Cork's Metropole Hotel Celebrates 125th Anniversary

Cork's Metropole Hotel Celebrates 125th.

Outgoing Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr.Colm Kelleher (right) presents Roger Russell (General Manager - The Metropole Hotel) (left) and Aaron Mansworth (Managing Director Trigon Hotels) (center) with a portrait of former Taoiseach Jack Lynch. The Jack Lynch Suite in the hotel is named after the former Taoiseach. Pic: Colm Lougheed.

Its doors first opened in 1897 

Once Upon A Time. Cocktail

The Metropole Hotel was, for over half of its first century, a "dry" hotel. The owners, the Musgrave family, were of the belief that alcohol should not be served in their hotel, and as such, the hotel was advertised as "Ireland's Finest Unlicensed Hotel". 

The Metropole allowed alcohol to be served at functions such as weddings - those organising a function would arrange for a publican to serve drinks and the hotel would charge a modest corkage fee. 

However, the Metropole had no control over how much alcohol guests drank and then it would have to deal with the drunken consequences, while the only revenue it generated was a small corkage fee. 

Douglas Vance, the legendary manager, pointed this out to Stuart Musgrave junior one Saturday when there were five or six weddings taking place and people were getting very drunk. Stuart was appalled and the Metropole secured its licence in 1956.

King of New York

No shortage of drink, alcoholic and non, last Thursday evening when friends of the hotel gathered to help celebrate the 125th anniversary. And the hosts had two special cocktails on hand. One was called the King of New York and was a blend of Tequila, Coconut and Orange Bitters.

The other was Once Upon A Time and the mix here was Vodka, Blackberry Syrup and Prosecco. This was our favourite of the two!

I thought they might have used milk in a cocktail for the night. Milk? Okay…. Back in the 50s, British film and TV star Dawn Addams was a guest during the Cork Film Festival and wanted her bathtub filled with milk. She met her match though in Vance who turned down her demand because the people of the city were facing hardship.

That incident and quite a few more were referred to by Roger Russell, the current general manager, when he welcomed guests to the celebration. Many other stars have stayed here including Walt Disney, James Mason, Gregory Peck and jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald.

Jazz at the Met

The Met has been host to the Cork Jazz Festival since its inception in 1978. Indeed, Jim Mountjoy, a former deputy general manager (and present at the celebrations), got the Jazz show on the road here and he got a round of applause for his contribution.

As you can easily imagine there are many stories about the hotel, its guests and workers over the decades and there were quite a few information points in the magnificent ballroom detailing some of them, including the milk bath!

Celebrating (l-r): Nicole O’ Leary (Rooms Division Duty Manager), Kylie Basnett (Corporate Sales & M.I.C.E. manager), and Roger Russell (General Manager)

Roger didn’t forget the workers, past and present. “We’re really glad to such loyal team members. We are nothing without them.” He also announced that the hotel will run tours of the building during the summer and you’ll all have a chance to share in the stories.

Lord Mayor Colm Kelleher, in one of his final duties before handing over the chain on the following day, praised the Met for being a pivotal part of the city, during Empire and Revolution and World Wars. And he too lauded its contribution to the Jazz Festival since its inception. “Think of Jazz, you think of the Met. Think of the Met, you think of Jazz.” And it was then that Jim Mountjoy got another round of applause.

 

Morning by the River Lee

 Morning by the River Lee

(pics 25.06.2022)

Tall Things

Panorama

Has the old silo sprouted an extension?

Marquee

All together

TOTALLY TERRIFIC TOMATO FESTIVAL AT AIRFIELD ESTATE

TOTALLY TERRIFIC TOMATO FESTIVAL

AIRFIELD ESTATE

 

SATURDAY, 27^TH AND SUNDAY 28^TH AUGUST 2022 09.30am-5pm daily

Pre-book via www.airfield.ie

Instagram @AirfieldEstate / Facebook @AirfieldEstate

Twitter @AirfieldEstate

After a two-year hiatus, the colourful “Totally Terrific Tomato Festival” is back with a smash and a brand-new venue. This year, Dublin’s favourite Urban Farm and Gardens, Airfield Estate, will play host to the two-day festival, where there’ll be no tomato shortages and plenty of fun to be had with tips aplenty from tomato growing enthusiasts and experts alike. Celebrating its 10th birthday this unique festival which champions the culture and diversity of tomatoes will have a specific focus on taste for its residence in Airfield on the weekend of August 27th & 28th 2022.

