THIS CHRISTMAS

Newbridge Silverware is synonymous with Christmas, there is even a ‘Christmas Room’ at the flagship store in Newbridge, Co. Kildare which is open all year round!  The much-loved Irish lifestyle company has been making Christmas special for almost 90 years and this year the company has added to its iconic Christmas decorations collection.  Add a touch of magic to your home or gift someone special a Newbridge Silverware decoration this year with some of these lovely Christmas decorations.

MAKE IT SPECIAL WITH THE CHRISTMAS COLLECTIBLE 2021

Céad míle fáilte is the 12th edition in a series of annual commemorative decorations which features a Christmas window, lit with a candle and with a Christmas tree on view.  The design was inspired by an old Irish tradition where the light in the window was regarded as a beacon of safety, letting visitors know that this home would offer them refuge.  It also features a little scroll at the bottom which says, ‘Christmas 2021’ and is presented in the stunning Christmas collectible packaging. Christmas Collectible 2021, €35.

REIGNING DOGS AND CATS!

Animal lovers will love the range of pet inspired hanging decorations.  The West Highland Terrier dog design is a cute gift for fans of the cheeky breed while the adorable little Scottie Dog decoration with his red doggie jacket is also very sweet.  Both the Westie and the Scottie dog decorations cost €15.  There is also a ‘posh poodle’ decoration which features a poodle with his famous curly tail and groomed coat for €20. Feline fans will love the cat decoration with its intricate swirls, €25. There is also a little mouse, an owl and of course the obligatory reindeer decoration in the animal collection.

BABY’S FIRST CHRISTMAS

A baby’s first Christmas is a special milestone.  You can remember this time for years to come with some of the many ‘Baby’s First Christmas’ hanging Christmas decorations. There is a teddy bear decoration, which is silver plated and encrusted with clear stone settings with the message ‘Baby’s First Christmas’.  Or you could choose to personalise your decoration and include a photo of the baby in the snowman photo frame or the reindeer photo frame, both cost €20.   

ROBIN RED BREAST

Robins have long been associated with hope, joy, and new beginnings. Adorn your Christmas tree this year with a symbolic robin.  The Robin Hanging Decoration features two little robins and a heart shaped bird house. This beautiful decoration can be a gentle reminder of loved ones who are no longer with us and is perfect for capturing the Christmas spirit. €15

 MAKE IT PERSONAL!  OH, STARRY NIGHT

Make this beautiful, silver-plated star decoration from Newbridge Silverware part of your keepsake collection this year. Shining bright with a single clear stone setting this striking decoration is also suitable for personalisation so you can make it an extra special gift by adding an engraved name or date. €15

SNOWFLAKE

This wonderfully detailed silver-plated snowflake hanging decoration is the perfect choice to add sparkle to your home. Encrusted with clear stone settings this decoration is sure to make a striking addition to your Christmas tree and is guaranteed to become a popular Newbridge Silverware keepsake making it an ideal gift to present or receive during the festive and joyful season. €15

FOR THE ADVENTURER

If you want to gift the adventurer in your life with something that represents their love of travel or if want to remind yourself of your own summer adventures, then the Camper Van with Presents (€25) decoration will add a sense of fun to your tree this year.

To find your nearest stockist or to purchase some of these lovely decorations online see  www.newbridgesilverware.com

LIBERTY WINES GOES ‘CARBON NEUTRAL PLUS’

press release

Liberty's David Gleave MW

LIBERTY WINES GOES ‘CARBON NEUTRAL PLUS’

AS SUSTAINABILITY FOCUS INTENSIFIES

 

In our seventh year of carbon neutral certification, we decided to go one step further and become ‘carbon neutral plus’. This means we offset more emissions than the business generates to achieve a positive environmental impact.

As well as offsetting carbon emissions, we strive to decrease them. A recent assessment found Liberty Wines reduced carbon emissions for the third year running in 2020, achieving a reduction of 34% since 2017.*

Our greenhouse gas calculations include all scope 1 and 2 emissions, plus selected scope 3 emissions – outsourced transport, business travel, remote working, waste, water and paper use. The total emissions we saved in 2020 versus the previous year are equivalent to the volume generated by the annual electricity usage of 80+ homes, or the consumption of 44,300 gallons of diesel.

In another new initiative, we are proud to support Seawilding, a charity based in Scotland that works to restore degraded marine habitats and species, improve water quality and sequester carbon. Two key projects, both taking place in Loch Craignish, are a five-year scheme to grow up to one million juvenile native oysters, and a seagrass restoration project. Seagrass meadows are important habitats for marine life and sequester carbon faster than the rainforest but, according to Ocean Seagrass Rescue, 95% of the UK’s seagrass meadows have disappeared.

