Yes, we can:A giant can of olive oil might not seem like the most imaginative Christmas present, but if it's the just-pressed extra virgin oil from Colletta-Olivieri in Puglia, it would be a very welcome gift that will be enjoyed for many months to come.
Lino Olivieri works for Amnesty in Dublin, but every December he returns to his family's olive and almond farm to help with the harvest. The olives are cold-pressed locally and yield a light, aromatic oil which proved so popular with Olivieri's friends in Dublin, who received it as gifts, that he decided to import and sell it. The new season's oil arrived in Dublin on Thursday, and will go on sale for €40 for a five litre can and €25 for the three litre version. Stockists include Dublin Food Co-Op, Newmarket, Dublin 8; Smock Alley Cafe, Temple Bar, Dublin 8; Corner Bakery, 17 Terenure Road North, Dublin 6, and online at olivierioliveoil.com.
Mighty meals from the midlands
Jim Tynan is something of a Portlaoise institution – his restaurant and foodhall at Hynd's Square in the town is a monument to good food, simply prepared and served with pride. Jim's wife Sarah makes the cakes and tarts for the shop and his sisters Imelda, Caroline and Brigid have central roles in running the restaurant, which can be truly described as a family business. Jim's Kitchen(€20) is his first book, and it's a lovely production, with great photographs by Kevin Byrne. It is on sale in the foodhall, and online from goodfoodireland.ie and kitchendresser.ie.
New foodie magazine
TV chef and writer Clodagh McKenna, whose cute retro aprons sold like hotcakes at the recent National Crafts Design fair in Dublin, has launched a new monthly magazine, called Clodagh McKenna's Homemade. The first publication is on sale now (€3.95). Food, crafts, travel and interiors are in the mix.
Learn from the best
There's a star-studded line-up of guest chefs at the Ballymaloe Cookery School next summer including Yotam Ottolenghi and Sami Tamimi from the Ottolenghi cafes in London, Jean-Pierre Moullé from Chez Panisse in California, and a return visit from Skye Gyngell (pictured above with Darina Allen). Real enthusiasts will be booking in for a total immersion week in July, with the Ottolenghi duo on July 19th (€255), Jean-Pierre Moullé on July 20th (€255), a fool-proof dinner party course the following day (€295), and a double act with Skye Gyngell and Ballymaloe tutor Rory O'Connell on July 22nd (€255). Gift vouchers can be used to book a place, and be aware that these big names will sell out fast. www.cookingisfun.ie.
