KC Blake’s Pantry celebrates five years in Knocknacarra

Thu, May 06, 2010

KC Blake’s Pantry is celebrating five years in business in its Knocknacarra store this weekend. To mark the occasion, the company will be giving customers a weekend of champagne and wine tasting, free samples of some of its delicious products, and some great competitions, including €50 vouchers for five customers who can name the five most popular dishes from KC Blakes’ large range of luxury meals.

New York berry pancakes

Thu, May 06, 2010

This welcome change to cereals or toasts comes from Canderel. Canderel granules are a great way for you to dramatically cut your calorie intake while maintaining the delicious sweet taste you love. A teaspoon of Canderel granules contains only two calories compared to 20 calories in a teaspoon of sugar.

Chinese catering in your home and traditional dining in Oranmore

Thu, Apr 29, 2010

Last week, I was at the launch of a great idea by The Three Gorges Oriental Restaurant in Abbey Trinity, Tuam. Their idea is to bring authentic Chinese restaurant food to your home if you are having an event such as a 21st party or indeed any birthday, anniversary, confirmation, Communion, a wedding with a difference, or perhaps the afters of a wedding party. Traditionally there have been other options available such as cold meat platters, cold fish platters, beef stroganoff, chicken curry, and I am sure most readers have had these types of dishes at many functions. The possibility of having your favourite Chinese food at an event will, I believe, appeal to many.

To make people aware of what level of quality they would bring to your home the owners of the Three Gorges, Kee and Cindy, invited about 250 people to the biggest Chinese banquet I have seen since I was at the Chinese New Year’s celebration in Kings Inns many years ago. In fact, comparing this event to the one in Dublin, there was a much bigger variety of food in Tuam. I counted at least 25 main courses, all served in big warming dishes, and which the team of chefs in the kitchen replenished as needed. My favourite dishes were the salt and chilli king prawns, the udon noodles, and the incredible Peking duck which was the meatiest I have ever eaten. The people around me were mopping up plates of General Tso’s chicken, spare ribs, spring rolls, sliced beef in Cantonese sauce, and for those who prefer the more traditional fare, they had a beautifully decorated and presented poached whole salmon with all the usual salads.

Rolling on the river with Corrib Princess and Cava Outside Catering

Thu, Apr 29, 2010

The Corrib Princess is sailing in a new direction, opening each Wednesday evening to pleasure-seekers with a penchant for fine food and wine.

Congratulations to McGrath’s butchers, Mervue

Thu, Apr 22, 2010

Late last year McGrath butchers in Plunkett Avenue, Mervue was destroyed by fire and as it was near Christmas they knuckled down to get it refurbished and ready for the big Christmas trade, a good plan you might say. However all the good work was destroyed when another fire broke out and gutted the shop once more.

Bella Roma — a welcome addition to Galway’s dining options

Thu, Apr 22, 2010

Co-owned by Rome native Sandro Perna and the familiar Richy Gorman, Bella Roma presents Italian cuisine in grand style with a great atmosphere and warm presence.

The menu boasts a wide selection of regional Italian cuisine with rustic accents under the direction of chef Giulio Delfino.

Fine food in the city centre

Thu, Apr 15, 2010

For a place that I had not heard many reports about I was surprised to see Sam Baileys full of customers at about 11.30 one morning, happily munching away on some very tasty looking morsels.

Bella Roma — a welcome addition to Galway’s dining options

Thu, Apr 15, 2010

Co-owned by Rome native Sandro Perna and the familiar Richy Gorman, Bella Roma in Forster Court, presents Italian cuisine in grand style with a great atmosphere and warm presence.

The menu boasts a wide selection of regional Italian cuisine with rustic accents under the direction of chef Giulio Delfino.

Kinvara Farmers’ Market returns

Thu, Apr 08, 2010

Kinvara Farmers’ Market will reopen tomorrow (Friday) from 10am to 2pm in Johnston’s Garden, Main Street.

The market offers great value on fresh produce, with 24 stalls selling a variety of produce including fresh fish, free range eggs, chicken and bacon, Irish cheeses, organic vegetables, fresh fruit in season, organic yeast bread, home-baked products, bottled goodies like jams, honey, preserves, pickles and flavoured oils, coffee beans and assorted teas, garden plants, flowers, soups, coffee and snacks, local crafts like knitwear, soap, and body products, paintings, jewellery, and books.

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.

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.

Brendan is very committed to having the very best meat for sale on his counters, and to do that he has a farm outside Loughrea where all the beef is fattened on the best of grass and oats until he is happy it is ready for the next stage. Here again he ensures quality as he does this himself at a local abattoir, hangs the meat for 20 days, and cuts it into the best joints for your table. He has focused on Hereford and Angus cattle as they give a much better fat distribution, and to see this in reality just have a look at his Sunday roasts. They are everything that all the great chefs recommend, and having sampled one myself I can guarantee that you will be delighted. A typical roast for that special Sunday dinner will be €13 to €14. I also sampled some of his bacon ribs and they were the most meaty and tender I have had. I have a real fondness for bacon ribs so I can assure you these are excellent. He only sells the smaller rib that has lots of meat so they are great value.

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.

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.

What better way to spend your enjoyable time, than under the instruction of professional Latino instructor Raul Sanhueza, as he leads you into a world of aerobic dance exercises in a bright, warm and welcoming environment. Classes are held on an ergonomic padded floor which provides great results while avoiding injuries as there is less impact on the joints.

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]

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