The Market Lane Restaurant Group is Recognised as Top Employer by 'Great Place To Work'

The Market Lane Restaurant Group is Recognised 

as Top Employer by 'Great Place To Work'

From L to R:  Margaret Keane, Grace Maduka, Ozgur Canpolat, Gavin Corrigan and Natalia Machado representing the five restaurants that comprise Cork's Market Lane Group

The Group has also won a Failte Ireland Employer Excellence Group Award

The Market Lane Group of Restaurants in Cork is honoured to announce that it is one of only a handful of companies in the Irish hospitality sector to be certified as a ‘Great Place to Work 2024’. The Group has also won a prestigious Failte Ireland ‘Employer Excellence’ Gold Award 2024, recognising it as an “outstanding employer” in the tourism sector.

“We are proud and humbled to receive these Awards,” said head of the Market Lane Group, Conrad Howard.  

“‘Great Place to Work’ (GPTW) found that 94% of staff said they would be proud to tell others they work with us and 92% think the company is a great place to work,” he said.

“We are lucky that we have such an excellent team at the Market Lane Group, and we are very proud that they feel so positively about their working environment. We have always made staff welfare and professional development a priority and these findings show that this commitment has been very worthwhile.

  
“Being recognised as a great place to work is also a huge asset; it's good for staff and suppliers, good for customers and good for business.  As far as we know we are the only restaurant group to have achieved both awards” he added.

Ozgur, with cocktails.

Comprising 5 restaurants including Market Lane, Elbow Lane Smokehouse & Brewery, ORSO, Goldie and Castle Café Blackrock, the Market Lane Group employs up to 200 staff in the hospitality sector in Cork and its restaurants look after thousands of diners every week.  As well as catering for locals, the company also prides itself as an integral part of the quality tourism offering in Cork’s city centre.

Staff recruitment and retention are key to maintaining high standards, and the group is delighted that it can now use these awards to help attract new employees into the industry and to show that it can provide them with really rewarding, longstanding careers.

Grace Maduka and Natalia Machado

 
The GPTW programme operates as part of the Tourism Ireland Employer Excellence scheme by undertaking a detailed employee survey and feedback process on behalf of employers. Strict criteria need to be met to qualify for certification and companies have to score highly across several key employee satisfaction indicators such as trust in management, training and development opportunities, pride in the workplace, remuneration and diversity and inclusion practices.

 
The Market Lane Group will now go on to take part in the finals of Failte Ireland’s annual Employer Excellence Awards which spotlights the top operators in key tourism sectors across the country.  The overall winners will be announced in May 2024.

press release

“Each tank is tasted three times a day to determine what is needed.” Altos Las Hormigas “Terroir” Malbec Valle de Uco

Altos Las Hormigas “Terroir” Malbec Valle de Uco Mendoza 2019, 13.5% ABV, 

RRP €26.95. Stockists: The Cinnamon Cottage / JJ O’Driscoll Superstore Ballinlough / The Corkscrew

“Each tank is tasted three times a day to determine what is needed.”

Coming from a careful selection of grapes from the oldest geological part of Uco Valley in Argentina, this Malbec is a deep ruby. The aromatics feature dark berries and cherries and also show outstanding violet notes. The vivid fruitiness and the distinctive floral elements all come together harmoniously in a fresh and round palate, while acidity and tannins also play a balancing role here and the finish pleasantly lingers.

Not my first time enjoying this stellar wine. Very Highly Recommended.

“This Malbec is ideal to pair with various dishes, from red meats to pasta or grilled vegetables”, according to the producers, Malbec specialists since 1995. Serve at 16 degrees.

Check out  our Top Wines 2024 list (with stockists and short reviews) here 

Looking for better value? All under 20 euro. Click here

Just to give you an idea of the attention to detail here, here’s a quote from their website on this Malbec’s fermentation. “100% Malbec grapes harvested by hand. After a careful, double-sorting process, the grapes are softly pressed and fermented with indigenous yeasts to express the vineyard they come from. Fermentation takes place in separate stainless steel tanks between 24-28°C for 10 days. Each tank is tasted three times a day to determine what is needed. The wine is then aged for a minimum of 9 months in concrete vats. No oak aging.”

