WINES: HOME and AWAY

Bergerac: How good is your nose?

HOME & AWAY

Let’s start with being away – away on hols, that is. In the Dordogne, next door to Bordeaux. Bergerac is right up against the Bordeaux vineyards and in the old quarter, there is a House of Wines. Maison de Vins is right on the quays where in former times, the barrels of wine were loaded on river boats for transport to Bordeaux and beyond.

That quay now is a parking lot but was full when we arrived. Still, we easily found a place on the riverbank nearby and made our visit. It is in an old religious building, the Cloitre des Recollets and, if you enter from the back, you will be in the old courtyard. A long panel tells the story of wine through the ages in French and English.

At the end of the visit, we came to the shop. There is a huge stock, all of the area’s AOCs and many of the producers represented. Already pretty well off in some of the AOCs, I concentrated on Montravel and went to choose a few bottles.

One was Terre Bleue white 2008 which was only polished off this week here in Cork. Colour is an inviting light gold and it has a citrusy nose. On the plate it is floral (modestly European style), crisp and clean with excellent length on the finish. Sauvignon dominated, the blend won a Gold Medal in Paris in 2009 and I’m happy to agree with the experts. Forget the price but I think it cost about five euro.

Now, we go even further away. Unfortunately not us, but to the source of our next wine. This is the Xanadu next of Kin Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon 2009 from the Margaret River area of Australia, another lovely white. Colour is pale straw. Citrus notes on the nose and on the palate where you notice the grapefruit. It is a refreshing lively taste and crisp with good length on the finish. Bought this 12.5% bottle some time back from Bubble Brothers and I think the cost was in the €12-14 bracket.

A much newer arrival on the local scene is the Rojo Mojo Tempranillo 2009, imported by Wine Alliance and available in places such as Bradley’s in North Main Street and in 1601 in Kinsale. This 13% newcomer is fast becoming the new house wine in this abode though personally I also enjoy the same label’s Shiraz.

The deep red Tempranillo has a red/black fruity nose. On the palate, it is plums and berries. It is full-bodied, smooth and well balanced with very satisfactory length at the end. Well worth the €8.99.

THREE REDS and a DASH OF KIRSCH

Who drank all the Kirsch?

FOUR COUNTRIES

         THREE REDS and a DASH OF KIRSCH

Won a case of wines recently during a Sicilian tasting in Fenns Quay.

Tried the Baglio Curatolo Syrah 2007 recently and enjoyed it.  It is deep red with berries on the nose. On the palate, I got berries again and mild spice. It is fruity and supple and long on the finish. Excellent European style Syrah and worth looking out for.

The range is distributed here by Liberty Wines.

Had some of Dunnes Stores French Duck last night (with plum sauce, and fresh spinach from the garden) and picked a French wine from Bordeaux to go with it. It was Chateau Arnauton Fronsac 2001 which had a few silver medals hanging from it.

Again, its colour was quite rich, the nose fruity and slightly spicy. On the palate, it was sharply dry, balanced with fruity and hints of vanilla. Overall, it was quite a well balanced mouthful but with no great length on the finish. Bought that at a Leclerc in the Dordogne for €4.90. While it was okay, it won't feature on future lists.

The other wine on the night came from Chile’s Aconcagua Valley and was much more impressive. It was the In Situ Reserva Merlot 2005. The colour was dark red and the nose was unfamiliar; I had to look at the back label to see that it was cedar. In the mouth, it had a good feel, the acidity balanced with the fruit (mainly cherry, I thought) and, of course, the usual merlot spice. On the whole, this velvety medium bodied wine went down well, much better than the Bordeaux and, besides, it had good length on the finish.

Bought this from Curious Wines and the cost, a few months back, was €11.99.

Just to go back to the meal, the international influence continued into the dessert which came from Italy via Aldi: Amarena Cherries in syrup. The syrup was a bit sweet so that had to be balanced. Just happened to have an artisan made Swiss Kirsch (1998) at hand and that, or at least a spoon or two of it, did the job to perfection.