The cost of living has dramatically increased over the past few months, with the humble tomato causing political unrest in India (price of tomatoes has jumped 70% from a month ago, and vegetables have an unusual history of toppling governments in the country) (ref Bloomberg) . 

 In Ireland, retailers have cited that the cost of tinned tomatoes has risen in price by 29% and a tray pack of tomatoes by almost 10% (ref RTE). Even if the consumer isn’t buying fresh produce, the humble tomato is used in a wide range of products including ketchup, prepared sauces, and convenience ready-made meals, so the costs have risen for these items too. Ireland does grow and produce tomatoes, but also imports over 25,000 tonnes last year (ref CSO) and add the outrageous fuel prices and other inflation factors it looks like the costs will continue on an upward spiral for the foreseeable future (ref RTE). Therefore, the ‘Totally Terrific Tomato Festival’ is the ideal destination for those looking to start growing their own or learning more about this versatile and precious commodity.

As was the intention of its founder Nicky Kyle, this festival will continue to celebrate the delicious and diverse fruit with a jaw dropping display of over 100 tomato varieties. Community involvement will be key to creating this display and already 60 tomato growers from across the country have pledged to grow tomatoes for the festival. 

Individuals who contribute tomatoes to the display will be automatically entered into the tomato competition with prizes awarded for several categories including the much-coveted title of “ugliest” tomato. This visually stimulating display will be accompanied by informative talks, tomato seed saving demonstrations, tomato growing tours and the all-important tomato taste test.

“Airfield Estate is encouraging people to get to know their food. We are delighted to put the spotlight on tomatoes and host the festival. The catalyst for bringing the festival to Airfield was the desire to carry out a tomato taste test, a sensory experiment whereby Airfield will pitch four distinct tomato varieties against each other to find the tastiest tomato for our garden team to grow. Our four open pollinated contenders have big boots to fill but ultimately with the help of the public the tastiest tomato will reign supreme” said Airfield Estate’s CEO, Claire MacEvilly.

For Colm O'Driscoll, Head Gardener at Airfield Estate The GAIA Seed Exchange trail in the UK was the initial inspiration behind the new addition to the Festival, The Tomato Taste Test as the GAIA celebrate their seeds and the stories behind them in order to connect the wider community with issues around crop genetic diversity just like the ‘totally Terrific Tomatoes Festival’ wishes to.

Whether you are a rookie gardener or a tomato grower this festival is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the Totally Terrific Tomato and ultimately will help you to get to know your tomatoes better. There will also be a series of talks and events throughout the two-day event with more to be confirmed. Scheduled talks and demonstrations for now include:

· Garden tour of tomato growing in Airfield including top tips on how to grow tomatoes.

· Tomato seed saving demonstrations.

· Demonstration on how to prune your tomato to make it more productive.

As with all community-based events, there will be a competition prize giving, for the ‘best in show’ or rather the ‘tastiest in show’.

 
Airfield Estate is located just off the M50 and reachable by LUAS to the Balally stop, by Bike with bike-parking onsite, by Bus routes 11,14, 14C, 44, 44B, 75, 116 and 175 and finally by Car or Coach taking the M50 to Junction 13, following the R826 for 2 kilometres to Overend Way.

Annual pass holders do not need to prebook to visit the Estate. Day tickets can also be purchased on arrival at the ticket desk, but workshops must be booked in advance where indicated. To book your day pass please click here

A Quart of Ale± #110 On the craft journey with Lineman, Brú and Dot Brew

 A Quart of Ale± #110

On the craft journey with Lineman, Brú and Dot 

Lineman Green Light West Coast IPA 7.0%, 440 ml can

A hazy bright light gold is the colour of this West Coast IPA. It has a lingering soft white head. More importantly, it has been “packed with a large hop load”. 

And that load makes its mark first on the pungent aromas. Well balanced though on the dank palate. No shortage of flavour with pine and grapefruit prominent and bitterness galore, the hop load delivering all the way to the impressive finish. Impressive finish, impressive beer.