Pic via Diego_Torres Pixabay

Where did the name come from? It was already there even before the vineyard was founded. The ants (Las Hormigas) love newly planted vines. But the owners didn't want to poison them, after all the ants were the original inhabitants; they lived with the nuisance and then found that the ants had no interest in the vines once they began to grow. (Source: Wines of South America by Evan Goldstein.)

Taste of the Week. Juicy Pears from The Roughty Fruit King

Taste of the Week. 

Juicy Pears from The Roughty Fruit King

Calling all fruit lovers!

Today, we're featuring a taste sensation that's sure to tantalise your palate: unsprayed pears from The Roughty Fruit King at the English Market.

While you might be reaching for chocolate this weekend, don't underestimate the power of a gorgeous pear. These juicy and flavourful beauties are bursting with freshness and haven't been treated with any sprays.

Enjoy them your way! Bite right in for a burst of flavour or, as I did yesterday, slice them up for an extra dose of deliciousness. They're also perfect for poaching in red wine for a warm and comforting dessert.

Don't miss out on this taste of pure, unadulterated goodness! Head over to Margo Ann's Roughty Fruit in the English Market and grab your own bag of unsprayed pears today. Fairly priced too, by the way!

This delicious red carries Vin De France on its label but is none the worse for that! Famille Hubert L’Atypic de Peybonhomme.

Famille Hubert L’Atypic de Peybonhomme (Vin de France) 2021, 12.5% ABV

About €22.00 retail. Stockists: Sonas in Newcastle West, Co. Limerick & Wunderkaffee in Cork along with Mary Pawle. 

The delicious L'Atypic carries Vin De France on its label but is none the worse for that! 

The Cabernet Franc and Malbec blend may be well regularly used in Argentina but not so much in Bordeaux. And so we get the name, “The Atypic”. This atypical blend also means that it doesn't qualify for AOC and so is sold under the Vin De France designation. None the worse for that!

The colour of this wine is a deep ruby. Aromas are fresh and fruity. And that follows through to the palate, delicious fruity juice (blackberry and cherry) with a pleasant peppery bite. It is well-rounded with soft tannins.

The blend is 60% Cabernet Franc (a grape noted for its freshness) and 40% Malbec. The percentages may not be the same in every vintage. Highly Recommended.

L’Atypic is organic and fermentation is with natural grape yeasts. They say it is bottled early to “keep all the freshness of the fruit”. L'Atypic is raised entirely in concrete (and bottled unfiltered so expect some natural sediment at the bottom of the bottle). Cultivation here, since 2000, follows biodynamic practice. Lots of "hands-on" work involved.

It is not recommended to accompany fish but is otherwise quite versatile at the table (including with Charcuterie platters and tapas) and very enjoyable at the barbecue. Serve slightly chilled at 17-18°C.

The winery itself can be found in the Premières Côtes de Blaye on the right bank overlooking the Gironde estuary. If, like many Irish people, you have holidayed in the Royan area, you may well be familiar with these Famille Hubert wines from Peybonhomme as the vineyard is just 75 minutes or so away.

*****

Buds and Blossom

Buds and Blossom

Blarney Castle Gardens 

28.03.2024

Wild Garlic

Blossom at the entrance

On the way to the castle

Walking to and from castle under a cover of spring blossom

Budding

Cashel Blue named Best Irish Cheese and Reserve Champion at British & Irish Cheese Awards

Cashel Blue named Best Irish Cheese and 

Reserve Champion at British & Irish Cheese Awards

Sarah Furno, Cashel Farmhouse Cheesemakers, Ian Thomas, Greenfields and Julius Longman, chairman of the British Cheese Awards. Photo: Mike Duberry

Cashel Farmhouse Cheesemakers in Co. Tipperary has landed the Best Irish Cheese and Reserve Champion trophies at the British & Irish Cheese Awards 2024, taking two of this year’s top honours with Cashel Blue, a characterful semi-soft blue cow’s milk cheese with a full flavour and signature tang. Held at the Bath & West Showground on Friday 22 March, the 28^th British & Irish Cheese Awards assessed over 600 entries from across the UK and Ireland, before welcoming cheese lovers into the judging arena throughout the new Bath & West Food & Drink Festival.