THE WEEKEND CATCH

Clontarf Bridge reflected

A bumper Weekend Catch, fresh from the Net.

THE WEEKEND CATCH

Restaurant & Bar Scene in Cork

via Twitter & Facebook

Kristin Jensen Subject: October Irish Foodies Cookalong - autumn fruit- Hi all, just a reminder that the next Irish Foodies Cookalong is happening this Friday, 1 October. The theme is autumn fruit and it can be either sweet or savoury. David Llewellyn from Llewellyn's Irish Orchard Produce will be the judge this time and is donating a bottle of his cider, apple juice and balsamic vinegar to the winner!

Kinsale Gourmet Fest this month: http://corkfood.blogspot.com/2010/09/press-release-from-kinsale-gourmet.html

Food Safety Authority of Ireland Latest Food Alert: All batches of a smoked salmon recalled due to the possible presence of listeria monocytogenes. Click here for more info: http://bit.ly/cb4Z7K

Wine Alliance Interested in what we have been up to for the last few weeks ? Check out our blog post http://wp.me/sUmLk-progress

Nash 19 Did you ever meet a cheese maker?????????????? If not then today Friday is your chance. Jane from Ardsallagh Goats Cheese Products will be in the shop from 11am.

No.5 Fenns Quay Restaurant Bubble and Squeak potato cake with coolee cheese, black pudding, hollandaise sauce and a fried quails egg.

foodforlivingie Food for Living - Check out my blog today with a great warm Autumn salad and some interesting facts about courgettes on www.foodforliving.ie

SAVEURMAG - This is the issue everyone's talking about. 25 Greatest Meals Ever: Essays from Dean Koontz, @GaelGreene, and others.http://bit.ly/anBE9O

Food Safety Authority of Ireland If you're selling pre-packaged sandwiches, you must keep them in a fridge at 5 degrees celcius or lower. Sandwiches stored at the wrong temperature can lead to food poisoning. Click here for the results of a survey we carried out on pre-packaged sandwiches:http://www.fsai.ie/29092010.html

Mas De Vigneron Rouge 2009 Country / Region : Pays De Vaucluse, France Year : 2009 Grape Variety : Grenache Noir (70%), Syrah (30%) Style : Soft, Fruity, Spicy Red ABV : 13% Drink By : 2014 RRP : €8.99 The Winemakers Pays de Vaucluse is the local wine of the southern Rhone valley – the vineyards surrounding the appellations of villages such as Gigondas, Cairanne and Séguret produce Pays de Vaucluse....

smallsips Small Sips founder of sourgrapes.ie & wine columnist for national newspaper, The Sunday Tribune. Evil genius behind wineireland.com, an aggregator of Irish wine blogs

Bealcheese Beal Organic Cheese If interested in cheese-making , have a look at this. As part of a work experience/voluntary program for kids in... http://fb.me/G5Lqkdr4

The Bulman Kinsale Thanks to everyone who came to the Bulman to celebrate Arthurs Day. Great time had by all ........especially Pearse!! Another great night on Saturday last with the launch of Luke Lee Exhibition, which you can drop in to see in the restaurant at any time....all welcome. Music this weekend....Saturday 10 p.m. Chunky Funky......seriously..

CuriousWines Curious Wines October specials now on website (just a wee bit early). Château Bauduc fans fill your tights :) http://bit.ly/d5w2zc

mariannegusto It's Cicchetti time @cafegusto. A Colin special: tapanade pitta with Serrano & rocket http://twitpic.com/2te4r9 http://twitpic.com/2te4rx

BarrysTeaTweets Get entering tweeters,only 4 days left to win yourself a dreamy trip to Isle of Aaron with @visitscotland http://yfrog.com/ht6c4kj

tomdoorley That Pflalz Riesling from Lidl is being reduced to €3.49 which is beyond belief. NIce and dry, crisp, fresh. #tomwines

TheRossHotel The Ross, Killarney Cant wait for the Dingle Food and Wine Festival this weekend..

