Restaurants Association of Ireland awards for Galway

Thu, Apr 08, 2010

The Restaurants Association of Ireland held its Connacht awards ceremony in The Ardilaun on March 23. The awards were open to all establishments and not just associated members, thus the result is very important for all the finalists and winners. The winners were decided by a combined result of a panel of judges and direct voting by customers. The winners below will go forward for the national awards in June.

Nutrition for children

Thu, Apr 08, 2010

An introductory three hour seminar on nutrition for children will be held at Atlantic College, Fairgreen, Galway, from 10am to 1pm on Sunday April 11. The seminar is open to anyone and may be of particular interest to parents and those in the childcare industry.

Topics covered include: How good digestion is related to nutrient absorption, a strong immune system and overall health; how balancing blood sugar levels helps with emotional control, energy levels, and attention; essential fats and their role in brain development and health; and why water is important for health, concentration, and focus in children.

Fine meat in Galway and fine wine in Tuam

Thu, Apr 01, 2010

I called in to see Brendan Loughnane in his relatively new butcher’s shop beside the Tesco Express located at Tornóg, Ballinfoyle, on the Headford Road. Brendan is part of the Loughnane dynasty of butchers who were originally from the Loughrea area and is a brother of Sean Loughnane who created Galway’s first super butchers/delicatessen at Forster Court some years ago. Brendan is a master butcher and spent about 30 years running his extremely busy butcher’s shops in Limerick city. He has collected many awards over the years for his products and all that knowledge and experience is there for the customer when you call in. The shop is open six days a week until 6.30pm.

Fine meat in Galway and fine wine in Tuam

Thu, Apr 01, 2010

I called in to see Brendan Loughnane in his relatively new butcher’s shop beside the Tesco Express located at Tornóg, Ballinfoyle, on the Headford Road. Brendan is part of the Loughnane dynasty of butchers who were originally from the Loughrea area and is a brother of Sean Loughnane who created Galway’s first super butchers/delicatessen at Forster Court some years ago. Brendan is a master butcher and spent about 30 years running his extremely busy butcher’s shops in Limerick city. He has collected many awards over the years for his products and all that knowledge and experience is there for the customer when you call in. The shop is open six days a week until 6.30pm.

Eastern Tandoori, Loughrea

Thu, Mar 18, 2010

Way back in the dim and distant past I was a devoted customer at the Eastern Tandoori in South William Street, Dublin. It was the very early 1980s and in the days when I had an expense account that included lunch every day (God bless Digital). This meant that I had an Eastern Tandoori lunch at least once a week, and while there were other Indian restaurants to choose from, this was the best.

New course in nutrition for everyday living

Thu, Mar 18, 2010

An inspiring new 12-week course in nutrition for everyday living, which will take place in Galway on Wednesday evenings from April 14, will demonstrate how good nutrition can prevent disease, make you feel energised, look younger, feel happier, and enjoy better health. You’ll learn vital practical tips along the way about cooking methods to preserve nutrients, improving your mood with food, feeding children, detoxification, and anti-ageing, as well as how to use food as medicine.

Diet is the key to overcoming many health problems, yet with today’s fast pace of life and compromised food supply, maintaining a balanced diet can sometimes seem like a confusing and overwhelming challenge. This short course from the College of Naturopathic Medicine aims to help simplify busy lives and give you the confidence to know what’s best when feeding yourself and your family healthily and enjoyably.

Restaurant review sites

Thu, Mar 04, 2010

I am regularly asked for recommendations by people who want to eat out, and the only answer I can give is based on my last few experiences of any particular location. However if you can tap into lots of people’s thoughts about recommended eating spots, then you increase your chances of a good night out.

Pagodas Temple — salsa-fit and gym for ladies

Thu, Mar 04, 2010

Salsa-Fit is geared, in a fun way to get you moving to the infectious rhythms of the Cuban born dance style, Salsa-Fit will help you get in shape and feel great as you learn the hottest dance moves around.

Is hot chocolate going to be the new coffee?

Thu, Feb 25, 2010

Traditionally hot chocolate has been very popular in countries like Germany, Belgium, Spain, and Italy where it is often drunk instead of coffee, especially in the winter months.

