The Menu: Al fresco smoked mackerel
The Menu is becoming increasingly persuaded of the merits of fine beer as an occasional substitute for his beloved vimto when dining. He recently washed down some al fresco smoked mackerel with a bottle of the superb White Gypsy’s Dubbel, a crisp, sharp hoppy brew picked up in the wonderful Bradley’s, of North Main St, and from that very emporium picked up two more terrific new local Cork additions to the Irish craft beer world, Mountain Man Pale Ale and the very fine Kinsale Pale Ale. We truly are in a golden age of Irish brewing, but those still in need of some persuasion would do well to get themselves to The Irish Craft Beer and Cider Festival, RDS, Dublin (Sept 5-8), featuring an assembly of superb Irish brewers and distillers, showcasing beers, cider and whiskey along with live music and artisan food stalls. Also, Irish Craft Beer Week (from Aug 30) in selected independent pubs and off-licences nationwide. www.irishcraftbeerfestival.com.
