The obituary writers have been busy this year and the case is equally true in the wine world.

by Anthony Quinn

Esther N McCarthy invited Michelin-starred chef Andy McFadden into her kitchen to pass on some of his expertise and, more importantly, help up her serve up a two-course delight for her beloved.

While Neidín may be enjoying the downtime and a well-deserved rest, stamping hoofprints all over his regular postcards from Torremolinos, The Menu has the maps and charts spread out all over the table in the war-room, planning for the 2015 culinary campaign ahead. 

The wife of celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay has told a judge of her “extremely distressing” discovery that her father and brother were “systematically defrauding” her husband.

Hoping for a repeat of last summer’s heatwave? From food to family, couples to city breaks, here are 10 top holidays at home for the year ahead.

Brian Canty gets a taste for the easy-going ambiance of Neven Maguire’s cookery school.

David Beckham has become an uncle for the fifth time.

WOW. It’s a small word with a big impact, and one used unsparingly in Vegas.

Gordon Ramsey has given fellow chef Jamie Oliver a roasting about his weight.

David Beckham is opening a restaurant with his friend Gordon Ramsey.

While the pre-theatre dinner is a great boon to the restaurateurs, The Menu confesses to finding such dining to be overly rushed so is much taken with the Ballyvolane House solution, whereby the theatre comes to the diners.

Cookbooks have come a long way since the first one was published 3,500 years ago.

BEFORE we delve into me and all things related to, let’s just cut to the chase and get to why we’re here: Celebrities! ‘Who have you met since you’ve been in Hollywood?

PASTA sauce isn’t difficult to make. It’s even difficult to make badly once you have bought good quality ingredients. There is huge scope for flavours and textures and it’s worth diverting from the classic tomato sauce to try some simple combinations. A simple blend of chopped anchovies warmed in olive oil, fresh tomatoes chopped with a handful of fresh parsley or basil when they comes into season makes a healthy meal. Or try peas with olive oil for an Italian classic. Use leftover roasted peppers with tomatoes and garlic for peperonade, another tasty vegetarian option. For a creamier, silky sauce try some cream with smoked or fresh salmon.

IRELAND may be the proud holder on the largest gathering of people dressed as Wally, but we are positively normal when it comes to some record-breakers in the latest Guinness Book of Records.

IT’S no easy task being in charge of the kitchens on the world’s second largest luxury liner that produces more than 100,000 main courses a week.

A DRUG baron and his wife who splashed out millions on a “vulgar” champagne lifestyle have been ordered to pay back their illegal earnings.

Amy Winehouse has been voted the ultimate heroine by UK youngsters in a poll.

GARDAÍ are searching for a gang that stole thousands of euro worth of designer clothes and tableware from a warehouse in Co Cork.

CULINARY kings and queens were left staring dismally at their unused ladles this week. It seems every gourmand and novice chef must wait a little longer to taste the most raved about supper in town.

WATERFORD Wedgwood has agreed a joint venture with Ballymore Properties to redevelop land at its Kilbarry crystal manufacturing site.

JUST over half of Waterford Wedgwood shareholders have agreed to back the company’s latest fundraising drive.

WATERFORD Wedgwood's nightmare year has continued with first half sales and profits sliding further.

Teen sensation Charlotte Church and rockers Coldplay were among the winners at Tuesday's GQ Awards in London.

CLAUDIO RANIERI has likened his job at Chelsea to that of a cordon bleu chef, striving to blend the right ingredients into a sumptuous feast – and he is determined to depose Alex Ferguson as the Gordon Ramsey of English football.