Cheers 200912. The Drinks Digest. Fidelity. Whiplash. O'Briens Wine. Clonakilty Distillery. Wines of the World.

Cheers 200912. The Drinks Digest. Fidelity. Whiplash. O'Briens Wine. Clonakilty Distillery. Wines of the World.

Fidelity beer festival to return in 2021

Founded by Whiplash and The Big Romance, Fidelity Beer Festival is set to return to Dublin’s

Mansion House on July 16th and 17th 2021, following a break this year.

Building on the success of the first event, Fidelity will once again bring world-class breweries

to the city, many for the first time, for two evening tasting sessions over two days. Unlike

many other beer festivals, Fidelity’s concept is simple – your ticket includes all your beer

samples. No tokens or cash required! Once you collect your specially designed tasting glass

at the door, you’re free to start sampling some of the best beers from a line-up of both

international and local breweries. Whiplash will be creating some limited-edition beers for

the event too.

The festival is designed to allow guests sample at their leisure and take the time to meet all

the fantastic brewers while they serve their incredible beer. As with the previous event,

many of the beers available for sampling will be pouring in Ireland for the very first time,

and each session will have a completely different roster of beers. There will also be a

selection of Dublin’s finest DJs and more to add to the entertainment. The full line-up of

breweries will be announced in 2021.

Tickets cost €62.50 + fees and will be available on Thursday 10th December at 9am from

fidelity.beer.

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Lynne Coyle MW takes you through her picks in

O'Briens Annual Fine Wine Sale

Château Phélan Ségur

CULT, ICONIC & CLASSIC WINES AT REMARKABLE VALUE IN OUR ANNUAL FINE WINE SALE
By Lynne Coyle MW | O'Briens Wine Director


Our annual Fine Wine Sale starts in-store and online 11am Monday 7th December, with our carefully curated selection of cult, iconic and classic wines. On offer are very individual wines from top estates, some famous brands and some made in tiny quantities along with a few new treasures joining the line-up. So, whether gift buying, treating yourself or investing in an exceptional bottle to cellar, this once a year sale presents the opportunity to buy unique wines at exceptional prices, here are a few suggestions to mull over. See the full list of our Fine Wines below (While stocks last, limited quantities available online, customer quotas apply, check your local store too)!  Read more here.

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Clonakilty Distillery Back Open! We're delighted to announce we are opening our Distillery Gift Shop from Saturday 5th December.   Open every Wednesday – Saturday  11:30am – 6pm.

We will also be opening our doors on Tuesday 8th December for the Christmas in Clonakilty Shopping day. More info here *****   Wines Of The World Final Virtual Tasting of the year Our final virtual tasting of 2020 will take place on Friday December 18th. Valued at €95, you can order your case now for only €79.99. You will even receive a little surprise as a thank you for all your support over the year! It is the final few days for orders on our Virtual Tasting Case. More details here

Top Wines 2020 Short List. Look to Chile's Itata for red, to Spain's Navarra for white

 Top Wines 2020 Short List

Found my Red in Itata, White in Navarra

Hard work in Itata - from a Liberty Wines Zoomed Masterclass 2020.

Pedro Parra “Vinista” Itata Chile 2018 Liberty

Clos des Fous “Pour Ma Geule” Itata Chile 2016 Liberty

Montes “Outer Limits” Cinsault 2017 DO Valle del Itata Liberty

Leonardo Erazo “A Los Viñateros Bravos” Volcánico País 2018 Itata (Chile) Le Caveau

Azul y Garanza Naturaleza Salvaje Blanca Navarra 2019 Mary Pawle

Blank Canvas Grüner Veltliner Marlborough (2013) Liberty

Ata Rangi “Lismore” Pinot Gris Martinborough 2018 Liberty

While most of the wine I drink these days comes from Europe (much of the red from France), it seems my favourite red wine area for 2020 is Itata in Chile. Light reds are emerging as a personal favourite and here in Itata, with the likes of Pedro Parra, Aurelio Montes and Leonardo Erazo working their magic, we are enjoying beautiful bottles based on País but also Cinsault. The four listed above are superb and I'm not inclined to pick any one over the others.

