Brown Thomas Food Emporium
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| Birgitta Curtin |
Cork’s Brown Thomas launched their Food Emporium with music, wine and, of
course, food in the store last evening. And it turned out to be a very
enjoyable occasion.
Cheese producers were there
in force. Great to meet, however briefly, Padraig O’Farrell of CarrigalineCheese but we’ll see him again next week on their open day. Also
there were Cooleeney, Durrus and Gubbeen, the latter with their cheese and impressive Cheese Oatcakes.
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| Arun Kapil |
Got a glass of wine on the way
in and was soon comparing it in various glasses under guidance from Martin
Turner of Riedel, in town
especially for the event. The proper glass sure makes a difference – you can
take that from an ex-sceptic! And the experience was repeated later with a
lovely Pinot Noir (innocent Bystander) from Ballymaloe Wines , who have been in
the Emporium for the past few months.
Ballymaloe indeed strongly
supported the event last evening and there was a sweet finish with their pastry
chef JR Ryall providing us with some gorgeous chocolate truffles to
match with the dessert wine.
But before that we had some great
tastings. The Castlemartyr Resort even had a menu of good things to try and there was no
shortage of volunteers. Tom Durcan, delighted with his Gold at the Blas as the weekend, had his corned and spiced beef on show.
Met Burren Smokehouse's Birgitta Curtin
again, after the
Blas Awards in Dingle, and this time got to taste her glorious smoked salmon.
There too was Arun from Green Saffron dishing out a perfect
Chicken Korma. By the way, look out for his new Spice Blends and those
luxurious Cook-in Sauces, so easy, so good.
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| Gubbeen |
It is a busy time too for Timoleague’s
Anthony Creswell of Ummera Smokehouse. He smokes salmon, duck, bacon and chicken, all
terrific and regulars on menus on top restaurants, now at the Emporium and also
available online. And then we had Una’s Pies, a really top product as her regular awards at Blas Na
hEireann underline. Una is also a regular at Mahon Point Farmers Market.
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| Ummera |
And from the kingdom itself
came Sam of Cloudberry Bakery who make artisan cakes and desserts - anything from
colourful cake pops and cupcakes to show-stopping wedding cakes. Cloudberry was
a Blas winner in 2012. So pop into the
Emporium and treat yourself.
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| Very good but better in Riedel |
We were very well treated
last night – even got my pic taken with Rachel Allen – and there was a bonus of
a goodie bag on exit. Well done to the folks at Brown Thomas and best of luck
for the Christmas season.
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| Sweet finish! |
