Wednesday, January 29, 2025

Taste of the Week. Joe's Amaretto Cheese Cake

Taste of the Week 

Joe's Amaretto Cheese Cake




There are scores of recipes online for cheesecakes and quite a few that are alcohol flavoured. I started thinking of the latter with a bottle of the award-winning Joe's Almaretto in my hands, not from Italy, but from the local Elbow Lane. Margaritas, Pina Coladas, and, of course, Bailey's Cream came to mind. So, based on an online, Bailey's Cream recipe, we decided to try making one with Joe's Amaretto.

No matter which recipe you choose, do remember that Amaretto has a low viscosity and is not as "thick" as Bailey's so you need to use it sparingly (and taste as you proceed). There were some suggestions to use amaretti biscuits for the crust (base) and/or use almond extract or, indeed, to top with sliced almonds. But we reckon that Joe, from Elbow Lane, has produced a well-flavoured drink, and anything added would be over the top!


Ingredients for this non-bake cheesecake:
Digestive biscuit 270 gm 
Butter 100 gm 
Small carton of Philadelphia Full Cream Cheese 280 gm
Cream 300 gm
Icing sugar 80 gm 
Joe's Amaretto - 10 teaspoons

Guide
Crush biscuits. Melt butter and add to biscuits.
Press firmly into a loose bottom tin (8-inch) and put in the fridge until firm.
Whip cream cheese with icing sugar and Amaretto until stiff.
Whip cream and fold into cheese mixture.
Repeat if needed.
Place in fridge for 6 hours or, preferably, overnight.

                               












Tuesday, January 28, 2025

Good Times Roll at The Wine Tavern St Luke's. Food, Wine and Friends on the Menu

Good Times Roll at The Wine Tavern St Luke's.

Food, Wine and Friends on the Menu

 


The Wine Tavern at St Luke’s has been up and running for quite a few years now. Indeed, it was established by dad Declan in July 2013. It is managed now by son Sean and head chef daughter Tara.


The family's main aim was and is “to give customers a warm welcome and a great wine and tapas experience with a relaxed ambience whether you are by yourself or in a group”.

Exterior seating for the summertime!

I’ve long known about the social aspect of the venue as all the ladies in my life are regular visitors for girls' nights out there and are always full of praise for the Tavern (you'll find it next door to Henchy’s).

On last week’s visit, we were no sooner in the door than we were given a warm welcome, not just because the fire was blazing. And then we were immediately told that they had a ukulele band that evening!

The former church of St Luke's is now the venue for Live at St Luke's,
a series of musical events held throughout the year. More details here 

But first to the food. With free wines to accompany it (on January Tuesdays and Wednesdays), their sharing board came into focus as an option. It was a winner, the standard set by the delicious Cashel Blue cheese. Other cheeses were smoked cheddar and brie, while the meats were spiced beef, serrano ham, and chorizo. 

The generous board (€32 for two persons) was also loaded with roasted almonds, pickles, and a selection of homemade dips. By the way, if you are in the mood for tapas, here’s a tip. Give the chips and Patatas Bravas a skip for once and go for the delicious Crispy potatoes with Garlic butter and Parmesan cubes (below).


The free wines (offer concludes this week) were both South African, Nyala Sauvignon Blanc and Nyala Cabernet Sauvignon. One of us was driving, so we picked the Ara Zero Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand) instead of the Nyala and enjoyed it very much. It was certainly endowed with some characteristics of the famous Sauvignon from Marlborough and was refreshing with a crisp finish, one of the better non-alcoholic wines we’ve come across.

Back to their “social calendar”, where Maura and Mary's annual Grab A Guna Gig, the 7th of a series, is scheduled for February 10th. At this friendly and fun event, you can do some shopping and help raise much-needed funds for UNICEF (to support the children of Gaza). It starts at 6.00 pm. More details on their Instagram. 

St Luke’s is a very busy food and drink hub these days, and it is not always easy to find parking. But don't forget that two buses, 208 and 207, stop more or less just outside the door.

Monday, January 27, 2025

On the craft trail with Whiplash, Brehon and Hopfully

On the craft trail with Whiplash, Brehon and Hopfully





Whiplash Body Riddle Pale Ale 4.5% ABV, 330 ml can



“light on malts… plenty of hops”


Absolutely enjoyable, from start to finalĂ©. Not too much more to say about this gem but, with me, that’s often a good sign. I’ve made up my mind early and the verdict is a major thumbs up for the little can. Best of goods in small parcels.


