Over Paddy’s weekend, I was lucky enough to take part in an excellent masterclass in investigative journalism* offered by The Guardian newspaper in London. For a news wonk like me, it was a real thrill to be in the building – and, wow, what…
Our reader Fiona got in touch all the way from Switzerland through the magic of the internets, to ask for some tips for some visiting friends: I’m Irish, living in Switzerland for last 30 years so have no idea of the restaurant situation. Have …
If it doesn’t taste better with honey, it should taste better with mustard. Or if butter doesn’t fix the problem, don’t eat it. Last year, I got some great recommendations for new mustards to try out. Horseradish mustard. Various dijo…
Our reader Josephine got in touch to ask about finding an early bird deal for Valentine’s Day: Hubby & I have tickets to see The Classic Beatles in The Tivoli Theatre Francis Street on Feb 14th. When I booked the tickets I didn’t realli…
A question for y’all: can anyone recommend a good brand of gherkins or cornichons? I’m looking for a good spicy / sour variety in a jar, to keep in the fridge to have on hand to accompany sandwiches, pate on crackers, etc. I’ve tried …
I’ve got my Christmas presents more or less organised now and am looking forward to only having to buy DELICIOUS CHRISTMAS FOOD for the next couple of days. Hurray! I won’t be the one cooking Christmas dinner this year so don’t need…
Looking for some ideas from you, our lovely readers. My work department had booked our Christmas dinner in a tapas restaurant next Thursday (15th Dec). Unfortunately the restaurant just cancelled as they had double-booked us. Now we need to find an…
We got an email from a reader recently asking if anyone can help them to track down a speciality sauce from the Canary Islands: “I have recently returned from a holiday in the Canaries. I absolutely loved the Canarian ‘papas con mojo’…
I’m drawn to some great half price offers in Dunnes this week – but not on food. Finish Dishwasher tablets are down from €16.99 to €8.49, while a big giant value pack of Bold Two in One is down from €25.99 to €12.99. When it comes t…
Hey folks, I’m putting together an article on Dublin’s best value meals for a different publication. Some of the places I plan to name include The Exchequer, Hilan, Fallon and Byrne, Le Bon Crubeen, Early birds in Shanahan’s and …
Our friend and reader Ellen wants to know: I am considering buying a slow cooker (also known as crock pot, but that sounds odd to me) because I have been told that they are great for winters dishes that are ready when you come home from work. Do you kn…
A hog roasted on a spit. The sweet scent of crackling pork wafted over, grabbed me firmly by the shoulders, and pulled me closer, all the while distracting me with its sexy, piggy dance. This is a common sight at music festivals across Ireland. Pig on …
Online grocery shopping – yay or nay? Yesterday I found myself on Today FM’s The Last Word with Anton Savage, debating its merits with Darren Grant of The Organic Supermarket. You can listen to the segment by clicking on part three of the T…
Galwegians and Galway fans – can you recommend a really nice restaurant in Galway? I want to buy a voucher for a gift, and would like it to be a genuine treat. I’m open to suggestions for any type of cuisine as long as the food is reliabl…
December 30th, 2010 brought a new and wonderful thing into my life – a little niece. The brand new beautiful Anna Mae is the daughter of my brother Steve and his wife Aoife, and in the grand tradition of tiny babies everywhere, she is so far spen…
My friend Lisa is looking for a decent, affordable, baby-friendly restaurant in Dublin for her family’s annual Christmas breakfast. I’ve suggested Gotham Cafe just off Grafton Street or the new Gotham South in Stillorgan (disclosure: my fla…
I’m on best man duty at a stag this weekend. Around 18 of us are heading – for reasons unknown to me – to Carrick-on-Shannon. White water rafting, followed by food and drink. Lots of drink, I’d hazard to guess. We’re think…
I have an embarrassing penchant for fish burgers, and an even more embarrassing penchant for McDonald’s Filet-o-fish. After a midweek session last week, I desperately craved this particular burger, in full anticipation of ultimate disappointment….
It’s been too long, London. But this week I’m heading over for a while.
My last food memories of the city involved lots of Vietnamese food in Camden and too many curries. Bring it on. Now, I’ve significantly less money to spend, and I…
Our reader Ellen contacts us to say…
I was given 4 jars of honey recently, good stuff made in the Irish countryside, but I have no idea what to do with it apart from the obvious greek yogurt, herbal teas etc.
Can someone suggest nice recipes th…
Why spend a fortune on dessert? They’re rarely spectacular, especially in some Chinese, Indian, and Italian restaurants, where they’re often pre-bought and formulaic. One regular offender is cheesecake, which can and should be one of the mo…
I’m determined to eat pancakes all day, or until I explode, whichever comes first.
This week, you’ll find specials on pancakes in Dunnes, Lidl, SuperValu, Tesco, and Superquinn. SQ are selling five pancakes, freshly made in-store, for €2….
Last week, I was all set to make this trout recipe for a pregnant friend, so I went to Sea Pearls on Richmond Street (just between Camden St. and the canal).
Sadly, it appears to have closed down. It may have been a warning that my fear of poisoning pr…
Like many people, I’ll be looking to buy a few bottles of sweet, sweet booze for Christmas. I only need to pick up a few for gifts and for the house, and don’t have a large enough order to warrant a trip to the North. While doing some s…
By Catriona McGrath
I just never know what to do. How much do you tip a waiter? Should you tip the poor man who has driven in the pouring rain to deliver your dinner? Do you tip if you’re just getting a tea or coffee in the coffee shop? …
