Lunch, local and fit for a king. And guests. At The Farmgate.

Lunch, local and fit for a king. And guests. 

At The Farmgate in Cork's English Market.

Corned Beef (from the market downstairs) and cabbage.

Sparkling Elderflower cordial

Old Millbank smoked salmon

Pork and hazelnut terrine

Lemon Sole (from the market)

Chapel Steps still at the top of the posts

Chapel Steps still at the top

Just been checking some of my Google stats and amazed to see that last November's post on Bandon restaurant, The Chapel Steps, is still topping the poll with almost five and half thousand hits.

The Top Five Posts

1   The Chapel Steps
2    Toonsbridge Dairy Shop
3    Rico's
4    Sharkey meets Ike. Ex US President in Cobh
5    Glounthaune Days
  

Paul Flynn Cookery Demo for Marymount

Just heard from Marymount Hospice:

"Paul Flynn from the Tannery in Dungarvan and one of Ireland's foremost chefs, will be doing a cookery Demo for us on the 10th of October at the Oriel House Hotel in Ballincollig. There will also be a food fare with over 14 stalls confirmed to date. The event is to raise vital funds to support the work done by the Hospice. We are desperate to get a push on tickets sales, which are €20 each. 

The Food Fare opens at 7pm and the Cookery Demo with Paul will start at 8pm."

Tickets available from Marymount Hospice, Curraheen, Bishoptown, or their shop on 87 Oliver Plunkett Street, They may be purchased at the Oriel House Hotel.

Two Kilkenny Restaurants feature in Michelin Star Winners

Two Kilkenny Restaurants feature in Michelin Star Winners
Two Kilkenny restaurants - Campagne in Kilkenny City and the Lady Helen at the Mount Juliet Hotel in Thomastown - have been awarded Michelin stars in the Michelin Guide Great Britain & Ireland 2014.

Campagne is a contemporary restaurant located at Gashouse Lane in the new heart of Kilkenny. Open since 2008, it is run by Garrett Byrne and Brid Hannon and serves modern French food using the very best of local and Irish produce.

Situated on the rolling Mount Juliet demesne, the Lady Helen Restaurant enjoys panoramic views over the estate and River Nore and serves a variety of international dishes, prepared using local produce and fresh herbs, picked daily from the estate's own garden.

These two new additions to this year’s guide bring to nine the total number of Michelin star restaurants in Ireland. Others are The House Restaurant at the Cliff House Hotel, Ardmore, Co. Waterford; Aniar Restaurant at Lower Dominic Street, Galway; Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud, Thornton’s at the Fitzwilliam Hotel, Chapter One, L’Ecrivain, all in Dublin City and Bon Appétit in Malahide.

A Michelin Bib Gourmand has been awarded to La Brasserie in Malahide, part of the renowned Bon Appetit eatery which itself is a Michelin starred restaurant.
 
The Bib Gourmand award recognises restaurants offering good food at affordable prices – up to EUR40 for three courses.
 
La Brasserie is described as a chic but informal bistro located at lower ground floor level, ideal for that quick bite after work, a weekend get-together with friends, or a relaxed Sunday lunch that offers the ultimate in comfort food.
 
According to Michelin Guide editor Rebecca Burr, establishments awarded a Bib Gourmand are hugely popular with readers in these difficult financial times, proving that providing good value for money doesn’t mean compromising standards. 
 
La Brasserie’s inclusion in the 2014 Michelin Guide brings to eleven the total number of Bib Gourmand restaurants in Ireland. 
 
The Michelin Guide Great Britain & Ireland 2014 will be available in bookshops from Friday 4th October priced at €16.99.
 

Taste of the Week

Taste of the Week

Torrontes is the white grape of Argentina
and this Finca La Linda is a terrific example
by the Luigi Bosca company.
Amazingly, the grapes are grown at 1700 metres.
Available from O'Donovan Off Licences

Amuse Bouche

He’d said: “If you’re looking for a room, go next door, pick whichever you fancy, first floor. The key will be in the lock.”

