Monday, September 30, 2024

September Saturday. Down by the River.

Down by the River. 

September Saturday.

28th September 2024, from the Tivoli side of Cork's River Lee




Rowers heading down the river

Seven Swans. Eight Rowers.



Heading towards the city



Full crew power the Tara Warrior Princess (and below)



One eight above, and another below



Three single sculls (above and following)




Double

Four, with cox in a box, and below



River, road, railway. Look closely, beyond the houses, to see yellow train on its way.

Train heading east


Teamhair Saoirse, heading out.

Port of Cork

The Swan family



A superb Malbec from Chateau du Cedre, where almost every vine receives a special attention

Cedre Heritage Malbec Cahors (AC) 2021, 13% ABV


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

almost every vine receives a special attention


Gorgeous fruity aromatics welcome you to this mid to dark ruby wine from the south of France.  It has been produced biodynamically by Pascal and Jean-Marc Verhaeghe of Château Du Cèdre, found where the River Lot meanders, meanders a lot, and where I confess

Friday, September 27, 2024

HIDDEN HEARTH TO IGNITE THE SPIRIT THIS AUTUMN. FOOD MASTERCLASSES ON THE MENU

press release 

HIDDEN HEARTH TO IGNITE THE SPIRIT THIS AUTUMN. 

FOOD MASTERCLASSES ON THE MENU 

 

The lake and sauna house.

Set within the enchanting Lisnavagh House and Gardens in Rathvilly, Co. Carlow, the Hidden Hearth festival is poised to light up Ireland’s Ancient East from October 11th to 13th. This alcohol and substance free festival blends the arts, music, poetry, and the rich tapestry of Irish language and heritage into a profound three-day experience. Festival-goers will engage in meditation, yoga, breathwork, and masterclasses on food, regenerative agriculture, rewilding and natural

Weekend indulgence at The Bookshelf Elysian. Brunch Delights and City Buzz

Weekend indulgence at The Bookshelf Elysian 

Brunch Delights and City Buzz

Italian Eggs

Embark on a Culinary Adventure at Cork's Modern Bookshop Café

Forget the ordinary brunch routine. The Bookshelf Elysian in Cork City offers an experience that's as delightful as it is delicious. Nestled within the iconic

Thursday, September 26, 2024

An Evening Of Moët & Chandon Champagnes Paired With Culinary Delights From Rare At Blue Haven, Kinsale

An Evening Of Moët & Chandon Champagnes 

Paired With Culinary Delights From Rare At Blue Haven, Kinsale

Julie Dupouy Sommelier

Experience an extraordinary night at Rare at Blue Haven in Kinsale as Executive Head Chef Meeran Manzoor teams up with renowned sommelier Julie Dupouy for an exclusive celebration of exquisite flavours and the finest champagnes.

On Friday 11th October, the venue will unveil a

Famille Fabre Chateau De Reiux showcases the vibrant character of sunny Minervois

Famille Fabre Chateau De Reiux (demi muid) Minervois (AOC) 2020, 14.5% ABV

RRP: €24.00  at Matsons Bandon, Grange, Youghal



Showcases the vibrant character of sunny Minervois

This Minervois from Famille Fabre is a bold and expressive wine that showcases the

Wednesday, September 25, 2024

MERCEDES-BENZ SUPPORTS IRISH FOOD PRODUCERS. On the road to Blas at Dingle!

MERCEDES-BENZ SUPPORTS IRISH FOOD PRODUCERS

On the road to Blas at Dingle! 

Nevo’s Simon Andreucetti and Derek Reilly are pictured with Fallon Moore and Artie Clifford of Blas na hEireann ahead of their 2024 Irish Food Awards, taking place in Dingle next month.


Ahead of this year’s Blas na hEireann 2024 Irish Food Awards, in partnership with Bank of Ireland and taking place in Dingle next month, Mercedes-Benz Ireland has joined forces with Nevo, Ireland's only dedicated electric vehicle platform to offer practical support to the many small and medium-size Irish food producers who will take part in

Small Producers Kick On With Lidl. My Kickstart Selection

Small Producers Kick On With Lidl.

My Kickstart Selection

Kickstart your day with this Strangford coffee  from County Down (€5.49).
It makes a good Espresso!

