Taste of the Week. Aged Ballinrostig Gouda.

Taste of the Week. 

Aged Ballinrostig Gouda.

One of the highlights over Christmas and the New Year was a big chunk of Aged Ballinrostig Gouda style cheese that came in a hamper that we had treated ourselves to. We had a few cheeses ahead of it in the queue and it was only recently that we tucked into this.

The Gouda style cheese is made in East Cork with organic Jersey cow milk and aged for 12 to 18 + months. A beautiful stronger complex flavoured hard cheese with sweet nutty and caramel notes that manages to hold onto its creamy past. We were impressed from the first bite and made it our Taste of the Week.

We weren't overly surprised of course as we've often tasted their regular cheeses at markets and via stores such as Bradley's in North Main Street. But the aging here certainly takes it to another level, the height of Umami!

In 2014 Michele and Stephen (from Holland) renovated and moved into Michele’s family home in the village of Ballinrostig near Whitegate in beautiful East Cork. As part of the revamp, they transformed the old garage into a small purpose-built dairy which was intended for making cheese as a hobby. In 2015 they started to sell commercially and within two years they both had left their careers to meet the growing demand for their delicious cheese. 

Ballinrostig Cheese

Ballinrostig, Whitegate, Co. Cork Midleton, Ireland P25PE00

Web: https://ballinrostighomestead.ie/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/corkcheese

Tel: 0879160440

EASTER EXTRA AT CAHERNANE HOUSE HOTEL, CO. KERRY

press release

EASTER EXTRA AT CAHERNANE HOUSE HOTEL, CO. KERRY

Planning a holiday?  Need a luxurious break to look forward to?  One of Ireland’s most elegant country houses, Cahernane House Hotel in Killarney, Co. Kerry is the perfect place to escape to this Easter. Removed from the main thoroughfare of Killarney and set on its own private grounds on the edge of the Killarney National Park, the house presents plenty of opportunity for guests to enjoy a relaxing, private getaway with their family.

The Easter Family Escape is a 2-night package and costs from €291 per night for two adults and two children under 12 sharing. The package includes accommodation in a Superior Garden Wing room with full Irish breakfast on both mornings, gourmet Afternoon Tea and an exquisite 2-course evening meal on the evening of your choice. Children will love the personalised homemade cookies on arrival and will be very excited to join the Easter Bunny on Easter Saturday for an egg hunt. All of the children will also be given a complimentary ‘Cahernane Duck’, a cute soft toy to remind them of their stay. 

Set on the edge of Killarney National Park and Lakes, the historic country house enjoys a tranquil location yet is just a twenty-minute stroll into Killarney town itself.  Complimentary bicycles are available for guests to use and the front desk team have guided maps for you to adventure around Killarney National Park.  The Muckross Road, where Cahernane House is located is often referred to as ‘the gateway to the Ring of Kerry’, renowned for its spectacular scenery and ancient history.  

Built in 1877, Cahernane House Hotel has been extensively renovated by the owners, PREM Group who have spent over €7.8 million on an ambitious renewal programme. There are 12 grand bedrooms in the original Manor House, 28 in the Garden Wing and the former Coach House, once home to the horses and carriages of the Herbert family who built the house is now the setting for 8 new luxurious bedrooms.

The property is well known for the fabulous food served by chef Eric Kavanagh and his team in the 2 AA Rosette Herbert Restaurant. Guests can also enjoy delectable casual dining in the quirky Cellar Bar which is just the place to enjoy a pre-dinner pint of the black stuff or an elegant cocktail. For more information on Cahernane House Hotel see www.cahernane.com or call +353 (0) 64 663 1895.

******

Ed. Note: Easter falls on the first weekend of April this year. Fingers crossed that some of the Covid travel restrictions will be lifted by then!

Semplicemente bellissima. Da Mirco@Home Features Skeaghanore Duck in a Ragu’ from Padua.

Semplicemente bellissima. 

Da Mirco@Home. Skeaghanore Duck Stars in Ragu' from Padua

Panettone E Mascarpone. Resistance is futile!

Put a famous Duck Ragu’ from Padua and the stunning Skeaghanore duck together. That’s what Mirco Fondrini, owner of Da Mirco Osteria in Bridge Street, did for his “Celebration of Da Mirco @ Home” last weekend. And it was a stunning combination!

