Beer of the Week. Hopfully, with NAH, Hair of the Dog, Night Time Ale

Beer of the Week

Hopfully, with NAH, Hair of the Dog, Night-Time Ale, 7.00% ABV, 440 ml can Bradleys

"smooth companion for your night time delight"

"Hair of the Dog—Night Time West Coast IPA" is the rather long-winded name of this ale, our Beer of the Week. It results from a collaboration between Hopfully and NAH, whose Aran Quinn contributed the artwork on the can. It is not the only Hair of the Dog from this collaboration, as they also produced a Day Time East Coast IPA.

But Night Time is the only one of the pair that I’ve tried. It has a pristine gold colour with a soft white head. The aromas have notes of resin and malt. It is more punchy on the palate, where the malts and intense hops combine to give an excellent beer for your nighttime delight.

Very Highly Recommended

Geek Bits:

Malts are IPA, Viennea, Carapils, Wheat and Oast.

Hops are Simcoe, Citra, and Chinook

Hopfully tell us about “The Hair of The Dog—Day-time" - It is an East Coast Pale Ale that weighs in at 4% ABV. Infused with Strata CGX, Citra, and Ella hops, it offers a refreshing burst of citrus and tropical flavours with a mellow bitterness. Fluffy and easy-drinking, it’s your go-to daytime refreshment!”

Must look out for that.

Blarney Castle Gardens. October stroll

Blarney Castle Gardens

October stroll

(21st October 2024)

A juniper bush in the Poison Garden

Autumn colours

Blarney House

Halloween, under the entrance tree

A regular clean-up of the river gives Ester Barrett’s bronze, "Catch", some breathing space

Autumn sunshine

Magnolia fruit

Taste of the Week. McCabe's India Monsoon Malabar Single Origin Coffee

Taste of the Week

McCabe's India Monsoon Malabar Single Origin Coffee

Wicklow's McCabe's has been roasting speciality coffees in NewtwonMountKennedy (almost next door to Wicklow Wolf!) for over 27 years. Our local German baker Angela has been singing its praises to me for more than 27 weeks, and I finally took the plunge by buying a bag from her Wednesday stall at St Luke’s (you’ll also find Angela with her amazing bread and this coffee at the Saturday Farmers' Market in Coal Quay).

I am now a convert, and the road to Damascus moment came with the very first sip of this ever-so-smooth Single-Origin Coffee. It is rich and intense, with a supple hint of the roast and very satisfactory, with that smooth chocolate showing. All in all, it tastes like a luxury product and is our Taste of the Week. Thanks, Angela!

McCabe's is Ireland's first carbon-negative coffee roastery, and you can read more about its commitment to sustainability here.

Fratelli Felix Campania 2022. New to orange? This is the ideal intro.

Vigneti Tardis Fratelli Felix Campania (IGP) 2022, 12.5% ABV

RRP: €19.95. Stockists:  64 Wine Dublin, Bradley’s of Cork, Greenman Dublin, Le Caveau Kilkenny

New to orange? This is the ideal intro.

You’ll note immediately that this white wine from the south of Italy has a slight orange tint. And it is indeed an “orange” wine, though the colour is not as deep as in many others of the type; the grapes were left to soak on their skins for just two days. Very Highly Recommended.

The blend is of Fiano (60%) and Falanghina, grown on clay and limestone soils. The two days with skins also give a slightly fuller feeling than a regular white. The grapes are harvested manually. No additives (bar a tiny amount of SO2 at bottling) used and it is neither filtered nor fined.

If you are beginning to try orange wines, then this perfectly balanced Italian,  is a good one to start with. The intense aromas show tropical fruit and citrus, and that tropical character continues on the palate.

It is a medium-bodied wine that boasts a rich texture, is bone dry, and has a good kick of juicy acidity. The white grapes here are indigenous to Southern Italy and organically grown, though the wine is not certified, so you won't see the Demeter sticker on the bottle.

The advice here is to avoid serving this wine cold from the fridge, as it really opens up, in terms of aroma and flavour, when left out of the fridge and served slightly cold.