Not surprisingly, they’ve picked a trio of US hops for this one: Columbus (also known as CTZ), Centennial and Idaho7.

So what is a West Coast IPA? It started off as an IPA made on the west coast of the US. Nowadays, the style may be made anywhere in the states, anywhere in the world. The most important elements, according to the current Beer Bible, “are enhanced bitterness and a pronounced citrus or pine flavour”. On that basis, Lineman’s gets the green light here. I’m good to go again!

Lineman Stopover Blond Ale 5.1%, 440 ml can Bradleys

It is widely acknowledge that we owe much to Belgian brewers, not least for Amber and Blond Ale inspiration. As you can see , Lineman used a a Belgian yeast strain in their Stopover. 

And they also used Golding and Saaz hops. And in what other beer do you find those two? Well in the Duval, which gets the nod “as the world’s most beautiful beer” in the Beer Bible. Author Jeff Alworth tells us the Duval Yeast is legend… and the secret to Duvel is its balance. Would be nice to compare the Belgian and this Lineman side by side!

Lineman, an independent Irish microbrewery based in Rathcoole, Co. Dublin, consistently produce quite excellent beers and this Blond Ale is one of the most recent.

It has a gorgeous gold colour and soft white head, regularly reinforced by upward streams of bubbles. No shortage of hops here and they’ve been generous with the Golding, Saaz and Hallertau. But they’ve also used a Belgian yeast strain that also contributes to the fruit as well as adding some spice flavours. And the malts also play a role here in a crisp and refreshing beer that is a bit different to the norm.

Available in cans and draught.

Brú Howling at the Sun West Coast IPA 5.7%, 440 ml can Bradleys

“Part of the Urban Jungle series that celebrates the brewery’s adventurous side. A classic West Coast Pale Ale, Howling at the Sun delivers bitterness alongside a big hit of juicy tropical notes.”. That’s the brewery intro to Howling at the Sun. 

It’s a very hazy mid-orange, the haze hinting at east coast rather than west. Head is foamy, soft and white. The power of the hops jumps up from the glass. And your first sip confirms bracing bitterness, a bitterness that outguns the flavours right to the end.

No doubt, hop aficionados will go for this one. Can’t take a shine to it though; I prefer a bit more balance and its lack leaves me howling at the moon😉. 

Dot Brew General Population IPA 6.5%, 440 ml can Bradleys.

Dot Brew’s General Population, a New England IPA apparently, has a light orange colour with a pillowy white head that’s slow to sink. The hops, two from Australia and one from the US, head up the aromatics. First thing I noticed on the palate was the softness, probably down to the oats. And there’s quite a bit of fruit, mostly tropical such as Passion Fruit and Pineapple and some from nearer home like Peach and Grapefruit. A hint of sticky stuff from the pines too that those of you who have ever sawed evergreen trees into firewood, when times were tougher, may remember. Good balance though and easy-drinking.

Geeks Bits:

Ingredients: Barley, oats (expect creamy), hops, yeast.

Hops: New England IPA w/ Aus Galaxy (Passion fruit, Peach, Citrus), AUS Vic Secret (Passion fruit ResinousPineapple) & USA Amarillo (Grapefruit, Peach, resinous) Easy drinking, soft and pillowy

Spic and span Fudi serving up enticing Asian food in Blackpool

Spic and span Fudi serving up 

enticing Asian food in Blackpool

Satay

As a first time visitor walks, carefully, across the busy Old Mallow Road, towards the Fudi premises, you’ll have little idea, from the initial look at the exterior, of how large and how bright this neat and tidy dining room is. But once inside, the bright well decorated place will impress, as will the warm welcome, and that is all before you start to enjoy the Asian style food that is served here.

While I was in the Douglas Fudi on the night it opened, this was my first call to Blackpool. I was on the lookout for their Massaman curry but that wasn’t available on the lunch menu (which is a bit shorter than the evening and delivery menu).

Crispy Chilli Chicken

Still, there was plenty to choose from. They had a couple of soups, Buffalo wings,  Japanese Gyoza, King Prawn Tempura, Four in One, Chicken Burger, Douglas Beef Burger, and a curry Dish.

