News Archive
-
Salt & Chilli Prawns
31 December 2010
After all the rich meats and game, salt and chilli prawns went down well on New Year's Eve...
-
Ashford Castle Venison Recipe
23 December 2010
Head Chef, Stefan Matz, shares with us his superb recipe for loin of venison with star anise and scented beetroot
-
NEW YEAR'S EVE 2010
23 December 2010
Check out the very many Restaurant and Hotel New Year's Eve happenings around the country....
-
Seafood Bar@Galway's Kirwan's Lane Restaurant
22 December 2010
A touch of Barna’s award winning, ‘O’Grady’s on the Pier’, opened in Galway City centre last Saturday as Kirwan’s Lane Restaurant in the Latin Quarter launched their new seafood bar on the lower level of the existing restaurant.
-
Ashford Castle Christmas Recipes
19 December 2010
Stefan Matz of Ashford Castle shares with us his recipes for Christmas....the ultimate turkey with maple syrup.....
-
Farm to Fork at Knockranny House Hotel Mayo
14 December 2010
We are seeing more and more the tremendous importance of buying local and seasonal produce and getting back to the old Irish meitheal method of doing business and supporting one another. The Farm to Fork policy linked with this is becoming widespread wi
-
CHRISTMAS MARKETS COUNTRYWIDE 2010
08 December 2010
Christmas Markets are the buzz this year and there are lots around the country be they one day events or weekly in the lead up to the big day.In Dublin there is a new Christmas Market at Fitzwilliam Square this year with over 70 stalls lit up by more tha
-
Our Latest Great Place to Eat - Capri Bay La Trattoria
08 December 2010
The Italians have a gift for creating atmosphere, sometimes it may be a bit kitsch but always confident. We were sitting in the Capri Bay Trattoria in Youghal, but it felt like we could have been in a side street in Sicily or the eponymous Capri.
-
Early Bird Phenomenon
07 December 2010
There was a time when the Early Bird Menu in restaurants was the zone of tightwads or older folks but there is no doubt now that it is an ever increasing phenomenon, a force to be reckoned with on the dining scene.
-
NO. 41 RESTAURANT AT RESIDENCE - RESTAURANT REVIEW
07 December 2010
The past couple of years have led to a lot of changes in the restaurant industry and for many this has just meant survival – the survival of the fittest – or those offering the best deals! What has happened, also at all levels, is that there..
-
How to Paint a Cow
07 December 2010
Artist Deborah Donnelly famous for those big soft eyed oil paintings of cows will be in Green Lane Gallery Dingle on Saturday 11th 2-6 pm showing you how to paint a cow.
-
Kenmare Has More Than Restaurants!
02 December 2010
When it comes to boutiques there is a gorgeous shop in Kenmare called O’Sullivan-Ford. John O’Sullivan is a young man who is the 3rd generation of his family to run O’Sullivan-Ford, a ladies, children’s, and homeware shop, on The Square in Kenmare.
-
Conrad's Kitchen - Restaurant Review
02 December 2010
Visiting the restaurant of a so called celebrity chef is what I term ‘destination dining’. They are not usually the sort of places that one goes to for a casual night out - or that bite to eat on the way home – unless you are in NAMA!
-
Sean Kelly's Black Pudding Christmas Cake
01 December 2010
Dont you just love the humour of Sean Kelly of Newport and his 3-tier black pudding Christmas Cake
-
SOMETHING FOR THE WEEKEND
25 November 2010
Jean Marc Tsai shares with us his fantastic recipe for real Sesame Prawn Toasts from his great Shanghai Express in Kinsale. A glass of Gewurztraminer....and the X Factor...
-
FARMERS MARKET AT GREEN BARN, KILLEAGH, YOUGHAL, CO. CORK.
22 November 2010
Every Friday morning there is a lovely INDOOR Farmer's Market,at The Green Barn Garden Centre & Lifestyle Store on the N25 between Youghal and Killeagh....
-
Locks Brasserie - Restaurant Review
22 November 2010
“11 out of 10” said a departing diner to the Maitre d’ in the new Locks Brasserie overlooking the Grand Canal at Portobello and its gliding swans. He was right and, from the cross table conversation he had been enjoying with another solo gentleman, it ap
-
MANUELA GOEB'S 'THE BREADCRUMB'
21 November 2010
Manuela Goeb has not only been running The Breadcrumb in Kenmare but has just taken over the reins from Sligo's Noodle House organic pasta and is moving it to Kenmare....
-
VANILLA GRAPE AT EUGENE'S KENMARE
17 November 2010
In Henry Street, Kenmare, Christine and Alain Bras run the most gorgeous shop called Vanilla Grape selling specialist wines and the most amazing range of greeting cards and other specialties. Vanilla Grape may be the company name over the door but, accor
-
Restaurant Review - Le Cafe des Irlandais
16 November 2010
The former Bewleys/Cafe Bar Deli in South Great George's Street is now Le Cafe des Irlandais...
-
"I Died Smiling as I Lived" - Billy Morris Story WW1
11 November 2010
When Lucinda O'Sullivan was given a cache of letters, sent by her uncle Billy Morris from Kilkenny while he served with the British army in World War One, it set her off on a wonderful, and deeply moving journey of discovery that ended with Billy's final
-
LUCINDA IN FLANDERS FIELDS
11 November 2010
Two years ago coincidentally the 90th Anniversary of the Armistice, I wrote here in Life magazine the story of my uncle, Billy Morris, a young man from Kilkenny who like many other young Irish men of his generation had felt honour bound to go off to war
-
Markree Castle's Wine Tasting Dinner
10 November 2010
Expert wine blender and importer Anthony Tindal, founder of Tindal Wines will be your host and tutor and Markree Castle's Wine Tasting Dinner on November 27.
-
Restaurant Review - Kinara Kitchen
09 November 2010
Indian food is as popular in Ireland as it is in the U.K. where Chicken Tikka Masala is reputedly the U.K’s most popular dish. Despite the recession there are a number of new Asian Restaurants opening in areas around Dublin right now, including Rathmin
-
Eithne Fitzptrick Scott-Lennon talks to Lucinda
08 November 2010
Good hoteliers are solicitous and welcoming, unflappable, discreet and charming, as is required on the particular occasion. No one fits this description more than Eithne Fitzpatrick Scott-Lennon of Fitzpatrick’s Killiney Castle Hotel in County Dublin.
