The Book Shelf...

Thu, Mar 21, 2013

With the BBC’s Masterchef now a couple of weeks into its ninth series, it is not surprising that the cookery book with the similar name is not far behind in reaching the shelves. Filled to more than 400 pages it has everything for the starter cook who cannot wait to get stuck into making everything from simple sauces or basic side dishes to more adventurous creations such as drink party canapés or an elaborate pear and blackberry cake. While the book is more of an in-house production with a team or writers (rather than a recognised author), there are a number of chefy tips from regular Masterchef presenters John Torode and Gregg Wallace.

Kelly's Kitchen

Thu, Mar 21, 2013

There is a stereotypical gender divide in food. Man food is slabs of meat, scotch eggs, big fry-ups, and anything wrapped in bacon. Women prefer yoghurt, quiche, cupcakes, and chocolate, preferably not all on the same plate. Whatever the truth of these clichés, most menus and venues lean more into one camp than the other. Kelly's was always a man's place to my mind, with burgers, pints, and the football on the telly. But Kelly's bar is fond of change. It is fair, I think, to say that Kelly's has had more re-inventions than Kerry Katona. The latest change the team have made is a new menu that just might be the most gender neutral menu in town.

One of the best things about Kelly's is that the owner, Joan, is from the Grealish dynasty of publicans and restaurateurs in town. In a Grealish premises there is no such thing as bad service. They just do not stand for it. Whether you are being given half a lobster dinner or a little bowl of soup, it comes with the same friendly, efficient, and approachable manner. Service is their obsession.

Change Sessions – Helping you to confront what is holding you back so that you can move forward

Thu, Mar 21, 2013

Have you ever felt that your problems are too big to overcome? Conquering those inner demons and loving life again can be done when you turn to Change Sessions.

Lifelong fitness at The Coast Club

Thu, Mar 21, 2013

Many stars manage to transform their bodies seemingly overnight. Overweight celebrities, having been lambasted in the popular entertainment magazines, can go from size 16 to size six (and the male equivalent of a 40” waist to size 32”).

Essential health information at the one Day Ayurveda workshop

Thu, Mar 21, 2013

Ayurveda is a natural system of health that educates and empowers patients by helping them to understand health facts and maintain his/her own health and well-being. This is achieved by guiding the user to appreciate thir unique natural physical and psychological make-up and tendencies. By encouraging him/her to make changes in diet, lifestyle, and daily routine, Ayurveda can help prevent, treat, and eliminate both disease and symptoms.

Liven up your garden with beautiful handmade birdhouses

Thu, Mar 21, 2013

These handcrafted contemporary and traditional birdhouses are sure to attract many feathered friends to your garden.

Fence off those fencing problems with Colourfence

Thu, Mar 21, 2013

For a permanent no maintenance solution to all your fencing problems, look no further than Colourfence. Colourfence products carry a guarantee that the purchase will sustain for 10 years without warping or corroding.

Innovative energy showroom opens

Thu, Mar 21, 2013

EuroHome has just opened a new showroom showcasing energy efficient products to help homeowners save money on fuel bills and make their homes more comfortable.

EuroHome offers a wide range of energy saving products suitable for existing and new build homes. It is an approved SEAI - Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland — installer and NSAI agrément certified.

The head of the river

Thu, Mar 14, 2013

Rowing is a sport of endurance, strength, and finesse, a sport naturally suited to Galway where the river connects Lough Corrib with the sea. The earliest reference we have to competitive rowing on the Galway river is 1839. The first rowing club established here was the Corrib Rowing and Yachting Club in 1864 (149 years ago!) and as other clubs formed, rowing matches became more competitive. In 1868, Commercial Rowing Club was formed and the inter-club rivalry generated a lot of interest in the sport.

A innocent man and the fate of Clifton

Thu, Mar 14, 2013

The murderous and vengeful events that followed 'Bloody Sunday' 1920 impacted on the town of Clifden in an unexpected way. There was shooting and murder on its streets; and, following a rampage by the Black and Tans, practically half the town was burnt down.

Don’t fight change

Thu, Mar 14, 2013

Now that we have settled into 2013 many of us will have taken a long, hard look at the year gone past and how it impacted on our lives.

Have you heard about Cooltec?

Thu, Mar 14, 2013

Have you heard about the new fat-freezing treatment available at Therapie Clinic, Shop Street, in Galway? TV3's Xpose heard all about it last Wednesday, trying the treatment and featuring it on the show.

The treatment in question is the fat-freezing Cooltec. This is a non-invasive treatment which freezes and breaks down fat cells, which are then naturally eliminated by the body. It has been deemed the non-surgical tummy tuck.

Taking care

Thu, Mar 14, 2013

A study was recently performed by Triton showers to determine how we like to clean ourselves. The survey asked 250 people across five locations in Ireland and it was determined that 50 per cent of those surveyed spend a minimum of 10 minutes in the shower with 14 per cent having two showers a day. It is pretty clear that we like to take care of ourselves, especially our hair and skin, which highlighted something to me this week; fashion might be important but we get just a little excited about the world of beauty. The summer is only a couple of months away and so I have been trying and testing some key things to get us in tip top shape for the long awaited holiday.

Spring trends at Don Racine

Thu, Mar 14, 2013

Don Racine stocks all the latest trends. Choose from a wide variety of jeans from labels such as Rant & Rave and NYDJ, teamed with a leather jacket for a ultra chic look. There is also a spring range of jackets and trench coats in store.

The nine to five spring makeover

Thu, Mar 14, 2013

From the power dress to the statement jacket and interesting separates, spring workwear has a smarter and more interesting feel this spring. Flattering silhouettes and wearable key pieces can be matched with your current wardrobe to update it.

Accessories for all occasions at The Finishing Touch

Thu, Mar 14, 2013

The Finishing Touch will shortly celebrate its first anniversary on Cross Street.

On the Wine Shelf...

Thu, Mar 14, 2013

Burgáns Albariño 2011 (Widely Available, €17.99)

While its green and orange label and Celtic name give it an Irish feel for St Patrick’s Day, this is made by Bodegas Martín Códax from 100 per cent Albariño in the slopes that run down the middle of the Salnés Valley in the Rías Baixas area of ‘green Spain’.

The Book Shelf...

Thu, Mar 14, 2013

On the threshold of the St Patrick’s weekend and the celebration of all things Irish, Rachel Allen’s newish cookery book with 120 of her favourite family recipes is a timely addition to the culinary bookshelves.

Get ready for the second annual Galway Food Festival

Thu, Mar 14, 2013

The launch of the programme for the second Galway Food Festival took place on Monday March 11 upstairs at McCambridge’s. The lovely Máirín Uí Chomáin, in a particularly elegant outfit and a covetable pair of shiny, fire-engine-red shoes, did the honours beautifully. As an author, the chairperson of Irish Food Writers Guild, and a true Connemara woman, she was perfect for the job. JP McMahon, festival chairperson, also spoke at the launch, in particular speaking warmly of the late lamented Gerry Galvin, who had launched the festival last year. A man who will be sadly missed.

Get your A, B, Cs in order at Whelan’s Pharmacy

Thu, Mar 14, 2013

Do you get confused when it comes to your A, B, and Cs? At Whelan’s Pharmacy the friendly and professional staff are trained to advise on a whole range of topics including vitamins and essential minerals.

E-paper

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