On the Cookery Book Shelf...

Thu, Aug 01, 2013

Ice Cream and Other Frozen Delights
Ben Vear

Allez les bleus, French cuisine is alive and well in Galway

Thu, Jul 25, 2013

New Galway restaurant Chez Azur, in an elegant upstairs room with stunning views out over the docks, is a quiet culinary oasis just a stone’s throw from the buzz of Quay Street. At the top of the stairs are two lovely rooms with lots of character, a little casual with dark wood tables, comfortable chairs, and lots of light from windows looking out over the boats in the harbour. This was my second visit here since its opening night back in March and it has developed quickly into a well run restaurant.

JP’s Steak House, Mullingar — offering flavour and quality

Thu, Jul 25, 2013

JP’s Steak House Mullingar has announced the appointment of new head chef Aaron O’Neill. A seasoned graduate of Athlone Institute of Technology, chef O’Neill brings a wide variety of new culinary delights to menus at JP’s Steak House.

The Book Shelf...

Thu, Jul 25, 2013

One of the best cookery programmes of the last few weeks has been Rick’s India on the BBC with the English restaurateur, chef, and cookery-school owner once again donning his signature blue and pink shirts embarking on a culinary odyssey in search of the world’s best food.

The Amalfi Coast : A Collection of Italian Recipes

Thu, Jul 11, 2013

There is nothing better at this time of the year, whether you are planning a holiday at home or away, than flicking through cookery books dreaming of past getaways, trying to recreate scenes from an especially wonderful break.

Taltarni Heathcote Victoria Shiraz 2008 (O’Briens, €16.99)

Thu, Jul 11, 2013

Made in Victoria, Australia by John Goelet, the founder of Clos du Val in California, this is an outstanding Shiraz, particularly when it is on promotion at this price.

With redcurrant, plum and red berry flavours on the nose, it is a pleasure to sip on the palate with rich dark fruit and a little pepper and spice lining up to be enjoyed in what is a beautifully crafted full-bodied wine with perfect tannins and a long smooth lingering finish. Serious quality at a remarkable price and something that is perfect with anything from the grill or barbecue.

Domaine Félines Jourdan Côteaux de Bessilles Les Fruites 2012 (Wines Direct, €10.75)

Thu, Jul 11, 2013

This is a combination of Chardonnay and Roussanne grapes grown in Côteaux de Bessilles, a Vin de Pays region of Languedoc-Roussillon in southern France.

Sizzling summer parties at the Harbour Hotel

Thu, Jul 11, 2013

The Harbour Hotel is one of the most popular venues for family events, catering for anniversary parties, retirement parties, christenings, sports and social club events, and birthdays.

Popular Quay Street Italian restaurant rebranded and revamped

Thu, Jul 11, 2013

Il Folletto, the much loved Italian restaurant on Quay Street, has undergone a revamp of both interiors and menus. A contemporary rebrand and relaxed but modern approach to the interiors has given a renewed energy to the popular restaurant.

A waffley good time in Liosbaun

Thu, Jul 11, 2013

Mr Waffle has been popular from day one. Located on a very busy intersection, the flagship shop on Newcastle Road is convenient for both the university and the hospital. Both fine institutions, it's fair to say, but somewhat notorious for the poor quality food available to workers, students, and inmates. However, Mr Waffle's wide selection of crepes, sandwiches, quesadillas, and salads has saved many of them from a joyless lunch break.

Mr Waffle is a lively spot filled with chatter and the constant gurgling of the coffee machine, the clatter and bustle of efficient staff. Outside the trendy chocolate, orange, and gleaming glass restaurant, there are wooden seats on a small patio for people soaking in the sun. The branding is as crisp as the exterior of one of its authentic Belgian waffles.

Sunday lunch only €22.50 and children eat free at the Harbour Hotel

Thu, Jun 27, 2013

Bring the whole family together for a relaxing Sunday lunch in the heart of Galway. Enjoy a fabulous four course lunch for only €22.50 per person, including a glass of Prosecco. Children under 10 years can eat for free (offer is valid for one child per adult).

