FOOD
PATROL
Got a good nose for that those strange things the experts find when
they sniff a sample of wine? No wine in Little Buddha’s in McCurtain Street but
you could certainly give your sniffing "muscles" a workout in this treasure trove
of teas and coffees from around the world.
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| Black tea |
Called in there today, after a longish absence, on the lookout for some
Pu-erh, the black Chinese tea. They had at least six on the packed table (must
have been about 100 types altogether).
Lifted the lids on the big jars and
sniffed. Some were very flowery (you could see the petals and stems) and in the end I settled for some Shu
Pu Erh and some Pu Erh Pomegranate and Nettle.
The first is a four year old loose black tea, from the Menghai district
in Yunnan province, the second is 79% tea to which have been added nettle
leaves (7.2%) and pomegranate seeds (1.3%).
I let slip that I had been drinking branded varieties of Pu Erh. The
lady was rather shocked. “Oh, those are very weak.” She warned. “These are much stronger. For the
morning, not for the evening.”
They also have a big selection of flavoured coffees and lots of
accessories. If you can't get into town (to give those sniffers a test), then
the next best thing to view the website.
North Main Street proved fruitful. Called into Michael in Bradley’s for
some Howling Gale made by the Eight Degree Brewery in
Mitchelstown.
Man does not live by beer alone so next stop was Daily Bread, just a few
doors up, where I bought a lovely Country Loaf. The young lady behind the
counter while plying me with a sample of their breads along with some tasty
Spanish ham told me they had recently taken over the shop and would have some publicity
material available shortly. I’ll let you know.
O’Brien Chop House are well known for their Curry Nights but there are some
big differences on July 22nd
as the event is being held in Ballyvolane House and is in aid of charity. Get
the details here.
