Boys are back in Mitchelstown! Eight Degrees founders buy back brewery

Boys are back in Mitchelstown!

Eight Degrees founders buy back brewery

Can we do this? Scott (left) and Cam drink to an adventurous future for Eight Degrees

Eight Degrees founders Scott Baigent and Cam Wallace have bought back the brewery they sold to Irish Distillers five years ago.

“We have enjoyed the journey over these past five years,” says Baigent, “with Irish Distillers playing a massive role in completing the build of our brewery in Mitchelstown at the foot of the Galtee Mountains in North Cork.”

“We also have enjoyed creating some really exciting beers together with Irish Distillers,” adds Wallace, “especially the experience of aging beers in whiskey barrels, along with developing a range of exciting whiskeys that were finished in craft beer-seasoned barrels.”

Over the last 18 months, Baigent and Wallace had left the brewery and drinks world behind. This break allowed them to reflect on where their passions lie and what they want to achieve.

For the founders, Eight Degrees has always been about enjoying great tasting beers while living a life of adventure. This is still central to their vision of producing innovative, full-flavoured beers from natural ingredients while exploring the outdoors and pursuing new experiences. Since its establishment in 2010, Eight Degrees has given Baigent and Wallace the platform for this message and the creative outlet to follow their passion.

“Having re-charged our batteries,” says Wallace, “we are keen to get back into the driver’s seat and continue the journey we started more than 14 years ago. Over the past year or so we have had some time out from the brewing world, time to go into the wilderness and take the opportunity for a bit of self-reflection. It's brought us right back to where we started!”

Baigent agrees. “With a heap of reckless optimism and a lot of newfound energy, we seek to deliver the Naturally Adventurous message once more.”

“We hope you come along with us to continue the adventure.” Sláinte

* An award-winning Irish microbrewery renowned for its innovation and experimentation, Eight Degrees was founded in 2010 by Scott Baigent and Cam Wallace. The brewery, which has always been based in Mitchelstown, North Cork, was acquired by Irish Distillers in 2018. It has now been bought back by Baigent and Cameron, who continue to work with the same core brewery team. They plan to release their newest beer in late February. Watch this space!

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Ichigo Ichie goes again! And I’ll be going again. Friendly informal feast with Michelin flare!

 Ichigi Ichie once again. 

And I’ll be going again!

Duck with Nori potesala

Ichigo Ichie's 2024 version isn't just good, it's captivating

Ichigi Ichie goes again! It was good (good enough for a Michelin Star) in 2023 and previously. The 2024 edition is a diner's delight as the Fenns Quay restaurant now has more choices, credit-card friendly prices and still amazing quality (and almost immediately a Michelin Bib). It's the kind of place I certainly want to go to again. Encore!!

It is the last Tuesday of a far-from-dry January. Quite early in the evening and the two sections of Takashi Miyazaki’s reimagined Ichigo Ichie Noodle and Natural Wine Bar are more or less full by six o’clock and the delighted staff tell us the weekends are even busier, so do be sure and book ahead.

Beef

The same staff are also welcoming, friendly and helpful. And we certainly needed a few pointers when it came to the choices on offer. That offer is in two parts, the A La Carte which has a handful of starters and then three sections of main dishes. One is headed Rice Dishes (Doburi). Two come under the Handmade Buckwheat Noodles title, one section cold  (Hiya), the other hot (On). 

These noodles are the stars here and you’ll have plenty of choices. Oroshi bukkake soba - grated mooli daikon, ginger, sobatsuyu in the Hot for instance, nanbun soba- Skeaghanore duck, hay leek, scallion in the Cold.

Cantina Rallo's rosso and Original 7 Pale Ale

I have to admit though that we were captivated by the Specials Board, almost as expansive as the A La Carte, full of tempting dishes, even more enticing because there is a mix of small and larger plates, mostly designed for sharing. This second edition of Ichigo is much less formal and more fun. As it happened, everything we had came from the blackboard, leaving Takashi’s noodles for the next visit.

Local Ingredients, Unexpected Delights

Mushrooms

Local suppliers are supported here. Indeed, the likes of Garryhinch Mushrooms and Skeaghanore Duck, both feature more than once over the two menus. Hongos (€15.50) al la plancha Kamo Yaki, mushrooms with egg yolk, turned out to be a terrific “starter” for us though I’m sure the other mushroom dish would also be fine.

