Thursday, October 31, 2024

Yalumba Organic Shiraz South Australia. Additions? Only what’s required to preserve the natural flavours.

Yalumba Organic Shiraz South Australia 2020, 14% ABV

€17.00 Matsons (Bandon, Grange and Youghal)

Additions? Only what’s required to preserve the natural flavours.



It has been quite a while since I had the pleasure of drinking an Australian Shiraz, an organic and vegan-friendly one at that. The grapes are gathered from various vineyards in the area. No oak is used. Very few additions are

Domaine Lacour “Sous Le Clos” Côtes Du Couchois, a superb Pinot Noir from a relatively unknown area of Burgundy

Domaine Lacour “Sous Le Clos” Côtes Du Couchois Bourgogne (AOP) 2021, 13% ABV

RRP €25.50. Stockists:  64 Wine DublinBradley’s of CorkGreenman Dublin, Le Caveau


A superb Pinot Noir from a relatively unknown area of Burgundy


The Côtes du Couchois is a tiny appellation in Burgundy. Although it is a relatively unknown area, it is the source of authentic and very well-priced wines. This “Sous Le Clos” by Domaine Lacour is

Wednesday, October 30, 2024

A Warm Welcome and Stunning Food at Greene’s Restaurant

A Warm Welcome and Stunning Food at Greene’s Restaurant

Cod


Walk into the warm welcome at Greene’s on MacCurtain Street. Take in the plush new interiors, from cascading plants and luxurious velvet seating to eye-catching warm lighting. You have some marvellous food to come, served with a smile and attention to detail throughout your meal. 


We didn’t have a seat by the waterfall window, but we could still see the

Tuesday, October 29, 2024

90 Years of Impeccable Taste: Celebrating Newbridge Silverware's Enduring Legacy

press release 

90 Years of Impeccable Taste: Celebrating Newbridge Silverware's Enduring Legacy





As Newbridge Silverware marks its 90th anniversary, the iconic Irish brand reflects on a


legacy of elegance, innovation, and craftsmanship. Founded in 1934, Newbridge Silverware


has evolved from its origins as a manufacturer of quality

Beer of the Week. Hopfully, with NAH, Hair of the Dog, Night Time Ale

Beer of the Week


Hopfully, with NAH, Hair of the Dog, Night-Time Ale, 7.00% ABV, 440 ml can Bradleys


"smooth companion for your night time delight"


"Hair of the Dog—Night Time West Coast IPA" is the rather long-winded name of this ale, our Beer of the Week. It results from a collaboration between Hopfully and

Friday, October 25, 2024

Blarney Castle Gardens. October stroll

Blarney Castle Gardens

October stroll

(21st October 2024)

A juniper bush in the Poison Garden


Autumn colours


Blarney House

Halloween, under the entrance tree

A regular clean-up of the river gives Ester Barrett’s bronze, "Catch", some breathing space

Autumn sunshine

Magnolia fruit



Taste of the Week. McCabe's India Monsoon Malabar Single Origin Coffee

Taste of the Week

McCabe's India Monsoon Malabar Single Origin Coffee


Wicklow's McCabe's has been roasting speciality coffees in NewtwonMountKennedy (almost next door to Wicklow Wolf!) for over 27 years. Our local German baker Angela has been singing its praises to me for more than 27 weeks, and I finally took the

Fratelli Felix Campania 2022. New to orange? This is the ideal intro.

Vigneti Tardis Fratelli Felix Campania (IGP) 2022, 12.5% ABV

RRP: €19.95. Stockists:  64 Wine DublinBradley’s of CorkGreenman DublinLe Caveau Kilkenny


New to orange? This is the ideal intro.

You’ll note immediately that this white wine from the south of Italy has a slight orange tint. And it is indeed an “orange” wine, though the colour is not as deep as in many others of the type; the grapes were left to soak on their skins for just two days. Very Highly Recommended.

The blend is

Thursday, October 24, 2024

Brunchin the perfect antidote after an early morning medical visit to SIVUH!

 Marina Market Cork

Brunchin the perfect antidote after an early morning medical visit to SIVUH!

Buttermilk Chicken Benedict


After an early Saturday morning medical appointment at SIVUH* on Old Blackrock Road (Cork), it was time for

Wednesday, October 23, 2024

An enduring favourite for many. Kinnegar Limeburner is our Beer of the Week!

Kinnegar Limeburner Kölsch Style Pale Ale, 4.7% ABV, 440 ml can Lidl



An enduring favourite for many


Kinnegar’s Limeburner has stood the test of time, even if “Kölsch Style” is a late addition (but accurate) to the label. It comes in a slightly hazy gold colour, the bubbles shimmying

Tuesday, October 22, 2024

Down by the River Lee. Early-ish on a Saturday morning

Down by the River Lee. 

Saturday morning in Cork City

October 19th, 2024

Had no breakfast that morning and looking at this made me hungrier.
Luckily, the Marina Market was a few steps behind me.


It was still dark (just before 8.00am) on my way south. You can see the moon high above
Patrick's Bridge. Below is the Bus Station at Parnell Place.



On the way back, I enjoyed the breakfast at the Marina Market before walking up the quays. 
Here the water and reflections have been slightly disturbed by rowing boats, 
always on the river on Saturdays

Penrose Dock is one of the newest buildings on the quays.






Osteria Da Mirco, one of the best and most authentic. Fronted by Cork’s favourite Italian!

Osteria Da Mirco, one of the best and most authentic.

Fronted by Cork’s favourite Italian.

Tagliere Da Mirco


Mirco Fondrini is a beloved Italian figure in Cork. He has a strong affinity for the city, including its football club, and maintains close ties with his home region of Valtellina in Northeast Italy. Along with his team of Italian chefs, he showcases this passion at Osteria Da Mirco, widely regarded as one of the finest and most authentic

Monday, October 21, 2024

Purato Nero D’Avola Sicilia. Soft, fruity red from Sicily with impeccable organic credentials

Purato Nero D’Avola Sicilia (DOC) 2022, 13.5% ABV

€16.00 Bubble Brothers


Green in the extreme. Soft, fruity red from Sicily with impeccable organic credentials

There is no mistaking the Purato range's commitment—certified carbon neutral—to minimising the environmental impact of its excellent everyday wines.

Not only are they made from organically grown grapes, but the bottles, labels, and cartons for the range are, as far as possible, made from recycled