Wednesday, July 31, 2024

Foradori Fontanasanta Manzoni Bianco. "a real joy to sip and linger over."

Foradori Fontanasanta Manzoni Bianco Vignetti Delle Dolomiti (IGT) 2022.

RRP: €30.95. Stockists: 64 Wine, Greenman Wines, Bradleys Cork, Le Caveau online


a real joy to sip and linger over.



Long live those who dare to carry the power of the sun through wine to the hearts of men (Rainer Zierock)


The colour of our Manzoni Bianco is golden/yellow. Floral notes abound in

Tuesday, July 30, 2024

Barnahown: A Luxurious Retreat in the Munster Vales

 Barnahown: A Luxurious Retreat in the Munster Vales



The Galtee Bedroom. Pic by K. Lyons
Barnahown, a stunningly restored 1800s farmhouse nestled near Mitchelstown, Co. Cork, offers a unique blend of luxury and sustainability. This idyllic getaway is a haven for nature lovers, with breathtaking views of the Galtee Mountains and easy access to a plethora of outdoor adventures.

Owner Ciara O’Brien's

Monday, July 29, 2024

On the Craft Trail with Rye River's "little summer zipper", Rascals' "crisp & crushable" and Third Barrel's "absolute banger"

On Craft Trail with Rye River's "little summer zipper", Rascals' "crisp & crushable" and Third Barrel's "absolute banger" 


Rye River Intergalactic Yuzu Citrus Sour, 3.9% ABV, 440 ml can Carry Out St Luke’s


“A little summer zipper”


Rye River compare this Gose to a “fresh

Friday, July 26, 2024

Taste of the Week. Mella's Butter Fudge Irish Cream Liqueur

Taste of the Week

Mella's Butter Fudge Irish Cream Liqueur



Mella's Butter Fudge with Irish Cream Liqueur.



Indulge in the delicious flavours of Mella's Butter Fudge Irish Cream Liqueur, our Taste of the Week.

Mella's passion for making fudge began at a

Thursday, July 25, 2024

Beer of the Week: Rascals Empire Haze NEIPA. Make some room in your fridge for this beauty!

Beer of the Week

Rascals Empire Haze NEIPA, 6.0% ABV, 440 ml can Bradleys



Make some room in your fridge for this beauty!


Rascals, celebrating 10 years of making beer, recently joined

Wednesday, July 24, 2024

A Golden Gem from Portugal. Quinta Da Ribeirinha Contracena Curtimenta Tejo

Quinta Da Ribeirinha Contracena Curtimenta Tejo (DO) 2022, 11% ABV

€22.00, on offer €17.60, Matsons (Bandon, Grange, Youghal)




Quinta Da Ribeirinha Contracena Curtimenta Tejo (DO) 2022

A Golden Gem from Portugal

This "orange" wine from Quinta Da Ribeirinha is a refreshing change from the norm. Made from 100% Fernão Pires grapes, it boasts a unique golden hue and a vibrant citrusy flavour profile.

The winemaking process is equally intriguing. The grapes spend seven

Tuesday, July 23, 2024

The Scenic Walk at Camden, Crosshaven

 The Scenic Walk at Camden, Crosshaven

I was in Carrigaline recently with a few hours on my hands. I saw the 220 bus for Crosshaven and jumped on and it took me all the way to Camden. Because it was a Monday, I was thinking that the fort would be closed and so it was but I was enjoying the views over the harbour.

Then, right alongside the

San Polo Rosso Di Montalcino. Delicious with depth and character. Very Highly Recommended.

San Polo Rosso Di Montalcino (DOC) 2021, 14% ABV

RRP €37.95. Stockists: Kelly`s Off Licence, Jus de Vine


Delicious with great depth and strong character. Very Highly Recommended.


Rosso Di Montalcino (DOC) is regarded as the lighter, younger and less expensive cousin of the area’s well-known Brunello (DOCG**), created so that

Monday, July 22, 2024

A Sustainable Summer Feast: The Met Bar & Restaurant Shines

 A Sustainable Summer Feast: The Met Bar & Restaurant Shines


Celebrate summer flavours and local bounty at Cork's iconic Met Bar & Restaurant. The Metropole Hotel's Summer Special Menu is a culinary delight, championing fresh, seasonal ingredients while minimising waste.

A Feast for the Senses and the Soul

This €32.50 menu, available seven days a week from 5 pm, offers a delightful choice: a main course from seven tempting options and a

On the craft trail with a trio of Very Highly Recommended Beers from Hope, Bullhouse and Third Barrel

On the craft trail with a trio of Very Highly Recommended Beers from Hope, Bullhouse and Third Barrel 

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Hope Overboard Witbier 4.8% ABV,  440 ml can O’Briens



Hope tells us this pale gold beer is a Belgian-style Witbier, disclosing also that it is infused with curacao orange peel and juniper berries, not that there’s any major sign of

Friday, July 19, 2024

Celebrate Global Flavours at the Taste of Kildare Festival 2024

press release 

Celebrate Global Flavours at the Taste of Kildare Festival 2024

Derry Clarke, Natalie Collins, and Pippa Clancy, all set to go!