Expect the unexpected. Tripe, an old Cork favourite, features and was given a flavoursome and palate-pleasing twist by Miyazaki. The “Tonchan” came with cabbage, bean sprouts, Fukuoka-style tripe stew, ginger and garlic (€13.50).  

Tripe

A beer by Original 7, the brewery based in the Franciscan Well in the North Mall, is available on draught here. Had to try that pale ale and it just so happened to be a perfect pairing for the tripe!

O’Mahony Butchers of the English Market supplied the beef for our next dish. The fillet came with egg yolk, Cucumber, Moyahsi, and Namul (€16.50). We were tipped off in advance that this was something like a carpaccio and so it proved. But the marinated beef, super tasty with all its accompaniments, was cut, not into thin rounds but instead into finger-sized strips, the better to take up the marinade! Delicious.

Panna Cotta

Our largest dish of the evening featured Skeaghanore Duck (€22.00). It arrived charcoal grilled with Hay Leek, grilled scallion, leaves, Sansho salt and an unexpected garnish of potato with Nori that went down very well indeed.

Sweet Endings

The delicious delights didn’t stop there. I’d say you’d find it hard to get a better apple dessert than his Matcha Panna Cotta with caramelised apple, lycee ice cream and hazelnut praline, our favourite, and we got the impression it is a staff favourite as well. Just two desserts were available and the Gubbeen Smoked Cheese Cake with Wasabi ice cream was impressive also, even if the apple stole the sweet show.

Gubbeen Cheese Cake

Drinks Galore

This 2024 Ichigo Ichie doesn't lack drink options. A craft beer exclusive from Original 7, Beamish on draft, and an amazing, all-natural wine list curated by Le Caveau await. While the three Jura wines sit at the higher end, don't miss the house red and white from Sicily's Cantina Rallo at a budget-friendly €7.50 a glass. And there's much much more in between!

Before Champagne, there was Blanquette De Limoux. Here’s one!

Before Champagne, there was Blanquette De Limoux. Here’s one!

Delmas Brut Cuvée Tradition Blanquette De Limoux (AC) NV, 12.5%

Mary Pawle has one six-bottle case left in stock @ €122 ( that includes VAT @ 23%); she'll have more in by Easter but expect a different price!

Haute Vallée is a favorite terroir for Limoux bubbles. This Cuvee is made from grapes from organic farming and a subtle blend of 3 grape varieties: Mauzac (mostly, at least 90% according to the AOC), Chardonnay and or Chenin.

It comes in a brilliant pale gold colour with a myriad of bubbles racing towards the top where they form a crowded circle around the rim. Aromas are a medley of fruit (white - peache and apple) and a hint of sweetness. It is quite intense on the palate, fresh and fruity plus the biscuity/bready element often present in sparkling wines. The finish, as you’d expect, is dry. This is real bubbles. Think non-vintage champagne at a fraction of the price! 

Very Highly Recommended.

Enjoy as an aperitif and also with grilled fish and cheese. The Limoux AOC says dry versions (such as this) can be paired with an entire meal whilst medium-dry offerings sit well alongside desserts, particularly chocolate-flavoured ones! So start your special meal with this and get a medium dry for the finalé. Serve between 6 and 8 degrees.

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Check my list of top wines

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Check out my Good Value Wine List here

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Wine historians believe that the world's first sparkling wine was produced in this region in 1531, by the monks at the abbey in Saint-Hilaire. Indeed, the Saint-Hilaire was being made a hundred years before champagne and I’ve read that Dom Perignon may well have learned a trick or two here.

It was first created by the Benedictine monks of the abbey over 450 years ago. Written records survive from 1531. The abbey is 25 miles south of Carcassonne (a town that many of you will have heard of because of its airport). The main grape in the blend is the Mauzac which is called Blanquette locally. This accounts for ninety per cent of the mix with Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay also used (up to a maximum of ten per cent). 

The MICHELIN Guide Great Britain & Ireland 2024. Honours for Homestead Doolin, Bishop's Buttery, D'Olier St and Terre.

The MICHELIN Guide Great Britain & Ireland 2024

Honours for Homestead Doolin, Bishop's Buttery, D'Olier St and Terre.

Congratulations to Homestead Doolin, Bishop's Buttery Cashel and to D'Olier Street Dublin on being awarded One Star in The MICHELIN Guide Great Britain & Ireland 2024 event in Manchester this evening. Quite a coup for the island and for the three restaurants in particular. 