My pick was the Satay Stir Fry with onions, mixed peppers, carrots broccoli, and mushroom in satay sauce. You have a choice of chicken, beef, tofu, vegetable, or prawn. I opted for the House Special (a bit of everything!) and that cost an extra euro bringing the price to €10.90). Also I had a choice of either chips or rice and went for the latter (sharing with CL who had the fries). The stir fry was more or less perfect, just love the way the vegetables are so well cooked in Asian cuisine; indeed everything was spot on.

CL's dish was the €9.90 Crispy Chilli Chicken (with onions, mixed peppers, carrots, pineapple in their homemade sweet chilli sauce). Another excellent plateful though some people may find the sauce a little on the sweet side.

They offer plenty of drinks here including Smoothies, Teas, coffees and chocolate. No shortage of soft drinks either but surprisingly enough they don’t serve tap water. A 50ml bottle of Acqua Panna (which seems to have travelled the world to get to Cork) will cost you €3.00. 

Blackpool interior

They also sell wines (white, red and sparkling), a couple of Asian beers, the local Stag Ban Gluten Free Ale along with Stonewell ciders (including the excellent alcohol free version). Cocktails available also along with spirits, including Beara Gin.

Aside from Blackpool, Fudi has three other outlets in Cork: in Edenhall (Model Farm Road) in Douglas (in the Woollen Mills) and in Mahon (Avenue de Rennes).  If you like Asian or would like to try it, then Fudi is a great place to visit.

* We did follow-up the Massaman and got it a week or so later via their online delivery service. Ordered for 5.00pm, arrived with a smile at 5.00pm! Neatly packed too by the way.

Their Thai Red Massaman Curry (I choose the chicken option) is described as a rich creamy mild coconut milk curry with onions, carrots, mixed peppers and pineapple. Accurate enough and, as I'd hoped, I enjoyed the Massaman, even getting a spoon to get it all where I wanted it!

The other dish that evening was their Yaki Soba, the Japanese noodles coming complete with chicken, eggs, onions, carrots, bean sprouts and scallions. No real heat in this one but an excellent dish all the same.

We had ordered one side of chips and they sent two but there was no charge for the extra one. Thanks guys!

METROPOLE HOTEL CELEBRATES 125 YEARS OF WELCOMING GUESTS TO THE HEART OF CORK CITY

METROPOLE HOTEL CELEBRATES 125 YEARS

OF WELCOMING GUESTS TO THE HEART OF CORK CITY

Pictured at the launch (L/R):  Sabina Krkić Bengez (Front Office Manager), Jan Mitchell (Deputy General Manager), Nicole O’ Leary (Rooms Division Duty Manager), Kylie Basnett (Corporate Sales & M.I.C.E. manager), Pierce Lowney (Food & Beverage Manager), Roger Russell (General Manager), Kevin O'Leary (Bar Manager) and Niall FitzGerald (Food & Beverage Training Specialist).

One of Ireland’s most historic hotels is celebrating 125 years at the centre of Cork life. The Metropole Hotel has welcomed Oscar winning actors, producers and directors, Nobel laureate writers and grammy award winning singers since its doors first opened in 1897. 

It was designed by architect Arthur Hill and built to the highest standards and opulence of the day by John Delaney and Co Builders. The Metropole was owned by the Musgrave family of merchants until 1977 when it was sold to a consortium of local businessmen. Today it is part of Trigon Hotels and employs more than 100 people. 

Over the years the Metropole has hosted many thousands of weddings and is even reported to have hosted King Edward VII for tea on the roof when he visited Cork in 1903 for the city’s Great Exhibition. It was a ‘dry hotel’ for several decades and was advertised as “Ireland’s Finest Unlicensed Hotel”.

The Metropole made headlines around the world in the 1950s when British actress Dawn Addams stayed there. She visited the city in 1957 for the Cork Film Festival which was screening her film ‘A King in New York’. Her requests for a bath of milk were refused by the hotel manager Douglas Vance as the people of Cork were finding it hard to make ends meet at the time.

Other notable guests include actors Gregory Peck and James Mason, directors Walt Disney, Vittoria de Sica and John Huston, writers John Steinbeck and Frank O’Connor as well as legendary Jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald. 

