The Menu wrestled with his conscience as he was dearly tempted not to advertise at all a Slow food West Cork dinner (April 27) in Pilgrim’s Restaurant, in Rosscarbery, and instead snaffle up the tickets himself, for it is an asparagus feast, a tasting menu based around the sublime green spear, which is just now coming into season.

THE Travel Classics International Writers conference has been held in Ireland several times over the past 19 years. This year it was held at Ballymaloe House and surrounding area. The delegates included some of the most prestigious food and travel editors and writers in the world. The weather was good, the country side looked beautiful and they really enjoyed the fresh food from the farm, gardens, local fishermen and artisan producers.