All trophies were presented during the British & Irish Cheese Awards Dinner, with Snowdrop by Cote Hill in Lincolnshire taking the Supreme Champion trophy. Best English Cheese was awarded to Tor from White Lake Cheese, Best Scottish Cheese went to Minger from Highland Fine Cheeses and Best Welsh Cheese was awarded to Gafr Las from Bryngaer Goats.

Organised by The Royal Bath & West Society, the British & Irish Cheese Awards saw a 63-strong judging panel made up of cheesemakers, cheesemongers, cheese experts, buyers and commentators assessing entries in their individual classes during the morning session, awarding Bronze, Silver and Gold accolades. During the second round, all Gold award winners from each category were judged alongside one another to identify the category winners, before all category winners were judged in the final round to find this year’s Supreme Champion and Reserve Champion.

Hosted for the first time by the new Bath & West Food & Drink Festival, the British & Irish Cheese Awards invited festival visitors to sample some of this year’s entries over the course of the weekend and to cast their votes in the People’s Choice Award.

press release

Big congrats to Stonewell Ciders who have been awarded two Golds and a Silver at Cidermaking Industry ‘Oscars'

 Stonewell Cider Gains Global Recognition 

at Cidermaking Industry ‘Oscars’

Big congrats to all at Stonewell Ciders who have been awarded two Golds and a Silver in the Cider with Other Fruits & Flowers, the Open Class and the Modern Cider categories respectively at the International Brewing & Cider Awards 2024, specifically Rós (Rhubarb & Apple Cider), Tawny 10 and Stonewell Cider Medium Dry.

Following three days of deliberation from an international panel of 38 judges from around the world, 115 medals were awarded to beers and ciders including winners from Cambodia, China, Czech Republic, Ireland, Finland, Norway, Taiwan, Thailand, USA and the UK.  

For the first time in its 138-year history, Manchester hosted the brewing industry ‘Oscars’ which date back to 1886 and have a rich history championing the world’s best brewers and cider-makers.

The International Brewing & Cider Awards relocated to Depot Mayfield in Manchester this year and – in another first – was accompanied by a public festival. The two-day International Brewing & Cider Festival will provide a rare opportunity for the public to sample the range of beers and ciders entered into the competition, including the award-winners. 

Stonewell's Daniel Emerson tasting.

The judging for The International Brewing & Cider Awards took place over three days between 19th – 21st March and provided an unparalleled opportunity for brewers and cidermakers to have their products evaluated by internationally acclaimed, commercially practising international brewers and cidermakers, led by Chair of Beer Judging, Rob McCaig and Chair of Cider Judging, Gabe Cook. 

Ruth Evans MBE, Director of the International Brewing & Cider Awards, said: “It’s been an honour to recognise and celebrate the extraordinary beers and ciders across the world at our new home here in Manchester.

“We support the brewing and cidermaking industry on a not-for-profit basis, and the Awards has a long and rich history championing the best beers and ciders going into the market. 

“This week, we’ve had some of the best brewers and cidermakers in the world judge our prestigious competition and I’d like to personally thank all of them, as well as all the brewers and cidermakers who entered their products to make this year’s Awards one to remember. 

“We’re thrilled to be able to continue to provide a platform to reward the best beers and ciders with the recognition they so truly deserve. And for the first time ever expand to launch our Festival, providing the public a chance to sample these award-winning drinks from the most extensive collection of international beers and cider in Europe.”

