Food and wine news.
ALLEZ, SUPERQUINN! Now in its ninth year, Superquinn's French autumn wine sale, which started on Wednesday, has an air of déja-vu, with more than 30 of the 50 or so wines on offer being familiar from previous years. Fine if you want to save a euro or two on an established favourite. For me, the two most exciting white wines are newcomers - Muscadet sur Lie L'Océane 2003, juicy and appetising (€7.99, RRP €10.29), and Quincy Jean-Claude Roux 2003, a gloriously smoky, aromatic version of Loire Sauvignon Blanc (€10.99, RRP €14.89).
On the red front, top ratings are divided between the new Château Négrit Montagne Saint Emilion 2001, with classic charm (€10.99, RRP €13.39) and familiar names such as Les Charmes de Kirwan Margaux 2001, light in this vintage but still seductive (€21.99, RRP €28.49), Château Notton Margaux 1999, savoury and harmonious (€19.99, RRP €24.99) and Guigal Côtes du Rhône 2001, good as ever (€9.99, RRP €12.49). The Languedoc selection is a little disappointing. -Mary Dowey
SPANISH NIGHT IN KILLALOE The Cherry Tree restaurant in Killaloe, Co Clare, is hosting a Torres wine dinner on Wednesday. Sommelier Christophe Brunet will present a selection of single-vineyard wines from Spain's best-known family-owned company, including the majestic, ageworthy Cabernet, Mas La Plana. Four-course meal and wines, €60. Contact Nick at 061-375688. -Mary Dowey
COOKIES WITH CONSCIENCE Fancy feeling smug while munching on some delicious "Baileys" or "RazzCherry" shortbread cookies? These and a special "passion log" (with pineapple and walnuts) have won silver medals at the UK's Great Taste awards. But they are made in Ireland, using free-range eggs and unadulterated flour. Tara's Handmade Quality Foods doesn't believe in preservatives, colourings or additives. Its facility uses renewable energy, and delivery to all outlets is made in recyclable boxes. The company was formed just two years ago by Tara and Michael Breen. Tara, who is from an Indian family, is especially proud of a bronze medal she also picked up for her Irish-Indian snack food, Namkin (below), which lately featured in Food and Wine's Hot 100. It's a sweet and spicy snack containing the humble Irish spud, but no flour, and is available from health food shops. Look out for Tara's cakes and bikkies in Clerys, Roches Stores, Butlers, Kylemores countrywide, and other delis and cafés, including the Joy of Coffee and Bagel Haven. If you'd like something wholesome made for a special occasion, you can contact Tara's Handmade Quality Foods in Dungarvan, Co Waterford on 058-44778. -Clare McCarthy