The birthplace of Irish hospitality is undoubtedly east Cork thanks to Myrtle Allen and her Ballymaloe House and the market town of Midleton, long time host of one of the country’s original farmer’s markets, is the very natural HQ for the upcoming fEAST food festival (September 1-8) although events span the region.

A very special multi-course dinner in aid of two Cork charities will see four Cork Michelin-starred chefs come together, writes Joe McNamee.

The Menu is delighted to bring further detail to an item alluded to in last weekend’s column, news of what promises to be one of the highlights of this year’s culinary calendar, a fundraising dinner (April 29) in aid of two Leeside charities, Cork Penny Dinners, recent recipients of the prestigious Irish Food Writers’ Guild social responsibility award, and Cork Simon.

There’ll be no fear of too many cooks spoiling the broth when four Michelin star winning chefs join forces later this month to raise money for two Cork homeless charities.

All this week's food news from Joe McNamee.

We are super excited to have three new Michelin star restaurants in Co Cork: The Mews in Baltimore, West Cork under chef Ahmet Dede; Ichigo Ichie in Cork city owned by chef Takashi Miyazaki and Chestnut in Ballydehob with chef Rob Krawczyk (a Ballymaloe Cookery School alumni).

Bare stone walls, bright white low wooden-beamed ceilings, conservatory and the Zen simplicity of Rohan Reilly prints throughout — swish, yet entirely of its place in charming Baltimore by the sea.