Homestead Cottage

Homestead Cottage, with its delicious cooking, makes a visit to the rural west coast all the more appealing. Further inland, The Bishop’s Buttery offers top-quality produce and great natural flavours to Cashel Palace Hotel, and D’Olier Street boosts Dublin’s dining scene with visually striking and technically accomplished dishes.

D'Olier Street

And to top it all, Terre at the Castlemartyr Resort was awarded a second star. So  County Cork now has another Two Star restaurant to add to its collection. Gaining One Star last year and now a second, Vincent Crepel and his kitchen team at Terre have made impressively quick work of crafting a bold, assuredly Two-Star experience.

Terre

The MICHELIN Guide Great Britain & Ireland 2024

Welcomes a New Three Star restaurant

The Ledbury becomes the ninth Three MICHELIN Star restaurant in Great Britain & Ireland

6 new Two Star establishments, including 2 Indian restaurants which become the first in the UK to receive Two MICHELIN Stars

18 new One MICHELIN Star

6 new MICHELIN Green Stars awarded for outstanding commitment to sustainable gastronomy

MICHELIN is pleased to present the 2024 restaurant selection of The MICHELIN Guide Great Britain & Ireland, which was unveiled during a special ceremony held this Monday at The Midland Hotel in Manchester. 

Bishop's Buttery at Cashel Palace.
All pics via Michelin guide

This year also marks the 50th anniversary of The MICHELIN Guide in Great Britain & Ireland.A total of 1,162 restaurants are included in the selection, with The Ledbury announced as the Guide’s ninth Three MICHELIN Star restaurant. A further 6 restaurants have been newly awarded Two MICHELIN Stars and there are 18 new One Star establishments. 6 restaurants have been recognised with a MICHELIN Green Star for their commitment to sustainable gastronomy and 20 restaurants were announced to have received a Bib Gourmand on 29th January, one week prior to the Ceremony.

From Cornwall to Cork, the newly crowned restaurants span across Great Britain & Ireland. London has had a highly successful year, with a new Three Star, 3 new Two Star and 11 new One Star restaurants bolstering the city’s selection. Cumbria adds 2 new One Star restaurants to its already impressive collection, and Birmingham has welcomed its first ever Two Star restaurant. The establishments themselves range in style, from counter dining to country houses. The cuisines are varied too, and this year sees both 2 new West African Stars and the selection’s first ever Two Star Indian restaurants. 

All be booked directly via The MICHELIN Guide website and app. The selection showcases unique destinations both across Great Britain & Ireland and throughout the world. Every hotel in the selection has been chosen by The MICHELIN Guide experts for its extraordinary style, service and personality.

Meeran Manzoor of Rare Restaurant in Kinsale Wins Ireland’s Chef of The Year

news:

Meeran Manzoor of Rare Restaurant in Kinsale

 Wins Ireland’s Chef of The Year

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A Blue Haven Double with gold also

in Best Family Run Hotel Group

Meeran Manzoor, Executive Head Chef of The Blue Haven Collection and Rare Restaurant, took home gold in Ireland’s Chef of The Year category at the Virgin Media Business Gold Medal Awards. Winners were announced on Tuesday 30th January at a black tie event held in the Galmont Hotel & Spa in Galway.

Meeran said “It is always a great feeling to get recognised, and it gives both me and the team a boost of motivation going into the new year. This award also honours my amazing team in Rare, I see it as a collective award for all of us, acknowledging all the hard work that goes into producing the food and experience we are so proud of in Rare.”

The menu in Rare is influenced by Meeran’s Tamil Nadu heritage; diners can choose from a five-course tasting menu or a seven-course tasting menu which are both available with wine pairings. 

Judged by industry experts, the Virgin Media Gold Medal Awards recognise and reward excellence in hospitality and catering operations across Ireland. The judging panel reviews a set of criteria including a blind site inspection to decide the winners of each category. 

The Blue Haven Collection also won Best Family Run Hotel Group in Ireland at the Virgin Media Gold Medal Awards. The collection includes The Blue Haven Hotel, The Old Bank Townhouse and The Schull Harbour Hotel, Hamlets Bar & Kitchen, Kielys of Cork and Black Barrel Midleton. 