-
Something For the Weekend
06 November 2010
Jean Marc Tsai's fantastic Asian food at his Shanghai Express Restaurant in Kinsale is unbeatable..... He shares with us a fab simple recipe...
-
AA Courtesy & Care Award for Dunraven Arms Hotel
03 November 2010
The glorious Dunraven Arms Hotel in Adare, Co. Limerick has recently been awarded the AA Courtesy & Care Award - well deserved.
-
What Comes Around Goes Around
01 November 2010
Meitheal is an old Irish word which basically denotes a group of people who get together and co-operate in perhaps helping each other with farming work such as harvesting crops or supporting one another in business – one hand washes the other!
-
Crazy Crab - Restaurant Review
01 November 2010
‘Tis not very often you leave a restaurant awarding it in your own mind 2 Badges of Distinction-Best Seafood platter in Ireland and Best Value seafood in Ireland.This is how we felt having left the new Crazy Crab Seafood Bistro and Café at Kilmore Qua
-
Our Latest Great Place to Eat - Hargadons Sligo
26 October 2010
Gastropubs have been proving hugely popular in the last year or two particularly in Dublin and many of the people opening them have been taking a look at those in London. However, they need not have left our shores at all for we have the very best exampl
-
Deer, Wild Boar, Hungarian Wine Cellar.....in Mitchelstown
25 October 2010
Patrick and Miriam Mulcahy’s gorgeous Ballinwillin House, tucked away at the end of a cul de sac on the outskirts of Mitchelstown,is an absolute oasis for not only nature lovers but lovers of artisan food and wine.The house is set on 80 acres in the heart
-
Countess Markiewicz
18 October 2010
A lovely painting by Constance Gore-Booth - Countess Mariewicz - during her time in Holloway Prison on view in The Model Sligo
-
THE CLIFF TOWN HOUSE - RESTAURANT REVIEW
18 October 2010
Since inception in Georgian times No 22 St. Stephen’s Green has probably seen more incarnations over the last decade than its previous couple of hundred years. Formerly home to the Order of the Friendly Brothers of St. Patrick, whose mission was to stamp
-
SPOOKS GALORE - HALLOWEEN BREAKS
18 October 2010
Spooks Galore – Halloween Breaks The October Bank Holiday and Mid-Term break is upon us and a great opportunity to get away with or without the family before it gets cold. Memories are made of times like this, be it kids jumping in and out of a hotel
-
Our Latest Great Place to Stay & Eat - The G Hotel
14 October 2010
Le Tout Irelande never mind Le Tout Galway was all agog when it emerged that Philip Treacy, probably the world’s most famous milinery designer, was involved in the Interior Design at the new G Hotel in Galway as Design Director.
-
Castlewood House Dingle
11 October 2010
Brian and Helen Heaton of the wonderful Castlewood House in Dingle met and fell in love whilst they were both working at the fabulous Ashford Castle in Co. Mayo - what a backdrop for a romance....
-
Heaton's of Dingle add new restaurant
11 October 2010
Cameron and Nuala Heaton's son David has returned to their wonderful Heaton's Guesthouse overlooking the water where he has opened his new Seashore restaurant
-
NEW DINGLE WILDLIFE & SEAL SANCTUARY
11 October 2010
A great new addition to the amenities of Dingle is the newly set up and burgeoning Dingle Wild Life & Seal Sanctuary on the Lispole to Dingle Road close to Dingle Town. Here there are 22 acres of wetlands just ideal for the purpose. Carpenter Ciaran O’Sul
-
CAPRI BAY - YOUGHAL - RESTAURANT REVIEW
11 October 2010
The Italians have a gift for creating atmosphere, sometimes it may be a bit kitsch but always confident. We were sitting in the Capri Bay Trattoria in Youghal, but it felt like we could have been in a side street in Sicily or the eponymous Capri.
-
Visitors From Singapore
10 October 2010
It is always interesting to know why visitors choose to come to Ireland for their holidays
-
Fat Ladies Rule
10 October 2010
A great picture hanging on the walls of the Vegetarian Cafe in Kenmare of a real woman....!
-
Shanghai Express - Restaurant Review
08 October 2010
Read all about Jean Marc Tsai's fantastic little Shanghai Express which does an amazing range of dishes from all over South East Asia..
-
34th Kinsale Gourmet Festival Kicks off....
08 October 2010
This evening saw the kick off of the 34th Annual Gourmet Festival at a Champagne Reception at the White Lady.
-
Blas Na hEireann Food Awards 2010
06 October 2010
As a Judge I got to taste Sauces, Soups, Black Pudding, Confectionary, and Conserves for the 4th Blas Na hEireann Food Awards 2010 held over the weekend
-
Eudora O'Connor - Horse Trainer & Breeder
06 October 2010
Horses are a disease,said Eudora O'Connor, at her Tallow based Lough na Solis Stud Farm....
-
Confrérie des Chevaliers du Goute-Boudin visit Rosscarberry
29 September 2010
Avril Allshire of Rosscarberry Recipes tells us of the visit from France of Le Confrerie des Chevaliers du Goute-Boudin to Rosscarberry to present her husband with a silver medal.....
-
Fern House at Avoca - Restaurant Review
28 September 2010
Undoubtedly one of the great Irish business success stories of our times has been that of Avoca Handweavers, which started life in 1974 when Donald and Hilary Pratt bought an old mill in the County Wicklow village of Avoca. That followed with a shop and
-
J.G'S Restaurant at the McWilliam Park Hotel
27 September 2010
Not only is there a helluva lot to see when it comes to touring the magnificent West but the team at the McWilliam Park organise events and happenings for leisure breaks from Painting breaks to Cookery demos with Celebrity Chefs, and of course there are l
-
Autumn Courses
27 September 2010
Guess what? The traditional Aran sweater, a la Tommy Makem and the Clancy Brothers, is back in high fashion and on the catwalks of Europe. When I say traditional, I mean traditional, and not in the funky funky revival way of 10 or 15 yea
-
Our Latest Great Place to Eat - Miss Courtney's Tearooms
23 September 2010
What a fantastic place in the middle of Killarney is Sandra Dunlea's Miss Courtney's Tearooms. Sandra’s great-aunt, Miss Margaret Courtney, first opened the doors of her confectionery, tea and grocery shop at No. 8 College Street in 1909.