The Metropole is also responsible for the Cork Jazz Festival which has grown into a world-renowned annual event. It was founded by Sales and Marketing Manager Jim Mountjoy in 1978 and has attracted well over a million people to Cork on the October Bank Holiday weekend since then. 

Commenting on the 125th anniversary, Managing Director of Trigon Hotels Aaron Mansworth added, “It is a huge milestone to reach 125 years in business and that is in no small part to the thousands of people who have worked at the Metropole Hotel over the last 125 years. People like Douglas Vance who was General Manager for 38 years from 1944 until he retired in 1982. He transformed the hotel into the top class venue it is today introducing the highest standards of service and cleanliness. We count ourselves incredibly lucky to have such dedicated and loyal team members working with us today, many of whom have been at the Metropole for decades.”

To mark the 125th birthday, the hotel has launched a new cocktail menu giving a nod to the history and nostalgia of the hotel. It is also showcasing the history of the hotel with new displays and will be running tours for guests throughout the summer.  

General Manager Roger Russell added, “The Metropole has a fascinating history and one we’re really proud to celebrate. I hope that guests will find it as interesting as we do. Cork city has vastly changed over the years but the Metropole remains a constant. We have welcomed huge movie stars, famous singers and writers but every guest is special to us. It is wonderful to see generations of families return year after year celebrating the important milestones like christenings, weddings and anniversaries and I hope it will continue for another 125 years more.”

press release

From Castillo Y Leon, a beautiful Tempranillo and an outstanding expression of Sauvignon Blanc

From Castillo Y Leon, a beautiful Tempranillo and an outstanding expression of Sauvignon Blanc

*********

Finca Menade Sauvignon Blanc (Vino de la Tierra Castillo Y Leon) 2021

€18.35 64 Wine Dublin, Bradley’s of Cork, Greenman Dublin, Le Caveau Kilkenny

Open the cork on this one and you immediately smell gooseberry. It is from Spain, it is organic, gluten free, and vegan friendly and yes, it is Sauvignon Blanc. France and New Zealand are the top Sauvignon blanc growers but Rueda in Spain grows a fair bit and grows it well if this Menade is anything to go by.

The colour is a pale straw. You’ll also note some more exotic fruits such as grapefruit, mango and passionfruit in both the aromas and on the palate, some “local” flavours too like apricot and peach. The grape is noted for its high acidity and low sweetness and that is the case here. 

Importers Le Caveau say this is a “Marlborough style that doesn't travel half as far” and that assertion is reinforced by the acidity and fruit. This youthful and modern expression of the grape is well balanced, with a hint of lime in a long lingering finish. A delight to engage with and Very Highly Recommended. 

Brothers and sister Marco, Richard and Alejandra Sanz run this certified organic estate in Rueda, South of Valladolid. The estate, where Sauvignon blanc has found a home since its 1994 introduction, has 160 ha in production (including 30 ha of pre-phylloxera vines). 

The soil-type consists of sandy clay and is covered with pebbles in most part. Hand-harvesting, natural yeasts and low yields are some of the techniques used to produce the trade-mark Menade style of pure and expressive wines. I enjoyed a bottle of their superb Verdejo in 2021 and you may read the short review here.  

As with Menade Verdejo, each parcel – for these vary widely depending on the soil type and orientation of the vines – is picked and vinified separately, fermentation is on the basis of the grapes’ natural, wild yeasts, and the wine is left briefly on its fine lees. Just one example of the attention to detail. Hand-harvesting, carbonic snow  (instead of sulphur), loveable trees, natural yeasts and low yields are among the techniques used to produce pure and expressive wines.

Sauvignon Blanc, according to Wine Folly, pairs wonderfully with “herb-driven sauces, salty cheeses, light meats and… Asian Food.” 

* This wine is labelled Vino de la Tierra (VdT) and this is the same classification often indicated by IGP (Indicatión Geográfica Protegida.

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Alfredo Maestro Almate (Vino de la Tierra Castillo Y Leon) 2020, 

€17.60 64 Wine Dublin, Bradley’s of Cork, Greenman Dublin, Le Caveau Kilkenny

Dark red, close to purple, is the colour of this Tempranillo, not from Rioja but from Ribera del Duero. Red and darker fruits head up the aromatics and you’ll find some vanilla hints there too.  More of the same in the mouth as the mid-bodied smooth and creamy wine flows across. Tannins are gentle and sweet and indeed, the whole experience is rather gentle. Well structured, well balanced and Very Highly Recommended.