Rob McCaig, Chair of Beer Judging, said: “We’ve had such an outstanding lineup of judges from all corners of the world, and they’ve all done a remarkable job tasting and evaluating some of the finest beers from around the globe. 

“This year proved to be one of the toughest yet to determine which of the beers were deserving of a medal. We had an exceptional amount of great quality beers enter this year, making the job of our judging panel extremely difficult. It’s a shame we couldn’t award more medals, as there were so many beers that were deserving of the accolade – some of which narrowly missed out. 

“We saw a significant increase in entries in the Non & Low Alcohol category, which reflects the growing demand in the industry, and also saw an influx of international brewers enter the Smallpack Ale category, which is very promising. Historically, this category has often been dominated by the UK, but this year saw the inclusion of breweries from Japan, North America and South America.”   

Gabe Cook, Chair of Cider Judging, said: “It has been a great pleasure once again to chair the world’s premier cider competition. This year has been the best calibre of judges we’ve ever had, coming from all over the world including Japan, Latvia, Norway, USA, Spain and the UK. 

A winner!

“The incredible global range has also been reflected in the cider entries, with entries arriving from Africa, Asia, Australasia, Europe and North America. 

“This has undoubtedly been the most difficult competition to judge – the quality of ciders has been truly, so high. It’s great to see that cidermakers have been upping their game on the quality, and those that were awarded a medal in their category is a recognition truly deserved. 

“We have seen a lot of fun and playful ciders being entered into the Open Class, which provides cidermakers with a bit of freedom to do something a little different, which is always nice to see.” 

The competition’s unique approach to the judging process sets it apart from other awards, which ensures each beer and cider is judged fairly and rigorously on its quality and commercial value. The 38-strong judging panel was chosen to reflect the current expertise in the tasting and commercial evaluation of beers and ciders going into the market and blind tasted hundreds of beers and ciders submitted by brewers and cidermakers from around the world. It is these values that has earnt it the reputation as the ‘Oscars of the brewing and cider world’.  

All the gold, silver and bronze medal winners announced at Depot Mayfield, Manchester will collect their medals at an official Awards Ceremony on 1st May 2024 at The Guildhall in London, when 12 trophy winners will also be announced.

A full list of all 2024 medal winners can be found on The International Brewing & Cider Awards’ website: www.brewingawards.org 

The International Brewing & Cider Awards 2024 are supported by headline sponsors; Barth-Haas Group, Krones and Fermentis. Trophy sponsors include; drinktech + Marketing, The Morning Advertiser, Brauwelt, BFBI, All Party Parliamentary Beer Group, British Guild of Beer Writers, and Institute of Brewing & Distilling. 

 

In Praise of East Cork. Food. People. Place. Worth a Visit!

 In Praise of East Cork.

Food. People. Place. Worth a Visit!

Tasting of the best smoked fish included in guided tour of Hederman Smokery in Belvelly Cobh.

Friendly people, great food, coastal and inland attractions, make East Cork a gem of a place to visit. From the fantastic 13th century St Mary’s Collegiate Church in Youghal to high class Gardens and Arboretum at Fota, both free to enter, there is a treasure chest of places to visit in the area.

Beer of the Week. Galway Bay Lush Extra Pale Ale

Beer of the Week

Galway Bay Lush Extra Pale Ale, 4.3% ABV, 

440 ml can Bradleys

This new Galway Bay beer has a beautiful gold colour with micro-bubbles racing towards the soft white head. Mosaic and Citra hops blend perfectly, creating a mixture of citrus notes, pine, and tropical flavours. 

Built on a light base of Marris Otter and Pale Malts, with a touch of wheat, the beer is well-balanced and easy to drink. The brewery has declared it as one of their core beers and a new permanent fixture in their range.

I had an initial wariness of the name Lush (I thought it may be too fruity), but the beer is crisp, citrusy, and hoppy, with subtle bitterness and juicy flavours. It falls between their West Coast and hazy beers and is a great session beer at 4.3%. 