Aside from the Itata wines, Beaujolais, Burgundy and the Loire (Cabernet Franc), will also feature on my shopping lists. Indeed, the Passetoutgrains below is a gem. Navarra has some outstanding winemakers including Azul y Garanza and Tandem. Also in Spain, Bodegas Pinuaga made a big impression on me early in the year.

No Itata equivalent in the whites but the two from New Zealand  are outstanding and are distinctive examples of Grüner Veltliner and Pinot Gris. Austria is, of course, the home of Gru-Vee and Diwald come up with the goods year after year as indeed does Judith Beck. The three French whites featured are each worth looking out for. And Spain has come up with a stunning Garnacha white, by Azul y Garanza, pipping the Kiwis for my white of the year!

The Short List 2020

RED

Chile

Pedro Parra “Vinista” Itata Chile 2018 Liberty

Clos des Fous “Pour Ma Geule” Itata Chile 2016 Liberty

Montes “Outer Limits” Cinsault 2017 DO Valle del Itata Liberty

Leonardo Erazo “A Los Viñateros Bravos” Volcánico País 2018 Itata (Chile) Le Caveau

France

J.M. Cazes Domaine des Sénéchaux Châteauneuf-du-Pape (AOC) 2016 O’Brien’s

Domaine Lacour Bourgogne Passetoutgrains (AOP) 2017 Le Caveau

J-C Regnaudot Pinot Noir Bourgogne (AOC) '17 Le Caveau

Château du Cèdre Héritage Malbec, Cahors (AOC) 2016 Le Caveau

Domaine de Brau PURE Pinot Noir, Pays D’Oc (IGP) 2015 Mary Pawle

Italy

GD Vajra Nebbiolo Langhe (DOC) 2018 Liberty

Spain

Bodegas Pinuaga Tinto “Colección” Vino de la Tierra de Castilla  2016 Mary Pawle

Tandem Ars Nova Navarra (DO) 2014 O'Brien's

Azul y Garanza  “Naturaleze Salvaje” Navarra (DO) 2017 Mary Pawle

Portugal

Casa Ferreirinha Vinha Grande Douro (DOC)  Douro Tinto 2017 Liberty

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WHITE

Spain

Azul y Garanza Naturaleza Salvaje Blanca 2019 Mary Pawle

New Zealand

Blank Canvas Grüner Veltliner Marlborough (2013) Liberty

Ata Rangi “Lismore” Pinot Gris Martinborough 2018 Liberty

France

Meyer-Fonné Gentil Alsace (AOC) 2018 Le Caveau

Bertrand Ambroise Lettre d’Eloïse Chardonnay “Coteaux Bourguignons” (AOC) 2017 Le Caveau

Rijckaert Chardonnay Arbois (AOC) 2018 Bradley’s/Wine Mason

Germany

Lingenfelder Riesling Trocken Kabinett Freinsheimer Musikantenbuckel Pfalz (DP) 2018 O’Briens

Portugal

Casa Ferreirinha Vinha Grande Douro (DOC) Douro Branco 2019 Liberty

Austria

Diwald Grüner Veltliner (Wagram, Austria) 2018 Mary Pawle

Beck Weissburgunder Austria 2019 Le Caveau 

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Red and White Doubles

Fancy a good pair of red and white on your table at Christmas table or indeed at anytime? Why not try the Le Caveau pair, the Passetoutgrains (16.95) and the Gentil (18.00), listed above.

