Search Results for 'World cuisine'

Thai

When Fergus at the Twelve does anything he tends to go all out and go one better than everybody else, especially if it is something that he really likes, and I reckon he is a secret pizza addict. Most people who want to add a pizza section to an already established restaurant would simply ring up the catering equipment suppliers and get three or four quotes, call the sparks, and job done. Not Fergus, he headed off to Napoli in Italy and met the manufacturers of several pizza ovens. You might wonder how the oven could make a big difference, well in the world of cooking things perfectly, authenticity is everything, from the ingredients to the tools of the trade. This oven is made from material that came from Mount Vesuvius and can be fired by either gas or timber. That makes it pretty authentic in my book.

February 21 is Shrove Tuesday. More popularly known as Pancake Tuesday, the day was traditionally the time to use up eggs before the Lenten fast.

The smell of freshly baked bread wafting from a bakery is one of the most universally liked aromas. It is especially nostalgic for me, as when I was about 14 years old I worked for two summers in Toohey’s bakery in Loughrea. As it was located at the bottom of our garden I had always loved the smell when I called in on the way home from school. John Toohey was a gentleman and while I was expected to do my bit in about 100 degrees heat I was well looked after. One of the ovens was a coal/coke fired monstrosity with a huge sliding heavy metal tray that cooked 144 loaves at a time. When it was pulled out all the bread had to be taken off by hand, and I quickly developed hands that could tolerate hot tins and bread. And of course that smell, fantastic, and many a time we would pull open a hot loaf and lash on the fresh butter.

If you want to impress that someone special with your culinary genius, this clever little trick from a local food producer will bring you to the top of the class!

I have passed by Capone’s restaurant many times since it opened and often thought that I should call in for a coffee or a bite to eat, however because I assumed the only parking area was across the road I kept on going. Nothing could be further from the truth; there is a car park at the rear and an underground car park. This is accessed from the Knocknacarra Cross end of the set of shops. In fact you can even park right at the back door and walk directly in as I did.

Creator of Nature’s Balm - The Rub, Dorrie Killeen, offers a selection of old traditional remedies for some common complaints

With September looming, like young people I am torn between relief that routine will be restored and dread at the thought of back to school. Everywhere I turn there are books and schoolbags, reminding me I have much to do to ensure all is ready for day one.

Along with its nearby neighbour, Moran’s of the Weir, I reckon Paddy Burke’s must be one of the best known landmark pubs in the country. I pass by the front door most days and there are always cars turning in to park, especially tourists who have heard the name or have been there previously. For myself it is the place of one of my earliest culinary memories. During the mid to late 1970s I was a regular diner there, that was when bar food had just moved from ‘hang sandwiches’ to toasted sandwiches (really posh) and to hot food. My absolute favourite dish back then was chicken cordon bleu and it was the most popular dish on their menu for many years. The luxury of it, breaded on the outside, ham on the inside, and a cheesy sauce oozed out as soon as it was cut. I am sure many readers will remember this dish too.

Over the coming weeks Lynda McFarland from Athlone Nutrition Clinic will offer quick and easy recipes and advice to incorporate into your daily regime to help you feel and look great.