-
Our Latest Great Place to Eat - Matz at the G
22 September 2010
Philip Treacy created an extravaganza of contemporary design and colour, luxury and glamour, yet combined with extreme comfort and functionality that is required of any hotel never mind a 5 Star Hotel like the G.....
-
Our Latest Great Place to Stay - McWilliam Park Hotel
21 September 2010
Claremorris in Co. Mayo is an ideal place to base oneself for touring the Western and North Western Counties of Ireland because it sits fairly and squarely as a pivotal point in what one might describe as South East Mayo between Galway and Sligo....
-
RUSTIC STONE - RESTAURANT REVIEW
21 September 2010
Chefs who sniggered at the thought of Dylan McGrath cooking on ‘hot stones’ might be smiling on the other side of their faces, for the Dashing Dylan, who dazzled and mystified the Dublin dining public with his apparent arrogant attitude, is off and runnin
-
Ruhama - Come Dine At Mine
20 September 2010
Dinner parties and the sex trade are not what one would necessarily think as obvious bedmates – if you will forgive the pun! However, this Autumn, during October and November, Ruhama, a voluntary organisation, who work with women affected by prostitution
-
Midleton Food & Drink Festival
17 September 2010
The crowds were out in abundance for Midleton Food & Drink Festival where the streets were lined with food stalls.
-
Our Latest Great Place to Eat - Las Tapas
17 September 2010
Tapas and vino appeals to girls big time on the night out but sometimes these morsels on which Spaniards graze in bars from Barcelona to Marbella can be expensive and bad value. Happily such is not the case at Las Tapas,
-
L. MULLIGAN GROCER - RESTAURANT REVIEW
15 September 2010
Stoneybatter is an inner city area north of the quays which historically embraced a solid working class community employed by the nearby Guinness Brewey, Jameson’s Distillery, and the old Cattle Markets on the NCR. In recent years this community was.
-
Waterford Castle's Historical Feast Menu
15 September 2010
Waterford Castle held a fantastic Historical Feast last Friday night with Chef Michael Quinn recreating a menu from a dinner party held by Princess d'Ardia Caracciola
-
Jimmy Murakami - Film maker & Artist
14 September 2010
“I didn’t ever want to the a Sunday painter, I wanted to drop everything and be a serious painter but up to now I have been so busy with films I didn’t have the time!” So said Jimmy T. Murakami, as we sat drinking tea in the cool garden room of his home
-
Booze Cruise 2010
09 September 2010
With the kids firmly ensconced at their school desks this is the time when dedicated booze cruisers set sail for La Belle France to stock up the cellars for autumn. There is no doubt but that you save an awful lot of money on wine in France.
-
Autumn Food Festivals 2010
08 September 2010
Waterford, Midleton, Taste of West Cork, Galway Oyster Festival, Dingle, Kinsale Gourmet Festival, and Kilkenny....Get the lowdown here.
-
We Are Eating More Vegetables
06 September 2010
Bord Bia consumer research highlights an increase in consumption of fruit & vegetables in the Irish diet. 45% are consuming a minimum of 5 a day, compared with 25% in 2006
-
Slow Architecture and Place - Floating Exhibition
04 September 2010
Contained in 107B courtesy of the Heritage Boat Association,– ‘Slow Architecture and Place’ – is a travelling exhibition that will follow the Grand Canal from the Shannon to Dublin from 9 September (launch) to 21 October. On its evocative journey, the b
-
SAVOUR KILKENNY 2010
01 September 2010
The 4th Kilkenny Food Festival to be the biggest and best yet with a mouthwatering line up of events. The majestic walls of Kilkenny Castle - where last year's Banquet was held - see photo - will form a spectacular backdrop to this year's Festival....
-
Canal Cafe by Clodagh - Restaurant Review
30 August 2010
It seems you are nobody nowadays unless you reach the status of single monicker fame – Elizabeth, Charles, Posh, Becks, Armani, Delia, Nigella, Darina, Rachel, …and now ‘Clodagh’…… Some might say its a tad cocky and pretentious until you have achieve
-
Get Back to Cooking
30 August 2010
For the past fifteen years our TV screens have been literally awash with cookery programmes from the sublime to the ridiculous. We have had the Two Fat Ladies, doling out colonial style ‘receipts’ with Jennifer dipping her grotesquely painted finger
-
Boardwalk Bar & Grill Wine Tasting Evening
26 August 2010
The Boardwalk Bar and Grill will be having their next Wine Tasting Dinner on September 14 with wines from Montgras, Chile.
-
Gourmet Greystones Big Day - 5th September, 2010.
26 August 2010
Celebrate food this September at the Gourmet Greystones Event ~ a celebration of the restaurants, cafes and gourmet food outlets in the award winning coastal town of Greystones, Co Wicklow.
-
Leitrim, Explore, Experience and Enjoy
26 August 2010
A new tourism brand for county Leitrim was launched today to act as a one stop information shop for visitors to the county supporting the county’s thriving tourism industry. The new entity ‘Leitrim – explore, experience, enjoy’ is aimed at reaching out an
-
Our Latest Great Place to Eat - Wild Honey Inn
26 August 2010
In anyone’s terms it has to be a fantastic achievement to take on a new premises, refurbish it, launch your business, and within 12 months be awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand.
-
Support Your Local Restaurants & Food Suppliers
24 August 2010
Some restaurants have that happy knack of really slotting in to community life and almost feel like a home from home! Two restaurants which I re-visited recently spring to mind, one is relatively new, the other has been there for the long haul. Both give
-
For Pet Lovers
23 August 2010
I have two adored Siamese Cats - Bobby Dazzler and Bruno - and I am lucky that when I travel my two sons who live at home also adore them but not everyone is so lucky and they have to find a good place to board them....
-
Wolfe's - Restaurant Review
19 August 2010
The foodie buzz words are organic, local, seasonal, and artisan produce, and that is all very admirable, but it all depends on what you do with it! Wolfe’s Wine & Food Store is on Capel Street.
