 |
| Deutschland (Nassau), a cruise liner. |
 |
| St Colman's Cathedral |
 |
| Flowers frame the Water's Edge Hotel |
%20Titanic%20Exp%20(right)%20DSC03050.jpg) |
| The Titanic Experience (nearest) with the Commodore Hotel (in blue) |
 |
| Commodore Hotel |
 |
| The blue-painted Commodore Hotel looks well. |
 |
| Coffee time at Casement Square |
 |
| Cathedral and boats |
 |
| The new-ish Arch Wine Bar & Café in Casement Square |
 |
| Annie Moore and siblings. |
Underground Donut Tour Digs Into Cork's History And Diversity.
And Doughnuts Of Course!
 |
| Donut ranks at Offbeat |
Pat, a proud Corkman, was our guide as we marched through the city last week in search of doughnuts, or donuts as the Americans, and now most of the world, spell it!
The tour takes about two hours and there are four food stops in total, each chosen because they are local and support local. Dulce Cafe (Oliver Plunkett Street), Cameron Bakery (Parnell Place), Offbeat Donuts (French Church Street) and Golden Bites (Kyrl Street) are the quartet.
 |
| Our guide Pat |
And all this fits in well with the aims of founder and owner Jeff who started the tour in his native Chicago and guided its spread to over a dozen cities in the US and Canada. Now, Europe has been added to the list with Dublin and London starting just before Cork.
Jeff: “At each stop you sample donuts, beignets, churros or other local delicacies while learning the history of each shop”.
We linked up with guide Pat outside Dulce, the first stop, and, as he sang the praises of the establishment, we happily tucked into our first donuts, one an Oreo, the other churro-based. Think we two preferred the Churro over the darker Oreo but no doubt chocolate lovers will go for the other one.
Dulce Bun House is centrally perched on the main thoroughfare of Cork City on Oliver Plunkett Street. The family-run café, which already has achieved many awards, opened its doors in 2017 with an ethos to provide deliciously tasting coffee and sweet treats.
A little history now as we strolled up Oliver Plunkett Street. Do you know where Turner's Hotel was? Look on the wall above JJ Walshe’s pub. Speaking of walls, we soon saw the old city wall in the Grand Parade, the onion seller (sculpted by Seamus Murphy) in the park, the Berwick Fountain, the cannon that masquerades as a bollard.
 |
| Gone but not forgotten on North Main Street. |
Back down the Mall then, past the National Monument and others, past the restaurant Jacobs on the Mall (once the Turkish Baths) and past the famous Imperial Hotel.
Around the corner into Parnell Place and here we called into Cameron, a French bakery, and they had some sweet (and large) croissants for us, one with chocolate chip, the other with apricot. Here, though both were delicious, a pattern began to emerge as it was the lighter one that got the nod.
Cameron is a traditional French Bakery, now with three locations across Cork City. They offer a large range of French bread, baguettes, sandwiches, pastries,... "all prepared in store under your eyes with seasonal ingredients".
 |
| Mary Elmes, hero of WW2 |
 |
| Tanora, the Real Cork donut |
Into the middle of the island to visit Offbeat Donuts who recently opened their first shop in Cork to add to a string in Dublin. It has an amazing range. No Corkman could turn down the famous Mi Daza (flavoured with a famous local lemonade Tanora).
The second, the Caramel Crumble, is dipped in a smooth luscious caramel, topped with homemade crumble and milk chocolate, and finished with a piece of Twix, which is also very acceptable indeed. So too were the seats upstairs.
 |
| St Fin Barres, from Nano Nagle Bridge |
After that short rest in what is known as the Huguenot Quarter, not that we were under any pressure, we headed for North Main Street (the original "main" street of the nascent city) and its famous ancient lanes, many of them now closed but even those are recalled with bronze plaques on the footpath. Instead of looking up here, we were looking down!
 |
| Dulce |
Soon we were turning right into Kyle Street and the Brazilian-owned Golden Bites. They are famous for their mini churros and we enjoyed two versions, with a delicious sauce of Nutella or Caramel (Dulce de Lecce). Freshly deep-fried and covered in sugar and cinnamon, these were sweet! You can guess our favourite.
Golden Bites is well-known in the markets where, as in Kyle Street, they offer Mini Churros, Savoury Snacks and Acai Smoothie Bowls. Of course, they appeal to Brazilians living here. "Are you homesick? Golden Bites is the best place to solve it! Here, you can find the best Brazilian snacks. You'll love it! You can have all these delights in your home too, order them on Deliveroo or Uber Eats."
An unexpected end to the Underground Tour. But nobody will be complaining if all endings are as sweet as this Brazilian touch in an old Cork street.
 |
| Cameron's Croissant |
The Underground Donut Tour Cork is a great and relaxing way to learn about the city's history and sample some of its delicious food.
More on the Cork tour here.
CorkBillyBeers #41
Craft Journey with Red Ales by McGill's, Wicklow Wolf and Killarney Brewing.