Through Carbon Footprint’s offsetting programme, we are helping fund several global projects such as planting trees to protect forests and biodiversity in Kenya (main photo), reducing deforestation in the Amazonian rain forest and installing and maintaining wind turbines in Maharashtra, India.

Nationally and globally, behaviour change following the Covid-19 pandemic reduced carbon footprints. Provisional UK government figures show a 10.7% reduction in carbon emissions in 2020 and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has forecasted a global 4-8% reduction. Our year-on-year reduction achieved in 2020 was 29%.

To achieve results so far ahead of the national and global averages, we implemented some key initiatives with a focus on energy and transport – the biggest sources of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Some examples are:

- Our Clapham headquarters switched to 100% renewable energy
- We used lower-emission rail or sea shipments wherever possible and consolidating orders
- Route-planning software increased van fill-rates and improved delivery efficiency
- Our first electric van is about to be introduced in London

Managing Director David Gleave MW explains the importance of these moves: “After years of conversations with grape growers and hearing first-hand the impact of erratic or extreme weather on their harvests, I’m in no doubt as to the need to address climate change with a sense of urgency. As a fast-growing company it’s imperative that we build a sustainable future, and it’s gratifying to see our annual emissions fall as business levels increase. The move to ‘carbon neutral plus’ certification seemed a natural next step and enables us to make a positive contribution to the environment. We’re also pleased to support Seawilding and the valuable work they’re doing to restore native oyster populations and protect marine habitats.”

* Liberty Wines has assessed carbon emissions annually since 2013. In 2017, we set a new baseline year due to a substantial increase in the quality and amount of data available.

A Quart of Ale± #72. On the craft journey with a trio of ciders: Viking, Johnny Fall Down, and Con's Irish.

A Quart of Ale± #72

On the craft journey with a trio of ciders: Viking, Johnny Fall Down, and Con's.

Viking Orchard Cuvée Cider, 5.5%, 500 bottle Bradleys

This is a medium dry cider from Waterford’s Viking Cider. We’ve already tasted a couple of their bottles in previous Quarts here.

Colour is a mid-gold with bubbles galore rising. Aromas are gentle, just like a bunch of ripe apples in your hand. It is a blend of quite a few varieties and is smooth and mild, perhaps more dry than medium. Quite round and soft all the way to its bitter sweet lip-smacking finish. Well made and in my case well appreciated.

Viking Irish Drinks at Dennison’s Farm was set up as a company in 2017, with cider production commencing in 2019. At the heart of the company is three unique craft cider styles, based on old farm recipes, including Medium Dry Orchard Cuvée, the immensely popular Harvest Blush and Ireland’s first Hop flavoured cider, Hop-IT.

The story of this cider: Apple varieties used for Medium Dry Orchard Cuvée are Dabinett, Michelin, Yarlington Mill, Foxwhelps, Kingston Black, Harry Masters, and some Bramley for acidity. Harvest time for these apples is usually mid-October, except for Foxwhelps, which is harvested earlier but blended back in.  Medium Dry Orchard Cuvée is fermented slowly on its natural occurring yeasts for up to six months. Gluten Free and Coeliac Friendly.

Technical - 5.5% ABV | Acid – 4.2 Grams per Litre | Sulphur – 0.3 trace of So2 | Calories - 55 per 100 ml

Food Pairing: Serve with traditional roast chicken/ pork and light game meats. Plus, a cider gravy adds to the flavour of the trimmings. Also try Medium Dry Orchard Cuvée with grilled Salmon and parsley butter, steamed mussels in their shell. To finish, accompany with some more-ish cheeses, like Durrus Cheese or most Irish farm-house cheeses. Best served 10 degrees.                                                                       

Johnny Fall Down Rare Apple Cider 2019, 5.5%, 500 bottle Bradleys

Amber gold is the colour of this multi-apple blend from the benign south facing slopes of Killahora, situated close to Glounthaune village, and on a slight rise above the backwaters of Cork Harbour. Uncountable little bubbles rush towards the top of the glass, this from the 2019 vintage. This is100% apple juice using wild yeasts for fermentation and is matured over 12 months.

The aromas are mild but this superb cider is intense and complex on the palate. Look out for tropical, smoky and nutty notes and a long complex finish, they advise. And that is what you get, amazing from first taste until the lingering aftertaste.

They say: We grow over 100 apple varieties and this year are including some of the best of our ciders into one fine bottle. We have also included some oak and the barrel aged ciders from 2018 to add depth to the freshness of the 2019 harvest. This cider may ruin your ability to enjoy commercial ciders. Don’t say we didn’t warn you!

It is produced from the entire range of their apple harvest, a bit like a Gentil wine from Alsace. And just like that delicious and complex wine, this Glounthaune cider is more or less perfect, not too sweet and not too dry.

Pairings suggested by the producers are Pork, Chicken, spicy food, cheese and oily fish.