Enhanced Aromas and Flavours

With its enhanced aromas and flavours, orange wine is a versatile option at the table. It complements many dishes, including roast chicken, Indian curry, tagines, trout with apricots, lamb chops, grilled octopus, and strong cheeses.

Fratelli Felix is a collaboration between Jack & Bruno (of Vigneti Tardis) and Eric Narioo of Les Caves de Pyrene & Vino di Anna. This project sources grapes from sustainable growers in Campania and aims to offer honest, excellent-value wines made in the Vigneti Tardis way. Vigneti Tardis itself is the result of a collaboration between Jack Lewens (former sommelier, now co-owner of Leroy Restaurant, Shoreditch) and his long-time friend Bruno de Conciliis of Viticoltori de Conciliis. 

• This post is part of a series on Italian wines made from native grapes and produced by usually small or medium-sized organic wineries. Taking some “guidance” here from the recently published VINO. They mightn’t always net the hat trick, but I hope to score two from the three each time. I have quite a few lined up, but I’m happy to consider any suggestions or help. #OrganicItaly
• See the expanding list of #OrganicItaly wines here

Brunchin the perfect antidote after an early morning medical visit to SIVUH!

 Marina Market Cork

Brunchin the perfect antidote after an early morning medical visit to SIVUH!

Buttermilk Chicken Benedict

After an early Saturday morning medical appointment at SIVUH* on Old Blackrock Road (Cork), it was time for breakfast, and there was no need to go further than the nearby Marina Market!

I was a little bit early for some, as the stall holders were still preparing. Others, quite a few, would not open until lunchtime. A small concentration had gathered alongside the aptly named Brunchin, the all-day brunch and salad bar open seven days a week from 8 to 6, and that was where we headed. There was also quite a queue for Alchemy Coffee.

Scampi Caesar Salad 

Brunchin is noted for its eggs, which appear in almost all its Bennys! That includes the massive Ultimate Benedict with Smoked Bacon, Black Pudding, Sausage, Poached Eggs on a Crusty Brioche, and homemade Lemon Hollandaise Sauce. It also includes their classic version of Eggs Benedict: Poached Eggs, Smoked Bacon, and homemade Lemon Hollandaise Sauce, served on Crusty Brioche. No wonder it is also known as the Egg Bar!

There are also all kinds of salads, including Eggs Royale, Buttermilk Chicken Salad, Avocado Caesar Salad, and Brunch Salad. 

There is no shortage of stacks, either, including the Full Stack—think Full Irish with chips. Looking for something sweet? Why not order their Golden Fried Brioche? Smashed avocado appears under the Classics heading, as does Sweet Potato Hash, paleo egg Pancakes, and Omelette. 

As you can see, they have quite a lot of variety to offer, and it is all detailed on boards above the serving counter. It took us a while to make up our minds. I chose the Buttermilk Chicken Benedict, consisting of Poached Eggs, Buttermilk Chicken, and homemade Lemon Hollandaise Sauce, served on a Crusty Brioche.

My colleague chose the Scampi Caesar Salad (Crispy Scampi, Poached Egg, red onion, Parmesan, Leaves, and Caesar Dressing). It's very hard to get away from eggs here! But they are of excellent quality, and we enjoyed our platefuls. The only downside, and this is common across the stalls, is the flimsy timber “cutlery.” If you plan a visit, bring one or two pieces of your own!

It has been quite a while since I came here, but I plan to return soon. I was checking out some of the other menus. I was quite impressed by the offerings of Ocras, but they don’t open until noon, though a breakfast offering is in the pipeline.

They concentrate on fish, and that Chowder looks quite the treat. They also do Fish Tacos, a Seafood Cone, Oysters, Mussels, and a Lobster Roll (Crosshaven Lobster hauled by Jamie Fitz) with Tomato Confit, Pickled Cucumber, Baby Gem, and Marie Rose in a Brioche Bun.

The Stew Store, open 12 pm - 8 pm every day,  also has a tempting list. Of course, you have the Irish one, but there is also a British one (a surprise here as it is Chicken Tikka Massala!), and I’d also be keen to sample the Spanish, Greek, and South African versions.