It is a vibrant gold beer, hazy with a foamy white crown. The aroma is a mix of citrus fruits, with lemon, grapefruit, and orange leading the way. The flavour is even more citrus-forward than the aroma, with citrus again prominent. There is also a touch of sweetness, from the malt, which helps balance the bitterness from the hops. The finish is dry and refreshing, with a lingering citrusy flavour

Very Highly Recommended. Good for a session too! 


Brehon Bech Bretha Braggot 9.0% ABV, 500 ml bottle Bradleys




This “hybrid”, somewhere between ale and mead, looks like a red ale in the glass with a slim off-white head and tastes somewhat like a barrel-aged beer. Aromas speak of the malt rather than the sweetness of the honey (by the way, not all mead is sweet, even if the drink is made by fermenting the sugars in honey!). And, yes, honey is included in the list of ingredients.


The palate here is very pleasant, packed with flavour and gentle caramel notes, and the malt sweetness seeps through. This trans-Atlantic collaboration between Brehon and Gulf Stream Brewing (from the US) is Highly Recommended.


What is a Braggot?  You may well ask. Brehon explains: “Well, in simple terms, it's a cross between a mead and an ale. We've brewed it with grains, hops, and heaps of honey. Some historic references suggest braggot is a Celtic drink dating back to at least the 12th century.”


“If you were making honey in 7th Century Ireland, your bees were protected by a set of laws known as the Bechbretha, just like precious cattle. You yourself were required to offer your kin a ‘tairgille’; an item of personal significance as a pledge of your good bee-keeping behaviour. So here’s an offering of our own; a fitting tribute to the wisdom of

Brehon Law.” Those ancient Brehon Laws were loaded with more common sense than much modern legislation.


With its high abv and strong flavours, pairing the Braggot with strong cheeses, sweet chocolates, and caramel desserts makes sense.


Pioneering Cork meadery, Kinsale Mead, talking about their own mead, says fruit with a tart element, can be a good choice. “So is dark chocolate, especially if it's got a touch of sea salt. Salted nuts also do well.” 


Hopfully Legswap Raspberry & Lime Sour, 5.0% ABV, 440 ml can Bradleys



This “perfect summer drink” fell behind in the queue and that means I’m drinking it in mid-winter. I also drank it away back in 2021, and the brewers have recently revived it (with quite a different line-up) and are “thrilled to have this one back in stock!” It is inspired by the Raspberry-Lime Rickey cocktail and has fizzy and tart characteristics.


It comes with a gorgeous red hue in the glass, and there’s even a pink tinge in the soft white head. Crisp and refreshing on the palate with a burst of fruit and a zesty tang of citrus and a lip-smacking finish. This easy-drinking sour is probably best in the summertime, but I enjoyed this can in winter.


Malts used are IPA, Pale Ale, Wheat, Oats, Vienna and Carapils while the hop is Azaka. So, all change there from 2021, but Raspberries and Lime Juice are still included in the ingredients list, and you’ll definitely note them as players on the palate. Artwork by Stasele Jakunskaite


Highly Recommended.



Thursday, January 23, 2025

L'Arjolle Équilibre Zéro Blanc. Pair this non alcoholic wine with shellfish, crustaceans, fish, and fresh cheeses.

 L'Arjolle Équilibre ZĂ©ro Blanc (Viognier, Sauvignon), 0.0% ABV

€8.45 on offer (normal 9.45)  at O’Briens Wine


"pair with shellfish, crustaceans, fish, and fresh cheeses"


L'Arjolle Équilibre Zéro Blanc is a good-quality, aromatic, alcohol-free white wine from France. De-alcoholized sustainably, it retains vibrant fruit notes, especially exotic fruit, and is exuberant in the mouth. A blend of Viognier and Sauvignon, it is refreshing. The producers suggest pairing it with shellfish, crustaceans, fish, and fresh cheeses or as an aperitif.

It is a bright straw colour in the glass, with quiet fruity aromas. In the mouth, it is vibrant with exotic fruit (from the Viognier), while the Sauvignon lends it exuberance. It is surprisingly refreshing. More of a food wine than a simple aperitif, I think.

Non-alcoholic wine, beer, and spirit alternatives are gaining popularity. The quality of non-alcoholic wines has significantly improved, offering enjoyable options for red, white, and sparkling varieties.