ElectricCork Electric In 2 wks, we open into the deepest recession since the depression, any suggestions on inspirational DVD's we should be watching over the wkd

No.5 Fenns Quay Restaurant we like to support local food producers if you are aware of any new or established producers pass us on their information and try out their products !!

Wagamama Ireland to celebrate our last tasty tuesday sushi night in cork we are offering a sushi dinner for 5! simply answer the following question: in what country is sushi from? winner will be randomly selected and notified on monday evening...best of luck! x

We search the net, via Twitter and Facebook, each Thursday evening and early Friday morning, for the latest from the Cork restaurant and bar scene. If you don't have either of the above, reach us at cork.billy@gmail.com. Deadline 9.00am Friday.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE MARKETS

MARKET MISSION

So handy having a place such as the English Market  (or any decent market) on your doorstep. Visited there yesterday with a short shopping list.

The essential item was sardines and got seven plump fillets (c. €3.50) at O’Connell’s. Then over to ABC for a loaf of Focaccia bread and picked up the last piece of the puzzle, a little box of juicy Cherry Tomatoes (€1.29), at Superfruit.

Back at the ranch, step one saw the tomatoes being roasted; step two saw the sardines (you could also use mackerel) being grilled and then the bread went under the grill. Olive oil was used at almost all stages and the result was a beautiful toasted lunch.

That lunch was planned;  today’s wasn’t. But it was even easier. Was back to ABC for my favourite Country Baguette (€2.50), though the main object was fish for dinner from Ballycotton Seafood and I cleaned them out of pollock.

The remainder of the cherry tomatoes were pressed into use. Cut them up and added them to the baguette along with some Carrigaline Farmhouse Cheese (Herb and Garlic), shredded some basil off the windowsill and combined the lot in a tasty open sandwich.

I'M A SPECIALS KIND OF GUY

Clontarf Bridge, Cork

WATCH OUT FOR THE SPECIAL ONES

I am a specials kind of guy.

I always check the specials when I arrive in a restaurant; experience has taught me that it is a worthwhile practice.

Take the last week or so as an example. Let’s start with my visit to Fenns Quay, who have daily specials. Last weekend, I thoroughly enjoyed their Duck Confit and also the Tarte aux Pruneaux, both added to the regular choice because it coincided with the French Food Festival.

A few days later, at the Liberty Grill, I also hit the jackpot with their Chorizo and cheese, one of their In Season specials. They had run out of the Manchego (a Spanish sheeps cheese) but the substitute, Monterey Jack (an American cows cheese), was well up to the mark and the tasty toasted starter was well priced at under a fiver.

By the way, I also enjoyed the dessert here, though the Blueberry pie may not have been a special. Made as they do it in the southern states of the US and served with hot custard it was a fine finish to the meal. Something different.

The Liberty also does monthly wine specials and the current offer comes from Provence, from the Vaucluse in particular. It is Cotes de Ventoux, named after that bare hot mountain that regularly features in the Tour de France. Produced by Domaine des Anges  , both the red and white are excellent value and you may buy by the glass, the carafe (50cl) and the bottle. 

By the way the Irish connections re strong at this winery and the tricolours of both France and Ireland fly side by side and the wines are imported here by Red Nose Wines and Karwig Wines , among others.

WINE ALLIANCE TASTING

Guest blogger Brian Clayton runs the rule over the new wines from Wine Alliance....

wine alliance tasting at fenns quay

September 26th, 2010

I was invited to a preview of some of the range from Wine Alliance this week, in Fenns Quay restaurant.
I’ve heard a bit about them, and I know Maurice from his days atKarwig Wines.
I’d already read about a couple of the wines on Paul Kiernan’s blog, so I was really looking forward to it.

We tasted 8 wines from their range, 2 Spanish, 2 French and 4 Portuguese. All were priced below the €10 euro mark and came in a mix of old school and funky labels.

