Theatre of Food 2016

The theatre of food is a wonderful oasis in the middle of electric picnic created by John & Sally McKenna

This year I was one of the lucky chefs invited to participate in the festivities on the Friday I took to the stage to demo my carrageen moss dessert while I had a few technical issues with the hob it was great fun with Martin from fishy fishy 

On the Saturday, I took part in a chefs debate alongside Chefs Caitlin, Paul Gearoid and Gary it was great to have so many chefs in one place 

The whole weekend was magic picking up a few gigs here and their but more importantly enjoying the social side of chefs getting together and having some fun but the chats and discussions that went on passing in knowledge and forming lasting friendships will stay with me it's a credit to he vision of John and Sally McKenna that have created this wonderful oasis that is theatre of food truely greatful to have had the opportunity to join the cast this year 

From the green room to the main arena everyone looked out for each over

And the chefs were even dancing on the seats

And on the stage

And serenaded and drummed to by a cookie making legend 

Selfies galore 

And team Cork did Cork proud 

Thank you John & Sally our industry is  truly lucky to have you guys doing what you do

An Irish farmers answer to Ribena

 Mr Jeffares cordial available in Bradelys north Main Street Cork http://www.bradleysofflicence.ie/about-us/

 is delicious with ice cream will go great with sparkling wine, desserts and game going into the winter months beautiful flavour if you'd like to find out more

http://www.mrjeffaresblackcurrants.ie

Local & seasonal

Beautiful pan fried hake with irish baby beetroot a from Brendan Guinan beans & tomatoes for sauce from Caroline's veg at the coal quay farmers market & hake from O'Connells of the English Market

Do you know the way?

Can you tell me how to get to Fenn's Quay? 10 minutes from the General Post Office down Oliver Plunkett Street, right at the fountain, left at Singer's Corner, down Washington street, right by The Bailey Bar by the Courthouse, and left at Bladze hair dressers and there we are.

Greetings from Cork

Good morning!!! Summer has come to Cork!

Cider, brandy, liqueurs & lamb roasting on a open fire... It has to be Longueville House

Sunday 21/4 a day when for the first time in a while I didn't have somewhere to go something to do or something to work on yes it was a day off so what to do ? Head off to somewhere where I could relax eat and gather some knowledge on cider making and brandy so with mum we headed to Longueville House Mallow.

Just passed Cork Race Cork you take a right hand turn and then take a left up the avenue that brings you through the estate you'll spot a pheasant or two the gentle giants of trees that line the way to the main house the view over the black water valley is breath taking we open the big door and the hall way is welcoming with the most amazing ceiling we are led into the drawing room where the fire lights and the lamb legs roast on the fire the friendly manager explains that is one of the main courses the room is full of the aroma and gets the taste buds going this room also beautiful .
We were early for our booking which meant it gave us time for coffee and a chat with Aishling O'Callaghan whom with her husband William are longueville house And third generation in this house the history of longueville house is very interesting and worth a read it explains what they are today

In the drawing room you are greeted by a waft of roasting lamb on the open fire this really sets the food craving going we are bought to the dining room where the buffet starters are all laid out the chef takes us through each dish from homemade sausage rolls from their own pigs to succulent lamb spring rolls many salad options terrines & pâtés

The linen the table ware the comfort the food the view I was truly for the first time in a while relaxing after seeing the lamb I decided that would be my main it did not disappoint it was superb after a little break we had dessert again a fabulous selection from brûlée to chocolate cake and a selection of cheeses

The service was superb and nothing i could fault and something I will take from it the experience the day the talk with William & Aishling it is a place where you can switch off from reality and relax

Local Fish from The English Market

Just collecting my fish for Fenns Quay tonight from The English Market.

Morning light

Beautiful sunlight this morning.