I called to the local Lidl the other day in search of more of that gorgeous

Tuesday, September 24, 2024

A Riverfront Retreat: The Lord Bagenal Inn. Discover the Charms of County Carlow

 A Riverfront Retreat: The Lord Bagenal Inn


 Discover the Charms of County Carlow


Nestled along the picturesque River Barrow in the heritage village of Leighlinbridge, The Lord Bagenal Inn is a family-run gem that offers a warm welcome and unforgettable experiences. This award-winning hotel provides a comfortable base for exploring the beauty and history of County Carlow and the surrounding region. 

Delicious Duck at Dinner


A Haven for Adventure

 Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or an

Happy Anniversary for Cork International's New Yorker!

press release 

CORK RESTAURANT CELEBRATES 10TH ANNIVERSARY WITH 

NEW YORK INSPIRED EVENING

The team from the New Yorker ready to celebrate 10th anniversary. Pic: Brian Lougheed


The Cork International Hotel is celebrating 10 years of the New Yorker Bar and Restaurant with a unique New York inspired evening.


The chefs have designed a number of specials with a

The Mullicháin Café: A Hidden Gem on the Barrow

Mullicháin Café: A Hidden Gem on the Barrow

Nestled along the picturesque River Barrow in St. Mullins, Co. Carlow, Mullicháin Café is a charming oasis that offers a delightful blend of history, cuisine, and natural beauty.


Housed in a beautifully restored 18th-century canal storehouse, Mullicháin Café exudes character and charm. The original features, including Canadian pitch pine beams and lime plaster walls, have been carefully preserved, creating a unique and inviting atmosphere.


A Culinary Delight

The café has a beer and wine licence. We were on

Monday, September 23, 2024

TASTE OF KILDARE HITS THE SPOT WITH CULINARY DELIGHTS AND VIBRANT ATMOSPHERE

TASTE OF KILDARE HITS THE SPOT WITH CULINARY DELIGHTS AND VIBRANT ATMOSPHERE

Dee Laffan (left) chatting with Linda Mulryan (2nd left), Aine Mangan, and Chef Derry Clarke, in Ballymore VIP suite at Naas Racecourse, Kildare. Pic: G Chaney



The Taste of Kildare Festival of Food & Drink returned with a triumphant celebration of food, culture, and community at Naas Racecourse from September 20th to 22nd. Brought to you by Into Kildare and supported by Ballymore and Kildare County Council’s Local Enterprise Office, the festival attracted thousands of attendees eager to experience the best of Kildare’s culinary scene, artisan craftsmanship, and lively entertainment.

The festival, which was created by Into Kildare, the Kildare Tourism Board, featured a

Good Dairy Ice Cream: A Creamy Delight. Taste of the Week

Good Dairy Ice Cream: A Creamy Delight

Indulge in Farm-Fresh Goodness With Our Taste of the Week!



Lidl's Kickstart initiative has introduced us to a delicious gem: Good Dairy ice cream. Crafted with passion and precision by Catherine Good, this ice cream is a testament to the quality of Irish dairy products.

From Farm to Freezer in a Flash

Made with fresh milk and cream from the Good Dairy farm's Pedigree Friesian cows, this ice cream is a true farm-to-table delight. The process is remarkably efficient, ensuring that the ice cream is as fresh as possible.

A Trio of Temptations

Lidl's shelves boast three irresistible flavours from Good Dairy:

  • Over 40 producers
    feature in Kickstart.
    Catherine is bottom left.

    Chocolate Cow's Lick:
    A creamy and decadent chocolate ice cream with a subtle hint of salt.
  • Salted Caramoo: Indulge in the rich caramel flavour with a touch of saltiness for a perfect balance.
  • Udderly Vanilla: A classic flavour elevated by the use of high-quality Madagascan vanilla.

A Taste of Perfection

Each of the three tubs is a testament to Catherine's skill and dedication. The ice cream is remarkably smooth, creamy, and full of flavour. The use of fresh, high-quality ingredients shines through in every spoonful.

Don't Miss Out

Head to your local Lidl and treat yourself to a scoop (or two!) of Good Dairy ice cream. You won't be disappointed! Unless I get there before you!

* Lidl's Kickstart began on Thursday (19th September) and continues.

* More on Kickstart soon.