Con’s Irish Cider, 5.5%, 500 bottle at the Apple Farm

Real cider, it says on the label. And real cider it is. A small batch medium dry cider, “made from seasonal Irish Apples hand-picked on our family farm in Cahir… where visitors are always welcome”.

The natural imprint of the orchard is all over this one, from the golden colour, reminiscent of an Autumn sunset, to the fruity aromas and flavours, its lovely mouthful and satisfying finish. No shortage of oomph. Cider doesn’t get any more real than this tip top Tipperary bottle.

They say: For us at The Apple Farm, where we make Con’s, Real Irish Cider is made and bottled in its entirety in Ireland using the juice of Irish-grown apples, without the routine addition of either water or sugar…..

Buyer beware though, as the term Real Cider is not legally defined, and it is possible that someone adding much more sugar and water could hijack the term.

To see more of their thoughts on real versus not real cider see what owner Con Traas has to say here.  Just a short read but well worthwhile.

Con has helped quite a few Irish cider makers over the years and the 2013 Cider Celebration was held at the Apple Farm and a great day it was too with cider makers from all over the country displaying their produce! Would love to see that revived.

* Don't forget that coming up this Saturday (16th) Brian and BeoirFest have 3 brewers, 4 breweries, and 5 countries!

• Third Barrel are one of the pioneers of brewing in Ireland and have created 3 brands to differentiate their different offerings in the marketplace.
• Brew & Roll brew Metallica-inspired beers in Navarre.
• Both Solo from Crete and Axiom from the Czech Republic have Norwegian Kjetil Jikiun as their head brewer.

It's a great mix of brewers and breweries for a chat. Their experience should provide some great insight and stories into the state of brewing across Europe. More details here.

ADD SOME SPARKLE TO YOUR CHRISTMAS SHOPPING AND STAY AT 5* GLENLO ABBEY HOTEL & ESTATE

press release

ADD SOME SPARKLE TO YOUR CHRISTMAS SHOPPING AND STAY

AT 5* GLENLO ABBEY HOTEL & ESTATE

For those yearning to have a gorgeous run-up to the big day, then the new Christmas Market Magic package at the 5* Glenlo Abbey Hotel Galway will certainly appeal.

The famous Galway Christmas Markets will thankfully operate this year from 6pm on Friday, 12^th November until Wednesday 22^nd December and to celebrate things beginning to look a lot like normal, Glenlo have created an enchanting experience for those yearning for a mix of gift shopping and festive ambiance. Stay for a magical overnight, in one of Ireland’s most luxurious hotels located two miles from the vibrancy of Galway city and overlooking the magnificent Lough Corrib on a 138-acre estate, all decked-out in a festive flourish waiting to wrap you in their Christmas bauble!

A glass of mulled wine with a mince pie welcomes guests into the warm and inviting surrounds of Glenlo Abbey Hotel, where Glenlo’s valet will look after your vehicle and the attentive concierge will take your luggage to your room. Settle into the hotel and take advantage of the onsite activities, with scheduled festive movies in the atmospheric Abbey Theatre and serenity walks on the sparkling estate. Take a trip into Galway City to explore the wonderful Christmas Markets and enjoy some ‘festive spirts’ (don’t worry, you can leave the car at Glenlo, and enjoy a complimentary hotel transfer). Return, laden with Christmas gifts and treat yourself to a neck and shoulder massage or pampering session at Glo Spa & Wellness (10% off all treatments). Retire to your luxurious bedroom or savour the festive ambience and relax beside the open log fires. After a great nights’ sleep, you will be rejuvenated and ready for a delicious breakfast in the River Room.

Christmas Market Package costs from €240 for the overnight stay to include welcome mulled wine and mince pies, escort to the Galway Christmas Markets, 10% off any Glo Spa & Wellness Treatment, Festive Movie in Abbey Theatre and breakfast.

The Galway Christmas Market comprises of 50 wooded chalets located in Eyre Square along with Santa’s Grotto, the German Bier Keller and numerous other theatrical delights. It is expected that this year will once again feature amusement rides including a 32 metre high Big Wheel and traditional Carousel, Santa’s Express Train, live music performers, puppet shows, storytelling, school choirs, and a Santa’s Grotto to be run by local charities.

Food lovers can feast on a bratwurst, French pastries, pretzels or confectionery, crêpes, and waffles, while families and friends can enjoy a walk through the enchanted light gardens providing the backdrop for a Christmas Market photo, stop off at Santa’s post-box, interact with local charities and much more.  In addition to the market itself, Galway boasts a great selection of independent retailers plus some iconic department stores including Brown Thomas.

Glenlo Abbey’s Team will be delighted to assist you with any queries by telephone on: Tel: Intl +353 (0) 91 519600. Or Email: stay@glenloabbey.ie Alternatively visit www.glenloabbeyhotel.ie for more information or to purchase gift vouchers online.