Category Archives: Foodies

I’m not going all Gordon Ramsay, uttering expletives and being profane, but I am going to talk about the other equally offensive ‘F’ word; FAT.   There is no doubt that this country, and indeed the western world, is in the grip … Continue reading →

I got the evil eye from one or two customers this week accompanied by a sharp tongued reprimand. Patrons of James Whelan Butchers are no shrinking violets. I committed the heinous crime in this very column of recently referring to dieters as … Continue reading →

Some hot news this week and God knows we need it after the recent weather we’ve been having.  While spring is just around the corner, it is still chilly enough for warming foods; stews, casseroles, mountains of mashed potatoes, rich gravies … Continue reading →

I’ve always been very fond of Scotland.  Perhaps it’s because the place and the people have a great deal in common with Ireland and so it just feels familiar.  While the stereotypes and the jokes would have us believe that every Scot … Continue reading →

It really is amazing how the simplest of ideas are so often the best and once they arrive we all wonder why nobody thought of it before.  When it comes to things culinary we expect new ideas from chefs, celebrity chefs … Continue reading →

There’s nothing like the pressure and stress of Christmas Day cooking to provide opportunity for calamity.  We want to impress, we look forward to the glory and praise for our culinary prowess but we’re aware that all the shops and restaurants … Continue reading →

Possibly the most glorious thing about having an interest in food and cooking is that you will never exhaust the endless combinations of ingredients and methods available to you.  The only limitation is your own imagination.  We create our own mental boundaries … Continue reading →

Mass emigration often takes with it more than just people. Those leaving take with them traditions that they cling to lovingly as it is often all they have to identify with in their new world. Customs are regarded with great … Continue reading →

I walked into a bank last week and they had a big flip chart set up in the middle of the floor with the number of days left to Christmas. Put in such stark numbers it does seem as if … Continue reading →