Fish for Thought: Sustainable Seafood for a Festive Feast

Fish for Thought: Sustainable Seafood for a Festive Feast 

Elevate Your Holiday Table with Sustainable Seafood

Mussels

As the festive season approaches, consider adding a splash of seafood to your Christmas menu. Cork's talented fishmongers offer a wide array of fresh, sustainable seafood that's perfect for holiday gatherings. Not only does seafood add a touch of elegance to your table, but it also provides a wealth of health benefits. Packed with essential nutrients, seafood is a delicious and nutritious way to nourish your body and soul during the holiday season.

Sardines

Donagh Good, Managing Director of The Good Fish Company, located in Carrigaline, Douglas and Kinsale, said: “Where else would you get the freshest range of fish than your friendly local fishmonger? With their expert knowledge, they can guide you in choosing the perfect option and then prepare the fish to your liking and offer you tips for cooking. Whether for Christmas dinner or a New Year’s celebration, seafood is the perfect choice to create memorable meals that also support local businesses.”

Red Gurnard

Speaking about the nutritional benefits of including fish in festive menus, Sarah Keogh, Registered Dietician and Founder of eatwell.ie said: “Seafood is high in lean protein and packed with nutrients. Oil-rich fish like salmon is great for getting Vitamin D into your diet- a vitamin that Irish people tend to lack despite it being a key nutrient for maintaining healthy bones, muscles and teeth. Mussels are an excellent source of Omega 3 and could be a nice addition to the festive menu. Omega-3 is an essential nutrient that keeps you healthy from your head to your toes and helps keep your heart healthy. Vitamin B-12 contributes to reducing tiredness and fatigue while also helping support the normal function of the immune system. It can be found in crab, sea bass, rainbow trout, and scallops.”

For fish and seafood recipe inspiration and tips on preparing your festive fish, follow Cork’s local fishmongers:

Good Fish: Instagram - @goodfishshops, Facebook - Goodfishshops

Ballycotton Seafood: Instagram - @ballycottonseafood_, Facebook - Ballycotton Seafood Ltd

Keohane’s Seafood: Instagram - @keohaneseafoods, Facebook - Keohane’s Seafood Shop Cork

K O’Connells: Instagram - @ko_connells_fishmonger, Facebook - K O’Connell Fish Merchants

Pollock    

About BIM

Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), Ireland's Seafood Development Agency, is delighted to support a community of independent seafood retailers and food service operators by sharing knowledge and capability to help drive business growth. 

At BIM, our aim has always been to help this community and our seafood producers and processors to achieve more and to be rewarded for their efforts. We seek ways for the Irish seafood sector to defend what is unique and yet still look for growth and improvement. 

Looking for recipes? Check Whole Catch by
Goldies' chef Aishling Moore

As consumers become more discerning about the food they consume, quality seafood has emerged as a favoured choice, showcasing its versatility, flavour, and health benefits. The health benefits associated with seafood have contributed to its success in both food service and retail. Seafood is rich in essential nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids, which promote heart health and cognitive function. 

Fish for breakfast in Wexford

In seafood retail, the demand for quality seafood is evident in independent seafood retailers and speciality seafood markets. Consumers increasingly prefer seafood that is responsibly sourced, in convenient formats and accompanied by trending tastes and flavours. Independent seafood retailers have a lot of knowledge and expertise that they share with their customers on a daily basis. They are responding by investing in quality seafood displays, offering ready-to-cook options, and providing information on the health benefits of seafood.

Mackerel

Nutritional benefits of fish and seafood

• Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids

• Fish such as herring, mackerel, crab and rainbow trout are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which are crucial for heart health, brain function, and overall well-being.

• High in Protein

• Fish is a lean source of protein, helping to build and repair tissues while supporting a healthy immune system. Cod, crab, hake and plaice are all rich in protein.

  

  Oysters Thermidor

  
  

• Low in Saturated Fat

• Many fish species are naturally low in saturated fats, making them a heart-healthy choice for holiday meals. Haddock, monkfish, cod and Atlantic Salmon are rich in potassium, which contributes to maintaining normal blood pressure.

• Packed with Essential Vitamins and Minerals 

• Fish provides essential nutrients such as vitamin D, selenium, and iodine, which support bone health, immune function, and thyroid health. Mussels, haddock and crab are good sources of iodine in particular and Atlantic salmon, swordfish and sea bass are all good sources of Vitamin B12.