• Pegoes Branco 2009 Portugal
• Stella Blanco 2009 Portugal
• Mas De Vigneron Blanc 2009 France
• Pegoes Tinto 2009 Portugal
• Mas De Vigneron Rouge 2009 France
• Stella Rosso 2008 Portugal
• Rojo Mojo Tempranillo 2009 Spain
• Rojo Mojo Shiraz 2009 Spain

They were all very nice, with the Stella Rosso being my favourite on the night. You wouldn’t go wrong with any of them though.
I’m delighted to see plenty of Portuguese wines on offer. I’ve never even heard of most of the grapes in these wines, but lately I’ve been hearing more positive things about wine from Portugal, so I was very happy to try them. The main characteristic of all the wines from the tasting was smoothness.
There was a range of tastes, but all the wines were accessible and smooth, “easy to drink” was mentioned several times on the night.
Maurice is a great MC for a tasting. He really knows the wines, and the interest and belief that he has in them shines through.
You can follow Wine Alliance and Maurice on Twitter. Have a chat to the lads, they’re very friendly and
maybe you can wangle an invite for yourself!
as usual, my tasting notes (click to enlarge). enjoy!

Wine Alliance tasting note 1

Wine Alliance tasting note 2     Brian's musings on wine and other aspects of Cork life may be found at http://brianclayton.ie/

EAT CORK GRAND PARADE MARKET

Don't believe these ladies ran the marathon!

EAT CORK GRAND PARADE MARKET

Had a quick walk through the Eat Cork Grand Parade Market this afternoon. Quick is the word as there were hardly twenty stalls there and only a fraction of those were local producers. Hard to blame the producers though as they are out at markets every day of the week, where they can be supported locally, and they deserve their day for rest.

The two crepe stands though and similar hot food stands were doing okay, as people coming back from the mini-marathon availed of the chance to restore energy levels.  Bought myself some Turkish delight and that was about it. 

Ended up then in TKMaxx where I spent a few minutes shopping and much more than a few minutes queuing. Bought a cook book on the cheap and a few utensils. By the way, if you are on the lookout for amaretto biscuits – I’m told they are hard to get – then TK has loads of them on their food stand.

• Did you hear the news from Skibbereen that that lovely restaurant Over the Moon closed its doors last night. Shame to see the lights go down on such a class eatery.

FRENCH TREATS AT FENN'S QUAY

The old terrace of Fenn's Quay - restaurant on right.

FENN’S QUAY

Fenn’s Quay joined in the current French Food Fest by adding some Gallic items to their menus. And head chef Kate Lawlor did it with a class and expertise that would be hard to beat. Called there between stops on the Culture trail on Friday night and each course was a highlight.

Had quite a few Duck confits in the Dordogne this summer but the version served up by Fenn’s Quay was excellent, beating anything that came our way in Sarlat. High quality meat perfectly cooked and so well matched with red cabbage and a red wine sauce and served with a sweet potato mash, it was superb.

Dessert, Tarte aux Pruneaux, was also a winner. Served with cream, it was so well baked, so tasty and moist. Something that any top French patisserie would be delighted to produce.

Actually skipped the French opener, a chicken liver pate, in favour of the Warm Chicken Salad. Sounds ordinary enough, doesn’t it? But I can tell you that this delightful mix was far from ordinary. A brilliant start to yet another top class meal in Fenn’s Quay.

Summary:

Laurenz V Friendly Gruner Veltliner 2008 €5.95 per glass

El Coto Crianza Rioja 2006 €7.50 per glass

3 course supper menu €27.50

FOOD TRAIL - FAB FOUR

CORK FOOD TRAIL 

Today, visited four lovely friendly shops in Cork Nash 19 , Brennan's Cookshop ,  Maher's Coffee  and Little Buddha .

Great standard of service and courtesy, not to mention the smiles, in all four. And, perhaps because of that type of service, each had plenty of customers.

Brennan’s Cook Shop in Oliver Plunket Street has all the utensils and bits and pieces (not ingredients, mind you, though they do have some flavourings and colourings) you need for your baking and cooking and if you can't do either, they have a course for you.

Up to Maher’s then, also on Oliver Plunket Street, for some coffee. They have a huge selection, loads of types of tea too and I noticed the price of their accessories is very keen. After a bit of advice, I bought myself some Sumatran for my cafetiere.