 

This September, food lovers are invited to indulge in a culinary celebration like no other at the 2024 Taste of Kildare Festival. Set against the scenic backdrop of Naas Racecourse from the 20th to the 22nd of September, this year's festival is brought to you by Into Kildare, the tourism board for County Kildare, and is supported by Ballymore. The festival, now in its third year, promises

Connemara Calling: A whirlwind tour of Wild Beauty and Delicious Bites

Connemara Calling: A whirlwind tour of Wild Beauty and Delicious Bites

On the craft trail with Kinnegar, Hope and Killarney

On the craft trail with Kinnegar, Hope and Killarney



Kinnegar Wee Bunny Session IPA 4.0% ABV, 440 ml can Bradleys



Wee Bunny, up for a session, joins his older and bigger siblings in Kinnegar family


The Wee Bunny has a bright straw colour under his soft white head, with the bubbles rising through a medium haze. A punchy Citrus kick on the palate follows Citrus aromas, as the American hops show their character. Quite a pleasant surprise, that is

Thursday, July 18, 2024

“Fresh, fruity, an everyday wine with lots of Tuscan character.” Serego Alighieri BellOville Toscana

Serego Alighieri BellOville Toscana (IGT) 2019, 13.0% ABV

€20.95 O’Briens Wine



“Fresh, fruity, an everyday wine with lots of Tuscan character.”


The colour of this smooth supple organic wine is a deep ruby red. Rich berry fruit and liquorice on the nose. Firm and richly fruity, but soft

Wednesday, July 17, 2024

A Culinary Journey Awaits at Clifden's Lamplight!

A Culinary Journey Awaits

 at Clifden's Lamplight

Chicken

Clifden's Lamplight isn't just a tapas bar; it's an experience for the senses. This charming spot offers a delightful exploration of small plates from around the world, all crafted with fresh, local ingredients and a touch of seasonal magic.

Tapas for Sharing and Savoring

The heart of Lamplight lies in its

Taste of the Week with Jack and Janet.

Taste of the Week

Jack McCarthy's Pastrami and Janet's Country Fayre Ploughman's Chutney.


Another visit to the English Market and another Taste of the Week, the superb Jack McCarthy pastrami from On the Pig's Back. We also bought some of Jack's

Tuesday, July 16, 2024

Vino Di Anna Vendredi 13 Vino Rosso. A lovely light red wine that “majors in red fruits and drinkability”

Vino Di Anna Vendredi 13 Vino Rosso, 13.0% ABV

RRP €29.45. Stockists: 64 Wine, Greenman Wines, Bradleys Cork, Le Caveau online



A lovely light red wine that “majors in red fruits and drinkability”


This organic wine has come all the way from the northern slopes of

Jacques. Encore. A warm welcome. Excellent food.

 Jacques. Encore.

Crab

Jacques, now into its fifth decade, continues to set the gold standard for Cork restaurants. Our visit last week was a delightful confirmation that it remains as exceptional and reliable as ever.

Upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed by the

Monday, July 15, 2024

Coyles, Clifden's New Gem, offering good food and coffee

Coyles, Clifden's New Gem, 

offering good food and coffee


The news spread like wildfire through Clifden: Alice Coyle, the mastermind behind the popular Cork Fab Food Trail, was opening a food and coffee shop on her native ground! We all knew Alice for her incredible food design skills, having designed the stunning

Beer of the Week. Wicklow Wolf 10th Anniversary American Amber

 Beer of the Week

Wicklow Wolf 10th Anniversary American Amber

4.8% ABV, 440 ml can Bradleys


American Amber will always have a special place in our hearts at Wicklow Wolf. 


The Newtown Mount Kennedy  Brewery has very good reason to get a little nostalgic about their American Amber, our latest

Friday, July 12, 2024

The Met Summer Special Menu

press release

The Met Summer Special Menu


The Metropole Hotel is excited to announce the launch of

A PODCAST CELEBRATING THE UNISON OF IRISH FOOD & DRINK. Ep2 is live.

press release

EPISODE 2 OF BEÁR BIA IS LIVE - A PODCAST CELEBRATING THE UNISON OF IRISH FOOD & DRINK. THIS EPISODE IS A SHOWCASE OF THE PRODUCERS AT BORD BIA BLOOM FESTIVAL
Oisin and Dee with Dennis Dempsey (left) and Birgitta Hedin-Curtin (right)



Dee Laffan and Oisin Davis are on a mission to highlight the finest Irish food & drink pairings through their brand new podcast "Beár Bia." Translated to

Egawa Sushi: A Fusion Frenzy in Cork City's Kyle Street where Japan meets Brazil.

Egawa Sushi: A Fusion Frenzy in Cork City's Sushi Scene
You'll find her in Kyle Street. Not the girl from Ipanema!


Move over, California rolls! Cork City's sushi scene just got a splash of vibrant fusion with the arrival of Egawa Sushi on Kyle Street. You'll find them in the former Brazilian Golden Bites space, Egawa offers a unique twist – Japanese sushi with a Brazilian flair - note the international flags (Japan and Brazil!) displayed on their Instagram.

