Hot tip

Cork Free Choice Consumer Association: On February 28 at the Crawford Gallery Cafe you can learn how to grow your own fruit and nuts, when to plant, how to prune and care for apple and nut trees, raspberries, strawberries, etc. With Paul McCormick and Jacinta French of Woodkerne Nurseries, John Baker, Caroline Robinson and other experts. Admission, €6, including tea, coffee, etc.

Nautilus Restaurant at the Inn by the Harbour, Ballycotton: Leo and Nessa Babin are serving delicious food on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings from 6.30-9.00pm and lunch on Sunday from 12.30-5pm. Overlooking the harbour in Ballycotton, the menu features steak and chips, boeuf bourgignon, fish and chips, butternut squash risotto, indian lamb curry, crème brulee, chocolate brownie, apple tart and more. Booking recommended, tel: [phone] or 087-6135897.

* Good Things Café, Durrus, Co Cork: Carmel Somers at Good Things in Durrus received great praise in the 2008 Bridgestone Guide for her delicious ham sandwich — made with local ham and crusty bread — one of the restaurants around the country that does highlight local produce. Congratulations also to Good Things for having been recognised with a Michelin Bib Gourmand Award for the third year in a row, only one of 12 restaurants in Ireland to receive the award, which recognises “good food at moderate prices”. Tel: [phone] or see www.bridgestoneguides.com.

* Lafont Porcelain Enamelled Cast Iron Cookware is available from URRU shops in Mallow and Bandon. Round French oven, Oval au Gratin, Buffet Casserole, Skillet and Pan Grill — in wonderful colours with hardwood knobs. Mallow: 022-53192, Bandon: 023-54731. Nip in for a look and enjoy a delicious coffee and sweet bite or a light lunch.