Lingenfelder Riesling Trocken Kabinett Freinsheimer Musikantenbuckel Pfalz (DP) 2018

Tandem Ars Nova Navarra (DO) 2014. Both from O’Brien’s

Diwald Grüner Veltliner (Wagram, Austria) 2018 Mary Pawle

De Brau Pure Pinot Noir Pays D’Oc (IGP) 2018 Mary Pawle

GD Vajra Nebbiolo Langhe (DOC) 2018 Liberty Wines

Pieropan Soave (DOC) Classico 2019 Liberty Wines

Andre Goichot Fleurie (AOC) 2018 Supervalu

Guy Saget Sancerre (AOC) 2018 Supervalu 

See the Long List here. 

And the Good Value List here.

Both should help you you in your quest for good wine in the run-up to Christmas and well into the New Year.

OUTDOOR CAFE ON HARLEY STREET AIMING TO ENHANCE THE CHRISTMAS CHEER

press release 

Metropole GM Roger Russell

OUTDOOR CAFE ON HARLEY STREET AIMING TO ENHANCE THE CHRISTMAS CHEER

A new cafe has opened on Harley Street in Cork City. The Harley Street Market is serving up an array of festive treats this year. Drinks include Christmas Punch, Mulled Wine, Hotel Whiskeys and Hot Chocolate. They will also be serving a Pulled Pork Bap and a McCarthys Artisan Sausage Bap. 

The Harley Street café is a long term project and will open throughout the year. It will be operated by the Metropole Hotel. 

The Metropole Hotel is delighted to once again be welcoming guests and they are urging people to support local businesses this festive season which will in turn support local jobs and local suppliers. . 

The Metropole Hotel is 123 years old and in that time they have been through the Spanish flu, World War 1, World War 2, War of Independence, Easter Rising, Civil War, Polio and smallpox outbreaks, Wall Street Crash, the Ash Cloud, Foot and Mouth, Bird flu.

General Manager, Roger Russell said: “The Metropole Hotel has been through so much and has always come out the other side. We will come out the other side of this pandemic too. We are so glad to see our guests coming back through our doors and we are so looking forward to the weeks ahead where we can treat them as they escape the hustle and bustle outside.”

This year the Metropole Hotel has its own real life Elf of the Shelf which will be seen throughout December at the hotel. Guests have been told to be on the look-out for the hotel’s elf - Peppermint Tinselbottom as she aims to spread cheer this festive season. 

Also, in order to raise funds for their charity partner, Cork Penny Dinners, the front office team at The Metropole are now taking orders for children’s letters from Santa’s Little Helper. The letters are €6.50 each and for each letter sold €5 of the payment will go directly to Cork Penny Dinners.

Trigon Hotels, which includes the Metropole Hotel, Cork International Hotel and the Cork Airport Hotel have just launched their Gift Card, a first for the hotel and in perfect time for the festive season ahead. They are encouraging people to ‘shop local’, saying it has never been more important. With Trigon, as well as supporting local employment people are also supporting Trigon’s local suppliers including their food suppliers, beverage suppliers, printers and so much more. 

The Metropole Hotel in Cork's Victorian Quarter is hopeful of a busy and bustling Christmas in Corks City Centre. They are currently offering a popular festive afternoon tea which is available for delivery, takeaway or dine in. Equally so, the “Bottomless Brunch” is in full swing at the weekends in December and there is also a takeaway brunch option. 

Taste of the Week. Roughty Foodie: Barnabrow Christmas Cake

Taste of the Week. 

Roughty Foodie: Barnabrow Christmas Cake

 

Last week, I posted a pointer towards an superb Christmas Pudding - details here. And we can complete the double now with a hearty recommendation as to sourcing your Christmas cake. Pity I hadn't tasted the cake earlier and I could have combined the two.

Still, glad to say the cake is our Taste of the Week. Packed full of fruit and other essentials (including the same beer and whiskey as the pud), it is delicious, fruity and nutty, not too heavy, yet take it easy (make it linger!).  And if there's just one or two in the house, then they have a convenient size for you. The cake, and the pudding (which comes in 3 sizes), will bring a smile to your face, a nostalgic smile in the case of those of us of a certain age.