********************
Is Red Ale really an Irish style? In the 1970s, famous beer writer Michael Jackson was credited with giving the tag to Smithwicks. According to World Atlas of Beer, American beer competitions started awarding prizes for the category and smaller Irish breweries started to “launch highly-hopped higher strength or even barrel-aged versions”.
Wikipedia says Irish red ale, also known as red ale or Irish ale, is a style of pale ale that is brewed using a moderate amount of kilned malts and roasted barley that gives the beer its red colour.
********************
McGill’s Maude Delap Irish Red Ale 5.0% ABV, 500ml bottle Centra Waterville
Red is the colour, for sure, of McGill’s Maude Delap Irish Red Ale, red with a soft tan head. After that, it is mostly about the lovely caramel flavours, just about perfect, neither too strong nor too weak. Nice job, Mr McGill!
Very Highly Recommended.
This traditional Irish Red Ale is named in honour of Maude Delap. Originally from Donegal, Maude came to live on Valentia Island (until her death in 1953). A self-taught marine biologist, she was known for being the first person to breed jellyfish in captivity and thus observed their full life cycle for the first time. She was also involved in an extensive study of plankton from the coasts of the island. More on Maude here .
********************
Wicklow Wolf Wildfire Hoppy Red Ale, 4.6% ABV, 440 ml can Bradleys
“Not your typical red – Wildfire is a modern hoppy red ale.” That’s the claim from brewers Wicklow Wolf.
Appearances seem to be in the classic mould, fairly deep red body and an off-white head.
Malt plus a sniff of coffee and caramel in the aromatics and the same combo, with a stronger showing from the coffee, on the palate. Here too, the Sorachi Ace hops also figure, rather mildly though. A creamy, herbal finish with hints of malty sweetness. Not quite traditional then. Not sure though that it is an improvement on the old style. Perhaps a summer rather than a winter red.
Indeed, “mild” is perhaps the most apt descriptor, though not in a pejorative manner. Touted as a modern red ale, I’m well pleased with it (nothing to do with its modernity or otherwise) and would love to try it in a direct joust with other reds like Roaring Ruby (from West Cork Brewing), Kinnegar’s Devil’s Backbone, Copper Coast (from Dungarvan Brewing), Sullivan’s Maltings, White Gypsy’s Ruby Red, Costello’s Red Ale and more (including Velvet Red by the Cotton Ball and the others in this post). Could be a long session. And I’d need food as well!
Highly Recommended
Geek Bits
IBUs 28
Hops: Sorachi Ace
Malts: Pale, Cara Ruby, Melano, Oats, Roasted, Crystal Rye
The Wicklow Wolf craft brewery was co-founded by Quincey Fennelly and Simon Lynch in 2014. The location then was in Bray. Now, in the new facility, near NewtownmountKennedy, there is a team of five brewers working under two ex Brewdog employees, John the production manager, and head brewer Andrew. The total number employed is 27. More on our recent visit here.
*******************
Killarney Rutting Irish Red Ale, 4.5% ABV, 440ml can, Carry Out Killarney
This Irish Red Ale from Kerry ”pays homage to Ireland’s last herd of native red deer. Each autumn, during a ritual known as The Rut their clashing antlers and bellowing roars echo through the majestic amphitheatre that is the Killarney National Park” say the producers. One such spectacular duel, at the waters’ edge, was brilliantly captured by the David Attenborough series Wild Isles and shown a few months back on the BBC.
The beer, based on the traditional Golding’s hops, has a ruby hued colour, and aromas of caramel and toffee. And that malty combo continues on to the palate, pleasing, lively and refreshing. Should be good with food, as most red ales are.
The website says that “discerning beer drinkers will appreciate Rutting Red’s rugged flavour which values the intensity of our wild stags.” I can understand the writer’s enthusiasm but rugged is not a word I’d associate with this pretty fine and well-made beer. I’d be thinking more of the friendly red setter (supple, restrained and eager to please) like the dog that greets guests in Kerry’s Sneem Hotel.
Highly Recommended.
********************
CHARITY PRAISED FOR INVALUABLE SUPPORTS OFFERED TO CANCER PATIENTS.jpg)
Eoghan Murphy, General Manager, Cork International Airport Hotel presenting the Carrigdhoun Newspaper / Cork International Airport Hotel Community Spirit Award to Linda Goggin-James at the Cork Cancer Care Centre. Included are centre volunteers Alma Riordan, Ralph O’Flaherty and James White.
Picture: Adrian O’Herlihy
Cork Cancer Care Centre wins Community Spirit Award
Cork Cancer Care Centre is the latest winner of the Cork International Hotel Community Spirit Award. The centre offers support, advice and a shoulder to lean on to people touched by cancer.
The centre is located on St Paul’s Avenue in Cork City. A team of dedicated volunteers, therapists and counsellors provide a range of services free of charge to help people cope with the initial diagnosis as well as the side effects and after effects of cancer treatment.