-
ROUGH GUIDE TO TEAROOMS
19 August 2010
Whilst in recent years we have all been overwhelmed with Lattes and Skinny Lattes, Cappuccinos, and Mochas, the fact of the matter is what do we really want when we are tired and stressed, or when something suddenly happens, but that old refreshing and r
-
Our Latest Great Place to Eat - The Elm Tree
13 August 2010
Whizzing along the motorways around the country it is very easy to miss some really great places to eat if you are not a local. In this case I am talking of the N25 Waterford to Cork Road which in the old days went along through Glounthaune. Remarking
-
PINOT'S - RESTAURANT REVIEW
12 August 2010
The restaurant scene in Beacon South Quarter in the Sandyford Industrial Estate is perking its head up again! At the tail end of the Tiger, there was a rush of young blood to open restaurants and interior design shops there. However, the walls came tum
-
Margaret Browne's Green Barn
10 August 2010
The last three years of Margaret Browne’s life was absorbed, with her usual incredible determination and fighting spirit, in the setting up of her Green Barn Garden Centre, Life Style Store and Café Bistro, on the N25 between Youghal and Killeagh in East
-
TAPAS, TAPAS, TAPAS - REVIEWED
04 August 2010
Tapas I was getting really tetchy by the time I departed the new Mauzac Tapas Bar in Greystones. Tapas and vino appeals to girls big time on the night out but, at Irish prices, and as a dining concept, these morsels on which Spaniards graze in bars..
-
Our Latest Great Place to Eat - Woods Restaurant
04 August 2010
Roundwood is a pretty village, high in the hills of Co. Wicklow, much loved by Dubliners and walkers for a day out. We took a trip out recently to visit a new restaurant called Woods, just opened by Marino Monterisi who operates the very successful Bates
-
Celtic Rising at the Burlington Hotel
03 August 2010
So folks, Ireland is getting back to pre-Tiger normality – the Irish Cabaret is back in Dublin with a swing! For nigh on 45 years no visit to Ireland by an American Tourist was complete without a night at the Irish Cabaret but then post milenium we lost t
-
Are You Being Served
03 August 2010
“Are you being served?” was the British TV sitcom, which ran from 1972 to 1985, set in the fictional department store of Grace Brothers, featuring the ultra camp John Inman as Mr. Humphries, Mollie Sugden as Mrs. Slocombe ‘Head of the Ladies Department’,
-
LIST OF FARMER'S MARKETS
01 August 2010
Farmers Markets are hugely popular and growing in size and number of venues week by week. Not only will you find lots of goodies but maybe get a good day out too.
-
Our Latest Great Place to Eat - Pacino's
26 July 2010
Pacino’s is one of those places which, like the Godfather, has all angles covered. Located just around the corner off Grafton Street, at Pacino’s you can start the day with your wholesome bowl of porridge, come back for lunch, or for dinner, and even be
-
The Brown Bear is Brilliant
26 July 2010
It was a warm busy Friday evening setting off for The Brown Bear at Two Mile House south of Naas, and so, avoiding the M7, we travelled the ‘old road’ passing the lakes of Blessington, through Dunlavin village, and affluent looking stud farms. As to fi
-
Tankardstown Monthly Farmer's Market
25 July 2010
Once every month, give the supermarket a miss and sample local produce at its freshest. Starting on Saturday 31st July (10am – 3pm), the lovely setting of Tankardstown Estate in Meath will hold a Farmers’ Market.
-
Memories of France
21 July 2010
The French may think they are very chi chi but they have yet to cotton on to decent beds – that is unless you are staying in the Ritz! We now take for granted our high off the floor superking beds with orthopoedic mattresses and it is only after a night
-
Our Latest Great Place to Eat - Jacques Bistro
21 July 2010
We had one of the best dining experiences of the year so far in a French Bistro in Wexford Town.
-
Jacques Bistro at Greenacres - Restaurant Review
20 July 2010
We had one of the best dining experiences of the year so far in a French Bistro in Wexford Town.
-
Total Immersion Chef & Restaurant Management Courses
19 July 2010
Shortly after I started my working life I remember my mother saying to me that she had read an article from the U.S.A. saying that in the future people should be prepared to change their career path every 7 years. That was in the time when most people w
-
NISHEETH TAK OF RASAM TALKS ABOUT HIS LIFE
14 July 2010
WINNER OF RAI/SUNDAY INDEPENDENT BEST ETHNIC RESTAURANT AWARD, NISHEETH TAK OF RASAM INDIAN RESTAURANT TALKS ABOUT HIS CAREER AND HIS LIFE
-
Our Latest Great Place to Eat - The Purple Onion
14 July 2010
Being a Taurean myself, I love colourful people who love art, and who love food, and who love wine, it always displays a generousous of spirit and an appreciation of the finer things of life and fun. This could undoubtedly be said of Paul Dempsey and
-
Our Latest Great Place to Eat - Manifesto Restaurant
09 July 2010
Either the recession is over or they are doing something very right here at Manifesto, we thought, and they are!
-
Gotham South - Restaurant Review
06 July 2010
“A smile wouldn’t go amiss” I commented of the Meeter Greeter at the new Gotham South Restaurant & Café in Stillorgan, the request for a table for which was being handled as though it were the hottest ticket in town.
-
The Green Hen - Restaurant Review
06 July 2010
You know, we are a terrible crowd of snobs here really. We only have to hear the words “new French Bistro or Brasserie” and there’s a rush of Mrs Bouquets from Foxrock to Howth to try out their ‘Snail Pithivers’ and plonk, and be able to drop the word in
-
Indonesian Spicy Summer Dressing
26 June 2010
Chameleon Restaurant's Kevin O'Toole shares his fantastic recipe for a summer dressing with a difference.....
-
MANIFESTO RESTAURANT REVIEW
24 June 2010
Foodie types tend to be a tad sniffy of ‘ordinary’ Italian restaurants unless they are of the “new Italian” variety. However, go to any Italian restaurant and you will find them packed with people who just want good heartwarming grub sans any pretensions
-
ZANNA COOKHOUSE
23 June 2010
Owen Mullins spent nearly 30 years in the transport business, but always had a passion for cooking, which he attributes to his mother “who used sell her home baking from the door in the summertime when visitors from Dublin would flock to the beach at Carn
-
CAMDEN KITCHEN - RESTAURANT REVIEW
22 June 2010
A gaggle of twittering birds, fags and bags in hand, were laughing and waving in at one of the chefs through the shop fronted new Camden Kitchen, as we pondered on the merits of coffees.