Princes Street was next and the visit was to Nash 19 to stock up from the shop. Some terrific food here including readymade meals from which I bought the lamb Tagine and couscous. Also stocked up with some gorgeous Glenilen yogurts and the magnificent Sparkling Apple Juice from Tipperary’s Apple Farm. 

Having sampled Jack McCarthy’s Gold Medal black-pudding in midweek, I said I’ve give his Duhallow Heather Lamb sausage a go. Sampled one just there at lunch and it was outstanding. Worth another gold.

McCurtain Street was next on the list and here I paid a visit to the coffee and tea shop of Little Buddha that is a treasure trove. Was looking for a particular type of Rooibos but it was out of stock. But there were still five to choose from, so I wasn't disappointed.

They also do scented candles, essentials oils, caddies, flavoured coffee, and all kinds of tea and coffee accessories. If you can't get to McCurtain Street, do have a look at their website. You can order on online and soon the range will be even greater. Worth a look. But if you can get to the shop, do so, as it is hard to better smelling the various types of teas yourself.

THE WEEKEND CATCH

A bumper Weekend Catch, fresh from the Net.

THE WEEKEND CATCH

Restaurant & Bar Scene in Cork

via Twitter & Facebook

It may well be Culture Night but you still got to eat!

No.5 Fenns Quay Restaurant Fenns Quay this weekend will be partaking in the French Food Festival with French dishes appering on our specials on Friday and Saturday evening ! Cork city this weekend will sure be a hive of actiivity between Ocktober Fest Beag the french Food festival and the Eat Cork Food Festival !!

Nash 19 Back in stock this week Inch House Gluten Free Blackpudding. Last day of the three for two in the freezer. Open till 6pm today. Inch House Country House Hotel & Restaurant Thurles www.inchhouse.ie

Greenes Restaurant Cork Evening Echo is advertising a Fantastic Offer this Saturday which will be valid from Monday Sept 27th-29th inc. Free Starter or Dessert with your Main Course - must be from a la carte menu. Don't forget to collect your voucher in Saturday's Evening Echo.

The Ambassador Restaurant Keep the Summer Sizzling......order any sizzling dish as a taster from €9.50 as a side or with a main course. Fun & Delicious. Sizzling Chow Mein....Sizzling Ginger & Spring Onion....Sizzling Garlic or even Black Pepper....mmmmm. For a limited period only starting today.

CuriousWines Lar Veale tries out The Squid's Fisthttp://bit.ly/bz1RDr @smallsips

http://bit.ly/aaf31r 1st Cork French Food & Wine Festival, organised by On The Pigs Back, is on in Douglas, from Sept 22nd to 25th. Yum!

Dingle Food & Wine Festival 2010: Oct 1st - 3rd www.dinglenews.com The fourth annual Dingle Food & Wine Festival will take place on the 1st-3rd of October, 2010, in and around Dingle

EATcork Today's city producer is Roly's Fudge on Prince's Street. Their Crumbly fudge prepared daily in Prince's St - Just down from the English Market! Look out for them at farmers markets around the city

Food Safety Authority of Ireland Latest food allergen alert: Sulphites were not declared on the label of certain batches of dried apricots. If you are allergic or intolerant to sulphur dioxide or sulphites, you should check out the full details: http://bit.ly/aaoVD5

Wagamama Ireland it's tasty tuesday sushi night in wagamama cork only (sorry dublin we'll try and get it up there soon!) starts at 6pm...please come early to avoid dissappointment x

Bealcheese Outlets which currently stock Beal Mild... Update in the coming week!! http://fb.me/HHjRepmG
SAVEURMAG This month's cover star: Elegant Pork Chops with a sweet, tomatoey sauce: http://bit.ly/9N7VS2

digestcomau Dig Marketing by smallsipsThe Langton's Classification of Australian Wines V is out now! Click here for the list: http://bit.ly/9Thgfc

donalskehan  Blackberry Crumb Slices will be up on the blog and in the Cork News this morning! :)

