Cork people know a good thing when they see it, so it should come as no surprise that Taste of Cork (June 27-29th) is to join Taste of Dublin (June 12th-15th) on the summer events calendar, writes Marie-Claire Digby
These festivals of food and drink bring top restaurants together
to showcase their specialities, which they put on sale in
tasting-plate sizes. There will also be cookery demonstrations by
celebrity chefs, including Rachel Allen (above), product promotions
and musical entertainment. Cork City Gaol is the venue for the
southern fixture, while in the capital the Iveagh Gardens will once
again play host.
Tickets from
www.ticketmaster.ie.
Dream kitchen
If you are thinking about upgrading your kitchen appliances, you can see the Gaggenau range in action in a SieMatic kitchen at a series of cookery classes in houseworks on Upper Erne Street in Dublin 2 next month. You won't actually get your hands on the expensive pieces of kit, but you'll get to see them put through their paces by tutors Ruth Wassel and Rozanne Stevens as they prepare a spring menu. The classes are on April 2nd, 16th and 30th, at 7pm and reservations can be made on 01-6769511. The €85 fee sounds pricey, but if you're actively considering buying into the brand, it could be money well spent. You'll also get to eat the food that's prepared, and have a glass or two of wine.
Calling young chefs
Young chefs between the ages of 10 and 18 years will be able to
demonstrate their culinary prowess in the Tesco Young Chef of the
Year 2008 competition, the winners of which (juniors aged between
10 and 13, and seniors aged between 14 and 18) will each win
€3,000 family holiday vouchers, computers for their schools,
and work experience with chef Derry Clarke of L'Écrivain
restaurant. The brief is to devise a nutritionally balanced main
course and dessert using ingredients costing no more than €25
which are available in Tesco stores. Regional heats will lead to a
grand final in Dublin in May.
Entry forms are available instore, or you can enter online at
www.tesco.ie/youngchef. The closing date is April 2nd.
WEB WATCH: www.foodari.com
Create an online cookery book using your own, and other people's favourite recipes, or search for inspiration when you just can't decide what to cook.