If you are lucky enough to visit Padua, do take time away from the ancient arcades and the medieval market places to visit the nearby hills. Here, find yourself an Agriturismo to stay at. Or just to dine in. Mirco himself is from Valtellina (near the Swiss border) but his wife is from Padua and on their last visit to the rolling hills there, their party of four enjoyed a four-course meal including wine for ninety euro! And the duck ragu’ features here and in many other places in Padua and beyond.

Our 3-course meal at home cost €45.00 and we were very well pleased indeed, even if we had to do a little (very little) “work” ourselves. We started with Parmigiana de Melanzane, baked layered fried aubergine with a tomato sauce and topped with Provolone cheese, Just beautiful.  A amazing mix of beautiful flavours and textures, and juicy, with that layer of cheese on top playing a key role. A thoroughly satisfying starter.

While that was being dispatched in a happy silence, the Fettuccine al Ragu’ D’Anatra was being prepared, the pasta being boiled, the ragu’ being reheated. You do get written instructions! The main dish consists of Fresh Pasta for 2 (300gr) + da Mirco's signature Duck ragú for 2 + pecorino cheese + side of homemade focaccia bread.

The minute the aromas of the Skeaghanore drifted across the table we knew we were on to another good thing. It was such a happy blend of Italian know-how and Irish produce. Silence again descended as we ate our satisfying fill. Semplicemente bellissima. I’d imagine it would have been much noisier had we been indulging in the same meal in a Padovan farmhouse where the honest food and fair prices draw lines of customers into the hills.

Pretty well full after the pasta, so a time-out was called. Not for long though! About 30 minutes later, our taste buds were in happy action again, this time enjoying the Panettone E Mascarpone, a Homemade Panettone Cake made in Bread & Butter Pudding style with Mascarpone. Oh sweet lord. The best Bread & Butter pudding ever!

Not too sure what Mirco and his team will have on offer this week but do keep an eye on their Facebook. When you see the offering (probable on Tuesday), don’t hesitate, order it, it will be good! While you’re on, study too his single dishes (you can make up your own menu), check out his wine list, and also his on-line shop of Italian delicacies! But don’t delay, I'll be there before you.

Succulent starter!

Last weekend’s 3-course menu for two (€45.00)

2x PARMIGIANA DI MELANZANE

Baked layered fried aubergine with a tomato sauce and Provolone cheese

Continue with Main...

2x FETTUCCINE AL RAGU' D'ANATRA

This is a Pasta Kit of Fresh Handmade Fettuccine with an organic Duck ragu' in a Venetian Style. You need to boil pasta and reheat ragu'

Pasta Kit contains:

Fresh Tagliatelle for 2 (300gr) + da Mirco's signature Duck ragú for 2 + pecorino cheese + side of homemade focaccia bread

Panettone E Mascarpone

Homemade Panettone Cake made in Bread & Butter Pudding style with Mascarpone.

Availability: Wednesday to Saturday from 3:30pm to 7pm. But check Facebook for updates!

Cheers 211801 with Sugrue Sparkling, Stonewell, O'Briens, JJ Corry, Wines of the World, Waterford Whisky

Paul Barry runs through 

Some non-alcoholic beer and cider options at O'Briens Wine

There’s now also a growing range of non-alcoholic craft beers to try. Especially if your tastes tend toward the hoppier side of things. There are great Irish options too. Wicklow Wolf have Moonlight, a juicy hoppy ale with bright citrus aromas and a clean fruity finish. While Kinnegar have released Low Tide a light citrusy pale ale.

 

There are some great options for cider drinkers as well. Due to the method of production; the body and weight of non alcoholic cider is very close to the "real thing". That most popular of Irish ciders Bulmers have done a great job of replicating their recipe with their  0.0%.  Another great option is from Co Cork producers Stonewell. Their non-alcoholic is full of fresh fruit flavours while remaining dry and crisp. Read more here.

