A bit of this and a bit of that

Thu, Feb 02, 2012

This week I have a few different items that may be of interest to food lovers, hence the fairly non-specific title. There are two types of ‘pop-ups’ that have entered our vocabulary over the past few years, the first is a nuisance and it describes those usually unwanted ads which pop up when you are opening websites. The other is somewhat more interesting; it is used to describe a venue for a restaurant or perhaps a retail outlet that will open for one or maybe a few days or nights only. The retail element is the more recent and is perhaps a result of so many shops being vacant and landlords being happy to rent for a few days.

The original of the species started in Paris and New York with homeowners opening their dining rooms for a meal “for one night only”. It was advertised through foodie blogs and social media sites and, of course, word of mouth. When the dinner was over you made a ‘donation’ to the host/hostess, thus overcoming the possibility that the money could be described as income. This idea has moved on to charity events and can be a great way to raise money.

Enjoy Sunday lunch at Kylemore Abbey

Thu, Feb 02, 2012

Kylemore Abbey and Victorian Walled Garden in the heart of Connemara is the ideal destination for a day out with something for all the family to enjoy. Get outdoors and enjoy woodland walks or explore the Victorian gardens, all just an hour from Galway.

Il Vicolo

Thu, Jan 26, 2012

I noticed another new sign over the door at the corner of Buttermilk Walk and decided to see what brave soul has started a new venture in the foodie world. Once inside I recognised Gerry McMahon, who worked for many years with his brother JP in Cava. As the name suggests Il Vicolo is mainly Italian; the chef, I discovered, is a native of Naples and a third generation keeping up this tradition in his family. The feeling you get is of a small New York café and it has been redecorated very carefully to create a nice atmosphere. This is one very difficult part of designing a new interior and he seems to have pulled it off. The background music was nice jazz which helps to create a comfy feeling when you enter.

Award-winning chefs to star at GMIT national foodie forum

Thu, Jan 26, 2012

An impressive line up of award-winning chefs is set to present a series of culinary masterclasses at the first national Foodie Forum, to be hosted by the Hotel School in GMIT, on February 2. Visitors to the event can expect food demonstrations from Bridgestone Chef of the Year 2011 Enda McEvoy of Aniar restaurant, RAI Chef of the Year Mickael Vilijanen of Gregans Castle, Stefan Matz of Ashford Castle, and many more high profile chefs.

Success again for Oscars Seafood Bistro

Thu, Jan 26, 2012

Oscars Seafood Bistro has made the Bridgestone Guide Top 100 Restaurants in Ireland for the sixth year running in addition to joining the prestigious BIM seafood circle.

On the cookery book shelf...

Thu, Jan 26, 2012

Balancing the glory of a great dessert against the January need to possibly cut back on the December excesses, Bee has come up with a conceptual selection that does not necessarily take the quality and enjoyment out of a good fruitcake, gateau, or muffin. What you do get, however, is such offerings as pistachio and low-fat yogurt cake; mint, caraway, and lemon roulade with half the fat; a butter-free almond and hazelnut gateau; a health conscious beetroot and chocolate cake; fat-free strawberry sponge; and low-fat almond macaroons.

In the kitchen...

Thu, Jan 26, 2012

An Italian staple, vibrantly rich on the eye and wholesome to boot, with crusty bread to mop up.

Interesting projects at Young Scientist Exhibition

Thu, Jan 19, 2012

I visited the 2012 Young Scientist Exhibition last week and came across a couple of interesting projects which demonstrate that there are teenagers out there putting their brains to work in the food sector. It is only when you see that many enthusiastic kids under one roof you think, yes, perhaps we can create a bright future, but not if we lose them to foreign climes permanently.

Connacht folk are obsessed with the weather

Thu, Jan 19, 2012

A recent survey by Yakult has revealed that almost two thirds of Connacht people are absorbed with the weather, a subject on most people’s minds and lips, ahead of food, fashion, social media, and all-important health. Yakult’s survey found that while 75 per cent of those living in Connacht regard health as their number one priority in terms of happiness, ahead of friends, money and careers, overall wellbeing is not something they give much thought to on a daily basis. Yakult conducted its mindfulness survey to find out what was consuming Irish minds on a daily basis and to show how focusing on the important things in life can help us realise our New Year wishes of health and happiness in 2012.

Mindfulness can be applied to all areas of our lives, from the way we experience, right down to the way we eat, adds Olena Polyakova, nutritionist and fitness expert. According to Polyakova, it is the little, mindful steps that can make a big difference. “Set aside time to eat and eat at the table. Spend time over your meal and be aware of what you are eating. Meals in front of the TV lead to us gobbling down more than we need or want without allowing food to digest properly. Overeating and overindulging puts a strain on our digestive systems as well as our waistbands, which in turn affects our overall health and immune system.”