  

  Cod

  
  

Beer of the Week. Wicklow Wolf Apex Oatmeal Stout

 Wicklow Wolf Apex Oatmeal Stout, 6.5% ABV, 440 ml can

“A full-flavoured stout that will leave you wanting more.”

“A full-flavoured stout that will leave you wanting more.” That’s the message from Wicklow Wolf.

The stout is black with a coffee-coloured head (short-lived). Coffee is also in the aromatics. On the palate, intense stuff (coffee and chocolate) with a semi-sweet creamy smoothness. It is creamy and full-flavoured from start to finish. And yes, more is the request! No surprise that there have been a few "spin-offs" from this superb stout, including a Black Cherry Oatmeal Stout, Apex Tiramisu Oatmeal Stout, and Chocolate Oat Milk Coconut Stout.

Very Highly Recommended and Beer of the Week.

It is a member of the Alpha Pack, their core range. They say: Apex champions a heavy malt bill, brewed with only the best flaked Irish Oats, specialty chocolate and coffee malts.” Expect an intense burst of fresh roast coffee, milk chocolate & a delicious creamy smoothness. A full flavoured stout that will leave you wanting more.

Bravo hops hit the scene around 2006 and quickly became a preferred bittering hop. Yakima Hops says it also contributes fruity and floral tones that work well in IPAs, Pale Ales, and Red Ales. It's not the first hops you’d think of when it comes to stout, but the folks at Wicklow Wolf know a thing or two, and it certainly works very well here.

Geek Bits

Hops: Bravo 

Malts: Pale, Chocolate, Roast Crystal, Brown, Carafa, Oat, Cara

* What are your favourites from our 2024 Beer of the Week list? Check it out here.

John Hartnett, Digital Marketing Manager at Fota Island Resort and The Kingsley, wins top award at the 2024 Irish Hospitality Institute Awards

press release

John Hartnett, Digital Marketing Manager both Fota Island Resort and The Kingsley, wins top award at the 2024 Irish Hospitality Institute Awards

Congrats to John Hartnett

(The Kingsley's Fergal Harte was also awarded - story below)

Cork hotels Fota Island Resort and The Kingsley are proud to announce that John Hartnett, Digital Marketing Manager for both properties has been awarded the worthy accolade of Sales and Marketing Manager of the Year at the 2024 Irish Hospitality Institute (IHI) Awards.

 

The award ceremony, which took place on 28^th November 2024 in the Clayton Hotel, Burlington Road, celebrated excellence across the hospitality sector in Ireland, with John’s contributions to both Fota Island Resort and The Kingsley in Cork city, ensuring a win in the highly competitive category.

 

As Digital Marketing Manager, John Hartnett who joined the team in 2020 has worked hard to develop the digital marketing strategy for the well-known and loved properties in East Cork and Cork city, with clever digital initiatives elevating both Fota Island Resort and The Kingsley.

 

"I am incredibly honoured to receive this award," shared John Hartnett. " I work alongside a brilliant team in Cork and I’m very lucky to work with two fantastic properties, Fota Island Resort and The Kingsley. Creating digital marketing strategies for two exciting and innovative luxury properties and watching them grow within our industry has been hugely rewarding.’

 

The IHI Awards, are a highlight in the hospitality industry’s calendar, attended by prominent hoteliers and industry colleagues, the awards recognise individuals and teams who have made a significant impact on the sector, demonstrating leadership, innovation, and a commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences. Nominated by colleagues or managers, winners are recognised for their commitment to their roles and receive well-deserved industry recognition in a room filled with their peers. 

 

Find out more about Fota Island Resort and The Kingsley by visiting fotaisland.ie and thekingsley.ie.

 

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The Kingsley’s Fergal Harte Wins 'General Manager of the Year'

at 2024 Irish Hospitality Institute Awards

Congratulations to Fergal Harte on winning General Manager of the Year at recent @ihi_ireland Awards

Fergal Harte, General Manager of The Kingsley in Cork city has been awarded the prestigious title of ‘General Manager of the Year’ at the 2024 Irish Hospitality Institute (IHI) Awards, held in Dublin on 28^th November 2024 in the Clayton Hotel, Burlington Road.

