The Menu: Strawberry Fair
Apparently, Dear Old Dublin, though far from the largest population centre in Europe, nonetheless, has a larger urban footprint than most other European capitals, in other words, the epitome of urban sprawl. So you can imagine The Menu’s delight on hearing of Slow Food Dublin’s plans for an urban rooftop farm on top of the William’s and Wood’s building near Parnell Square, slap bang in the heart of the city. Naturally, a few bucks are required for such a venture so how about rustling up 50 of them to cover the cost of yourself and four other self-appointed gastronomic brainboxes competing in a fabulous food-related table quiz (July 29, Sugar Club). And even if you don’t fall asleep each night with your weary head resting on the Larousse Gastronomique, you can still have a bit of fun, swill back a few cocktails and even win a prize. www.slowfooddublin.com
The Menu has been forced to haul the sweat-lathered Neidin up onto the wagon and don the halter himself but travel he must for the Newcastle West Show, Co Limerick (July 19-21). It features South African chef/broadcaster Rozanne Stevens, who will oversee a Barn Dance in aid of charity and offer an exclusive BBQ masterclass (20 places, call 087-0995741). The is a very family-friendly afternoon affair with lashings of strawberries and cream (July 21) at the Strawberry Beds in Chapelizod (www.thegatheringireland.com). Seafood lovers should hasten to Féile na Mara on Achill Island (July 19-21), offering all sorts of piscine dining opportunities along with sandcastle competitions, talent contests and a demo from Neven Maguire (www.feilenamara.com) while in Clare, the Doonbeg Seafood Festival (July 26) operates along similar lines. www.doonbegseafoodfestival.com
On the guzzling front, the International Craft Brewing and Distilling Convention (July 18-20) is essential fare for anyone interested in the best of real Irish beer. Including Woodsongs concert with Paul Brady and Mary Black, plenty of ‘beer science’ and informative speakers. (www.alltechgathering.com) And talking of hooch, The Menu puts his burgeoning sherry expertise down to the recent receipt of the soon-to-be classic tome, Sherry, Manzanilla & Montilla, from the wonderful Bantry-based Liquid Curiousity, fast becoming a national treasure house for published gems covering the world of fine alcoholic beverages. www.liquidcuriosity.ie
In a land where the best grapes available are no more than second-rate supermarket imports, we have a fine tradition of country wine-making — The Menu himself has even tried his hand at a concoction or two. Other than the obvious apple and elderflower in Wine Of The Glen’s crisp, fresh Apple and Elderflower there are also hints of gooseberry and pine which go very nicely with roasted nuts and a sliver or two of fine smoked salmon. The Burren’s answer to a sauvignon blanc? www.wineoftheglen.ie