It’s all smoke at the White Rabbit. It’s a pity they weren’t open, as I would have enjoyed several items on their blackboard. They do sandwiches and baguettes mostly. I’d be inclined to order the Korean Sandwich (slow-cooked smoked pork belly in their Korean BBQ sauce, with red slaw, Kimohi, and BBQ mayo) or the Cuban Baguette (three-hour smoked pulled pork, chorizo, a three-cheese blend, country-style smoked ham, and house pickles).

White Rabbit Menu

Please check the market website here for information on the market, including the many vendors, their specialities, and opening times. 

* South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital

An enduring favourite for many. Kinnegar Limeburner is our Beer of the Week!

Kinnegar Limeburner Kölsch Style Pale Ale, 4.7% ABV, 440 ml can Lidl

An enduring favourite for many

Kinnegar’s Limeburner has stood the test of time, even if “Kölsch Style” is a late addition (but accurate) to the label. It comes in a slightly hazy gold colour, the bubbles shimmying their way to the soft white head. 

It is floral and hoppy on the nose. Crisp and refreshing in the mouth, it has a pleasant hoppy finalé. It is not at all overly bitter. It is easy to quaff and one to note if you haven’t already. It was one of their first beers and is still going strong as part of their core range.

It is an ideal introductory craft beer with a hop character familiar with quality German lager styles. As they point out themselves, Limeburner is an enduring favourite for many. It is light, crisp, and refreshing, with a hoppy accent at the end. It is excellent with food, particularly fish.

The Yarn: A bright white light from Fanad Head once illuminated the Limeburner (a 40m high hidden sea pinnacle where Lough Swilly meets the Atlantic), guiding passing ships away from danger. “Phew,” said the skipper when they left that pinnacle behind. “Pass me a Kinnegar there, boy." 

Down by the River Lee. Early-ish on a Saturday morning

Down by the River Lee. 

Saturday morning in Cork City

October 19th, 2024

Had no breakfast that morning and looking at this made me hungrier.
Luckily, the Marina Market was a few steps behind me.

It was still dark (just before 8.00am) on my way south. You can see the moon high above
Patrick's Bridge. Below is the Bus Station at Parnell Place.

On the way back, I enjoyed the breakfast at the Marina Market before walking up the quays. 

Here the water and reflections have been slightly disturbed by rowing boats, 

always on the river on Saturdays

Penrose Dock is one of the newest buildings on the quays.

Osteria Da Mirco, one of the best and most authentic. Fronted by Cork’s favourite Italian!

Osteria Da Mirco, one of the best and most authentic.

Fronted by Cork’s favourite Italian.

Tagliere Da Mirco

Mirco Fondrini is a beloved Italian figure in Cork. He has a strong affinity for the city, including its football club, and maintains close ties with his home region of Valtellina in Northeast Italy. Along with his team of Italian chefs, he showcases this passion at Osteria Da Mirco, widely regarded as one of the finest and most authentic Italian restaurants in Ireland.

He established Da Mirco in 2018. An Osteria is a traditional Italian tavern that serves good wine, simple dishes, and a warm welcome. Da Mirco’s is genuine and genial, meeting all those criteria and more.

Many Italian menus are extensive and most include a wide variety of pizza options. However, this is not the case here. The menu is concise and does not offer pizza. It may be short, but the quality is exceptional. Additionally, there is a great sense of humour. You can catch Mirco’s entertaining videos on his Instagram to experience his amiable character.

Monkfish

To get a sense of the restaurant's ambiance, you should head to Bridge Street and give it a try. It's a delightful combination of Italian expertise and Irish ingredients••, complemented by produce and wine from Valtellina, where the owner—he's also a sommelier — gained experience in the food industry.

When we visited last week, we couldn't resist starting with the Tagliere Da Mirco. This flavorful platter is loaded with Italian cured meats and cheeses, pickled giardiniera, and tomato jam. They also provided a basket of their delicious house-made focaccia bread. It's truly a delightful experience, a Mamma Mia one, just as Mirco would say himself!

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It's has been a busy year, eating out around Ireland (Munster Mainly). Check our current list here.