Very Highly Recommended and my Beer of the Week.

INTRODUCING: JAMESON REMIXED CARIBBEAN BEATS

Redbreast Cuatro Barriles Edition

REDBREAST IRISH WHISKEY UNVEILS NEW GLOBAL TRAVEL RETAIL EXCLUSIVE: REDBREAST CUATRO BARRILES EDITION

 
Redbreast Irish Whiskey, produced by Irish Distillers at its world-renowned Midleton Distillery in Co. Cork, Ireland, proudly presents Redbreast Cuatro Barriles Edition. The extraordinary single pot still Irish whiskey has launched exclusively to Global Travel Retail available now at Dublin and Cork Duty Free, Ireland, at €108 RRP and forms part of the Redbreast Iberian Series.

This exceptional expression has been created by marrying together whiskey aged in four distinct cask types – American ex-bourbon, Spanish oloroso sherry butts, Portuguese tawny port hogsheads and European virgin oak casks. Featuring this unique and rare combination of casks, the whiskey offers extraordinary complexity, with waves of sweet spices, delicate wine tannins, generous dark berry notes and subtle oak tones. Redbreast Cuatro Barriles Edition embodies the symphony of flavours from each barrel, instantly transporting the consumer across the Bodegas of Spain and Portugal, to the bright warmth of the Iberian Peninsula with each sip.

Dublin International Airport, which welcomed almost 32 million travellers in 2023 and is connected to over 190 destinations worldwide, and Cork Airport, the international gateway to the South of Ireland, represent incredible launchpads for the exquisite new GTR exclusive from Redbreast in its flagship home, where the brand carries iconic status. Brought to life in the stunning retail environments, amongst so many prestigious brands, including local heroes, Redbreast Cuatro Barriles Edition is in truly excellent company.
Following the 2023 limited-edition release of Redbreast Tawny Port Edition, Redbreast Cuatro Barriles Edition marks the fourth expression in the award-wining Redbreast Iberian Series, which is inspired by Redbreast’s long-standing connection to some of the Iberian Peninsula’s most celebrated cooperages and winemakers. Each release combines the craft and rich heritage of the region with the excellence of Midleton Distillery’s single pot still whiskeys to create expressions that are truly remarkable. 

Redbreast Cuatro Barriles Edition is a significant new chapter to the brand's portfolio, showcasing the brand’s commitment to the exploration of new flavour profiles, adding depth to Redbreast's celebrated line-up.

The use of Oloroso sherry butts and ex-bourbon barrels, synonymous with the renowned Redbreast Iberian Series, remain as a cornerstone for the expression. These barrels, integral to Redbreast's identity, pay homage to the brand’s legacy and ongoing success. The influence of the Oloroso sherry seasoning imparts notes of dried fruits, orange peel and nutty undertones, while the use of ex-bourbon barrels contribute aromas of sweet vanilla, toasted oak and dustings of nutmeg.  

Meanwhile, the use of the tawny port hogsheads and pristine European virgin oak casks add a new dimension to this storied blend. The inclusion of these two casks signifies a creative new chapter in Redbreast's journey, that began during the Midleton Distillery teams’ travels across the Iberian Peninsula. 

The delicately drying tannins from the virgin oak barrel add structure and body to the mouthfeel, magnifying the depth and complexity of this wonderfully balanced whiskey. The use of tawny port seasoned casks contributes delicate hints of smoked almonds, praline and dark berry fruits adding further complexity to the adventurous array of flavours in this new expression.

The dynamic quartet of barrels work in harmony, marrying together the core of Redbreast’s distinguished identity with a unique twist. The result is a whiskey that seamlessly weaves tradition with innovation, a testament to Redbreast's devotion to both its heritage and the pursuit of new and exciting taste experiences for its consumers.