-
ENNISCORTHY MARKET
22 June 2010
Wilton Mills is the place and the name under which Fiona and Tim Phelan, and also Fiona’s father, Jim Whelan, produce and market their produce. Fiona and Tim both trained as chefs at Ballymaloe Cookery School some fifteen or so years ago and Fiona conti
-
STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL - ALL IRELAND FARMERS MARKET COMPETITION
22 June 2010
When Enniscorthy Market running about a year, Fiona Phelan enveigled her father Jim Whelan, a beef and sheep producer, to do the beef stall at the Market. “The nice thing about markets is that you meet so many nice people.” says Jim.
-
Our Latest Great Place to Eat - L'Officina Dundrum
21 June 2010
L’Officina Dundrum, centered in a triumvirate of eateries with outdoor tables overlooking the Mill Pond fountain in Dundrum Shopping Centre, is part of their stable of restaurants with David Izzo and it is just perfect for collapsing into after you have b
-
CORK IS BUSTIN OUT ALL OVER
21 June 2010
June is bustin’ out all over and sees the kick off of a great series of festivals and fun in the Rebel County – and you don’t have to risk the ‘plume’ to get there. Music, poetry, art, food, wine, comedy, and a brand new road to Cork that wi
-
WOODS RESTAURANT - REVIEW
10 June 2010
Roundwood is a pretty village, high in the hills of Co. Wicklow, much loved by Dubliners and walkers for a day out. We took a trip out recently to visit a new restaurant called Woods, just opened by Marino Monteresi who operates the very successful Bates
-
LOVE VINTAGE!!!!
08 June 2010
CarolAnne Joyce is a woman with a larger than life personality and style that captivates the moment you walk through the door of her new Love Vintage shop in Clifden.
-
ARTY FARTY
08 June 2010
Anne Merrins Pryce opened her beautiful Whitethorn Gallery in April 2009, and is absolutely delighted that she has done so.
-
The Ultimate Hotelier
08 June 2010
We all remember in the movie Pretty Woman how the suave Hotel Manager came to the aid of “Vivian”, played by Julia Roberts, when she needed a special gown for the ball with Richard Gere’s character “Edward”. He had been somewhat disapproving initially of
-
Our Latest Great Place to Eat - Il Divo
03 June 2010
Our Latest Great Place to eat in Dublin 6 but we found it well worth travelling to from Dun Laoghaire......
-
Our Latest Great Place to Eat - Aubars Limerick
31 May 2010
During the Celtic Tiger years we became a Dine Out Nation, which is something our continental cousins have enjoyed for decades, and there is nothing wrong with that but to be a Dine Out Nation we need good places, doing well produced food at good prices.
-
HENPECKED
30 May 2010
We are going to be hearing an awful lot more of “here, chook, chook chook chook, chook” in urban back gardens judging by the high amount of chicken coop sales of late.
-
BOILED EGG AND SOLDIERS
30 May 2010
We are going to be hearing an awful lot more of “here, chook, chook chook chook, chook” in urban back gardens judging by the high amount of chicken coop sales of late. It’s really cool nowadays to have your own hens producing eggs, a trend triggered by
-
A PASSION FOR BIRDS OF A FEATHER
30 May 2010
Daniel and Eoghan Hennessy, aged 14 and 11, were first introduced to hens when Daniel was about six years old. Their Dad got an incubator and a half dozen eggs and started hatching them out which was the start of a whole new world of birds of a feather.
-
BANG CAFE - REVIEW
29 May 2010
Walking into the Dragons’ Den, the RTE TV programme, is not for the faint hearted for, as we have seen in many an episode, the Dragons take no prisoners, filleting and disecting their prey without mercy. So, walking into the lair of one of the toughest D
-
TODAY WITH PAT KENNY SHOW AL FRESCO DINING
27 May 2010
LUCINDA CHATS WITH MYLES DUNGAN ABOUT AL FRESCO DINING OPPORTUNITIES AROUND THE COUNTRY
-
Ananda's Sunil Ghai Writes for us
26 May 2010
Sunil Ghai of Ananda writes about winning the 2009 Food & Wine Chef of the Year Award, his food philosophy and developing his new menu.
-
Our Latest Great Place to Eat - L'Officina Kildare
24 May 2010
I for one was more than glad to find that Eileen Dunne & Stefano Crescenzi had a branch of their brilliant L’Officina at the Kildare Outlet Centre – and I am sure I am not alone. Part of a good day’s shopping is having a bite to eat as well – or maybe ev
-
Seamus Commons of La Fougere Shares a Recipe with Us.
22 May 2010
Seamus Commons, Executive Chef,at La Fougere at Knockranny House Hotel in Westport shares his recipe for Goat's Cheese Gnocchi with Confit Tomatoes with us. Deliciously seasonal.
-
Our Latest great Place to Eat - La Fougere
20 May 2010
Chef Seamus Commons is a man who is rapidly making La Fougere Restaurant at Knockranny House Hotel into a foodie destination
-
Theatre of Restaurants
19 May 2010
I know we always want what we can’t have but is the cost of your meal out in the future going to depend on what seat you want to sit at or what day or time you eat? Booking a seat in a restaurant a la the Dress Circle in a theatre seems to be the new t
-
The German Butcher's Shop
17 May 2010
In 1958 the German crane manufacturing company, Liebherr, opened a factory in Killarney, giving not only local employment but also bringing in many German people to work over the years. One of these was Armin Weise who came to Ireland some thirty years.