Rare at The Blue Haven is located in The Blue Haven Hotel on Pearse Street, Kinsale, Co Cork. For more information see www.rare1784.ie

This organic and vegan-friendly Sangiovese is ideal for the table. And a refreshing red from Ventoux.

ERA Sangiovese Marche (IGT) 2020, 13% ABV

RRP: €14.60 Stockists include: Quay Co-Op Cork/ Olive Branch, Clonakilty/ Little Green Grocer, Kilkenny/ Mortons of Galway/ Sonas, Newcastlewest.

(Below: Refreshing red from Ventoux).

This organic and vegan-friendly wine is ideal for the table.

You’ll more than likely associate the grape Sangiovese with Italy’s Tuscany where they use it to produce the well-known, well-loved Chianti wine. Immediately to Tuscany’s east is another Italian region called Marche, pronounced Mar-Kay, which has the shores of the Adriatic Sea as its eastern border, and that the region is where this Sangiovese originates.

The aromas of our ERA wine are intense, ripe dark red fruit, floral and herbal notes too, and liquorice also. Flavours are just as bright and intense, full of those red and darker fruits, plus more than just a hint of spice. Tannins are more or less silky and there’s enough acidity to ensure harmony through to the lingering finish. 

An organic and vegan-friendly wine, it is ideal for the table. Try it with Broiled Marinated Pork Chop, Savoy cabbage, Fondant Potato and Mustard Sauce. Winery tips are stewed meat and aged cheeses while other suggestions include Fried chicken livers, Pappardelle pasta with a rabbit and porcini mushroom ragù,  spaghetti bolognese, lamb shank and steak Milanese, and Slow-roasted pork with white bean mash. 

Highly Recommended. Very well priced too, by the way. 

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Charm and character in this Ventoux red by M. Jacques

Jacques Frelin Contreforts Du Delta Ventoux (AP) 2021, 14% ABV, Mary Pawle Wines

This organic red wine, another from Mary Pawle, is a blend of Grenache and Syrah, and comes rom the edges of the southern Rhône. 

The vineyard (soil consists of “Gravel and pebbles”) is under the gaze of Mount Ventoux, the mountain famous for its Mistral Wind and its long-lasting association with the Tour de France. I did climb it once myself - by car! The pebbles referred to above by the way are rather large flat stones.

The colour is a light garnet, a little lighter than you might expect by comparison to your regular Côtes du Rhone. The aromas have raspberry and strawberry notes, a bit on the jammy side, with a hint of spice.

It is immediately refreshing in the mouth, soft, supple and fruity, a really juicy blend and indeed one that may be served cool (not chilled though!). Very enjoyable and an easy-drinking style.

As the label promises, this expressive organic wine exudes charm and character. Well rounded and aromatic. Try with grilled lamb with thyme, or goats cheese with fresh figs. Serve at 18 degrees.

Highly Recommended.

FOOD NEWS & EVENTS AT THE LIMERICK STRAND. Award-winning dining destination

 FOOD NEWS & EVENTS AT THE LIMERICK STRAND

Award-winning dining destination

Executive Head Chef, Paddy Anslow and his team are looking forward to showcasing their new offerings for 2024. Paddy and his culinary team are unconditionally supportive of all things local and always on the lookout for new suppliers and giving a helping hand to small artisan producers.  Passion for their location is evident on all menus and for over 10 years, have been at the forefront of the ‘farm to fork’ and traceability food evolution. Using, fresh, high quality and seasonal food, partnering with local farms and dairies wherever possible ensure that guests enjoy a taste of the nearby Wild Atlantic Way in the heart of the Golden Vale. 

This year they have launched a brand new offering called the ‘Friday Night Supper Club’ running in the award-winning AA rosette River Bar & Restaurant on Friday evenings with dining from 7.00 pm to 9.30 pm.    The cool tones, riverside location, exciting design details and new menus make the River Bar & Restaurant a must-visit when in Limerick. This experience includes the best of food with live music from 8pm-10pm and is the perfect way to officially kick-start the weekend.   Friday Night Supper Club offers 2 or 3 course dining options with an array of delicious homemade locally sourced dishes along with mouth-watering desserts.   The 2-course option costs €37 and 3-course €42 with full menu offer HERE.

