The Menu: Milan at the Mardyke

The Menu has espied the first speed-bump in the road, threatening new year resolutions to re-consecrate his body as the renowned temple of yore and lore — a splendid weekend of food and wine at the delightful Knockranny House hotel, in Westport, Co Mayo (Feb 1-2). The Menu’s monastic discipline cannot be questioned, but when faced with a tasting dinner cooked by legendary chef, Seamus Commons, and wine pairings by sommelier, Nick Faujours, The Menu foresees a grave crumbling in his resolve.

The knowledgeable sommelier is also hosting a wine clinic the same weekend. Attendees should bring along a bottle of their favourite wine and Faujours will expand their horizons, suggesting other wines on the basis of their original bottle. The Menu’s only salvation lies in taking his running shoes to the nearby, recently opened Great Western Greenway walking and cycling route. Better still, he may persuade Mrs Menu to take the running shoes along for him, while The Menu pops back into ‘Dr’ Faujours’ clinic for another restorative transfusion. www.knockrannyhousehotel.ie