Tasty treats

Thu, Feb 25, 2010

Creamy Thai chicken curry with potato and coconut milk

White Gables back in business

Thu, Feb 18, 2010

Heading into its 20th year in business the White Gables has re-opened for the season. To kick start the year the Moycullen restaurant is offering two courses from its table d’hote menu for €30 and a fantastic 20 per cent off all wines. The offer is valid Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday evenings. Customers can also apply online for a reward card to avail of extra promotions. To make a reservation phone 091 555744, visit www.whitegables.com or email [email protected]

Galway students Excel in International Irish Championships

Thu, Feb 18, 2010

A selection of students from Shane Fitzgibbon’s “Connacht Taekwon-do Schools” recently attended the International Irish Championships in Neptune Stadium, Cork. With representation from seven European countries, the standard was extremely high. The local group held their own however to bring back a fine haul of silverware. The Galway instructors who attended were Shane Fitzgibbon (Galway and Oranmore), Lisa Connolly (Labane & Kinvara), Sally Whelan (Barna) and Sandra Doyle (Loughrea). The results were as follows: Black belt results —Shane Fitzgibbon – Gold, silver, bronze; Cillian Howard (Oranmore) – bronze; Shannon Holland (Galway) – bronze; Kenneth Duignan (Galway) – bronze; Cathal Kilbane (Galway) - silver; Jason Costello (Oranmore) - bronze; Sandra Doyle (Galway) - bronze; Ciaran Doyle (Galway) - bronze. Colour belt results

L’Arco Italian Restaurant, Ballyvaughan

Thu, Feb 18, 2010

L’Arco has been open since mid 2009 and is located in Ballyvaughan. It is on the left hand side just before the famous ‘T’ junction with all the road signs, left will bring you to Ailwee Cave and right to Fanore. It is built on the site of an old Royal Irish Constabulary Barracks and the beautiful stone entrance and courtyard are part of the original building. The restaurant is quite large and the most striking aspects for me were the fact that it was really warm on a very cold Sunday evening and that the tables are large and very well spaced apart. The atmosphere is friendly and the staff professional and attentive.

Back to our roots for 2010 trends

Thu, Feb 18, 2010

Laurent Billiet, director of La Maison Chic, member of the Irish Association of Interior Designers, reports the trends from the biggest interior design trade show Maison et Objets held in Paris at the end of January 2010.

Cutting edge landscaping

Thu, Feb 18, 2010

Elm landscaping is a vibrant young company, offering a variety of landscaping services. From grass cutting and maintenance of commercial parks, to the construction of pergolas and water features in private estates or gardens Elm covers all landscaping needs. It also provides a service to hire out mini-digger and skid steer loaders with a driver.

Cookery hints for students and teenagers

Thu, Feb 11, 2010

Many students are now finding out just how good they had it at home, arriving at the dinner table just as the plates are served and then out of there at the speed of light once the last morsel is eaten.

Get cooking Spanish style — no experience necessary

Thu, Feb 11, 2010

Hailed as the most authentic Spanish restaurant in Ireland and having the best tapas in Ireland by top food critics, Cava Spanish Restaurant is offering you the rare chance to learn how to bring some Spanish flavour to your table.

GMIT — a tour of the hospitality and culinary arts department

Thu, Jan 28, 2010

I had often wondered just how big our local college of catering is, so with the help of Robert Dagger, head of the hospitality and catering arts, I was given the ‘tour’. I also met Gerry Talbot, head of hotel and tourism management. These two departments are what make up the school of approximately 900 students and 40 staff who are partaking in the many courses that the hospitality and tourism industry world require. I use the word ‘world’ as the skills are extremely portable and equally applicable in any corner of the globe. Many graduates occupy some of the highest posts around the world in hotel management and as executive chefs.

The perfect burger — now in Galway

Thu, Jan 21, 2010

The making of a perfect burger has been the aim of many a chef over the years and recently we have seen the arrival of gourmet burger restaurants where the whole focus is on providing you with a substantial meal in a bun. The meat has to be right, the cooking (preferably chargrilled) has to be perfect, the bun itself has to be well chosen, and then you decide which additions will make it a finished product. I am surprised how long it has taken for this type of food to catch on as 25-plus years ago I survived on a diet of such burgers in Birmingham, served in a basket with fantastic chips and salad.

Asian noodle bar opens

Thu, Jan 21, 2010

Street Wok, an exciting new concept in fast food has just opened its doors in Eyre Square promising tasty, healthy, fast food for the iPod generation. The menu is delicious with hundreds of combinations such as firecracker beef with egg noodles, or Malaysian satay with curly fries. Street Wok promises to have something tasty for all ages throughout the day or evening.

E-paper

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