And there is a nice nostalgia story too on the Barnabrow label. Tales from the kitchens (Irish and Sri Lankan) when the cakes of our childhood was being prepared and everyone getting a stir of the mix. Will we have almond icing or just sugar icing or glazed fruit finishes?

No need to worry about all that.. Just pop into Roughty Fruity and bag yourself a handy double (they know all about bookie's lingo in there) before the horse has bolted.

PAPER PLATES, BRING YOUR OWN CUTLERY? NEVER! SAYS MASTER OF ETIQUETTE NOEL CUNNINGHAM

  

Noel at the Newbridge Christmas Table

 

PAPER PLATES, BRING YOUR OWN CUTLERY?

NEVER! IT’S CHRISTMAS

 

MASTER OF ETIQUETTE NOEL CUNNINGHAM ‘DISPOSES THE DISPOSABLES’ THIS CHRISTMAS

 

Noel Cunningham, hospitality guru, media personality, author and master of etiquette was horrified to hear various health experts suggest that people should use disposable plates and cutlery this Christmas.   “When I heard health experts recommending that people use paper cups and plastic knives and forks for Christmas, I really thought this was just a step too far. What’s wrong with washing cutlery and delph in the dishwasher or using boiling water and washing up liquid?  Yes of course, we all have to be careful and continue to look after each other but really and truly some of the suggestions now being made regarding the use of disposable tableware are beyond ridiculous.”

 

Noel made the comments recently when he popped into the Showroom at Newbridge Silverware for a live television broadcast with Ireland AM.  In the live show he chatted to presenter, Alan Hughes and gave some great tips on etiquette, how to decorate the Christmas table and how to enjoy the season in a healthy, fun and stylish way.

 

In the show viewers were treated to a visual feast of beautiful cutlery, vintage ceramics, decorations, and stunning accessories. Firstly, Noel spoke about the table setting itself and showed how the classic ‘King’s Pattern’ Newbridge Silverware cutlery looks timeless and stylish when paired with original ceramic vintage plates and a delicate tea set.  Newbridge Silverware has recently introduced a new range of Pre Loved, one of a kind, vintage luxe pieces such as ceramic figurines, tea sets, marble clocks, silver plated trinkets and lamps. These items are exclusive to the visitor centre and allow people to bring a little bit of individuality to their table and their home.

 

 “There is an enormous selection of one of a kind, original pieces from the Victorian era right through to the 1980’s, many of which have been reconditioned by the talented craftspeople at the Newbridge Silverware Factory,” said Noel. “They are also very unique and very special gift ideas and incorporate a myriad of memories from a bygone era”.

 

A ‘Sweet’ Corner on the table included a Pre loved, ceramic Wedgwood cheese board, complete with a cloche covering, an elegant silver cake server, a vintage cut crystal biscuit barrel and an elegant, Newbridge Silverware Victoria Silver plated, 3-tier afternoon tea tray.

 

Noel also showed how important it is to have a stunning centre piece on the table and explained how candles and candelabras can add height and interest to the Christmas ‘tablescape’.  Some fun and stylish accessories by Newbridge Silverware included a silver bell complete with a figure of a hare on the top, a duck wine decanter, various silver trays and an elegant condiment set, while stylish wine glasses completed the scene.

 

Vintage Wedgewood Cheeseboard

 

GET THE LOOK WITH NEWBRIDGE SILVERWARE!

 

The Place setting

Silver plated round tray grape motif €75

Pre loved Wedgwood plate €40

Napkin rings Set of 4 €50

EPNS King’s pattern cutlery

Christmas decoration €25

 

Sweet Corner

Pre loved Wedgwood cake stand €195

EPNS cake server €46

Pre loved vintage cut crystal biscuit barrel €55

Victoria silver plated 3 tier tray €95

 

Let There be Light!

Silver plated candle snuffer €25

Pre loved Wedgwood candle holder €70

 

 

NOEL CUNNINGHAM’S PRACTICAL TIPS FOR A STYLISH  AND SAFE CHRISTMAS

 

I always guide people toward making life easy for the host or hostess and planning and preparation is key. This year good planning is essential as the spectre of Covid remains.