-
Pat O'Neill's Dry Cure Bacon
17 May 2010
In Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford, Pat O’Neill produces and wholesales old style artisan dry cure bacon which is not only deliciously tasty but what you get is solid meat per kilo for your money with none of that old water seeping out on the pan! Dry curing is
-
VALUE MENUS AROUND THE COUNTRY
17 May 2010
Despite the ridiculously high prices to which we were subjected throughout those Celtic Tiger rip-off years, we became a dine out nation. This, as I constantly preached, was a privilege enjoyed by our continental cousins, as a matter of course, but with h
-
Our Latest Great Place to Eat - The Strand Inn
15 May 2010
I don’t know anybody who doesn’t love Dunmore East, that sweet little fishing village in County Waterford. For years and years it has been the perfect haven for weekends away in its pretty environs. Right down overlooking the beach, with wonderful view
-
Rasam's Head Chef Shares New Recipe With Us
14 May 2010
Rasam Indian Restaurant's Head Chef, Sanjay Vishwakarma, shares his recipe for Tandoori Duck Tikka with us
-
L'Ecrivain Restaurant Review
14 May 2010
At the height of the Celtic Tiger madness in 2006, following a disenchanting visit to Derry Clarke’s L’Ecrivain Restaurant,I wrote of my experience. It was a review I am sure that went down like a lead balloon in the Clarke camp...
-
COLIN O'DALY TALKS TO LUCINDA
12 May 2010
Without any F-words, tantrums, or attention seeking antics, one of the best known, most talented and, above all, most respected names in the Irish culinary world undoubtedly has to be Colin O’Daly. Most would associate Colin O’Daly with Roly’s Bistro..
-
Our Latest Great Place to Eat - One Pico
12 May 2010
I first wrote about Eamon O’Reilly’s cooking when in 1997, aged just 25, he opened his original One Pico Restaurant in what was a former convent at the top of Camden Street. I wrote about him again in 2001 when he moved to his current premises when his f
-
Our Latest Great Place to Eat - Cornstore Cork
10 May 2010
During the Celtic Tiger years we became a Dine Out Nation, which is something our continental cousins have enjoyed for decades, and there is nothing wrong with that but to be a Dine Out Nation we need good places, doing well produced food at good prices.
-
Our Latest Great Place to Eat - Cornstore Limerick
05 May 2010
During the Celtic Tiger years we became a Dine Out Nation, which is something our continental cousins have enjoyed for decades, and there is nothing wrong with that but to be a Dine Out Nation we need good places, doing well produced food at good prices.
-
Fun Flowers
03 May 2010
If you could only bottle the enthusiasm of Glasnevin chap, Philip Walsh, you would make a fortune! Philip is a young man whose friendliness and warmth belies a very together entrepreneurial skill. Educated at Belvedere College, he is just 20 years old,
-
Red Apron Company
03 May 2010
Sally Stone is from Dun Laoghaire and eight weeks ago she launched The Red Apron Company producing a most attractive range of food condiments, sauces, marinades, relishes and pickles. There are quite a few people in this area already but what struck me a
-
ChocOneill
03 May 2010
I read a report recently that said Ireland ranks 3rd highest after Switzerland and Austria when it comes to chocolate consumption – you also apparently live longer if you nibble a bit every month!
-
Restaurant Review - One Pico
03 May 2010
I first wrote about Eamonn O’Reilly’s cooking when in 1997, aged just 25, he opened his original One Pico Restaurant in what was a former convent at the top of Camden Street. I wrote about him again in 2001 when he moved to his current premises when his
-
TODAY WITH PAT KENNY SHOW VALUE MENUS PART 2
28 April 2010
Lucinda tells listeners to Today with Pat Kenny Show of Value Menus around the country
-
BRASSERIE AT EUROPE HOTEL, KILLARNEY.
26 April 2010
It is difficult not to be gobsmacked by the the magnificent ever changing views over Killarney’s biggest lake, Lough Lein, not to mention the sleek décor and facilities of The Europe Hotel on its shores. Formerly known as Hotel Europe, it was the talk of
-
CHAPTER 40
26 April 2010
On our second night on a stay in Killarney we visited Chapter 40, a popular local restaurant, where Brendan started with a delicious vegetable soup (€5.95), topped with a cheese stick and foam. I had a Tapas Board (€11.95) sporting six nice little bites.
-
MAY BANK HOLIDAY BREAKS
26 April 2010
Volcanic escapes came to mind immediately on hearing of the air chaos. Fly Away around Ireland instead.....there are great places all over the country at great prices...
-
Our Latest Great Place to Eat - Lennons @ Visual
21 April 2010
Having a Kilkenny background, and relatives in Carlow, I have known the Carlow dining scene, it could be said, almost intimately! I spent much of my childhood summers in nearby Tullow and in later years we were very frequent visitors to visit my elderly
-
TOM YAM THAI RESTAURANT REVIEW
20 April 2010
I suppose the cuisine best associated with our Celtic Tiger years has been Thai – it almost put the erstwhile Asian favourite Chinese on the back boiler. A man in England wrote to me at one stage to say we could shortly expect to see U.K. style aircra
-
Our Latest Great Place to Stay - Luxury Randles Court Hotel
19 April 2010
Killarney has dozens of hotels, but not dozens of wonderful hotels that have people going home to various points around the world talking about the fabulously luxurious and comfortable place they stay, and not just about the luxury and comfort, but above
-
Our Latest Great Place to Eat - Greene's Restaurant Cork
17 April 2010
French Chef Fred Deformeaux is back in Greene’s Restaurant at Hotel Isaacs in Cork. This is great news for anyone who likes delicious rustic French style food with a twist. When I first wrote about Greene’s many years ago I couldn’t wait to go back be
-
My Thai Cookery Event
17 April 2010
The award winning My Thai restaurant in The Beacon is sexy and sultry, with a ‘wonderful buzz’ and oodles of style matched by assured cooking. The Asian Pacific menu balances taste, texture & presentation superbly and proudly displays its team of chefs th
-
Ashford Castle Scoop Awards
16 April 2010
The fabulous Ashford Castle Scoops a trio of Awards including Conde Nast, Tripadvisor and Irish Hotel....
-
Magical May Ball at Coolbawn Quay
16 April 2010
Don't miss out on a fabulous evening over the May Bank Holiday weekend at the amazing Coolbawn Quay....
-
Our Latest Great Place to Stay - The White House
15 April 2010
Our latest great place to stay is The White House - not in Washington but in Kinsale - Obama couldn't find better than this place...
-
FLAVOUR OF ITALY TRIP TO AMALFI COAST
14 April 2010
The Dublin based Flavour of Italy, who own Pinocchio in Ranelagh, are organising a trip to Amalfi....
