DOES the idea of acquiring such deft cookery skills that folk will greet your meals with applause sound like a neat idea? If it does, consider this: I once ate dinner at John Desmond's Island Cottage restaurant, on Heir Island in West Cork, and when it was over and the chef peeked his head out of the kitchen, the congregation of the dining room - man, woman and child - burst into spontaneous applause. I have never witnessed the like before or since, and it was richly deserved.
What has this got to do with you? Well, Mr Desmond is planning to hold one and two day cookery courses during March, April and May. After the five minute jaunt across to the island on the boat, there is a morning class which is practical, a leisurely lunch with wine followed by a stroll around Heir Island, then an afternoon demonstration.
The classes are designed for one and two people, and can be tailored to individual requirements. They will cost £69 per person for the one day class, £99 for the two day. You can hear the applause ringing already, can't you?
John Desmond, Lland Cottage. Heir Island, Skibbereen, Co Cork tel: (028) 38102