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.

Head chef Ian Daly is in charge of the kitchen, where the freshest available seafood direct from local sources features on the menus, with daily specials as you would expect from a restaurant specialising in seafood. They have a well priced set à la carte dinner menu for €31.50.

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.

Challenge yourself at The Coast Club

Thu, Jul 25, 2013

Do you use cardio for weight control? Are you one of the many people who run, cycle, and swim, or take classes to keep your weight under control? Did you find that at first your weight loss was quite noticeable but now it has hit a plateau? If the answer is yes to the above questions, it is time to think about ways of kicking your cardio up a notch or two to make it productive again.

Your body is an amazingly adaptive organism. If stress (and exercise is a form of stress) does not kill you it will make you stronger and fitter. In addition, repeated bouts of the same stress (exercise class, running, etc) result in your body becoming more economical. For weight loss, energy economy is the last thing you want.

Galway woman to open Slimming World group after dropping three dress sizes

Thu, Jul 25, 2013

After gaining a lot of weight during her second pregnancy, Majella Laird found herself busy with a new baby and an extremely active two-year-old. There seemed little time to cook healthy meals and no time at all for exercise, so the baby weight stayed on and she continued to gain more.

Fix your metabolism for a weight loss miracle

Thu, Jul 25, 2013

Fixing your metabolism is the miracle you need to lose your weight once and for all. It can double your weekly weight loss results. It is the only way to shift stubborn fat from your stomach, hips, and thighs. Fixing your metabolism will help your body to burn fat 24/7, and will make it easier to keep the weight off afterwards. It is also a powerful factor in anti ageing — in 10 weeks you can easily turn the clock back five to 10 years.

Metabolism problems such as slow thyroid, type 2 diabetes, sluggish liver, hormone imbalances, PCOS, endometriosis, infertility, and digestive problems such as constipation, IBS, and diverticulitis will limit or stop your weight loss, no matter how much dieting or exercise you do. Work on fixing your metabolism for amazing results.

Beach belles

Thu, Jul 25, 2013

The sun is splitting the rocks. Above you is an azure sky and stretching ahead is an endless golden sandy beach.

Druid Theatre Company, the early years

Thu, Jul 25, 2013

For many years theatre in Galway was represented by regular productions from An Taibhdhearc and occasional productions by the Dramatic Society in UCG. Occasionally, other groups appeared but they never seemed to survive for very long — The Lamplighters, The D And I, The Galway Little Theatre Company, etc. Most of these were enthusiastic amateurs who often put on memorable shows. In 1969 an attempt was made to introduce semi-professional theatre to the city with the formation of The Galway Repertory Theatre, and two years later Frank Bailey founded the Celtic Arts Theatre, but sadly, both of these companies were short lived.

A mad time of year in Galway

Thu, Jul 25, 2013

I do not think that it is a coincidence that the famous Galway Races coincide with the ancient festival of Lughnasa, celebrated on Garlic (Garland?) Sunday or, in the west, on the last Sunday in July. Máire Mac Neill, in her epic and scholarly study*, tells us that the date marked the most important farming benchmark of the year, the harvest, and it was robustly honoured. There were many Lughnasa gatherings throughout Ireland. Perhaps the most famous one in Connemara was at Mám Éan in the Maamturk mountains. People would camp out for days, musicians and hawkers would entertain the crowds; but the main event was a massive faction fight often resulting in serious injury or death.

How to get a good night’s sleep

Thu, Jul 18, 2013

If you have trouble getting a good night’s sleep you are not alone. About one in 10 people has difficulty sleeping on three or more nights a week.

Most people experience some sleep disturbance at times of personal stress but may return to a good sleeping pattern when the situation has resolved.

Newtownsmith c1870

Thu, Jul 18, 2013

Newtownsmith was an important development outside the town wall on the northern side of the city in the late 18th and early 19th century. The project was undertaken by the governors of the Erasmus Smith Estate. In this suburb, the county courthouse was erected between 1812 and 1815, and a little later in 1824 the town courthouse was built. In 1823, it was objected to because there were several suitable sites for a new courthouse ‘immediately in the town’ and that it was ‘quite idle’ to lay foundations in Newtownsmith, or in any part of the suburb. Galway’s second bridge was completed in 1819 and it connected the courthouses with the new county and town gaols on Nuns Island which had been completed in 1810.

Stylish summer sports wear for the fashion conscious

Thu, Jul 11, 2013

With all the sporting events happening over the summer, I’ve been feeling quite motivated to keep fit. I am an avid fan of Pilates, and try to attend a couple of classes a week and lately I’m training to run five kilometres; for no particular reason other than keeping healthy. With the sunshine here to stay for a week or two, there is no time like the present to be outdoors, whether it’s to take a stroll in the park or run a full marathon. Getting the right clothing is important, for comfort more than anything, especially for your feet to protect them from injury. I’ve been doing some research on the sporting attire on offer this season, and do you know what? It’s just a little stylish!

I’ve been prone to ankle injuries ever since I had a bad fall when I was five and fractured my foot. Any time I trip or walk awkwardly (high heels are normally to blame) my recurring injury comes out to play, so one thing I am really particular about is my footwear for walking and jogging. Finding the right shoe is not as difficult as it sounds with trained staff in all sport stores who can recommend the right fit and type for you. Every big brand is listening to the needs of athletes, and that goes for the fashion conscious ones too, like me. Nike have an amazing range of running shoes in hot summer colours, like neon orange and lime greens. I really like the Nike Free 5.0 Women's Running Shoe, which is a lightweight breathable shoe, which feels like you are barely wearing anything on your feet. What’s even more interesting about this shoe is that I have spotted the odd famous magazine editor wearing these around fashion week too! (Available from Lifestyle Sports, €105)

Discover the stunning Bouton collection at Fallers

Thu, Jul 11, 2013

Bouton is a stunning new designer silver jewellery brand that is now available in Galway, exclusively in Fallers Jewellers.

Don’t Call Me Dear summer sale starts today

Thu, Jul 11, 2013

The ladies designer clothing store Don’t Call Me Dear is commencing its summer sale today, July 11, with up to 70 per cent off everything, excluding hats and headpieces.

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.

E-paper

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