FOOD FILE:L'aperitif, or aperitivo, depending on whether you're downing those cocktails in France or Italy, is such a civilised idea - an appetite stimulating pre-dinner drink accompanied by a few tasty nibbles to keep hunger at bay. The concept gets an airing in Ireland this month, with French-inspired promotions at Donnybrook Fair foodstores combined with free aperitif demonstration classes at cookery schools around the country, and an Italian-style Campari aperitivo offer at Harvey Nichols First Floor bar in Dundrum.
The French event runs until August 2nd at Donnybrook Fair shops in Dublin and Greystones, and online at www.greatfood.ie - where you'll find recipe sugegstions, and a chance to win a four-day trip for two to Bordeaux, staying at Château Magnol. The cookery school demos are at Just Cooking in Killarney (July 16th and 24th; tel: 066-9793660); The Kitchen in the Castle in Howth (July 17th; tel: 01-8396182 ) and The Cookery School at Donnybrook Fair in Dublin (July 24th; tel: 01-6683556). Contact the schools directly to book your place.
In Harvey Nichols, if you buy two summery drinks from the Campari aperitivo collection between 6pm and 7.30pm, you'll receive a complimentary selection of Italian canapes. You can also pick up a Campari aperitivo hamper (€50) stuffed with Italian goodies.
The real deal
Dunnes Stores has stolen a march on other retail chains by getting the truly excellent dairy products from Yeats Country Foods, a small family company in the north-east, on its shelves first, and at a great price. We tried the award-winning organic soft cheese (€1.49/150g) and were very impressed. It has the texture of clotted cream, and tastes superb, with a lovely tangy, lactic kick. The range also includes crème fraiche, sour cream, and a dinky set of three different sour cream and cheese dips (€1.69/3x60g). www.yeatscountryfoods.com.
WEB WATCH
www.kitchendresser.net
A roll call of top-brand kitchen equipment brands, from Bugatti to Wusthof, which can be ordered online and delivered anywhere in Ireland for €8 (or free if you spend more than €50). This quirky kitchen tools set by Bugatti costs €28.95.