The Menu: Gift vouchers and online cookery courses for Christmas
Charity fundraiser: Ahmet Dede, chef and co-proprietor of Dede at the Customs House in Baltmore
At the time of writing, Level 5 restrictions are still in effect but with the hope they will be eased next week allowing further travel. This would give greater access to what sounds like a most lovely outdoor event: a charity fundraiser in aid of St Vincent De Paul Skibbereen and Skibbereen Family Centre, to be held in Dede at The Customs House, in Baltimore. This is the venue where The Menu last summer enjoyed one of his most treasured of all culinary experiences, a very special dining experience in a year all too bereft of them.
Chef Ahmet Dede, formerly Michelin-starred chef of The Mews, and whom The Menu has no doubt would be Michelin-starred chef/co-proprietor (along with Maria Archer) of Dede at the Customs House were it not for Covid 19, will prepare a special kebab menu (beef, chicken and falafel, with flatbreads and sides) along with dessert, mulled wine and hot apple cider, mince pies, gingerbread cookies and plum pudding. In addition, there will be a wine tasting courtesy of Wines Direct, Cheese Tasting with Kevin Collins, of Field’s, in Skibbereen, and a gin tasting from West Cork Distillers. Tickets are just €15 a head (€9 for children) with a optional donations box for the tastings — and punters are invited to wear their finest Christmas hats and jumpers while Ahmet and Dede will furnish the live festive music. The in-house shop and deli will also be open, selling a range of fine sourdough breads, cakes, rotisserie chickens, salads and dips. All Covid 19 restrictions will be strictly observed in the covered heated outdoor courtyard to the rear of the restaurant and numbers will be limited with four sessions (noon, 2pm, 4pm and 6pm) and booking is essential. Tel. 087 2128345/028-48248. customhousebaltimore.com