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For my main course, I chose the Maccheroni Ragu Di Salsiccia, a fantastic dish of homemade macaroni served in an Italian sausage and rosemary ragu, topped with a mix of bread crumbs and grated parmesan. It was another fantastic moment, cue more Mamma Mia! The ribbed macaroni tubes perfectly captured the ragu and were generously coated inside and out. The bowl was left spotless, and the remaining focaccia came in handy for savouring the last of the exceptional ragu!

Maccheroni Ragu Di Salsicca

Just to inform you, the cosy, atmospheric restaurant offers two menus: the Monthly Menu and the Tasting Experience Menu. Additional details, including menu options and prices, can be found here. 

In addition, there are usually two specials, one of which is pasta-based. During our visit, we were offered the pasta dish Mezze Maniche, also known as "half sleeves." This tubular ridged pasta variety is incredibly versatile. In this dish, it was combined with mussels and guanciale.

However, our choice was the Rana Pescatrice, also known as Monkfish. In Italy, it is often prepared with tomatoes and olives, but here, it was combined with a rustic mix of aubergine and carrot. Overall, it is a winning combination, with the perfectly cooked fish looking pristine.

We had wine, Italian, of course. The list has many options, including some available by the glass (125 ml or 175). I enjoyed my velvety and spicy Primitivo Bocca Della Verita’ Salento, while CL was enthusiastic about the zingy Pecorino Cu Ciu Marlettaie Officio.

Pere Nel Marsala Nocciole

"Of course, Mirco makes a great Tiramisu, but this time we chose the Pere Nel Marsala Nocciole. This delightful dessert is soaked in sweet Sicilian fortified wine (Marsala), paired with hazelnut cake sponge, and served with vanilla cream. It was the perfect conclusion to our meal."

* By the way, if you are coming from the west or northeast of the city, remember the Number 208 bus stops just outside Mirco’s door. The 207 also stops here. Go on, go public and allow yourself a glass of wine!

** Irish producers that are supported here include:

O'Mahony's The Market Butcher, English Market - Cork O'Sullivan's Poultry & Eggs, English Market - Cork Ballycotton Seafood, English Market - Cork Glenmar Shellfish, Union Hall - Co. Cork Terre Ignis, English Market - Cork Kilbrack Farm, Donerail - Co. Cork.

Food for Humans Farm, Ballinhassig - Co. Cork Bushby Strawberries, Rosscarberry - Co. Cork Real Olive Company, English Market - Cork Pana Artisan Bread, Midleton - Co. Cork .

Purato Nero D’Avola Sicilia. Soft, fruity red from Sicily with impeccable organic credentials

Purato Nero D’Avola Sicilia (DOC) 2022, 13.5% ABV

€16.00 Bubble Brothers

Green in the extreme. Soft, fruity red from Sicily with impeccable organic credentials

There is no mistaking the Purato range's commitment—certified carbon neutral—to minimising the environmental impact of its excellent everyday wines.

Not only are they made from organically grown grapes, but the bottles, labels, and cartons for the range are, as far as possible, made from recycled materials, and pure vegetable inks are used in printing.

This 2022 is an intense ruby red colour. The bouquet is fresh and cherry-scented. It is supple and rounded, with silky-smooth tannins. Highly Recommended.

Its layers of flavour make it an excellent accompaniment to meat and tomato dishes—so it's perfect with lasagne, pizza, spaghetti Bolognese and vegetarian meals.

The Nero d’Avola grape is indigenous to Sicily and an ideal choice for organic production because it is suited to the local conditions and has evolved to resist the particular challenges posed by Sicily’s climate and soils. 

These particular grapes come from organic vineyard slopes in the Trapani area. After de-stemming, the grapes are very gently pressed. Once fermentation is finished, the wine is racked off, and malolactic fermentation takes place.

• This post is part of a series on Italian wines made from native grapes and produced by usually small or medium-sized organic wineries. Taking some “guidance” here from the recently published VINO. They mightn’t always net the hat trick, but I hope to score two from the three each time. I have quite a few lined up, but I’m happy to consider any suggestions or help. #OrganicItaly
• See the expanding list of #OrganicItaly wines here