Fiori di Zucca, Dominick Street, GalwayFiori di Zucca, Dominick Street, Galway

Thu, Sep 10, 2009

Fiori di Zuca, which means pumpkin flowers, is a new venture from four women, three from Italy and one from Ireland. They describe it as a friendly and creative Italian café which is open seven days a week from 10am to 7pm. It is located at the end of Lower Dominick Street near the river and at the rear of the building that houses the new indoor market. Having chatted to Barbara and Roberta I think they may have just the right formula for the times we live in.

West Restaurant at The 12 Hotel

Thu, Sep 03, 2009

I had been for dinner at The West in Barna shortly after it opened and as I have been noticing that the awards were starting to pile up — particularly for the wine list — I decided that another visit was in order. I chose what I thought would be a quiet Wednesday night (it turned out to be packed) and we were seated at a window table. As the views are not part of the attraction the emphasis is on lots of exotic lighting and more candles than would light a cathedral. The décor really suits an evening meal and with winter approaching it is a perfect ambience to detract from the misery outside.

Ribs

Thu, Sep 03, 2009

Really good quality pork is one of the foods that can really make a passionate chef all misty eyed. Pork is a meat which is still great value and when the cuts which are often regarded as the cheap parts are used, a meal of outstanding value and taste can be had. For me the two best cuts of pork are the belly and ribs. Indeed these cuts require a little more work and attention than the more often used loin and legs but the little bit of effort is undoubtedly worth the work.

Celebrate good wine at O’Brien’s opening

Thu, Aug 27, 2009

O’Brien’s Wine Beer and Spirits has announced the opening of its newest store at the Galway Shopping Centre.

Store manager Peter Hughes from Knocknacarra in Galway is looking forward to the challenge of a new store. “I am absolutely delighted to be part of the O’Brien’s team,” he said. “The company has established itself as one of the market leaders in wine retail here in Ireland by consistently delivering the highest quality products and offering the best value. I look forward to introducing the people of Galway to our exclusive wine range from many top producers worldwide.”

Coping with nightmares

Thu, Aug 27, 2009

It is the end of a long, tiring day. You turn out the lights and settle down for a good night’s sleep.

Are markets too expensive?

Thu, Aug 20, 2009

As most readers will know, I am an avid supporter of local markets and indeed I shop regularly at them in Galway city, Oranmore, Clarinbridge, Moycullen, and anywhere else I see them up and down the country. However I have had many comments from readers and friends that the produce is often very expensive. Traditionally most people go to a market and expect some sort of deal or bargain — I’m mainly thinking of clothing, etc, however, I think the same mindset is true with many people where food markets are concerned.

Logically the foods should be cheaper than the shops; rent, which is the single biggest issue for all shops today, is very small, there are no rates, there is no oil or electricity bill. Marketing budgets do not exist for most, and staff costs are also not an issue as it is usually the owner who does the selling. It is generally a cash business also, which has advantages, so why are the goods not cheaper? I remember reading about the history of markets in Ireland and there was some kind of agreement that they would not undercut the local shops, but that was 40 or 50 years ago and I think the competitive laws have overruled whatever may have been agreed all those years ago.

Make the most of lemons

Thu, Aug 20, 2009

Ah, the lemon, one of the fruits we look at almost every day and yet we easily forget just how versatile a fresh lemon really is. Sure what would become of fish and chips without a squeeze of lemon, or a gin and tonic for that matter? Indeed the lemon helps increase the vitamin C content of many an alcoholic beverage.

Form your party at The Dáil Bar

Thu, Aug 13, 2009

The Dáil Bar in Middle Street goes above and beyond your typical bar and restaurant when it comes to group reservations and party bookings. They are taking all the planning and stress away from organising an outing and making sure that you receive a package and service that is tailor-made for your group.

Form your party at The Dáil Bar

Thu, Aug 13, 2009

The Dáil Bar in Middle Street goes above and beyond your typical bar and restaurant when it comes to group reservations and party bookings. They are taking all the planning and stress away from organising an outing and making sure that you receive a package and service that is tailor-made for your group.

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.

Adults can enjoy a delicious three course menu. Choose from a selection of starters, main course, and dessert followed by tea and coffee for €21.95 per person, with a half-portion option for the children.

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.

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 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.

‘Enjoy’ top class restaurant food to eat at home

Thu, Jul 23, 2009

Next door to The White Gables Restaurant in Moycullen is the newly opened Enjoy, where you can buy all sorts of goodies for young, old, and everybody in between. It is the brainchild of Ann and Kevin Dunne, who have been at the helm of The White Gables restaurant for more than 20 years. The popularity of the restaurant has obviously spilled over to the new delicatessen as on opening day there were queues to get in, and that was before any advertising. On my recent visit there was a constant stream of customers in the middle of a midweek day.

Quick and easy meals with lamb

Thu, Jul 23, 2009

Make the most of the summer with these delicious lamb recipes from Bord Bia. These dishes are perfect for a barbecue and, thankfully, equally tasty as an indoor dining option.

Barbecue tips and ideas

Thu, Jul 09, 2009

Now that we seem to be getting some reasonable weather most people will be hoping to have a barbecue, or indeed several barbecues. There are two major problems with this great idea; the weather and cooking the food perfectly for you and your guests. An open sided gazebo will help with the vagaries of the weather as it can act as a shield against the blazing sun or provide shelter from a shower. As far as getting the cooking right, the single best advice is to precook most of the items. I was invited to a barbecue recently by one of the top chefs in Galway and I asked him for some tips on how to get it right.

Sausages: Buy some jumbo sausages from any good butcher, eg, Colleran’s, McGrath’s Mervue, McGeogh’s in Oughterard, Divilly’s in Westside, or Corry’s in Loughrea to name a few, and boil them in water for about five minutes. Now your sausages are safe to eat so all you have to do is rub some oil on them and chargrill until they look nice and brown and heated through. Whey not try some of the many flavoured varieties available?

Cases of fun at annual charity barbecue

Thu, Jul 09, 2009

Cases wine warehouse has teamed up with Enable Ireland to host an annual charity barbecue at Cases wine warehouse on the Tuam Rd on Friday July 17.

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