Kinsale Gourmet Fest next month: http://corkfood.blogspot.com/2010/09/press-release-from-kinsale-gourmet.html

McCthyConsultng DavidMcCarthy 

 by localmarkets RT @localmarkets: Eat Cork is happening this week, for a full listing of what's happening and where see http://tinyurl.com/32qvrv6

We search the net, via Twitter and Facebook, each Thursday evening and early Friday morning, for the latest from the Cork restaurant and bar scene. If you don't have either of the above, reach us at cork.billy@gmail.com. Deadline 9.00am Friday.

WINE ALLIANCE TASTING

Press release from the Kinsale Gourmet Festival

BOLLINGER ANNOUNCE SPONSORSHIP

OF

34^th KINSALE GOURMET FESTIVAL

The "Kinsale Gourmet Festival" is held in October of each year and is a celebration of all the fine things that Kinsale has to offer, this year Bollinger Champagne are the Headline Sponsor to support the event and make it the best yet.

‘We are delighted to get involved in the Kinsale Gourmet Festival which has such a prestige within Ireland’ comments Vianey Fabre of Bollinger ‘ I for one am looking forward to coming to such a beautiful part of the Country and tasting what they have to offer.’

 Visitors can expect to experience a Cookery demonstration with Kinsale & RTE's Martin Shanahan of "Martin's Mad About Fish" fame accompanied by a wine reception sponsored by Pallas Foods.  The Official Opening at the White Lady Hotel including a Bollinger Champagne reception with canapés from the Good Food Circle, hosted by members of The Kinsale Good Food Circle as well as Dining out at the GFC restaurant of their choice as part of the package. Participating Restaurants  include Restaurant d' Antibes @ The White House, The Blue Haven,The Captains Table @ Actons Hotel, Crackpots, Jim Edwards, Max's Wine Bar, Man Friday, Pier One @ The Trident Hotel, Toddies, White Lady, Fishy Fishy.

 On Saturday guests can Join Alice, the Mad Hatter, March Hare and the Fieldmouse for the Highlight of the Festival - an escorted tour of the 11 Members of Kinsale's Good Food Circle who will present spectacular dishes from their kitchens bearing testimony to the culinary skills of the chefs of Kinsale accompanied by wines from festival sponsors, Gleeson's, Gilbey's, Karwig's & Nash's.  Non wine drinkers can avail of beer compliments of Heineken Ireland or water from Tipperary Water.

Sunday anticipates a superb afternoon of fun & frolics with MC Derek Davis at the renowned Fruits de Mer in Actons Hotel, where guests can enjoy a mouth watering four course lunch to include lobster, crab, prawns etc, accompanied by delicious wines sponsored by Torres Mas Rabell and fresh roasted coffees compliments of Bewleys.  Patrons can then dance the evening away to music by the Aristocrats.

 For more information, quotes, to arrange an interview or for further images please contact:

Jacques Malone MPRII
BOLLINGER IRELAND
T:+353 (0) 858 167 345

Maria O'Mahony
KINSALE GOOD FOOD CIRCLE
T:+353 (0) 21 4773571

Or see the website:

http://www.kinsalerestaurants.com/autumn.php

THE CHEF FACTOR

Just heard from Sully of Cully and Sully...

"We are running a competition called Chef Factor - http://www.cheffactor.ie that wants people to submit a dish they made. Upload a photo of you with your dish and the words “Cully & Sully” somewhere in your
picture. You can submit ANY dish you want, big or small, starter or main, sandwich or steak!"

"The top prize is a place on the 12 week Ballymaloe Cookery Course worth €12,000 plus accommodation, knives and everything you'll need to be Ireland's next great culinary success. We hope you'll enter this too.  The top prize is redeemable in January 2011/2012."

"We're finding that people think they need to be fantastic cooks in order to enter but we're happy to take

any submission where someone has prepared a dish, be it some amazing french dish or beans on toast. We're hoping after the course the winner can become that superstar chef they want to be."

Check it out here