James comes over to Carlow a couple of times a year and he usually brings me over a few products that I simply cannot get in Ireland. Vanilla tea - while there are a couple of varieties available in Irish shops they're simply not as good as the Twining's one Adelscott beer - I've been drinking this beer on and off since some time in the early 90s. Even in France it's not … [Read more...] about French Beer, Herbal Tea & Cured Meat
food
Not Your Ordinary Chicken
I had dinner the other evening in Rouge Tomate in Brussels. The main course was: “Coq des prés” chicken filet with seared foie gras, mustard breaded spinach, farro and a thyme and white Sancerre reduction It was incredible. A fantastic combination of flavours in a lovely setting … [Read more...] about Not Your Ordinary Chicken
Pasta, kale & anchovies with chilli & garlic plus lemon juice
I've been cooking with kale quite a bit over the last couple of weeks. Kale is incredibly healthy, but is probably best described as "an acquired taste". Personally I really like it, though I know a lot of people don't. The below shot is of pasta, kale & anchovies with chilli & garlic plus lemon juice. I've been making this on and off over the last year, but I think … [Read more...] about Pasta, kale & anchovies with chilli & garlic plus lemon juice
Arty farty décors
Arty farty décors in a restaurant in Nantes. The food was very good too! … [Read more...] about Arty farty décors
Presentation Plus Taste
Good restaurants combine both excellent taste with nice presentation. This chocolate cake is incredibly decadent and the presentation is amazing - each plate gets a slightly different "flower" design! … [Read more...] about Presentation Plus Taste