And that is a satisfactory outcome for both the customer and the producer Alfredo whose goal is to make "easy wines with character imprinted with the earth and the vintage, authentic stories transmitted differently each year and not modified by the hand of the man in the cellar.”

I’ve enjoyed a few different vintages over recent years including the 2016 and, more recently, the 2018: “Another well-made wine from the man "known as the magician of the Duero, a prominent exponent of the natural wine movement in Spain.” This is Alfredo’s flagship wine and Spanish Wine Lover rates it “as outstanding within its type and style”.  There is indeed something of a consensus about this excellent well-priced wine and you may confidently add it to your shopping list!

Le Caveau:Viña Almate is the name of the first vineyard that Alfredo planted and gives the name to his bodega and to Alfredo’s entry-level Duero wine. This cuvee is made from fruit sourced from various plots of Tinto Fino (local name for Tempranillo), of varying vine ages, located in Valtiendas at 1,000 m. elevation, as well as Peñafiel, at 700 meters. 

Tempranillo is Spain’s top variety, made famous by the wines of Rioja. It is grown widely in Spain including in Ribera del Duero and Toro. It is grown in quite a few countries, including Portugal, but not in any significant quantity. 

Le Caveau indicates it pairs well with pair with grilled and roasted meats. Wine Folly more or less agrees saying older bolder Temps match with steak, gourmet burgers and rack of lamb. “Fresher styles match well with baked pasta and other tomato based dishes.”

Summertime at the big house. Sculpture on the lawn. Lunch in the conservatory.

 Summertime at the big house. Sculpture on the lawn. 

Lunch in the conservatory. Ballymaloe House

Side view of James Joyce by John Coll

I always enjoy my visit to the annual Richard Scott Sculpture Gallery Ballymaloe exhibition. So popular ha sit become that it now has made a permanent home on the lawn in front of the big house with a field of barley growing alongside. While you may not walk on the barley, the exhibition organisers have created a 600 meter grass pathway weaving through the long grass alongside the mown sculpture area.

After all that strolling and walking, we thought we deserved our light lunch in the Ballymaloe Conservatory. As always, much of what you get here is their own produce with some also provided by local producers. We enjoyed, in some comfort, the Caherbeg Bacon Sandwich and also the House Paté with side salad and superb toast, all washed down with a glass of their Apple Juice and a bottle of non-alcoholic Stonewell Cider.

Head-on view of James Joyce by John Coll. Best in show?

There are over forty pieces (created by 23 Irish artists) in the current exhibition; it runs until 31st August and is open from 9.00am to 9.00pm each day. And if you come on a Thursday in June and July at 6.00pm, you may take a guided tour which is relaxed and informative. No booking required.

A field of sculpture

House Paté

Sunny Day by Eileen Singleton

Eileen Singleton has a trio of these pieces in the show and I liked all three though this is perhaps my favourite!

Free range Caherbeg Bacon

Sea Eagle by Ester Barrett

Animals always feature here and this sea eagle in bronze is a splendid example.  Another Barrett piece, titled Emerging, is possible even more striking but I didn't get a decent photo. Others to look out for include Adan Pomeroy's Raven and the mini-pieces by 8ight called Scorpion, Bull, Dragonfly and especially (for me) Butterfly.

The Tall Green Hare by Seamus Connolly

This is probably the most eye-catching of the hares in the show. Donnacha Cahill also has a couple (one big, one small) while Peter Killeen has two smooth customers in bronze.

Sir Dan by Aidan Harte

Don't think I'd fancy meeting Sir Dan in a ring or down a dark alley. It is in bronze. Below we have a smoother piece in Kilkenny Limestone. I reckon The Pugilist may at least abide by the Marquis of Queensbury Rules while Dan would be more the Mixer Martial Arts type.

Pugilist by Jason Ellis. Jason's Supplicant also impresses.

Hedgehogs by Richard Healy

This small scale bronze could well be one of the most popular pieces in the exhibition, makes everybody smile. I like it of course though my overall favourite is the James Joyce, the one that makes you frown!

More the exhibition here.