I had chosen the one with the view. A handwritten notice in reception on a wooden table, where a bowl with apples and another with sweets had been placed, said: “Plees, wen to chick-out, leef euros uder doore. Bon voyage.” I thought, this is the place for me. 

From The Olive Route by Carol Drinkwater.

A Look Back at Cahir Cider Celebration

A Look Back at Cahir Cider Celebration

I have to say that I was surprised and delighted with my trip to the Apple Farm in Cahir last weekend to visit the Slow Food Cider Festival. The big surprise was the sheer variety of styles and flavours of the ciders in the tasting tent. Just incredible, everything from dry to sweet and beyond (including that organic Traditional Medieval Honeyed Cider by Highbank Orchards).

I reckon they were all winners but on the day the judges decided on one and they awarded Best in Show to the, by now, well known and very well made Longueville House Cider, a 100% natural medium dry from their own orchards in Cork’s Blackwater Valley. Lots of people think you have to have ice in your cider but producer William O'Callaghan disagrees: “It is best drunk well chilled with no ice and is an ideal accompaniment to fish and meat”.

William, like many of the producers in Cahir, hasn't stopped with just one product. He was also showing his Apple Brandy (Calvados styled). And a very nice one too. This is really rich and mature and, in my opinion, not as fiery as some of its more famous counterparts from Normandy. He also makes liqueurs, must get my hands on some of those!

Longueville House is a busy spot and they have a few interesting events coming up:

• 12th Annual Mushroom Hunt, Sunday 06th & 20th October 2013
• Harvest Lunch & Cider Making Tour, Sunday 27th October 2013;
• Girls Night Out in Style, Pre Christmas Shopping , 21st November 2013;
• and don’t forget the New Year’s Eve Party!

Lisburn’s Tempted? were displaying their new snake logo and “4 tempting flavours”, including the lovely Strawberry that won Gold at the 2012 Irish Food Awards. But, this time, it was their dry cider that was voted Best in Show in that category. Reckon they'll be keeping the Snake. And maybe that Question Mark. Must admit I concentrated on the dry when I visited the MacIvor’s stand but it was their sweet that won the Best in Show in that category.

Great to meet up with Angus Craigie and Simon Tyrrell and taste their excellent cider, the Ballyhook Flier. Orpens and Keeved Cider’s Cockagee (not on general release yet) were other very enjoyable drops.

And then there was one with a difference from Kilmegan, their Wild Elderflower Infused Cider. Really gorgeous and worth a try if you come across it.

Had a terrific chat at the Highbank Orchard stand. Knew some of the products, including their limited edition Proper Cider and the multi-purpose Highbank Syrup. But the Medieval Cider was new to me as was their sweet cider. They are busy busy at Highbank Farm this month and have a day of family fun scheduled for the 29th. Click here for details.

The main focus was rightly on the cider producers but there were a few other stalls as well and, of course, the famed Apple Farm Shop was open. Great to meet up again with Sarah Grubb, husband and children at the Cashel Blue stand.

Amazing professionalism and a genuine courtesy to all as the couple managed to keep three young kids and a stream of interested callers happy. And we left here happy too with a small wedge of their Shepherd’s Store, a hard sheep cheese (you can't store the milk!) made during a good summer. It is a gorgeous cheese, with the trademark creaminess, and I'd advise you to get a wedge for yourself if you get the chance.

Did hear one or two complaints about the five euro (per car) parking charge, mainly because it wasn’t flagged in advance. Then again, there was a nice bonus (which I also hadn't known about). As you paid your seven euro entry fee to the Cider Tasting tent, a large bottle of a Con Traas cider special, called the Crow Black Chicken, a really nice dry cider, was presented to each punter.l

Wine Expert Neil McGuigan at The Boardwalk

Wine Expert Neil McGuigan at The Boardwalk

Neil McGuigan

October is off to a great start for Cork’s wine-lovers, with celebrated wine-maker Neil McGuigan, winner of multiple International Wine Maker of The Year titles, leading an exclusive wine dinner at The Boardwalk Bar & Grill on Wednesday, October 2nd, 2013. Neil McGuigan, , 

The evening will kick off with a drinks reception at 7.30pm, followed by an exquisite seven course dinner at 8pm, prepared by Niall Mooney, Head Chef at The Boardwalk Bar & Grill. McGuigan, CEO of McGuigan Wines, will share his extensive knowledge and experience as a world-class wine expert, as diners sample a line-up of peerless wines (minimum of five) from the newly launched McGuigan Reserve Range, which have been perfectly paired to the menu.