-
Our Latest Great Place to Eat - The Arch Bistro Churchtown
10 April 2010
As we all know, the restaurant scene, and every other scene, has changed beyond comprehension in the past twelve months. Fine dining went out the door with the bankers and wankers who had been puffing up prices for a decade – on our money. During this
-
VALUE MENUS
09 April 2010
As featured on Today with Pat Kenny, Lucinda recommends a number of Early Bird and Value Menus Countrywide....
-
The Boardwalk Bar & Grill, Cork.
08 April 2010
Our Latest Great Place to Eat is the fantastic Boardwalk Bar & Grill on Lapp's Quay, Cork, owned by witty radio presenter Neil Prendeville and John Gately
-
MICHELIN BIB GOURMANDS 2010
07 April 2010
A Michelin Star was once the accolade that every chef wanted outside his door but, in recessionary times, one begins to question whether the prestigious star isn't more of a hindrance than a help to business as they denote exclusivity and expense.....
-
Our Latest Great Place to Eat - Tenors Grill Room Donnybrook
06 April 2010
Everyone wants great value eateries these days and Tenors Grill Room in Donnybrook D4 has been giving just that...
-
EASTER BREAKS
02 April 2010
As featured on RTE's Today with Pat Kenny, Lucinda gives a rundown of countrywide value breaks over the Easter period....
-
Killarney - Recession Proof?
30 March 2010
Walking around the streets of Killarney and looking at the gleaming windows and shopfronts, it almost struck me that Killarney was somewhat cocooned from the dreaded word ‘recession’. The shops were packed with fresh Spring stock and there was an
-
Il Divo Rathgar
30 March 2010
“We’re booked out”, said the waiter with a grin, as I looked at empty tables at Il Divo a new Italian restaurant over Coman’s Pub in Rathgar. It was a bleak Monday night but the Maitre d’ and waiter brought a warmth and welcome to the place that was a
-
Our Latest Great Place to Eat - The Lodge at Doonbeg
29 March 2010
The Lodge at Doonbeg is set in one of the most glorious locations in Ireland - sea, sand, golf, and good food....
-
MONART AN ACE EXPERIENCE
25 March 2010
Before the joys of Spas ever hit our shores, I took a trip to a top place in the U.K. It was very enjoyable drifting from one pampering treatment to the next but at dinner each night one guest looked more miserable than the other as they faced a thimble
-
Our Latest Great Place to Eat - Avenue Cafe Restaurant
24 March 2010
There was a time in Ireland that every good town or village had to have a decent pub as its focal point. Happily now, more like in France, every good town or village here needs a decent restaurant at its heart. Maynooth in County Kildare got its “decen
-
LA FOUGERE AT KNOCKRANNY HOUSE HOTEL
23 March 2010
Chef Seamus Commons is really making a name for himself as a force to be reckoned with in the foodie stakes....
-
The Weir Bistro & Bar
22 March 2010
Our newest Great Place to Eat is The Weir Bistro & Bar at the spanking new Jurys Cork Hotel under the baton of Head Chef David Roache
-
MANORHAMILTON FARMER'S MARKET
22 March 2010
There is one thing pretty well guaranteed about Farmer’s Markets, you will always meet a bunch of interesting and colourful people, from a cross section of life. Such was also the case at the Farmer’s Market at Manorhamilton, County Leitrim. Not a large
-
Ashford Castle Brown Bread Recipe
17 March 2010
Chef Stefan Matz shares the secret of Ashford Castle Brown Bread for St. Patrick's Day
-
Sheridans on the Docks Galway
16 March 2010
Galway is a city that has quite a lot of restaurants, but it also has quite a lot that are not up to much in many ways. Some have undeservedly survived purely on the custom of unknowing visitors to the City of the Tribes. However, the locals do know
-
Il Vignardo
13 March 2010
Our latest Great Place to Eat is Il Vignardo Italian Restaurant in a former wine vault in the center of Dublin...
-
Jurys Cork Hotel
09 March 2010
The fabulous new Jurys Cork Hotel overlooking the River Lee on the Western Road is our latest Great Place to Stay
-
Our Latest Great Place to Eat - RED Brasserie & Wine Bar
06 March 2010
Bertie Ahern is a man who likes his grub, although he likes to keep himself trim and watches his diet. He certainly knew where to go when he was in Newry on his book signing tour for he chose the RED Brasserie & Wine Bar. RED is a rather clever name...
-
The Ormond Wine Bar
05 March 2010
“You can sit anywhere”, said the Latin looking chap in the stripey jumper and Hugh Grant floppy hair, cursorily giving the unset table, we had hesitated beside, a brush down with his hand. We were in the Ormond Wine Bar, close to Capel Street Bridge.
-
DANU AT THE BREHON HOTEL, KILLARNEY.
04 March 2010
Danu Restaurant at The Brehon Hotel is our newest Great Place to Eat check it out....great food, great breaks
-
A Poulet Au Pot - Regan Organics
01 March 2010
In the 16th Century, King Henry 1V of France, a very popular figure, espoused the desire that all of the people of France would be able to have a ‘poulet au pot’ on a Sunday for lunch. Indeed many of us have memories of the flavours and ..
-
The Fairway's Bar & Orchard Restaurant
27 February 2010
The Fairway's Bar & Orchard Restaurant at Kilruane, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary is our latest Great Place to Eat. Read all about it in our restaurant section.
-
The Club Brasserie, Cork.
24 February 2010
The super stylish Club Brasserie on Lapp's Quay, Cork, is our latest Great Place to Eat
-
DANU AT THE BREHON HOTEL, KILLARNEY.
23 February 2010
‘Danu’ was the oldest Celtic Goddess and apparently a worshipped mother figure to The Tuatha de Danann, a race of people in Irish mythology. Actually, it is a rather nice name and was chosen for the newly tweaked restaurant Danu at the Brehon Hotel in Ki
-
The Old Stand is our latest Great Place to Eat
23 February 2010
The Old Stand is one of Dublin's great iconic Pubs which does great grub in a great atmosphere
-
JUST FOOD COMPANY COBH
19 February 2010
Whilst walking the aisles in Hurley's Supervalu in Midleton, East Cork, I spotted a row of organic soups by the “Just Food Company” and succumbed to a ‘Sweet Potato and Lemongrass’ soup which proved delicious.
