Celebrity chefs — are they losing their appeal?

Thu, Aug 13, 2009

I may be wrong, but I get the impression that the adoration being heaped on certain chefs may be starting to wane. Perhaps it is the recession; perhaps it is the stories of Gordon Ramsay’s empire in disarray, or perhaps we are just sick of them. I am all for promoting better cooking, better eating, and buying the best local produce, but realistically how many people actually ever cook anything they see demonstrated on television? It is a bit like watching reality TV, except you are watching someone cook rather than wander about a house.

Carefree Sundays at the Western Hotel

Thu, Aug 13, 2009

The Western Hotel is pleased to announce carefree Sundays, a day for parents to sit back and relax with the children and experience the best in Irish hospitality.

Make your own marshmallows

Thu, Aug 13, 2009

One of the great things about food is there’s always something new around the corner, be it a vegetable or exciting newly introduced seafood or meat. Food and its variety are truly infinite. But often even better than finding a new culinary experience is rediscovering an old one.

Quay Street bistro

Thu, Aug 13, 2009

A smart, dinky bistro restaurant with stripped floorboards, bentwood chairs, a big dresser and plenty of atmosphere, is how Artisan was described by the Irish Independent in a list of three to try best French restaurants. Award-winning chef Sylvan Gatay specialises in local seafood, farmhouse, and organic produce. Early bird menus are available along with take-away picnic baskets. The restaurant is open seven days serving lunch from 12noon to 3.30pm and dinner from 6pm to 10.30pm.

Massage away tension

Thu, Aug 13, 2009

The benefits of massage are many. It stimulates the circulation of blood and lymph fluids, helps detoxify the body, relaxes tense muscles and tones up weaker ones. The addition of essential oils to massage blends add an extra dimension.

The scent of luxury

Thu, Aug 13, 2009

A family-run niche perfume house which specialises in creating scented products for the body, bath and home, has added five new luxury candles to its collection.

Face facts

Thu, Aug 13, 2009

Packing for holidays or even a weekend break can be a real headache, especially on the beauty front when you realise how much space separate cleanser, cotton wool, face scrub, toner and moisturiser take up.

Heaven scent

Thu, Aug 13, 2009

“I have always carried with me an ideal of feminity - an irrestible combination of grace, beauty and independent spirit. Idole d’Armani is my tribute to this ideal and to women everywhere.”

That’s how Giorgio Armani describes his latest fragrance, an opulent floral scent with bitter orange, juicy pear, ginger and davana notes. It is hailed as an “unexpected encounter of inspiration from the Orient and timeless Italian elegance”.

Heaven scent

Thu, Aug 13, 2009

“I have always carried with me an ideal of feminity - an irrestible combination of grace, beauty and independent spirit. Idole d’Armani is my tribute to this ideal and to women everywhere.”

Black & white story

Thu, Aug 13, 2009

Mini pea coats, sporty blousons and military parkas are some of the top looks from the Pepe Jeans latest collection

Fun in the sun

Thu, Aug 13, 2009

Summer may not have made its presence felt very strongly in recent weeks but if you are determined to stay in the holiday mood check out the vibrant collection from b.young.

Hats off to style

Thu, Aug 06, 2009

It was a day of fabulous frocks, killer heels and heavenly hats as fashionistas threw caution (and occasionally delicately balanced head pieces) to the wind and determined to enjoy Ladies Day at the Galway Races despite the credit crunch.

Remodel your bathroom

Thu, Aug 06, 2009

Tired of your 1970s bathroom? Maybe it’s time to give it a lift. Bathroom remodelling either fills you with thoughts of clean, gleaming, white surfaces or of a half-assembled disaster. Here are some steps to a bathroom remodelling project.

West Restaurant nominated for six Food & Wine Magazine awards

Thu, Aug 06, 2009

West restaurant, at the multi-award winning Twelve Hotel, Barna, has been nominated for an impressive six awards at the renowned Food & Wine Magazine Edward Dillon Restaurant of the Year Awards 2009.

The team at the popular Galwegian restaurant is shortlisted in the categories of Connaught’s Best Restaurant, Best Service, Best Good Value, Good Cooking, and Best Wine Experience, while head chef Cedric Bottarlini has been nominated for the closely contested Best Regional Chef in Connaught accolade. All nominees have been selected by the food-loving public and now the final decision lies with a panel of Ireland’s top food and wine experts who have the difficult task of choosing the winners.

The not- so- humble spud

Thu, Aug 06, 2009

My neighbour offered me some of his new potatoes last week, and as there was a distinct lack of tasty goodies in the Shaw household for dinner that day I picked up the garden fork and filled a pot with freshly dug spuds. I was not sure of the varieties but after 15 minutes steaming I saw that they were all beautiful floury types, with their jackets bursting open.

New safefood campaign warns consumers of food hygiene dangers in the home

Thu, Aug 06, 2009

Eighty four per cent of people do not wash their hands properly after handling raw chicken, according to new research from food safety group safefood. In its recent survey on food safety in the home, the organisation found that 72 per cent of people did not properly wash the knife used in preparing raw chicken before reuse on salad vegetables.

Coco Chanel — be classy and fabulous

Thu, Aug 06, 2009

Iconic fashion designer Coco Chanel once said, “A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous”. If you are wondering how to attain an effortlessly classic style, this guide should help you.

Smashbox beauty playground event

Thu, Aug 06, 2009

Cult LA cosmetic brand Smashbox Cosmetics is heading to Medwell’s Pharmacy in Tuam to host a special beauty playground on August 7.

Together with the Medwell’s team, Smashbox artists will give beautistas all the hot insider beauty tips and techniques, and will also be demonstrating new and innovative product lines. Ladies will be able to try out Smashbox Cosmetics’ award winning product line, and learn how to enhance natural assets. Smashbox Cosmetics is all about cutting edge products with long-lasting formulations and on-trend colours. Complimentary makeovers will be available, and customers will receive a special gift with purchases over €50.

Non-surgical skin regeneration arrives in Galway

Thu, Aug 06, 2009

Saying goodbye to lines and wrinkles, sun damage, pigmentation, acne scars, and stretch marks is easier than ever thanks to a non-surgical skin regeneration procedure. Genuine Dermaroller™ Therapy uses tiny micro-medical needles on the skin encouraging regeneration and repair, leaving you with smoother, brighter, healthier, younger-looking skin.

Nuns’ Island whiskey

Thu, Aug 06, 2009

In the eighteenth century there were quite a number of small distilleries operating in Galway, which was remarkable when one considers how many poitín makers there probably were in the hinterland. A new Government act on distilling in 1779 brought in controls and reduced the number, so that there were only two distilleries here in 1802. Thirty years later, there were four operating in the city... Burke’s Quarter Barrel Distillery was at the end of Quay Street, where Jury’s Hotel is today; Burton Persse had two, one in Newtownsmith and one in Newcastle (Distillery Road); and the Nun’s Island Distillery was owned by a John Lynch and produced 100,000 gallons per annum. Unfortunately Mr Lynch got into financial difficulties and closed down the business.

E-paper

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