After-dinner entertainment will feature Alexandra Manning, acclaimed singer and pianist who will be accompanied by guitarist Jimmy Moore; a fitting conclusion to this intimate and elegant mid-week event.

Run by John and Darina Gately (also of The Montenotte Hotel), Cork’s only award-winning authentic steakhouse, The Boardwalk Bar & Grill, is renowned for the quality of their food, their excellent range of menus, and their outstanding hospitality. Located centrally on the vibrant Lapp’s Quay, the bar and restaurant offers guests a relaxed and sophisticated dining experience on the banks of the River Lee.

Tickets for this event, which is run in conjunction with Barry & Fitzwilliam, cost €49.50 per person, and places are limited, so why not book early to avoid disappointment!

To book tickets, call 021 4279990 or email info@theboardwalkbarandgrill.com

The Sultan of Penrose Quay

The Sultan of Penrose Quay

Baba Ghanoush (Spicy Aubergines), 

There is a little piece of the Levant on Penrose Wharf, right opposite the bridge, and here you can have Kafta, Shish, Kebab, Couscous, Shawarma, Moutabal, Falafel and more meals from that area of the Mediterranean.

This Lebanese restaurant, called The Sultan, has been open for about five months, with one entrance on the quay and another at the rear but do be aware that the car park in the complex closes early in the evening. In any event, there is a surprise if you enter by the quay as right in front of you is a Shisha Lounge complete with pipes and there too is a display of spices and herbs that they used in the cooking.

The spices, by the way, are not that hot. “Think of our spices as flavours. They are not very hot, we do not use chilli, for example.” Indeed, if you really want to find out more about Lebanese cooking, The Sultan runs cookery courses every Sunday. They also do takeaway and are to be seen at food festivals (they sold out in Midleton last Saturday week).

Lamb Shish 

But we were there to eat in the very well appointed alcohol free restaurant. It is clean and bright and well lit with very comfortable tables and seating (including high backed leather chairs).And if you want help with the menu, it is readily available from the very courteous staff.

We worked our way through the pages of the menu and they pointed out to us that we could take the Early Bird which gave us two courses for just €16.95 and that saved us a few euro. We were indeed early and so too were quite a few others and the place was more or less full by about seven on last Saturday night.

CL’s starter was the Moutabal which is Smoked Aubergine mixed with Tahini Sauce, Lemon Juice and Olive Oil and served with Lebanese bread. My Baba Ghanoush (Spicy Aubergines), a paste of smoked aubergines mixed with fresh pepper, parsley, garlic, lemon juice and olive oil and again served with Lebanese bread. Two really palatable dishes, full of light and delightful flavours, and much more substantial that I thought at first sight.

Chicken Kafta 

Very happy also with my main dish called Lamb Shish (13.90). This was grilled lamb cubes marinated in lemon juice and mixed spices, served with mixed salad, parsley, onions, tahini sauce on top and Lebanese bread. Some terrific flavours again, nothing very spicy, and that thin bread was a perfect foil.

The other mains was Chicken Kafta (12.90). This consisted of grilled minced chicken, sweet peppers, garlic and special spices and was served with mixed salad, garlic sauce on top and, of course, Lebanese Bread. This surprisingly was probably an even bigger dish than the lamb. Lots of it there. I took a few spoonfuls of the chicken mix and it was really satisfying and very much enhanced by the blend of peppers, garlic and spices, again overflowing with flavour, but nothing even approaching extreme.

And before we left, we had a surprise when a small plate of their Baklava was delivered to the table, the layers of filo pastry are filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup or honey. That sure left a sweet impression as we left the Sultan.

Baklava

The Sultan, 5 Penrose Wharf, Cork. 021 2414272.