 

• Abide by the advice and have the maximum number of people allowed.   Stick to the recommended number of guests. It is not the year for inviting too many people and certainly the addition of elderly family members calls for extra caution!
• Remember your guests and family want your company and your presence not a frazzled wreck in the kitchen all day! Be present for your guests, that is what will be remembered!
• If there is a great product that can be bought in, and there are many that will make your life easier then go and buy these products! There are wonderful Christmas puddings pre-prepared fish, poultry, game, and red meat in all good butchers and in several supermarkets. In other words, shop local and help ease the workload on yourself! Domo’s Emporium at Newbridge Silverware is a stunning new artisan food store and restaurant which sells locally made food stuffs including handmade chocolates, chutneys, and sweet treats, buy what you need and don’t stress!
• Prepare in advance in as many ways as is possible. I always advise setting the table the day before. Wash your hands thoroughly and sanitise them and ensure all surfaces are clean and sanitised as you prepare the cutlery and glassware.
• The same applies to foods prepared in advance. Do the preparation and any cooking in a sanitised environment for safety.  I always recommend that a cold starter, a soup a delightful traditional trifle and a Christmas pudding are prepared the day before. A delicious Hors d’Oeuvre, prawn salad or a delicious pate make for great starters.  All the cold items for the starter can be put on a platter and covered in the fridge for speedy plating on the big day. There are amazing simple soups that can all be made in advance and who doesn’t like a great trifle?
• Prepare all the vegetables the day before and remember you don’t need to serve several different types of vegetables and potatoes! We all eat too much on Christmas Day.
• If the fridge is full, white wine and Prosecco or Champagne can be left in a cold outhouse or garage which will really chill the wine adequately.   Wine should never be too cold as it spoils the delicious bouquet and flavour. Red wine can be left in the kitchen or in the dining area from the day before, warm to room temperature to enhance its enjoyment!
• Buy the main meal component, the turkey, beef, ham oven ready prepped by your butcher. Keep it simple.
• Insist everyone sanitises their hands when they arrive.
• You will have more people than usual for lunch so for safety there is nothing wrong with using a few tables and if required, two different rooms. Space is important!
• Let people wear a mask except when eating.
• Seat people on arrival and have the pre-meal prosecco / wine at the table followed by lunch. The less moving around the better. Go easy on the wine!
• Ventilate your home well and ask your guests to wear an extra layer.  I don’t mean Baltic, but a very hot room is neither comfortable nor healthy!
• Allocate a friend or a family member to help with the plating up. The less involved the better.
• Pre-plate lunch and do not have a million serving dishes etc and everyone using cutlery to serve themselves.
• Covid Tip! Use hot plates / soup bowls. Hot food should be served on hot plates and in Covid times hot plates are infection free.  Cold plates for starters and sweet courses can be sterilised and kept ready in a cool place.
• Go for a brisk walk after lunch, fresh air is most advisable.
• Unless your guests are staying over put a time limit on the meal. A wonderful lunch that extends into a late evening with perhaps a drink or two too many is risky.
• The table is king! Make it a work of art. Use beautiful glassware, cutlery, family heirlooms, everything works on a Christmas table. I always use a canteen of Newbridge Cutlery that was a wedding gift years ago to a family member.  Holly or berried shrubs from the garden with the addition of a few bows or red roses can look spectacular on a white tablecloth and use loads of candles.
• The cutlery placing is simple.  Start at the outside and work in for every course.
• Start the meal with a nice glass of chilled Prosecco or Champagne. Offer red and white wine and let people choose the one they like. The most expensive wine is not always the best and wines are very well displayed and explained in most shops. Just read a little about them if you are not familiar with wine. I find a nice medium white Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio and a nice Spanish Rioja are a delight and well suited to Christmas dining. Don’t mix the grain and the grape!
• If you bring a gift, make sure it is beautifully presented and practical. Our homes will be full of sweets biscuits chocolates and wine etc so be a little original and choose a nice gift with care for the hosts.
• Always send a nice note of thanks a few days later … not a text or whatsapp.  A handwritten note means the world even if it is to your mum who lives in the same house.

