Ice Cream Ireland

But could they have done it with ice cream? Via Trust Tommy.

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 I am ashamed to admit that I’ve never been to the Listowel Food Fair, since something has always seemed to come up with the business during it, but I am going this year (it’s on from the 5th  – 8th of November), no matter what. I have heard so much great feedback over the years, and I’ve just been looking through the website. The lineup is most impressive. From the farmhouse cheese awards to Organics with Attitude to a children’s food art workshop, I’d say there would be something for everyone.

There’s even a seminar for artisan producers!

Check it out if you can.

Technorati tags: listowel, food, fair, kerry, ireland

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Today, we had to go to Tralee to pick up a few bits and pieces for the baby, and we stopped in for lunch at the Kingdom Food & Wine Store in Oakpark. Anyone in Tralee feeling peckish or looking for some interesting food products should check it out. They have a great range of gourmet foods, an impressive selection of wines, and delicious sandwiches and other goodies.

It’s on the Listowel Road and within easy walking distance to the bus/train station, so stop in if you’re heading on a trip!

Technorati tags: Tralee, deli, food, wine, Kingdom, Kerry

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 I had a long but enjoyable day today in West Cork, visiting customers and chasing down a few leads. It’s really a remarkably beautiful part of the country. My first port of call was Barleycove Beach Hotel in Goleen. Under new ownership, it looks like it will be a tasty port of call for anyone travelling the area, with a chef trained in a Michelin starred restaurant and a real commitment to fresh, local ingredients. I can tell you the ice cream ain’t bad, either . Below is a little video of Martin, the owner, and the blue flag beach.

I ended up in Kinsale, visiting the new Blue Haven Gourmet Store, that stocks our ice cream.

I also met with someone about a scooping cabinet. So, there’s a possibility there will be Murphys ice cream cones to be had by this summer in Kinsale!

Technorati tags: Cork, barleycove, food, kinsale, ireland

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 If you find yourself in Tralee around lunchtime, there’s an excellent place to get a sandwich or other nibbles on Courthouse Lane in the middle of town. It’s called French Flair, and they not only make their own bread but have a good selection of cheeses, meats, etc. They have a good wine selection, as well as chocolates and other gourmet nibbles.

They have added a new cafe, and although I didn’t have time to sample their wares, it looks cute and comfortable.

Technorati tags: Tralee, deli, French Flair, Kerry

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 I’m just back from Kinsale, where I was one of the speakers at a Soho Solo Ireland event.

I really like Kinsale. For all of the chains that have been creeping in many places, it’s still full of boutiques and interesting bites of food. We ate lunch at Cucina on Market Street, and I can certainly recommend it.

The crab tart special was very yummy and came topped with Caesar salad (photo above).

I do feel for anyone trading in that town, though. The streets are still dug up (how long has it been?), and it must be quite a challenge to keep going.

After our experience in Killarney, I know what that kind of disruption is like. Best of luck to all of them!

Technorati tags: Cork, restaurant, food, kinsale, ireland

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Anyone who is in business for themselves in a small office or home office, who would like an excuse to visit beautiful Kinsale, might consider a conference this Friday put on by Soho Solo Ireland.

It’s called “Reinventing Oneself in These Challenging Times,” and the keynote speaker is Lord David Putnam, the producer of Chariots of Fire, the Mission, etc. My own humble self will also be saying a few words.

It’s on at the Kinsale Yacht Club Friday, Feb 20th from 10:00am to 2:00pm. Cost is €45 for non-members and €20 for members.

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 Acting on a tip from Mr. Mulley, I booked into the Cork International Airport Hotel since I’m off to Japan early tomorrow morning. It’s astonishing value for money at the moment (parking is also half the long-term airport parking price), and whatever some might think about the decor, it sure is fun.

Dinner was had at Cafe Paradiso, and once again it didn’t disappoint. Denis Cotter still has the best restaurant in Cork in my opinion,  and it made me happy to see it packed and buzzing. Anyone wanting to eat there should know they have cut back their lunch service in an effort to streamline. I hope that’s a temporary thing, since one would certainly hope that such quality is rewarded, no matter the economic climate. 

Next post from Tokyo!

Technorati tags: Cork, airport, hotel, cafe paradiso, restaurant

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