Master Blender, Dave McCabe expands: “There's a profound joy in creating a whiskey that mirrors the vibrant journey taken to create it, so I am delighted that the flavour of the final liquid is reminiscent of our travels, encapsulating each encounter, all of which have played a pivotal role in shaping the Redbreast Iberian Series to this day. Redbreast Cuatro Barriles Edition is a harmonious whiskey, echoing the diversity and richness of the outstanding barrels we have found across the Iberian Peninsula, and I can’t wait for both enthusiasts and those new to the range to experience it first-hand.”

Redbreast Cuatro Barriles Edition invites the discerning traveller to explore the distinctive influence of each barrel and savour the combined story of craftsmanship and adventure. Redbreast Cuatro Barriles Edition is bottled at 46% ABV and is exclusively available now through Global Travel Retail at Dublin and Cork Duty Free at €108 RRP.

IG: @RedbreastIrishWhiskey        #RedbreastCuatroBarrilesEdition   #PassItOn
Link to purchase: https://www.theloop.ie/alcohol/whiskey/irish/redbreast-cuatro-barriles-irish-whiskey-70cl/389322.html?lang=en_IE

Whiskey Press Releases 

*************

Born from an alchemy of four distinct barrels, the second permanent expression in Redbreast’s award-winning Iberian Series transports whiskey lovers to the sun-drenched corners of Spain and Portugal.

Tasting Notes:
Nose: Toasted wood with a decadent and enticing selection of fresh and dried fruits, including notes of freshly picked plums, raisins, fig, and orange peel. Aromas of sweet vanilla with light dustings of nutmeg are carefully balanced by nutty and herbal undertones, while the pot still spices enhance the overall body and complexity of this wonderfully balanced whiskey.

Taste: Rich with spices of cinnamon and nutmeg at first with delicately drying tannins thanks to the toasted oak and wine seasoning. The spices quickly subside to reveal generous waves of dark berry fruits with marzipan, smoked almonds and salted caramel.

 

Finish: Satisfyingly long. The pot still spices are the first to fade, while leaving the oak and fruits to continue lingering effortlessly until the very end.

-ENDS-

*************

INTRODUCING:

 JAMESON REMIXED CARIBBEAN BEATS

A Sicilian gem by the dynamic Vesco family. Ciello Rosso ‘Nero d’Avola’

Ciello Rosso ‘Nero d’Avola’ Sicilia (DOP) 2022, 12.5% ABV

RRP: €14.50. Stockists include 64 Wine Dublin, Bradley’s of Cork, Greenman Dublin, Le Caveau 

A Sicilian gem by the dynamic Vesco family

This sprightly Sicilian red, crafted by the dynamic Vesco family, is fighting fit and full of freshness and vitality. Made from organically grown Nero d'Avola grapes, it boasts a  ruby hue (not quite the vino nero that it is often called) and an enticing bouquet of black plum, hints of coffee, and subtle chocolate notes. On the palate, the wine sings of the high hills with a pleasant spiciness and smooth dark fruit flavours.

Sustainable viticultural practices

Nearly two decades ago, the Vesco family took the helm at the winery, implementing sustainable viticultural practices and investing in cutting-edge technology. Their commitment to quality shines through in their organic vineyards perched high in the hills above Alcamo.

Ideal Terroir, Exceptional Results

Certified organic and planted on southeast-facing slopes with sandy soils (150-300 meters above sea level), the vineyards benefit from a climate perfectly suited for nurturing high-quality grapes.

Ciello Rosso's grapes are harvested earlier than many in the region, contributing to the wine's characteristically bright and fresh style. Night harvesting and modern temperature-controlled fermentation further ensure the vibrancy and freshness of the final product.

Stands out from the crowd

Ciello Rosso stands out from the crowd. Unlike some overripe styles, this Nero d'Avola offers a refreshing and contemporary expression of the grape. The result? A delightful and versatile wine, perfect for enjoying on its own or paired with food. See also our recent review of their matching white, the Ciello Blanco Cattarrato; both are terrific natural wines for everyday drinking, a pair perfect for conversation rather than meditation.