 

The IHI Awards, are a highlight in the hospitality industry’s calendar, attended by prominent hoteliers and industry colleagues, the awards recognise individuals and teams who have made a significant impact on the sector, demonstrating leadership, innovation, and a commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences. Nominated by colleagues or managers, winners are recognised for their commitment to their roles and receive well-deserved industry recognition in a room filled with their peers. 

 

The ‘General Manager of the Year’ award celebrates Fergal’s outstanding leadership, dedication to excellence, and his pivotal role in driving the success of The Kingsley in Cork city since he became General Manager of the hotel in 2014 – Celebrating 10 years in the role this year.

 

Fergal Harte, a seasoned professional with over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry has innovated the offering at The Kingsley since he took on the role of General Manager, elevating its reputation for outstanding service, unique guest experiences, from their pet-friendly rooms, an award-winning urban spa and innovative dining options from Perch – coffee and wine to The Springboard overlooking the River Lee, as well as contributing to the local community through his role as Chair of the IHF Cork Branch from 2020-2022.

 

Fergal Harte commented on the award: “I am truly honoured and humbled to receive the General Manager of the Year award. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and commitment of the incredible team here at The Kingsley, who continue to make this hotel a special place for our guests. I am proud to lead such a talented group of professionals, and this award reflects the collective efforts of everyone involved in making The Kingsley a standout destination in Cork.” 

 

Fergal’s hands-on approach and dedication to staff development have created a thriving work environment, enabling the hotel to exceed guest expectations with loyal and repeat customers returning to the riverside hotel. Under his leadership, The Kingsley has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to the well-being of its employees by fostering an inclusive culture and continuously enhancing the work environment. This work was officially recognised earlier this year when the hotel received a prestigious well-being award from the internationally renowned Great Place to Work Institute. Everyone associated with The Kingsley was also incredibly proud to be ranked 16th among medium-sized businesses in Ireland on the institute's Great Places to Work 2024 list.

 

With beautiful bedrooms, a bistro-style restaurant, a new coffee and wine bar – Perch, a luxury award-winning spa and pet-friendly rooms, The Kingsley has everything you need for an urban retreat in Cork City.

 

Set in a stylish and distinctive riverside location on the banks of the River Lee within walking distance from the buzzing cosmopolitan city of Cork, shopping, socialising and cultural attractions are all just a few steps away. 

 

Find out more by visiting  www.thekingsley.ie

Radisson RED Galway opens its doors in Crown Square

 Radisson RED Galway opens its doors in Crown Square

Radisson RED Galway has opened its doors, making it the first property of the bold, upscale brand in Ireland. 

In Galway’s newest neighbourhood, Crown Square, an impressive development between Monivea Road and Joyce’s Road, and close to Galway’s city centre, Radisson RED incorporates art, music and fashion to create an unforgettable stay for guests, and is an excellent fit for this famously cultural city. 

 

Developed by the Rhatigan Group, who have previously developed the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel & Spa and Dublin Royal Convention Centre in Dublin city centre, and designed by renowned Dublin-based architects Henry J. Lyons, Radisson RED Galway offers an inviting atmosphere, blending upscale design with a fun, relaxed vibe. 

The open-plan layout creates a seamless flow between spaces, with thoughtfully-designed shared areas that foster connection and interaction. Central to the space is an interactive bar, complemented by a cosy lounge area, perfect for unwinding or socialising, and an outdoors south-facing terrace. The colour palette is rich and sophisticated, featuring deep dark walnut tones, vibrant reds, and elegant brass highlights, while the antique mirror accents and brass rod feature staircase add an extra layer of character and charm.

 

The 177 guestrooms and suites reflect the hotel’s signature aesthetic, where bold design meets functionality. Each room has a playful yet sophisticated approach, featuring vibrant colour palettes, chic furnishings, and striking artwork. It offers an immersive experience with cutting-edge technology as well as unique touches that speak to the region’s rich cultural heritage. The rooms are designed for both relaxation and productivity, featuring large windows that let natural light fill the space.

 

Radisson RED Galway introduces a series of advanced features that cater to the tech-savvy traveller. Guests can enjoy seamless check-in and check-out through kiosks, allowing for a smooth arrival and a fast departure. In addition, wireless charging points are strategically placed throughout the hotel and guest rooms are equipped with Chromecast technology.