Our L'Arjolle Équilibre ZĂ©ro Blanc is from Domaine de l’Arjolle in Pouzolles, France. It is de-alcoholised using the “sustainable vacuum evaporation method” . 


By placing the wine under vacuum, the boiling point of the alcohol is reduced (35°C instead of 80°C) “which allows the wine to be heated very little and therefore to keep the vast majority of the initial aromas. By this method, it is possible to dealcoholise the wine down to 0.0% vol, to respect their original qualities, and to offer a real alcohol-free drink.”


Non-alcoholic wines are certainly having a moment, and I got a taste (just!) of a pretty decent one at St Luke's Wine Tavern a few nights ago. The Ara Zero Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand (€7.50 a glass) was refreshing and certainly had some of the characteristics of a Marlborough SB.


2025 IRISH BAR OF THE YEAR AWARDS - ENTRIES NOW OPEN




Cork's Paladar celebrate their 2024 win as Bar of the Year!

2025 IRISH BAR OF THE YEAR AWARDS - ENTRIES NOW OPEN
With over 27 categories available, this is the perfect opportunity for bars across Ireland to gain the recognition they truly deserve. The deadline for entries is Thursday, April 4, 2025, so don’t miss out on your chance to shine.
View our 2025 Categories
How to Enter:
Bars looking to participate must complete an online entry form, which will then be reviewed and judged by a panel of esteemed industry experts. The winners will be announced at a spectacular gala awards ceremony held at the Clayton Hotel, Burlington Road, Dublin, on Monday, August 18, 2025. This black-tie event is a highlight of the hospitality industry calendar and promises an evening of celebration, networking, and industry recognition.
New for 2025: Cocktail Bartender of the Year
This year, the awards introduce an exciting new category: Cocktail Bartender of the Year, proudly sponsored by Edward Dillon & Co. This competition is open to all bartenders across Ireland. Entrants will showcase their creativity by crafting a cocktail using set ingredients, documenting the process on video, and submitting it via the awards website. The top 10 finalists will advance to a thrilling live competition judged by industry professionals.
Who Can Enter?
The Irish Bar of the Year Awards welcome entries from all types of bars, including traditional pubs, modern bars, and trendy cocktail lounges. Categories also exist for bars that serve food. Judges will be looking for establishments with unique personalities, exceptional service, and unforgettable customer experiences. 


Wednesday, January 22, 2025

Tapas, Pizza, and Service: A Winning Formula as Goodhood Takes St. Luke's by Storm

Tapas, Pizza, and Service: A Winning Formula  as Goodhood Takes St. Luke's by Storm

The opening phase of new St Luke’s restaurant has been a resounding success, and the excitement is just starting!


In the restaurant business, certainty is hard to come by these days—if it ever truly existed. However, Goodhood seems to have found a winning formula at St Luke's Cross, offering a compelling combination of tapas and pizzas that is proving to be highly successful in the former bookies' premises.


Having opened about six weeks ago, the positive response from customers has been overwhelming. So much so, in fact, that Colin Ryan and his team have focused on delivering food rather than promoting the restaurant on social media. If you need to make a reservation—which is recommended—you can find a link, though not much else, on their Instagram


The atmosphere was lively last Wednesday evening, with a full house enjoying the experience. Despite not having a dessert menu or a drinks licence yet, the place was buzzing.


For those wanting to enjoy a drink, there's no need to worry. Simply cross the road (carefully) to the local off-licence, pick up your favourite beer or wine, and bring it back (again, carefully!). The team at Goodhood will provide glasses and open your wine with no corkage fee. They expect to have both drinks licence and dessert options available in the near future.



Colin Ryan, from Hansum Rotisserie Chicken at the Marina Market and Paperboys CafĂ© on Tobin Street, is partnering with Ciarán O'Regan of Rita’s Pizzeria in Dublin to launch the brand-new GoodHood Pizzeria. Both are graduates of Ballymaloe Cookery School.


O'Regan is the owner of the successful Rita’s Pizzeria in Ranelagh, so you can be confident that the pizzas at GoodHood in St. Luke’s are thoroughly tested and well-crafted. I confirmed this for myself last week when I enjoyed their Diego pizza, which features a delicious combination of tomato, mozzarella, garlic, oregano, anchovies, and capers. Both my dining companion and I gave that pizza a big thumbs up!


The Diego is one of seven pizzas currently available on the menu. Other options include the Hunted Hog, Hay Pesto, and the Cheek of It.