Cork Cancer Care Centre provides one-to-one counselling sessions, nutrition advice from an oncology nurse, gentle yoga classes, and group coaching from a cancer recovery coach. It also organises weekly peer support groups, for people to find solace, encouragement and friendships with others who are going through similar experiences.
It began in 2011 as The Girls Club, however the demand for services continued to grow with both women and men availing of a range of services including acupuncture, reflexology, reiki, massage and one-to-one counselling sessions. The charity changed its name to Cork Cancer Care Centre in 2017.
General Manager of the Cork International Hotel, Eoghan Murphy said; "We are incredibly honoured to present this month’s Community Spirit Award to Cork Cancer Care Centre. They were nominated by a young mum who availed of support after being diagnosed with breast cancer. She describes the centre as a safe, nurturing space, where she was understood, could talk freely about cancer, and they knew exactly what she needed. So many people are touched by cancer every year and organisations like this are vital. Their unwavering commitment to providing essential support and care to those facing cancer is truly remarkable. We applaud their dedication and tireless efforts to help individuals and families through their toughest times ensuring that no one faces cancer alone."
The Cork International Hotel Community Spirit Awards are sponsored by The Carrigdhoun Newspaper and Gerald McCarthy Giftware.
The judging panel for the Community Spirit Awards are made up of a mixture of representatives from the public and private sector within the community.
The judging panel for this award was:
Carmel Lonergan, Group Director of Operations, Trigon Hotels
Nicola Radley, Senior Executive Officer, Municipal District Operations & Rural Development at Cork County Council
Vincent O'Donovan, Publisher of The Carrigdhoun Newspaper
Nominations are now open for next month's awards at: https://www.
press release
Grenache and Syrah combine beautifully
in this Côtes du Rhone
*************
Chateau de Bastet “Terram” Côtes du Rhône (AOP) 2020, 14%,
RRP €16.00 Stockists include: Ardkeen, Waterford / Connemara Hamper, Clifden / Little Green Grocker, Kilkenny / Quay Co-Op, Cork / Olive Branch, Clonakilty / The Vintry, Dublin / Wunderkaffee, Farran, Cork / Mary Pawle Wine Online
Organic and biodynamic; no herbicides, pesticides here
This Côtes du Rhone is made from a blend of Grenache and Syrah. The vineyard is situated close to Avignon and has been certified biodynamic for about 20 years. That’s the info from importer Mary Pawle, who adds: "I've been importing the biodynamic wines from Chateau de Bastet for over 20 years. Next generation now with daughter Julie and her husband (Nicolas)."
Colour is dark cherry. Aromas of crushed jammy fruit, cherry and blackberry. The fruit is prominent and fresh on the palate, cherry and spice together along with soft tannins. And there’s a fresh acidity also but well balanced for sure. Very accessible and clean (no herbicides, no pesticides here). It is both organic and biodynamic and the blend is 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah.
Grenache’s qualities enhance fruitiness, warmth and body while Syrah can bring a hint of spice, as well as depth in colour and strength to the wine enabling it to age well.
Food pairings suggested by the producers are cold cuts, barbecued meat or small goat's cheeses and also as an aperitif. In general, it goes well with beef, game or lamb. Serve at 14 to 16 degrees.
Very Highly Recommended.
*************
Check my growing list of top wines for 2023
*************
Check out my Good Value Wine List here
***************
Set in the heart of the prestigious Côtes du Rhône appellation (that came into being officially in 1937), the story of Château de Bastet is one of family traditions and a profound love of this land, a passion reflected in the wines made here. “This precious ecological balance has been fine-tuned through the ages: the vines in a single, unbroken plot at the centre, with nature given free rein over the rest of the estate.”
Pope and Parker. And, in between, the Mistral
 |
| The shell of the Papal holiday palace remains after wartime bombing |
Today, Rhone wine is one of the most popular wines in the world. It is known for its rich flavours and complex aromas.
Wine-loving France Pope Clement V moved the papacy from Rome to Avignon in 1309. Most of the wine drunk in the temporary papal palace (they also had a summer palace called Chateauneuf du Pape) was from the local area and so the fashion for Rhone wine began in blessed earnest.
The Rhone was firmly among the most respected wines in France when infallibility of another kind arrived in the 1980s. Robert Parker, the American wine guru, "intervened". He just loved the naturally ripe style and gave them very high scores and his many international "followers" took his points (mostly in the 90s) as gospel.
In between Pope and Parker, there was the wind of 1956, perhaps even more influential than the famous pair. That year, the infamous Mistral battered the region for three weeks and contributed to the temperature dropping to minus 15 degrees. The olive trees, then the big crop in the area, suffered badly but the vines resisted so well that a majority of farmers turned to vine cultivation.
Over 20 grape varieties are covered by the regulations governing the Côtes du Rhones AOC. The two used here, Grenache and Syrah, are well known, but I’ve never seen varieties such as Black Counoise, Black Muscardin, Black Camarèse (aka Vaccarèse), Black Picpoul, Black Terret in wines that reach these shores.