 

The Claddagh Bar & Grill is Radisson RED Galway’s dynamic, modern restaurant, located on the ground floor. It is a relaxed space, offering a stylish dining experience with a focus on Irish ingredients. The space is open plan with cosy corners and large tables for group dining and is ideal for enjoying food or cocktails in a relaxed yet sophisticated setting. 

 

Lena’s Rooftop Bar & Restaurant is located on the top floor. This destination restaurant and bar seating 140 guests, with panoramic views of Galway Bay and the city, has a refined but approachable menu of quality classical cooking, and a strong focus on local ingredients. This is a restaurant for everyone — perfect for date night, Sunday lunch with the family, tourists, and locals alike.

 

Padraic Rhatigan, principal of the Rhatigan Group, says, “We are proud to be bringing this new high-quality destination hotel to our home city of Galway. Radisson RED is a great fit for our city, and we are looking forward to revealing the standout design and sophisticated offering in Galway.”

  

Radisson RED Galway features nine versatile meeting rooms spread across two floors, with over 400 square metres of meeting and event space. Blending contemporary design with state-of-the-art technology, the property provides the perfect setting for a wide range of events, from corporate meetings to creative workshops and social gatherings. On the ground floor, a private meeting room provides a focused environment for small reunions, while the adjacent Writers Room is a semi-private networking space designed to encourage social interaction and creativity. With its inviting atmosphere and stylish décor, this space is ideal for informal meetings, where guests can relax, engage, and connect over coffee or light refreshments. 

 

The lower ground floor is home to the Tribe Suite, a spacious and versatile room that can cater to up to 220 guests in a theatre-style setting, perfect for a large conference, presentation, or seminar. With its expansive size and audiovisual facilities, the suite ensures any event will be both impactful and memorable.  In addition to the Tribe Suite, the lower ground floor features three boardrooms and two large breakout event spaces, providing additional flexibility and ideal for networking sessions, workshops, or casual events. The space is equipped with a private bar, perfect for mingling after a productive day of meetings. The carefully-designed booth seating allows guests a comfortable space to collaborate or take an informal break.

 

Just a few minutes’ drive from Galway City, Radisson RED Galway is also located next to the motorways that connect the city with Dublin and Limerick.

 

Rates at Radisson Red Galway start from Є130 per night. For more information or to book, click here.

press release

 

Chateau de Manissy Trinité Lirac. “..one of the most delicious Rhône whites we have found”

Chateau de Manissy Trinité Lirac (AOP) 2021, 13% ABV

€24.00 Bubble Brothers.

“one of the most delicious Rhône whites we have found”

Our Trinité Lirac, a Rhone white, has a lovely golden colour, the liquid limpid. It has delicate aromas of tropical fruits (mango, pineapple). Typical of white Grenache blends, it's round, fresh and fruity, with enough acidity to make it perfect as an aperitif and capable of matching a range of foods.

Importers Bubble Brothers are impressed: “This has to be one of the most delicious Rhône whites we have found.” It certainly is a good one and Very Highly Recommended.

It is organically produced and blends Grenache Blanc, Viognier, and Roussanne. They also make a Trinité red and some delicious Tavel rosés and more. The winery suggests pairing the white with Potée Lorraine (a vegetable stew with a few extra sausages and meat), Osso Buco, veal blanquette, cooked fish, dry goat cheeses, and fruit cakes! Serve at 12 degrees.

Lirac, on the right bank, is, since 1946, one of the 16 crus of the Rhone. But you don’t hear too much about it compared to Vacqueryas, Gigondas and Vinsobres. Decanter, though, are fans, saying, “Lirac is often overshadowed by better-known rivals but is a source of outstanding value wines.”

If you enjoy these wines, visiting the region is a great idea. Be sure to take in La Fête du Baiser ("festival of the kiss”), a festival celebrated in Roquemaure (on the right bank of the Rhone) on the Saturday after St. Valentine’s Day. The town also claims to be where Hannibal and his army (including elephants) crossed the Rhone in 218 BC.

The Manissy estate was built in the middle of the 18th century and belongs to the Congregation of Missionary Fathers of the Holy Family. They planted the first vines in 1916, worked the land and made wine using biodynamic methods.

