The Food and Wine magazine Christmas show took place from 30th of November to the 2nd of December in the main hall of the RDS in Dublin.
This event was a perfect opportunity to taste and discover Irish products and attend chefs’ masterclasses.
I took a few pictures of the stalls and products I loved. This post might help you to buy Christmas gifts and even make your own hampers of beautiful Irish products to offer to your loved ones.
Hampers and Co’s stall was very Christmassy. They’re a luxury hamper and gift company that provides a delivery service. I fell in love with their beautiful picnic baskets.
Award winning Ballyhoura Apple Farm had many juices to taste. Their mulled apple juice is the perfect alternative for people who don’t drink alcohol and wants a Christmassy drink.
We tasted some delicious cheeses from Cooleeney Farm and of course brought some home, we loved the baked Cooleeney in its terracotta dish.
The queue at Jane Russell’s, winner of Food and Wine Artisan of the year 2012, was massive and the gorgeous smell of sausages was so tempting.
The best olive oil in the world, Masia El Altet from Spain which has won many international awards was present too.
Gran Clarke’s Bakery based in Kilcoole co. Wicklow had an Irish tea brack to die for. So moist and delicious, it didn’t last long in our home.
A few masterclasses were on while I was there, with Donal Skehan and Michelin starred Oliver Dunne showing the public how to make some nice Christmas recipes.
Keoghs had a great stall with their “I love spuds” branding products and samples of their crisps. They were launching their limited edition Roast Turkey and Secret stuffing flavour at the show.
We attended an interesting Cava tasting seminar given by Mary Dowey, wine editor of The Gloss Magazine. We tasted Freixenet Cordon Negro Brut, Faustino Cava Brut Reserva and Joan Raventos Rosell Brut Reserva Heretat. The second one was my favourite.
I had a succulent Chorizo and egg bap form Cava restaurant Galway. It only cost €5 for a tasty lunch which I enjoyed till the last bite.
I was served with a smile at Ballymoe Country Relish’s stall, when I purchased some lovely gift sets. They also had a fun Facebook photo booth where people were getting their picture taken.
I had a big crush on Pukara Estate’s products sold by Jen’s Gourmet Foods Belfast. They had delicious flavoured extra virgin oils with, for example, lime or wasabi flavours. I bought the fig balsamic vinegar that is absolutely divine.
The Scullery’s Christmas pudding and brandy butter was so tasty!
This event definitely put me into a Christmassy mood and I was happy with my yummy purchases. It was a great way to start the festive season. “It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas”.
Don't miss the show next time!
Food and Wine Magazine Christmas Show
www.foodandwineshow.ie/
Click on the name of each company for more info about their products.