FOOD FILE:Shake off the January blues with a gourmet-themed trip to Westport next weekend, where you can sample the region's speciality foods, learn how to make cocktails, taste fine wines, and enjoy a tasting menu cooked by Knockranny House Hotel Spa's new executive chef, Seamus Commons.
“Taste Knockranny”, which takes place next Saturday, opens with a tasting of local specialities, including produce from Croagh Patrick Seafoods, Carrowholly Cheese, Marlene’s Chocolates, and Kelly’s award-winning butchers. Liam Cabot of Cabot Wines will be running a tasting session in the hotel’s walk-through wine cellars (above). Bar manager Owen Hughes will take over with a cocktail-making demonstration, and for those still standing, a tasting dinner will be served in La Fougère restaurant. The full day’s programme costs €64, and if you can’t face the drive home, a package is available for €179 per person, to include two nights BB, tasting dinner, and admission to Taste Knockranny. See www.khh.ie; tel: 098-28600.