Happy New Year! We are delighted to share with you that J.J. Corry Irish Whiskey has made its début on the Best Selling Irish Whiskey list, as reported by Drinks International's 2021 Annual Report. As the only independent Irish Whiskey company and Irish Whiskey Bonder listed, this is a huge achievement for us! We would like to thank our supporters around the world who have raised a glass of J.J. Corry throughout the year. To read the full report click here. Jump to pg.16 to view the Irish Whiskey insights. Wines of the World FEBRUARY VIRTUAL TASTING! Worth €93, get 14% off our first virtual tasting of 2021! Our next tasting will go live Friday February 12th- Valentines Weekend! This virtual tasting will include 2 whites, 2 rosé and 2 red wines. Our virtual tasting videos will stay on our platforms once they go live for viewing whenever suits you best. Order here THE FUNNIES "... subject to the maturation of the final distillate for at least three years in wooden casks, such as oak..."   When it comes to the production of whisky in Ireland, according to the Irish Whisky Technical File, any old wood will do. Well, we're up for testing the theory. In our Mary Street cellars, at the Facilitator, we possess some unusual cask types that are seldom seen and used in whisky production, but which are apparently perfectly legal here in Ireland. We call them our Funnies – our exotic casks – and they include Acacia, Mulberry, Wild Cherry and Chestnut. We've even got some intriguing An-Dee-Uhn oak. Join Ned and Megan as they open up some of these barrels in our cellar before they finally leak their contents to the cellar floor – and watch the playlist in full. Limerick native Diarmuid Sugrue makes English Sparkling Wine by the Traditional Method in his Sugrue Vineyard South Downs. His awards: Winner Decanter Trophy for Best UK Sparkling Wine 2014 Gold Sommelier Wine Awards, Top 50 Decanter. Another honour came Diarmuid's way recently when his Trouble With Dreams was included by Wine-Searcher in England in a Case, the best of English Sparkling Wine. Read more here. And, in addition, so too was a wine from the Wiston Estate, Vintage Brut, also produced by Dermot, who they say is "becoming an icon of English winemaking". I must say I thought he was already there! Now over to the man himself: "As the old joke goes, we have good news and we have bad news... The bad news is that we are now out of stock of both The Trouble with Dreams 2013 and The Trouble with Dreams 2014. The Trouble with Dreams is now just available from 2015 in standard 75ml format and we also have 2017 magnums. The good news is that both #ZODO and Cuvée Boz, our very exciting new Blanc de Blancs are coming soon! If you haven't seen the #ZODO label, it's a glorious sight to behold..."

Amuse Bouche

The canteen was empty and it was only after ten minutes that Ah Chok brought over the noodles and a cup of coffeetea, yinyang, a specifically Hong Kong mixture that Alex learned to like at De Suza’s insistence. The last of Alex’s noodles went down just as Ying appeared with the young officer who had driven Alex back to the station earlier.

from Emperors Once More by Duncan Jepson (2016). Highly Recommended.

Of Art And Brewing. Five Little Cans Of Hopfully. Inside Out, Kneesocks, Legswap, Graciosa, Shinebright.

A Quart of Ale± #30

Moving on over to craft with Hopfully.

Of Art And Brewing. Five Little Cans Of Hopfully. 

Inside Out, Kneesocks, Legswap, Graciosa, Shinebright. 

Based in Ireland, Hopfully are what's called a gypsy or contract brewery. They may be gypsy brewers but they're not too hard to find. Metalman in Waterford have been engaged a few times.

 "Each one of our labels is designed by different illustrators to complement the uniqueness we aim to bring to every brew. I hope you enjoy drinking our beers as much as we enjoy brewing them." They are doing well and have lots of friends online. Below are a few quotes.

"Great and unique beers. I love all the art involved in the brand! Highly recommend it!"

"They've an insanely tasty selection of beers. The beet juice was a personal favourite. I get excited every time they announce something new and also for the artwork hugging the can."

"This is a poetry dressed up as a beer. Quenching the thirsty of our soul! It's beautiful sensation to look at the design of the cans then drink the tasteful and enchanted liquid in it!"

Hopfully was founded in 2017 by three friends with a shared love for beer, art, and food. Hopfully Brewing aims to bring it all together to the public in innovative ways. The company combines modern brewing and blending with visual arts. Passionate about working with vibrant fresh talents in Ireland, the brewery works directly with up-and-coming artists.

