Limerick’s very own, Pandora Bell’s Honey Nougat is the celebrity gift item of the summer, with A- listers like Tiger Woods, Samuel L and Westlife all receiving Pandora Bell gifts at the JP McManus Pro Am.
But all golf enthusiasts can get in on the action, as the boutique confectionery label will bring it’s once upon a time treats to the Adare Village Festival for the weekend of the event.  From Saturday 3rd to Monday 5th of July, Pandora Bell will be offering tasters and treats to golf fans.
Pandora Bell’s Honey Nougat with Almonds and Pistachios has been chosen to welcome the golfers and celebrity guests of the JP MacManus ProAm.  A bar of the boutique label’s classic honey nougat will be put in each room in the Manor on arrival.
Pandora Bell’s Honey Nougat with Almonds and Pistachios is an Italian classic made using a recipe that has not changed for centuries….. honey, nuts, egg whites, sugar and cocoa butter conjure up a rich and beautiful treat.
A list of stockists and online shopping are available at www.pandorabell.ie

COME to Limerick and head for Castletroy and there you will find the best place in Ireland for Casual dining. That is according to the Restaurant Association of Ireland who announced LaCucina to take the coveted title at a gala reception this week in Dublin.

In a hotly contested category, the Limerick duo behind the very popular establishment Lorraine Fanneran and Bruno Coppola were “thrilled and delighted” with the win noting their surprise at the announcement. The pair credited their staff, loyal fans and customers as the restaurant continues to thrive since its refurbishment earlier this year.

France still the home of ‘fine wine’

WHEN surveyed, over 4,000 regular wine drinkers say that France is still the home of fine wine. That is according to Wine Intelligence who polled wine drinkers in the UK, US and Switzerland, with all three countries selecting France as the highest-regarded country when it comes to fine wine. Australia and Italy, followed by South Africa, Spain and New Zealand also figured strongly
Decanter reports that the survey also asked consumers what their key motivating factors were when buying fine wine. Heritage was voted most important, ahead of provenance or rarity.
Closer to home, 3 per cent of the wine-buying market buy a bottle of fine wine (above €15) at least once a month, while in the US 3.3m people spend at least $25 on one bottle during the same period.
“Consumers who buy luxury and fine wines aren’t restricted to the specialist magazine readers and the [Robert] Parker followers.
Many purchasers are everyday, regular wine consumers who once a year, or from time to time, buy a higher wine for special occasions,” according to a spokesperson for Wine Intelligence.

Picnic & party time

SUMMER is nearly here and there’s no better way to enjoy it than spending time outdoors with your friends and family. Whether you have fun in the park, spend the day at the beach or head off to a theme park don’t forget to pack the picnic. Here’s two great recipes to add to your picnic array.
Pork and apple pasties

WHAT YOU NEED
224g lean pork mince
1 onion, chopped
1/2 butternut squash, peeled and cut into small cubes
2tbsp of your favourite chutney
Seasoning
500g pack ready-rolled puff pastry
Beaten egg and milk wash

Pandora Bell’s Once Upon a Time Confectionery will be on the food trail at the Taste of Dublin and the new Limerick Milk Market this June

Pandora will be showcasing new products at the Taste of Dublin in the Iveagh Gardens from June 10th – 13th.  Be the first to taste the labels ‘Real Fruit Jellies with 70% Fruit Pulp’, a new range of Crumbly Butter Fudge, Traditional Irish Handmade Sweets and Irish Artisan Marshmallows.

Other treats to watch out for are Pandora Bell’s giant chocolate bars made from some of the world most prized beans (criollo and trinitario).  Of course the classics from the Pandora Bell range will also be available…. Honey Nougat, Salted Butter Caramels and Handmade Lollipops.