New Food Movement

The English Market was a hive of activity last evening for the launch of Ireland's new food movement, LocalMarkets.ie, but there was plenty more than honey on the menu. More than 200 guests were treated to delicious gourmet dishes, produce and wines from 25 award-winning Cork producers who are taking part in the new venture LocalMarkets.ie. The new web service sources the finest products and gourmet meals from producers in your local area, and allows you to them delivered to your door within 48 hours.

The Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr. Michael O'Connell was on hand to launch the new initiative, along with TD Simon Coveney and author and personality Diarmuid O¹Drisceol. Mr Coveney called the new food movement a great undertaking for Irish producers, and all the speakers gave a nod to the many producers who have banded together to create the initiative to support local produce and local companies.

Speaking about the launch, LocalMarkets innovator Rory McCann said,We're not a supermarket, we're a movement and we want people to join the movement and celebrate and enjoy locally produced food. He went on to say that his hope is that this initiative will encourage people in Ireland not only to reconnect with their local producers but also to get cooking in their own homes. To help consumers connect with their local food community, the site ­ which was just shortlisted by the Irish Web Awards as one of Ireland's most innovative websites ­ is packed with info about the producers so consumers can learn where they came from and what they stand for.

It¹s really important for us to reconnect consumers with their local artisan and speciality food and drink producers and to strongly encourage local trade, Rory McCann said. There has been a lot of talk recently about reducing food miles and this is an easy way for consumers to incorporate that practice into their own lives ­ without having to give up their favourite fresh, seasonal and tasty food and drink.

If the enthusiastic response to the launch is anything to go by, Rory and his team are hopeful that this support will, in turn, help to retain jobs and benefit local communities throughout the country. It has become their mission to give consumers throughout the country access to the largest range of range of artisan food and drink in all categories from bakery to cheese to fish, meats and speciality foods.

TO read more about this event go to bibliocook.ie and http://blogs.ireland.com/thecorkfoodblog/

Welcome to the Good Food Circle

It is my great pleasure to announce that Jola’s Restaurant is the newest member of the Kinsale Good Food Circle. It is a great honour have joined such an excellent group of restaurants and to have an opportunity to take part in the 34th annual Kinsale Gourmet Festival.

Restaurants in Kinsale have always prided themselves on their high reputation for culinary expertise, and the Good Food Circle allows us to work to together to ensure the we offer a diversity of cuisine with a guarantee of quality, service, comfort and ambiance and, of course, fine dining.

The first event in my Good Food Circle Calendar is the Gourmet Food Festival, which happens every October. As this is the first year Jola’s Restaurant has been a part of this terrific weekend event, we will be pulling out all the stops to make sure each and every guest through our door has fine dining experience they will never forget. Jola’s Restaurant prides itself not only on the food we produce; but also on being a feast for the eyes: a blending of the traditional with the contemporary, European elegance with Irish charm. We are delighted to be part of the Good food Circle so that we can share our passion with an even greater audience. If you are keen to check out what’s on offer during this terrific weekend see below for details or check out the Good Food Circle website for more info and ticket information: www.kinsalerestaurants.com.
Friday 8th October

3pm Cookery demonstration & Wine Reception with Kinsale & RTE's Martin Shanahan of "Martin's Mad About Fish" fame!
Venue: White Lady Hotel Sponsored by Pallas Foods 

6.30pm Official Opening at the White Lady Hotel.
Bollinger reception with canapés from the Good Food Circle, hosted by members of The Kinsale Good Food Circle.

8pm Dine out at the GFC restaurant of your choice!


Participating Restaurants : Restaurant D'Antibes, The Blue Haven,The Captains Table @ Actons Hotel, Crackpots, Jim Edwards, Maxs Wine Bar, Man Friday, Pier One @ The Trident Hotel, Toddies, White Lady, Fishy Fishy


Festival Club

Saturday 9th October
– The Mad Hatters Taste Of Kinsale.



11.30am – Join Alice, the Mad Hatter, March Hare and the Fieldmouse for an escorted tour of the 12 Members of Kinsale’s Good Food Circle who will present spectacular dishes from their kitchens bearing testimony to the culinary skills of the chefs of Kinsale.


The event kicks off with a sparkling reception in Acton's Hotel, sponsored by Christy's Wines & Spirits, where your guide will then escort you to each of the four tasting venues to sample fine cuisine, complimented by selected wines from our Festival wine sponsors.

8pm – Dine out at the GFC restaurant of your choice.
Participating Restaurants : Restaurant D'Antibes, The Blue Haven,The Captains Table @ Actons Hotel, Crackpots, Jim Edwards, Maxs Wine Bar, Man Friday, Pier One @ The Trident Hotel, Toddies, White Lady, Fishy Fishy, Jolas Restaurant


Sunday 10th October– 1.00pm Fruits de Mer, Actons Hotel, Kinsale Suite
Take your seat for a superb afternoon of fun & frolics with MC Derek Davis.


Enjoy a mouth watering four course lunch to include lobster, crab, prawns etc, accompanied by delicious wines sponsored by Torres Mas Rabell. 
Freshly roasted coffees compliments of BEWLEYS

Then dance the evening away with the Aristocrats.