"We founded Hopfully with the mission to create a series of beers that would introduce distinctive flavors and would give emerging local artists a platform to showcase their work. We want to inspire collaboration among a wide variety of talented people, primarily to promote who they are and what they do, helping to facilitate the dawn of a new connected and innovative creative community. Not only does Hopfully aim to promote the work of individual artists, but we are also committed to building an interdisciplinary network of creative people. 

Are you an artist? Get in touch!"

Hopfully “Insideout” Pale Ale, 5.0%, 300ml can via Bradley’s

Pull the tab on this artfully decorated can and a burst of piney hops jumps out. Colour is lemon, hazy with a white head that soon settles down to a thin lacy disc. And that hoppy backbone -  a king’s ransom of Mosaic and Simcoe have been utilised here - continues all the way through to the finish. The hops also contribute concentrated and “lovely notes of bright juicy tangerine, citrus, ..” 

They say: Mosaic to the whirlpool and double dry-hopped with some more Mosaic and Simcoe, Insideout is silky, with a smooth mouthfeel, low bitterness, and finishes slightly sweet.

I say: More or less perfect

Details:

Malts: Maris Otter, Flaked Oats, Wheat, Vienna, and Dextrin

Hops: Mosaic and Simcoe

ABV – 5%

Hopfully Brewing’s “Graciosa” Tropical IPA 5.3%, 300 and 400ml can, via Bradley’s

Colour is close to a Citron Pressé, cloudy. Soft white head sticks around. Citrus and more exotic too in the aromas. The beer has been dry-hopped with Citra and Chinook. And the hops are prominent yet the beer itself is very well balanced. Overall, a very pleasant and a satisfying mouthful, full of flavour and refreshing. Thumbs up for this lip-smacking beer.

They say: Brewed in Waterford by Metalman for Hopfully. The label warns: drink fresh, do not age! It is unfiltered and unpasteurised. Indiscreetly charming and full of character. 

Dublin based Hopfully match art with the beer and the colourful cartoon on the can is by Albert Terre.

Hopfully “Shinebright” IPA 6.0%, 300ml can Bradley’s

Colour of this IPA is a light gold, hazy. Head soon reduces to flimsy proportions. Aromas speak of the tropics or at least of the fruit from thereabouts. This juicy IPA, flying “off the shelves”, has smoothness to go with the flavour yet there’s tartiness enough to get it all in balance. Skilfully executed and one to enjoy. Just a word of warning on the label: drink fresh, do not age. No danger, I reckon, of this beauty growing old.

They say: Based in Ireland, we're what's called gypsy or contract brewery. Each one of our labels is designed by different illustrators to complement the uniqueness we aim to bring to every brew. I hope you enjoy drinking our beers as much as we enjoy brewing them.

This label also features artwork by Staselle Mutabor. The  illustration is part of her SWAP project in which "parts of common images or situations are swapped with each other creating new somehow unusual and surprising senses and ideas." Have a think about that when you’re sipping!

Hopfully “Legswap” Raspberry & Lime Sour 5.0% (4% on the website), via Bradley’s

This comes with a gorgeous red hue in the glass. Crisp and refreshing on the palate with a burst of fruit and a zesty tang of citrus and a lip smacking finish. This easy-drinking sour is probably best in the summertime. Just wondering about the ABV as they say 5.0% on the can, 4% on the website. Artwork also by Stasele Mutabor.

Malts used are Wheat, Pilsner, and Dextrin while the hops is Sorachi Ace. Raspberries and Lime Juice are also included in the ingredients list and you’ll definitely note them as players on the palate. Hopfully’s recommended food pairings are Raw Oysters, Mussels, and Thai Curry.

Hopfully “Kneesocks” Mango IPA 7.0%, 330 can via Bradley’s

Colour is a lemon/yellow with a soft white head sitting on top of a very hazy body and content to stay there for a spell. Mango is the assertive leader both in the aromas and on the palate. It is quite a juicy one in the mouth, with tropical and citrus notes following from the mix of Azacca and Idaho 7 hops. So Mango all the way and a lip-smacking finish in an excellent high-quality beer.

Think this may also be brewed by Metalman in Waterford but not certain as there is no info on this on the website. In fact, Kneesocks doesn’t even get a mention on their site.

