Search Results for 'food writer'

Galway Advertiser food columnist Anne Marie Carroll has become the newest member of the Irish Food Writers’ Guild, news which will come as no surprise to her regular readers. She joins some of the most prominent names in the country including Darina Allen, Georgina Campbell, and Biddy White Lennon (currently a judge on TV3’s Great Irish Bake Off) in this prestigious group.

I love being the food writer for the Mayo Advertiser as the perks are fantastic. Last week my wife Julie and I were invited to sample the new tasting menu at Season’s Restaurant on Main Street, Castlebar. We were greeted by owner John Mulroy and brought to a lovely window table which overlooks the Main Street. I have eaten here before and the restaurant is very clean and modern, but so comfortable that you immediately feel like you are at home. New head chef Tobias Streinetberger has brought many years’ experience of working on luxury cruise ships to Season’s Restaurant and likes to let the food and the flavours talk for themselves.

If three is a magic number the third Westport Food Festival, which was launched this week, will put a spell on food enthusiasts young and old. Taking place from September 6 - 8, the community-based programme of events includes many new and some old favourites, with something for every pocket and palate.

Life can be tough. And the rain doesn’t help. You get caught up in the merry-go-round that is work, bills, work some more, and hopefully have a bit left aside for some leisure activities. That’s if you have a job. But it’s not easy whether you are working or not these days. Then again no one ever said that it would be. That’s why it is important to take time to enjoy life too. And the fine weather has given us plenty of opportunity to do just that.

Having just completed her 10th cookery book, food writer and stylist Michele Cranston turns her attention to her time at Marie Claire magazine – she was food editor there for five years – celebrating the last decade at that famous institution and monthly women's magazine that was first published in France, although it has obviously been published in a number of different languages throughout the world.

Lucky me, I am blessed with my job here as food writer for the Mayo Advertiser.

I had heard a while back there was an Ard Bia cookbook in the pipeline. I had even debated it with a restaurateur friend of mine. “It’s too expensive, I think it’s mad. You can get cookbooks from big names for half that price,” I said. “You can get a lot of rubbish cookbooks for half that price,” he replied. “If it’s a lovely book as well as a good cookbook, it’s well worth the extra money.” Now, here are the most painful words I may ever have to write —Aran McMahon, you were right and I was wrong. It is not too expensive, it is worth every penny and more.

Temperatures are set to soar in the award-winning kitchen of the g Hotel with the announcement that two well known Irish celebrities, a stunning presenter from television and a charismatic radio DJ, will attempt to cook a gourmet menu for The Restaurant at the g charity dinner which will take place on Thursday April 19. This popular event is in aid of Console, a national organisation supporting people in suicidal crisis and those bereaved by suicide.

I am glad Galway does not have Michelin starred restaurants. I have eaten in two Dublin restaurants when the family occasion, so I was told, warranted a Michelin starred meal. The first occasion was very good. The owner/chef visited all the tables and chatted pleasantly, hoping that we had enjoyed our meal. We all had. On the following two occasions, including another restaurant, which to my disbelief, retained its Michelin star this year, both meals were a disgrace. Incredibly over priced, snobby and condescending waiters, tiny portions, and pretentious food. Apart from the obligatory ‘is everything all right?’ no sincere effort was made to connect with the customer.

Kate Wright has moved from her Cobblestones Cafe in Quay Lane, Galway, to a location upstairs in the Orantown Centre in Oranmore. A courageous move, I would think, but I am sure the legendary high rents in the city have something to do with it. Similar to the article last week about the new owners in Loughrea, these premises have also had two previous incarnations. The fact that Kate makes absolutely everything on site every day should make the difference and help make this a success.