CHI brings East to West for Chinese New Year

Thu, Jan 19, 2012

The Chinese New Year takes place next Monday January 23 with the long awaited arrival of the Year of the Dragon. Coinciding with the Dragon’s arrival Catherine O’Brien of Galway’s Da Tang Noodle House will launch a sister-company CHI Asian Take-Away to offer the delights of the East to the west side of the city.

Children eat for free with the new Sunday lunch menu at the Harbour Hotel

Thu, Jan 12, 2012

Bring the whole family together for a relaxing Sunday lunch at the Harbour Hotel in the heart of Galway. Enjoy a fabulous four-course lunch for only €19.95 per person, including a glass of Prosecco. Children under 10 years eat for free, and customers can avail of two hours’ free parking.

On the Wine Shelf

Thu, Jan 12, 2012

Olivier Ravoire Côtes du Rhône (All good wine shops, €10.99)

Made from 80 per cent Grenache and a 20 per cent equal mixture of Syrah and Mourvèdre, this is a well-priced bundle from the vineyards around Vacqueyras and Cairanne in the southern Rhône. Rich raspberry fruit on the nose, that follows through on the palate, and along with some spice and pepper give a rugged honesty to a wine that works really well with a roast sirloin dinner or a plate of Roquefort or something a little funky like grilled sardines.

Not so happy customers

Thu, Jan 12, 2012

I have received quite a few emails recently from readers who feel that the standards in many local eating establishments are declining. Service, cleanliness, and food quality are all areas of concern for many. I mentioned this to several people over the holidays and just about everyone exploded with their various negative comments and anecdotes. On a personal note I feel that the once famous Irish welcome is a thing of the past other than in exceptional cases, and it makes me feel very uneasy for our tourism future. This is also true in many shops where you feel like you would need permission to ask a question. Before I put pen to paper I thought about possible reasons for this situation, and it may be that staff are being treated poorly, or perhaps they are under personal hardships, or lack good management, but whatever the reason, it is still no excuse.

Detox with the help of 2,000 years of wisdom

Thu, Jan 12, 2012

Christmas overindulgence can leave you feeling intolerant to certain foods, constipated or irregular, congested, ill, sluggish, and tired. What you need is a good internal cleansing programme to get your system back to its best.

Spend small on insulation, save big on heating costs with EcoSeal

Thu, Jan 12, 2012

“You put a hat on your head and keep your body heat in,” says Claire Nic Grianna from EcoSeal. “Thermal insulation in your roof will do the same for your house.”

If you do not have insulation in your roof, up to 30 per cent of heat could escape, costing you money. Insulating the 50sq m (540sq ft) attic space of a typical house costs around €450 and could save approximately €225 a year (up to 20 per cent of your fuel bill) so it would pay for itself in about two years.

The Parlour Tea Rooms, Athenry

Thu, Dec 29, 2011

There must be something in the air that has prompted the recent spate of tea rooms/cafes. Maybe it is a hankering after a slower pace of life and taking the time to relax rather than grabbing a paper cup of your favourite beverage and drinking it on the go. Maybe it is simpler? During my visits to eating establishments over the past year or three, it is impossible not to notice the fact that the female population dominates. With that in mind, any clever restaurant proprietor should be catering to this sector and that is why in my humble opinion we are seeing the growth of places like the Corrib House Café I visited a couple of weeks ago, and now this new one in Athenry.

Feasta Bia food ambassador of the year

Thu, Dec 29, 2011

This award was presented to Cait Curran earlier this month in recognition of her work in producing, training, and supporting local organic foods. Cait Curran has her own stall at the Saturday Galway market and she has been the project manager for Garrai na Oileain, an association promoting organic market gardening in offshore islands. She is also involved in the slow food movement and is editor of Organic Matters, a magazine dedicated to all things organic. The award was presented by Minister for Agriculture Food and Marine Simon Coveney. Feasta Bia is all about local food production and consumption, and through various initiatives it hopes to help increase these areas by 20 per cent over the next few years.

GMIT Hotel School to host first national food forum

Thu, Dec 29, 2011

The Hotel School in GMIT will host the first national Foodie Forum on Thursday February 2. The event will be an interactive one-day experience which will showcase the abundance and variety of excellent local and artisan produce available in Ireland. The event aims to support local food businesses and promote consumer sustainability.

Support local food when holidaying or eating out this New Year

Thu, Dec 29, 2011

Good Food Ireland calls on the Irish public if eating out or holidaying this Christmas to eat in restaurants and stay in hotels that are committed to using Irish food.

Love your tummy this New Year’s

Thu, Dec 29, 2011

With two out of every five adults experiencing symptoms of digestive discomfort at least once a week according to a poll of some 1,000 people conducted by Danone Activia Ireland, a significant proportion of Irish adults could be facing into a festive season of digestive discomfort. In order to help prepare your tummy for the New Year excess, Danone nutritionist Kellie O’Connor has developed a number of top tips for the festive season.

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