And the label is minimalist also. It does say the artwork is by the talented @ruan_van_vliet, that it is an unfiltered, unpasteurised natural beer and, yes, that it is brewed in Metalman (so not as minimalist as I first thought). Mango, by the way, is listed as an ingredient. And there’s a warning to drink it fresh - do not age!

Vibrant and Juicy Reds from Austria and Argentina.

Vibrant and Juicy Reds from Austria and Argentina.

Beck Ink Austria 2018, 12.5%, 

€19.70 64 Wine Dublin, Bradley’s of Cork, Greenman Dublin, Le Caveau Kilkenny

Colour of this Austrian blend is a mid to deep ruby, with a lighter rim. Cherry features in fairly intense aromas. Juicy and fruity on the palate. moderately spicy too. Mouthfeel is smooth, drinking is easy as harmony reigns between fruit flavours and acidity. I like light, red and dry and this is Very Highly Recommended. An easy quaffer, fresh and aromatic, and light for sure. 

The label is dominated by an octopus expelling ink. Not much else though two key words appear: trocken (dry) and Bio-Wein. Not much on the outside then but quality all the way inside this Austrian bottle.

Ink is a fresh, juicy, vibrant and delicious blend of 80% Zweigelt and 20% St. Laurent. Both are traditional Austrian varieties and the former is the most widely planted red-wine grape in the country - by the way, most of wine-growing is done in the eastern part. 

Judith Beck is based in Burgenland and has produced wines in accordance with bio-dynamic principles since 2007. There is a possibility of some sediment (none in this bottle) so probably best to decant. No big deal either way.

Interestingly, St Laurent was one of the “parents” (the other was Blaufränkisch) when Zweigelt was created in 1922. Aside from Laurent and Zweigelt, some of the other grapes that come into the light dry red category are Gamay, Pinot Noir, Cinsault, Grenache and Nebbiolo. Giant Steps in the Yarra Valley (Australia) make quite a good one, a blend of Pinot Noir and Syrah, called LDR.

El Abasto Malbec Mendoza 2018, 14.5% 

€18.75 64 Wine Dublin, Bradley’s of Cork, Greenman Dublin, Le Caveau Kilkenny

This vibrant fruity full-bodied wine is named after an 1983 established market that became also a centre for tango, poetry, and culture.

Mid to dark ruby is the colour. The aromas are full of dark and red fruit, all saying welcome, come on. And in the mouth, it is equally loveable, totally gluggable. That punchy yet soft fruit comes in a medium body, and the wine is smooth right through to the finalé. Put this on your Malbec shortlist. Highly Recommended.

Pair with charcuterie, cold cuts, firm cheeses, steak, burgers, pasta with red sauce. And it can be served chilled, though you probably won’t need to do that at this time of year!

There are, according to Wines of South America, two main factors that help Malbec thrive in Mendoza. The low rainfall (12” as against 30” Bordeaux) and its timing, falling mostly in the summer, promotes ripening and minimises disease. Second, Mendoza’s wide thermal amplitude (put simply, the difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures) promotes aromatic development and softened tannins. The proof’s in the glass.

Taste of the Week. Cajun Salmon from K O'Connell Fish

 Taste of the Week.

Cajun Salmon from K O'Connell Fish

O'Connell's Cajun Salmon with our Cajun Salad

Isn't it great that so many Irish butchers and fishmongers are more and more giving extra choice just like the French traiteurs. Our latest such purchase was a couple of hefty salmon fillets from O'Connell's Fish Stall in the market, both looking well in their coat of Cajun sauce. And, just to reassure you in case you don't like things too spicy, the O'Connell sauce is mild (but tasty!).

We added a bit of oomph to it ourselves, thanks to the Official Blog Chef remembering a Cajun Salad recipe from an old Reader's Digest Cookbook. Peppers, red onions and celery were involved. We didn't have everything on the list. No Tabasco, for instance. But that was very satisfactorily replaced with a dash of the excellent Dr Trouble Sauce from Zimbabwe. And the result was an warming dish in the middle of winter and our Taste of the Week.

K O'Connell Fish Merchants

English Market, Cork.

Email Address: Freshfish@eircom.net

Contact number: 021 427 6380

Facebook: K O’Connell Fish Merchants

Instagram: K O’Connell Fish Merchants

Twitter: @Pattheenglishmarket