Cafe society:Some months back I was walking down Grafton Street and came across a wonderful string quartet being led by an animated young man on a violin.
As you would expect they played all the classics and, due to some fine musicianship and the flamboyant style of the conductor/violinist, drew a large, mesmerised crowd. Somewhat caught up in the moment, I remember thinking that this was perhaps what a young Beethoven might have looked like if he grew up in Dublin and had a penchant for busking. The young man in question is Vladimir Jablokov, conductor, founder and solo player of the Slovak Festival Orchestra, who are resident at Léon Bistro on Exchequer Street in Dublin every Saturday from 8.30-11pm. For bookings call 01-6707238. Michael Kelly
Smokin' in birmingham
Graham Roberts of the family-run Connemara Smokehouse in Ballyconneely, Co Galway, who describes himself as "a small artisanal producer", will be up on stage at the BBC Good Food Show at the NEC in Birmingham on Wednesday morning talking about his fish smoking and curing methods in an interview with Jimmy Doherty of the BBC2 programme, Jimmy's Farm. Roberts has already appeared on Nationwide on RTÉ, and was one of Rick Stein's Food Heroes. See www.smokehouse.ie. Marie-Claire Digby.
New year, new you
We know it's still a month until the big day, but if you're already wondering what the best way will be to shift those Christmas kilos, how about signing up with Bootcamp Ireland? It holds hour-long sessions around Dublin, two evenings a week, where its instructors will put you through your post-turkey-and-ham paces. If that sounds a bit too Full Metal Jacket, the group also organises nights out and trips away, including skiing. So you can replace any calories you burn in the week when you get to the bar at the weekend. That's probably not the kind of behaviour that Bootcamp Ireland recommends, but it sounds like the perfect bodily equilibrium to us. A course of 16 sessions costs €150. Why not buy a voucher for a friend or loved one? Although you'll have to head along as well, of course. It would be too cruel to let them go alone. Wouldn't it? www.bootcampireland.com, 086-3836020. Liam Stebbing.
On the banks of the blackwater
Is there a better way to make the most of a winter weekend than booking Sunday lunch in the elegant surroundings of Longueville House, followed by a flute and harp recital given by Karin Leitner and Diane Marshall? Yes, there is - take advantage of reduced accommodation rates and book an overnight stay in William and Aisling O'Callaghan's elegant Georgian house on the banks of the Blackwater in Mallow, Co Cork. The next recital takes place on December 2nd and the cost for champagne on arrival, lunch and the concert is €80, with B&B an additional €100 per person sharing. Lunch is served at 12.45pm and advance booking is required. If you need another reason to visit this lovely country house, a two-day Christmas shopping event next Tuesday and Wednesday evenings at 7.30pm will provide an opportunity to make a start on the gift-gathering. Finger food and champagne will be served as shoppers browse the stalls selling jewellery, shoes and handbags, children's clothes, skincare products, perfumes, soft furnishings and interiors accessories. While you're there, stock up on William's fabulous food products, including preserves and chutneys, honey, house-smoked salmon, wild game terrines, lamb sausage, olive savoury cake, herb-infused vinaigrettes and pesto, fruit liqueurs, chocolates and jellies. See www.longuevillehouse.ieor call 022-47156. Marie-Claire Digby.
Musoswill be heading to the Other Voices concerts in Dingle next week, where woolly hats are de rigueur. Possibly the best place in the country to buy them is the shop called Commodum in Main Steet, where Irish traditional tweeds and knits are shown off at their very best. These jaunty beasts cost from €19.50 to €29.50. www.commodum.com