Lebanese Take-away and Sit-Down.

The Sultan in action at Midleton Food Festival

Cider Scope

Cider Fest at The Apple Farm in Cahir




 Looking for something to do this Sunday afternoon? Why not take a trip up to Cahir to the Cider Fest at the Apple Farm and sample some of the amazing ciders available, including the Longueville House, winner of the Best in Show in the presentation and taste category.

Slinging Arrows on Culture Night

Slinging Arrows on Culture Night

Flash. Bang. Boom!

Here’s a bit of culture for you:

I shot an arrow into the air, It fell to earth, I knew not where.

I tell a lie. It was at Elizabeth Fort on Culture Night that I let fly. Up and away. Well it would have been away but for the enormous wall of the fort as my first ever shot from a bow flew well above the huge seemingly unmissable target. Got better with the next two though, still no bull’s eye but closer. Well done to the members of the Cork City Archery Club for helping the young and the not so young have a bit of fun.

Bit disappointed though that we didn’t get to fire cannon balls. That would have caused some consternation in the area of the historic fort (early 17^th century). Reckon I’d have chalked up a bowl of odds (more Cork culture) up South Main Street!

We did have the red coats on hand though and they were demonstrating their prowess with the muskets. After a couple of technical hitches and malfunctions, the shot went off and, despite being ready for it, we all jumped as the noise echoed around. Great fun and thanks to everyone involved.

Oh, almost forgot. We had a guide to take us around the fort and fill us in on the history. Some great views up there, a great semi-circle of the city visible from the east, to Shandon and other churches of the north side and out to the west. The nearest church of course is the great St Finn Barre’s and you get a fabulous close-up.

The English Market were ready for us now and we were ready for it. After a sample of Tom Durcan’s spiced beef, the first serious stop was Frank Hederman’s: Jazz, Cava (via Bubble Brothers), a chat with the busy Mrs Hederman and a carton of their terrific smoked salmon and smoked mackerel with salad and veg.

The Market was packed. You could hardly move. But it was a terrific atmosphere, good manners and courtesy all around. And simple humorous chats also with complete strangers when you shared a surface to eat. Chats too of course with quite a few that we knew, Cork being both a city and, especially at times like these, a village.

O’Connell’s Fish always contribute on these kind of evenings and they too were buzzing, their menu going down a treat. Here I opted for a tasty crab cake. Just around the corner then to the Olive Stall where a plate of their goodies and a glass of wine cost a reasonable six euro, all put away as the music played, a traditional trio at this stop.

Getting full now and feeling like dessert. Knew Lillie Higgins was operating at the ABC stall and she had a few sweet things at hand: Chocolate Soup with frangelico, softly whipped cream, toasted hazelnuts and a hazelnut sourdough soldier was the first; another was Belgian waffles with salted caramel sauce and Chantilly cream. Both were winners.

And we felt like winners as we headed out of the market, unable though to resist buying some Turkish Delight before getting the bus. The sweets, along with a glass of Chaume (recently acquired at Château Soucherie in the Loire ) provided a sweet end to a sweet night of culture.

Culture Night Food

Culture Night Food

Some food stops on the Culture trail in Cork's English Market last evening.

Bottom: Chocolate Soup and Belgian Waffle with salted caramel,

 both by Lilly Higgins at the ABC stall. Above: O'Connell's Crab Cake with

Smoked Mackerel and Salmon by Hederman.

Top: Plate from the Olive Stall.

Main pic shows people queuing at Hedermans.

  

Amuse Bouche

Although Mohammed was diabetic, his uncle had persuaded him that pure honey was compatible with diabetes. “You can eat as much of this as you want; honey is wonderful for the health. What you should avoid is white sugar, city sugar. Honey can only do you good! Allah talks about it in the Koran: There will be exquisite honey in paradise, rivers of honey – it can’t be bad for you.”

So Mohammed ate honey every morning before going to the plant. His diabetes was getting worse......but he would not give up his honey. Hot bread soaked in olive oil, then dipped in honey – that was his treat, his pleasure.

From: A palace in the old village (Tahar Ben Jelloun).