Food waste is one of the world’s biggest sustainability issues, but one which is easily preventable with the introduction of education.

There is really nothing in The Menu’s world to beat the breaking of bread with old friends, family, and neighbours and, equally, with strangers who might have the potential to become part of those previously listed tribes, which is why he is always delighted to make mention of Street Feast (May 5), Ireland’s annual day of street parties and community lunches, which last year saw 130,000 people take part in over 1,280 street feasts.

The Menu only ever believes the season proper has begun with the annual advent of the West Waterford Festival of Food (April 26-28), in delightful Dungarvan.

Joe McNamee plates up the latest in food news.

Where would our top chefs eat if they had the pick of world’s restaurants? And who would they dine with? Four of the biggest names in Irish food reveal their dream 24 hours of dining to Joe McNamee.

John and Francis Brennan are “thrilled” at taking the title of Ireland’s best hotel restaurant.

THE actor Tom Murphy who died tragically young will long be remembered for his role in the Laurel and Hardy junkie movie Adam and Paul and for his Tony award-winning performance in Druid Theatre’s The Beauty Queen of Leenane.

The Menu is, naturally, swathed in green this weekend, raising a glass to the Oul’ Sod and all who eat in her, recalling another splendid celebration of fine Irish produce and producers last week in Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud for the Irish Food Writers’ Guild’s annual awards beano. 

The Alltech Craft Brews & Food Fair takes place on Feb 23-25 in the Dublin Convention Centre, and features some of Joe McNamee’s his favourite local tipples.

On the pig’s back

The Menu’s annual accolades saluting the people and achievements that stood out in Ireland’s culinary calendar in 2016.

Neidín is already on the steroids getting ready to haul The Menu’s enormous carcass west to one of his most favourite annual food outings, The Dingle Food Festival (Sept 30-Oct 2) in association with the Blás na hÉireann National Irish Food Award.

Taking its inspiration from TED’s 15-minute talks, a bold new food conference has invited the world’s top chefs to Galway to discuss the future of food. Michelle Darmody meets some of the key players.

While a rather piqued Mrs Menu has, betimes, decided the best place for The Menu’s exquisitely plated edible creations is languishing on the wall just behind his head...

There comes a time in spring when The Menu pokes his nose into the air and draws deep a draught from the east, checking the wind for first stirrings of his beloved West Waterford Festival of Food in Dungarvan (April 10-14).

Vintage rally to launch new cider

Kai Café + Restaurant, Sea Road, Galway 091-526003, kaicaferestaurant.com