Intrigued by the

Thursday, July 11, 2024

Beer of the Week. Kinnegar’s mixed 4-pack. Cold IPA. Pale Ale. Pilsner. Raspberry Grisette

Beer of the Week. Kinnegar’s mixed 4-pack. 

Cold IPA. Pale Ale. Pilsner. Raspberry Grisette 


Donegal’s Kinnegar has just launched their summer adventure into 4-pack territory and this very convenient format is out there to be enjoyed. “Look forward to a refreshing journey through these four great beer styles. We don't often indulge in tasting notes but this time we set Sean the task of putting the experience in words.”


Cold IPA 5.3%, 400 ml can Bradleys


Colour of this Cold IPA, a once-off by Kinnegar and part of their new 4-pack this summer, is a light gold with bubbles galore racing to the soft white head. Peach, apricot and grapefruit feature in this light hoppy beer with a very refreshing finish indeed.


Kinnegar report it as a big success.  “Can’t you make it part of the core range?” they’ve been asked.

Wondering what a Cold IPA is? I was. It is an IPA fermented at lower temperatures than what is normally used to ferment an ale. Brewers often use a lager yeast or a combination of a lager and an ale yeast. Kinnegar: “Another riff on a tune we’ve been playing with for the past year. Practice makes perfect.”


Hazy Pale Ale,4.5%, 440 ml can Bradleys

This session pale is light straw and cloudy. The American hops have endowed Kinnegar’s latest iteration of this quaffable popular style with quite a backbone of tropical fruit, citrus and pine and just a moderate bitterness. Refreshing as expected and ideal for a session.


Sean’s verdict: “Juicy, sweet fruit, high drinkability. An indispensable summer companion. One will not be enough.”


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See updated Beer of the Week index here

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Pilsner, 5% ABV, 440 ml can Bradleys


This latest lager from Donegal is straw-coloured with a soft white head and tons of bubbles rising. Much like the craft lagers we know in this part of the world but with a hoppy punch. A touch of lime runs through it to the refreshing finalé. Well worth a try and another excellent can in the 4-pack.

They say: An old-world style with new-world flair courtesy of its distinctive New Zealand hop profile. 

Sean’s verdict: Citrus (lime), grape, clean bitterness





Raspberry Grisette, 3.8% ABV, 440 ml can Bradleys

Grisettes are refreshing, low-alcohol beers with origins in the Hainaut province of Belgium. They are crisp, medium/light-bodied, citrusy beers—brewed to be endlessly approachable. It is also supposed to be a summer beer. I’ve waited long enough for summer, so here goes.


Our Raspberry Grisette from Kinnegar has an orange colour with a short-lived white head and lots of micro-bubbles. It is crisp and dry with a fruity tang from the raspberries. I reckon loganberries would have given it a real kick-ass tang. As it is, this is a very refreshing low alcohol beer indeed. Recommended pairing: with a summer’s day if you can find one in 2024. Preferably outdoors.


Sean’s verdict: Crisp, dry, citrus, raspberry. Sean doesn’t waste words. 




A Taste of Tradition: Connemara Smokehouse on the Wild Atlantic Coast

A Taste of Tradition: Connemara Smokehouse 

on the Wild Atlantic Coast

Tasting Plate

Nestled right on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, Connemara Smokehouse is a haven for seafood lovers. Founded in the 1970s by John and Bridget Roberts, this family-run business has become internationally renowned for their mastery of traditional Irish fish smoking, with Graham and Saoirse Roberts now at the helm.

The Smokehouse has achieved esteemed

Wednesday, July 10, 2024

Stepping into the Past, Embracing the Present. Victorian heritage with modern comforts at Foyle's Hotel, Clifden

Stepping into the Past, Embracing the Present. 

Victorian heritage with modern comforts at Foyle's Hotel, Clifden

. Celebrity chefs. Not really. Recognise anyone? Gerard King's painting is always a talking point in Marconi's

Imagine sinking into a plush armchair in Foyle's Hotel's foyer. The ornate wooden staircase whispers stories of a bygone era, transporting you to a time of classic elegance. 

Marconi's
Foyle's, a cornerstone of

Tuesday, July 9, 2024

Luxurious Low-impact Guesthouse, Barnahown, Opens Its Doors In Mitchelstown

press release
Room with a view. Pic: Kirsty Lyons


Luxurious Low-impact Guesthouse, Barnahown, Opens Its Doors In Mitchelstown

Offering Galtee Mountain Views Plus A Host Of Outdoor Adventures And Experiences


Barnahown, a luxurious new low-impact 4-bedroom Irish guesthouse near Mitchelstown in Co. Cork has opened its doors, offering Galtee mountain views, creature comforts aplenty, and access to a multitude of local wellness, adventure-based, and food-focused experiences.

The sensitively renovated and lovingly-restored 1800's farmhouse provides the

Dive into Oyster Nirvana at Moran's Oyster Cottage

Dive into Oyster Nirvana 

at Moran's Oyster Cottage

Thermidor

Imagine this: a quaint, thatched cottage perched right on the Galway coast, the salty breeze whispering promises of fresh seafood delights. That's exactly what greets you at