Pacheco Monastrell Jumilla. Excellent Excellent example of an unoaked Monastrell

Pacheco Monastrell Jumilla (DOP) 2021, 14.5% ABV

€15.00 Matsons Wine Store (Bandon, Grange, Youghal)

Excellent example of an unoaked Monastrell

The organic Monastrell from the lesser-known Spanish wine region of Jumilla features a mid-ruby colour. It offers aromas of red berries and hints of balsamic. A warming wine, it is balanced and full-bodied while remaining soft and fresh all the way through to its super-long finish. 

Pacheco aimed to create a versatile and appealing organic wine, representing an excellent example of an unoaked Monastrell at a reasonable price point. With its easy-drinking nature and well-balanced character, I believe they have hit the mark perfectly with this one. It pairs wonderfully with tapas and paella.

Very Highly Recommended.

Jumilla

Jumilla is a three-hour drive south of Madrid and less than an hour by car from Alicante Airport (gateway to the Costa Blanca). The Jumilla DOP (Denominación de Origen Protegida) extends from the southeastern part of the province of Albacete, through Murcia, down to the border with Alicante province. In this region, Monastrell is celebrated as the “queen grape."

Monastrell

Monastrell is a black-skinned grape variety indigenous to Spain, where it is widely cultivated. It is also found across the border in Southern France, where it is known as Mourvèdre and plays a significant role in the Rhone GSM (Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre) blends.

The Producer:

Bodegas Viña Elena produces two main wine ranges: the traditional Familia Pacheco range and the Bruma del Estrecho de Marín collection.

The Familia Pacheco range includes wines like this Monastrell, which was first produced in 2005. These wines are made using grapes from their own vineyards, located near the bodega, and grapes sourced from local farmers who have been supplying them for over 40 years.

The Pullman Restaurant at Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate to undergo restoration, culinary and service transformation

 SAME DESTINATION – NEW JOURNEY

The Pullman Restaurant at Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate to undergo restoration, culinary and service transformation

As Ireland’s most iconic restaurant, The Pullman has built a legacy of nostalgic hospitality within the grounds of the beautiful Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate.  From 5th January to early March 2025, The Pullman will temporarily close to undergo an exciting transformation.

Featuring two original carriages from the Orient Express, this historic Pullman train has become a charming restaurant car on the hotel grounds, preserving its unique character. Previously, it was located at Elsenham Station in Hertfordshire, England, before becoming part of the diverse offerings at Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate. The Restoration works will retain many of the carriages' original details, including the intricate wooden architrave and light fittings for which the carriages are renowned. The refreshed interiors will take design cues from contemporary carriages, and the exterior will be transformed to mirror the classical glamour of the new interiors.

Not only will the changes be aesthetic, but major happenings will be onboard, with an exciting new culinary team led by Head Chef Angelo Vagiotis. Having most recently worked as Head Chef at Terre Restaurant in Castlemartyr. Angelo will further elevate the food experience, coupled with the refurbished interiors, allowing The Pullman to become more sophisticated in its stature, style, and overall offering, clearly defining its ultimate destination.

Commenting on the plans for The Pullman, General Manager Rónán O’Halloran adds, “Our owners have heavily invested in the hotel and estate in recent years, establishing a plan that positions the Pullman as a crucial part of this portfolio. The initial phase of the Pullman renovations occurred in 2023, featuring the installation of a cutting-edge kitchen that allowed the culinary team to enhance the onboard dining experience. The upcoming renovations are not just about structural upgrades; they embody a thoughtful reimagining of the dining experience. Every aspect has been designed with a singular objective: to provide an even more elevated experience. Over the coming months, a dedicated team of experts will work behind the scenes to implement the new Pullman journey.”

During The Pullman's remarkable renewal phase, Glenlo’s commitment to hospitality shines through The River Room restaurant, which offers a scenic view of Lough Corrib. Thanks to the new Pullman culinary team, the restaurant will provide a fine dining experience, giving diners a sneak preview of what is to come during this transitional period.

Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate is one of Ireland's most luxurious hotels, a proud member of Ireland's Blue Book, small luxury hotels, and part of the Irish-owned and managed MHL Hotel Collection. It is just two miles from Galway City and boasts magnificent views overlooking Lough Corrib on a 138-acre estate.

Glenlo Abbey’s Team will be delighted to assist you with any queries by telephone at Tel Intl +353 (0) 91 519600. Or Email: stay@glenloabbey.ie

Alternatively, visit www.glenloabbeyhotel.ie for more information or to purchase gift vouchers online.   

press release