-
The CastleCourt Hotel, Westport.
19 February 2010
The CastleCourt Hotel in the lovely town of Westport is our newest Great Place to Stay & Eat 2010
-
El Vino Cork
17 February 2010
El Vino Restaurant & Wine Bar at the Elysian Tower offered friendly service and decent grub.
-
CALVEY'S RESTAURANT ACHILL ISLAND
15 February 2010
Calvey's Restaurant on magnificent Achill Island is our newest Great Place to Eat. Think of delicious Achill Mountain Lamb, Local Lobster, prawns.....
-
Olive Cafe & Deli Skerries
11 February 2010
Deirdre and Peter Doherty's Olive Deli and Cafe in the fabulous north Dublin seaside town is our newest Great Place to Eat.....
-
The Poachers Inn Seafood Bar & Restaurant, Bandon.
11 February 2010
Our newest Great Place to Eat is Barry & Catherine McLaughlin's gorgeous Poachers Inn Seafood Bar & Restaurant in Bandon, West Cork.
-
CONRAD GALLAGHER'S SALON DES SAVEURS
09 February 2010
So what was our first real ‘boy wonder’ celebrity chef giving us in 2010 everyone wanted to know - including every chef in Dublin! It seems a helluva long time since the mid 90’s when a fledgling Gallagher first opened Peacock Alley in a basement in Bag
-
Bleu Bistro Moderne
04 February 2010
Eamonn O'Reilly's Blue Bistro Moderne is the latest addition to Great Places to Eat - read all about it in the restaurant section of the website.
-
Les Gourmandises Restaurant Cork
04 February 2010
Patrick and Soizic Kiely's superb chic Les Gourmandises Restaurant is our newest addition to Great Places to Eat.
-
Kites Chinese Restaurant
03 February 2010
Read Lucinda's account of her visit to Kite's Restaurant which is now featuring on Great Places to Eat.
-
Abbeyleix Advances
02 February 2010
Abbeyleix, a Heritage town, on the main N8 road to Cork, was founded in the 18th century by Viscount de Vesci. The de Vesci family lived in Abbeyleix up to very recent times, when the Estate was sold, and the present Viscount moved to London. People te
-
EARLY BIRDS ARE CHIC
02 February 2010
I have always believed that in life you get what you pay for across the board so, when it comes to the old Early Bird and Value menus, is it pay peanuts get monkeys? Pre-recession there was the sneaking feeling that Early Birds attracted those who were a
-
The Chop House Gastropub
31 January 2010
Chef Kevin Arundel was originally with L’Ecrivain before doing his own thing in No 10 Restaurant in Longfields Hotel, Lower Fitzwilliam Street, which is currently closed. Arundel then moved to the Schoolhouse Bar and Restaurant on Northumberland Road fo
-
THE PIG'S EAR GETS A MICHELIN BIB GOURMAND
25 January 2010
Our newest Great Place to Eat, Stephen McAllister and Andrea Hussey's Pig's Ear Restaurant gets a Michelin Bib Gourmand....
-
Davy Byrne's - Dublin's Iconic Literary Pub
22 January 2010
Dublin's iconic Literary Pub is now featured as a Great Place to Eat in Dublin so read all about the history of this great stylish original gastropub in the Restaurant Section.
-
O'Connell's Restaurant
21 January 2010
O’Connell’s Restaurant is now in situ at the BC occupying the two rooms which comprised the original Berkeley Court restaurant and café. We heard they had a reasonably priced menu – they do - but don’t expect sophisticated fare. Approaching the door of
-
Augustine's at the Clarion Cork
21 January 2010
Augustine’s was a topping little restaurant in Washington Street which appears to have gone all to sea at the Clarion and they need to get it back on course rapidly. It was like a Pantomime. Scene 1 was fine,Scene 11 was dreadful,and Scene 111 was a farce
-
Paolo Fresilli, President Italian Chefs Federation in Ireland, Announces Professional Italian Cooking Courses
21 January 2010
Paulo Fresilli,President of the Italian Chefs Federation in Ireland (FIC),and the fab Via Veneto in Enniscorthy,tell us FIC is proud to announce Professional Course Schedule on Italian Cuisine in 2010 in Dublin at the Italian School of Cooking.
-
Sandra Dunlea's Miss Courtney's Tearooms Killarney
14 January 2010
The old fashioned Afternoon Tea is proving very popular in Killarney of late, thanks to the arrival of “Miss Courtney’s Tearooms” in the town. The custom of Afternoon Tea goes back to the early 19th century and is generally attributed to Anna, 7th Duchess
-
GASTROPUBS GASTROPUBS GASTRO PUBS
14 January 2010
THE EXCHEQUER - Ian Tucker and Peter Rock, who have created an urban front bar, a relaxed lounge with vintage sofas, and a proper dining area.
-
LUCINDA'S QUICKY SPICY SWEET POTATO SOUP
06 January 2010
We are all freezing at the moment and need something colourful spicy and warm with an instant hit - but always quick and simple is my motto.
-
LUCINDA'S NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS/REVOLUTIONS
06 January 2010
Lucinda talks about vegetarianism, her love of animals, food critics, art classes, fear of flying, and others....
-
RONAN RYAN OF TOWN BAR & GRILL WRITES FOR US
06 January 2010
Ronan Ryan of Town Bar & Grill writes of his trials and tribulations in 2009 and is looking forward to moving forward in 2010
-
JennyLynd's Taste of the Caribbean
05 January 2010
I came across JennyLynd James and her Taste of the Caribbean food at the Food Market during Kinsale Arts Week last Summer.....
-
Amy Caviston Talks to Lucinda
04 January 2010
Amy Caviston tells Lucinda about growing up in the Caviston Fish and Deli Dynasty and of setting up her own fab shop and cafe in Greystones
-
THE ARCH BISTRO REVIEW
04 January 2010
Chef Stephen McArdle, who “formerly headed up the kitchen in Alexis”, has just opened The Arch Bistro in Churchtown. Armagh born McArdle trained under Paul Rankin and has worked in Chapter One, One Pico......