Some like it hot

Thu, Jun 27, 2013

Mexican food. I had no great love for it as a cuisine until a visit to Wahaca in London a few years back convinced me of its possibilities. Ex-MasterChef winner Thomasina Miers oversees branches of her popular canteen-style eatery throughout London, it won me over with the authentic and flavoursome fare, even though the heat was certainly dialled down for the English palate. In Ireland, we mostly get what passes for Mexican food from a yellow box in the supermarket. When prepared, it often appears on the plate to have already been eaten by someone else. This is not the case at Boojum, the new restaurant on Spanish Parade, here it is all aromatic, fresh, and zesty, a return to its street food roots.

Discover summer bistro delights at The Old Barracks

Thu, Jun 27, 2013

The Old Barracks Pantry and Bakery in Athenry, which has been open now for almost three years, has just extended its opening hours and added a new bistro menu to meet the growing demand for evening fare in Athenry during the summer months.

Boojum to bring the taste of Mexico to Galway

Thu, Jun 06, 2013

Boojum, Ireland’s first burrito bar, is preparing its opening party in Galway on Saturday June 8, to bring locals a true taste of Mexico.

Brendan Loughnane Butchers for quality and value

Thu, Jun 06, 2013

Enjoy the best lamb, beef, pork, bacon, and poultry from award winning butcher Brendan Loughnane.

Renzo Gallery Cafe now open for dinner

Thu, Jun 06, 2013

Renzo Gallery Café is an Italian-style café located just off Eyre Square. Situated beside Debenham’s, this coffee bar is now open for dinner on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evening from 6pm to 9.30pm.

The Book Shelf...

Thu, Jun 06, 2013

By this time of the year the first salads of the season should well and truly have been pulled and the second lot or subsequent sowing already developing along nicely. No better time then for the salad books to hit the shelves, although this particular ‘gem’ maintains it has a salad for every season.

On the Wine Shelf...

Thu, Jun 06, 2013

Marques de Alarcon Vino de la Tierra de Castilla Tempranillo/Syrah 2011 Spain (M&S, €7)

Most of the big retailers now have a budget shelf that is bringing the price of a bottle of wine continuously down a notch or two, and this particular pick is part of the Marks & Spencer range. As a reasonable example of what you look for in a wine suitable for summer drinking at an affordable price, this is made from a blend of Tempranillo and Syrah grapes grown on the central Spanish plain of La Mancha. With a decent amount of blackberry fruit on the nose with hints of smoke and crimson, it has enough mulberry, plum, and blackberry fruit on the palate to satisfy the harshest of critics at this price. Medium-bodied with fresh acidity, it also has a decent length. In essence, the perfect tipple to go with a spicy summer pizza or a light tomato pasta.

Kirby's Restaurant – the recipe for the perfect night out

Thu, Jun 06, 2013

Monday gets a bad rap, everyone goes back to work and school with silicon chips inside their heads switching to overload and whatnot. Only chefs and hairdressers seem to look forward to it, the most unloved day of the week. But at last there is a good reason to love Mondays, all thanks to Kirby's restaurant on Kirwan's Lane. And when you add The Black Magic Big Band and a complimentary drink in Busker Brownes into the equation you get one of the best nights out in Galway.

Celebrate summer with barbecue party packages at The Ardilaun

Thu, Jun 06, 2013

The Ardilaun hotel, Galway city, has the perfect setting for your summer barbecue this year. With superb landscaped gardens and outdoor Camilaun patio in a secluded setting, The Ardilaun is the perfect choice for socialising with work colleagues, family or friends, or sports and social outings, and you can choose from a selection of barbecue packages for as little as €15 per guest.

E-paper

Read this weeks E-paper. Past editions also available from within this weeks digital copy.