 

Newbridge Silver Wine Decanter

Happy Covid free Christmas to all and above all else stay safe and take care!   

 

Noel Cunningham is the author of ‘Noel Cunningham’s Guide to Modern Irish Manners’ published by O’Brien Press.  He is the current Donegal Person of the Year and the former GM of Harvey’s Point Hotel in Donegal and now an ambassador for the property.  He is also a well-known contributor to Virgin Media, RTE and various national and local radio stations.

Press release

Vienna Woods Hotel, Strikingly Lit For Christmas, Serves Up Quite An Excellent "At Home" Meal.

Vienna Woods Hotel, Strikingly Lit For Christmas, Serves Up Quite An Excellent "At Home" Meal.

Must say I absolutely enjoyed my Saturday evening with the local Vienna Woods Hotel playing a key role. Not alone did we enjoy their "At Home" menu but the visit to the hotel itself was a bonus as the avenue up from the river was splendidly lit and decorated as was the exterior of the hotel itself. 

Once inside, and having sanitised the hands (their unit here is operated by a foot pedal), we took in the terrific indoor decorations and while there was an eye-catching Christmas tree by the desk, it wasn't just all Christmas, and we could see the hotel is well maintained and loved on n ongoing basis.

A lovely warm welcome too and soon we were off on the short journey home where we tucked into the meal. And then something different. A call from the hotel checking if everything was okay! Haven't come across that after-sales service before! And, yes, everything was okay!

I had spotted their offering on social media on Friday and each course has quite a few choices, so there is something for everyone. And you may add  a bottle of wine if you wish. All items are individually priced but you may also choose a 2-course offer for €21.95, 3-course for €25.95.

No need to do any "finishing" here as the dishes were just cooked (they match it with your collection time) and warm enough to eat after the short trip, though the mains did get to stay in a warm oven for a spell. 

One of our starters was the McCarthy's spicy chicken wings (in-house hot sauce, celery sticks, blue cheese dip sauce.). No shortage of wings and that in-house sauce was spot on. As good and tasty as any chicken wings I've come across recently. This is also available as a main course.

The other starter was Ardsallagh goats cheese (candied walnuts, beetroot spirals, sour dough, organic mixed leaves.) and this too was as good as expected, those raw beetroot spirals added a matching flavour and a nice little bit of crunchiness.

Quite a lot of talk as we picked our main courses a day earlier before we settled on our choices. Roast half farmyard duckling (apricot & coriander stuffing, glazed chateau potato, sweet & sour sauce) was one. No shortage of quantity here nor of quality either, that stuffing and the sauce each playing key roles.

Equally satisfactory was the Supreme of chicken (caramelised apple and wild mushroom duxelle, toasted pine-nuts, tender stem broccoli, parma ham, fresh thyme, wholegrain mustard sauce), full of flavour and texture and again no shortage.

Indeed, there was an unexpected side of Gratin of potato and roast vegetable (peppers, onions, carrots, turnip etc.). I certainly enjoyed those particular vegetables also. I've mentioned quantity once or twice and that seems to be common in quite a few of the "At Home" meals that we've enjoyed recently. There has been, if anything, a little too much on the plates!

Delightful dessert - you could taste the Baileys.

So much in fact in this case, that we held the dessert (just the one!) for the following day. Then we found the Bailey's & chocolate cheese cake (biscuit crumb, chocolate shaving, wild berry coulis) of a better standard than most, really outstanding, the flavours reflecting exactly the detail in the description. 

Well done indeed to the kitchen at the Vienna Woods. Next time, we'll have to visit the restaurant itself and again enjoy the wonderful lighting and decoration both inside and outside.