Diego


To start, consider choosing from their tapas-style Sharing Plates, or select two or three to share! I highly recommend the Beef Cheek, which features slow-cooked pulled beef served with crispy potato terrine and Pecorino Romano, as well as the Beets on Goats, which includes oven-roasted beetroot with blackberries, goat’s cheese, and chive oil. 


Don’t forget to check out their short list of sides; my top tip is to try their chips!


A large pizza oven serves as the centrepiece of the compact restaurant, drawing your attention even as you approach the premises. Upon entering, you’ll notice a striking black and white photograph depicting children dressed up, presumably, for a local festival many years ago, captured as they crossed the road just outside Goodhood.


The photo shows the old Toll Booth at St Luke's, marked by a large Woodbine cigarette sign. Built around 1880, it was owned by the Corporation of Cork and leased to the highest bidder to collect tolls on goods and livestock entering the city - an early example of a private/public partnership. It was one of several toll booths in Cork. Tolls were abolished in 1927, and now we have parking fees instead!

Toll Booth


Parking is often a challenge around the cross, but it doesn't seem to affect the local food and drink businesses, such as O’Keefe’s Good Food shop, St. Luke's Wine Tavern, and Cork Coffee Roasters cafĂ©, among others. The cross is becoming quite a hub for food and drink, and you can find delicious German-style bread from Ryes and Shine outside Henchy’s every Wednesday from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM.


The businesses are also collaborating; a recent example is Goodhood supplying the popular Henchy Bar with their delicious pizzas! St. Luke’s is increasingly becoming the place to be!


 

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Straight-up modern American IPA. Whiplash Bone Machine is Beer of the Week.

 Whiplash Bone Machine IPA, 6.2%. Beer of the week




“Straight-up modern American IPA”



Bone Machine IPA promises much at first glance with its hazy light gold body and an attractive big bubbly head. And this 6.2 percenter from Whiplash does not flatter to deceive. It is Loaded with hops and you get a posse of tropical aromas. And that translates to the taste buds as well, packed with papaya and pineapple flavours and another reminder from the hops as the finalé approaches. Very Highly Recommended and Beer of the Week.


The newish BRU -1 hop delivers aromas of freshly cut pineapples and green fruits when used as a whirlpool or dry hop addition. The other hops here are El Dorado (well known for its tropical fruit flavours reminiscent of pineapple and mango),  Ekuanot (known for citrus and tropical, think papaya, characteristics), while Cascade is regarded as the definitive hop, “the hop that made hops famous” and has been well regarded in ales since its 1971 introduction.



Whiplash are very happy with Bone Machine: “Straight-up modern American IPA. 100% Whirlpool hopped with Cascade and double dry hopped with Ekuanot and BRU-1, it brings candied lemon, papaya, and pineapple to the flavour”.


Geek Bits

Malts: Maris Otter, Oat Malt, Wheat Malt 

Hops: BRU-1, Ekuanot, Cascade, El Dorado.

Monday, January 20, 2025

Cadet De La Bêgude IGP Méditerranée. Full of sunshine and flavour

Cadet De La Bêgude IGP Méditerranée 2021 14% ABV


RRP €25.95. Stockists: Pinto Wines,  Green Man Wines, Red Nose Wine, Neighbourhood Wines.



Full of sunshine and flavour!



The colour is mid- to dark ruby. The aromas are quite intense, with darker fruits, mostly cherry. Cherry elements continue on the harmonious and fruity palate. The balance comes from fresh acidity, and you also get fine-grained tannins, plus a light spicy finish. Very Highly Recommended.


Wine Searcher tells us that even though it is regarded “like a second wine for the estate”, this Cadet de la Begude has been rated “as one of the top 5 IGP MediterranĂ©e wines”.


The vineyard, certified organic in 2006, is in Bandol, and indeed, many of its wines carry the Bandol appellation stamp. Bandol, though, demands that AOP wines contain at least 50% Mourverde. This Cadet, though, is a blend of more or less equal parts of Grenache, Cinsault, and Mourvedre, and has to settle for the IGP designation—none the worse for that.


Elevate your dining experience by pairing this Rouge IGP with Barbecue, grilled lamb, hearty stews, or aged cheeses. The wine's versatility makes it a perfect match for various dishes, complementing the flavours and enhancing your meal.


The producers are certainly happy with it: “This vintage, with its gourmet simplicity, embodies a new generation of wines accessible to all. An easy-drinking wine, full of sunshine and flavours, which can be enjoyed on all occasions.”