Wine and dine your beloved with an amazing Valentine’s Dinner in the AA rosette River Room Bar & Restaurant complete with amuse-bouche and glass of bubbles to set the romantic scene on arrival followed by a candlelit 5 course dinner. This special dining experience is available to book on Wednesday, Feb 14^th, Thursday, Feb 15^th & Friday, Feb 16^th from 6.00pm – 9.00 pm. The 5-course dinner including an amuse-bouche and glass of bubbles costs €49.50 per person.   Pre-booking is advised.  For menu see HERE.

Treat your mother like the queen she is with a Mother’s Day Sunday Buffet Lunch, Sunday March 10^th at the multi award-winning Limerick Strand Hotel where you are guaranteed a stress-free and relaxing day.   The exclusive Mother’s Day Sunday Buffet Lunch is a gorgeous affair, where you’ll receive a warm welcome from the friendly and dedicated staff and enjoy a delicious feast in the gorgeous surrounds of the River Restaurant & Bar with stunning river-side views. The buffet lunch is available to book from 1.00pm – 5.00pm and includes a welcoming glass of bubbles on arrival and 4 course options to choose from.  Your mum will also be presented with a special gift and the talented Treble & Bass will entertain the room from 1.30pm-3.30pm.  The Mother’s Day Buffet Lunch experience costs €37.50 per adult

€17.50 per child with kids under 5 dining for free with child friendly menu on offer.

Alternatively, you can treat your mum ANYTIME to a relaxing Afternoon Tea in the heart of Limerick city. The Limerick Strand Hotel is the perfect spot to enjoy your afternoon tea while overlooking the River Shannon. Indulge in a three-tiered platter of exquisite finger sandwiches, served alongside freshly baked warm scones, clotted cream & jam, and a selection of afternoon tea pastries & treats. Available daily from 2pm – 4pm from €31.50 per person.

Only minutes from the St. Patrick’s Festival Parade The Limerick Strand is the perfect location to celebrate our patron saint in style.   Park your car in the hotel’s underground carpark and head out to enjoy the festivities.  Return for a delicious Buffet Lunch served in the River Restaurant from 1.00 pm – 5.00 pm, where dishes showcase the team’s culinary skills and passion for supporting local and kids under 5 years of age can dine for free! On Monday, 18th March 2024, the 51st edition of the International Band Championship will fill the streets of Limerick with the spectacular sight and sound of talented marching band musicians from across Ireland, Europe and America. Watch the bands compete to be crowned International Band Champions as they march through the city!  The buffet lunch will also be on offer at the Limerick Strand from 1.00 pm to 5.00 pm. Buffet costs from €32.95 per adult and €17.50 per child with kids under 5 years dining for free.  

The award-winning 4*  Limerick Strand Hotel offers a beautiful setting for 2024 Easter dining. Easter Sunday Lunch is rather special at The River Restaurant & Bar and a very popular choice for families looking for a memorable and entertaining afternoon with exceptional food and service.  On Sunday 31st March, they are offering a delicious 4-course Lunch Buffet where you will be warmly greeted with a glass of bubbly and a visit from the Easter Bunny, who will be

busy hopping about delivering a chocolate egg to all the children. Reservations are available from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. each Sunday (Pre-booking essential) and includes a glass of Prosecco on arrival for adults and an Eater egg for kids and costs €37.50 per adult and €18.50 per child with kids under 5 years of age dining for free!

Dine at the award-winning AA rosette River Bar & Restaurant every Sunday from 1.00 pm to 5.00 pm for their popular Sunday Lunch, ideal for a family celebration or group get togethers. With The Great Limerick Run taking place on May 4^th it is set to be a popular spot for those looking to re-charge post racing on Sunday May 5^th where patrons can enjoy the popular 4 Course Sunday Lunch Menu which includes a welcome glass of bubbles or orange juice for the non-drinkers, a selection of starters from the buffet, an array of Sunday favourite mains courses hand carved by Chef and a plated trio of tempting homemade desserts. The roast rib of Irish Beef was awarded overall Winner in Knorr’s “Ireland’s Great Roast 2019”, and is a firm favourite with guests. Executive Head Chef, Paddy Anslow slow cooks the Rib of Irish Beef for over 26 hours, and is marinated in 3 types of Mustard. There’s also a child-Friendly Buffet Menu, and kiddies under 5 eat for free and Complimentary on-site underground Car Parking is available during the duration of your meal to make your Sunday stress free! Prices from €32.95 per adult €17.50 per child.

We recommend making reservations in advance to avoid disappointment. To make a reservation call 061 421800 or book online via  www.strandlimerick.ie.

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