We're happy to report that wine fans are well catered for in this issue of Bite-Size - whether they'e after a special one-off experience or are keen to learn more about the whole wine world.
Irish food is front and centre too, with an exciting seafood and beer pairing evening on the way in Dublin and a new arrival bringing plant-focused Irish fare to all corners.
And, if your thoughts are starting to turn towards Christmas - maybe just a little - the new offering from Cliff has plenty of options for most budgets. Read on for all the info.
An evening to remember
On Wednesday 17 November the five-star Adare Manor in Co Limerick is hosting a special evening exploring the Bordeaux wines of Château Palmer of Margaux. With just 10 seats available, this exclusive event is in collaboration with Château Palmer and Forrestal Wine Merchants. Charles Sichel, co-owner of Château Palmer, Chris Myers, export director of Château Palmer, and Ron Forrestal of Forrestal Wine Merchants will all be sharing their expertise. Guests will get to experience eight wines on the night while Mike Tweedie, chef of Adare Manor’s Michelin-starred Oak Room, is creating a special six course menu for what’s sure to be a special evening. A non-resident ticket is €325 per person and an overnight stay for two in a deluxe room with breakfast and two seats at the event available for €1,175. To book, call 061 605 200. adaremanor.com
Local heroes
Teaming locally-made beers and food, the Dublin City Brewing Tasting Club launched back in February and takes place on the last Thursday of the month. For October, it’s teaming up with The Seafood Café by Niall Sabongi in Dublin’s Temple Bar. Unsurprisingly it’s a seafood-focused menu, with dishes paired with a range of beers and stouts. Head brewer Fergal Murray will offer insight on the beers and pairings during the evening. Guests will be able to enjoy the likes of Irish oysters and Irish stout infused soda bread, Aran Island crab on toast, grilled gambas prawns, whole grilled fish and Dublin City Brewing Irish Stout ice cream, while beers on the night will include Dublin City Brewing Irish Stout, Dublin City Brewing Pioneer Pilsner and Dublin City Brewing Patriot Pale Ale. Tickets are €110 for two and you can book here.
The Wild Rover
The Salt Project is a new nomadic food trailer that will be bringing Irish-inspired plant-focused street food to some of the island’s most scenic spots. It's the brainchild of Kildare-based chef, Caomhán de Bri. An experienced chef in his own right, de Bri also worked with Kwanghi Chan on the launch of Bites By Kwanghi, Chan's popular Asian street food truck, last year. The new food trailer is just the first element of The Salt Project, however, and next year will see the arrival of a Sligo wellness retreat and, later, boutique accommodation. You’ll find The Salt Project in Limerick’s Wickham Way Market on Fridays (12pm to 9.30pm) and Saturdays (9am to 4pm) - and mid-week in Rosses Point, Sligo. For further locations and opening hours, see thesaltproject.ie and Instagram.
Best in class
Virtual Vineyards is hosting a new in-person wine course later this month. Taking place in The Garden Hilton Hotel Dublin, with all Covid protocols adhered to, the 6 Week Wine Appreciation Course begins on Tuesday 26 October. Founder Brigid O’Hora is a WSET-trained sommelier who has many years of experience in the wine industry. In March 2020 she launched Bridey’s Wine Chats, which offered free Insta-Live wine tastings, and then launched Virtual Vineyards in September 2020. Priced at €185, the course will covers the vineyard, the winery and prominent wine-producing countries, as well as food and wine pairings. To book or for more information see virtualvineyards.ie.
Feeling festive
If you’re starting to think about Christmas gifts (December 25th will come up fast!), shopping for the food lover in your life might be a little easier this year. The Christmas shop at Cliff at Lyons is opening on 29 October and if you can’t get to Kildare, it’s online too. There’s a lovely array of hampers and gift boxes available featuring products from some of Ireland’s best artisans and makers. There’s everything from a Ballyshane bread board (€35) and a Criostal na Rinne Cló decanter (€280) to a jar of The Pantry at CLIFF’s luxury brandy butter (€6). We’ve got our eyes on the hampers though - including the spectacular Cliff Nollaig hamper (€500), pictured above. There will also be a selection available from Brown Thomas.
