TASTY FOREIGN MARKETS: A quick browse through Tarragon & Truffles: A Guide to the Best French Markets, by former BBC Holiday presenter Anne Gregg, will have you reaching for your passport and plotting your escape.
The region-by-region guide breaks France into six areas, with an atmospheric introduction to each and some lovely photographs by Ken Wright that give you an idea of what to expect, whether you're exploring the varied markets of Paris or filling your basket with oysters, langoustines and mussels on the Atlantic coast. Detailed information on "six of the best" markets in each region will steer you in the direction of the freshest produce, the best value and the regional specialities. There are sightseeing highlights and accommodation recommendations, too, making this a potentially invaluable guide for anyone planning a road trip in France this summer. Tarragon & Truffles is published by Bantam Books, £12.99. Marie-Claire Digby
THE BUTLER, IN THE PANTRY
The Butler's Pantry has long been a source of ready-made tasty things for lazy days. This week the company's six shops, dotted around Dublin's suburbs, will be taking part in an artisan week. Smoked cheeses, organic smoked salmon, top-quality bacon, jams, sauces and breads will be shown off by the Butler's Pantry chefs. Almost 20 years old, the empire is still steadily expanding. With a move out to Bray, in Co Wicklow, the kitchen has almost doubled in size - so watch out for branches opening in a neighbourhood near you in the next year. Owner Eileen Bergin imparts her culinary wisdom at the Clontarf shop during one-off classes and four-week courses on subjects such as "thinner dinners" and "dashing desserts". For more information call the Clontarf shop at 01-8333314 or see www.butlerspantry.ie for events from May 22nd to 27th. Nicoline Greer
WINE AWARD GOES WEST
Good to see the west's awake and taking top marks. For the second year in succession the Malt House, in Olde Malt Mall, Galway, has received an award of excellence for its "dedication to wine" from the leading US magazine Wine Spectator. The restaurant's list includes more than 200 labels, among them an exclusive range of boutique wines. "We pride ourselves on introducing our diners to new experiences when it comes to their choice of wines," says Fergus O'Halloran, the Malt House's sommelier. The award recognises a commitment to a fine wine list, with a selection of better producers and a match to the menu in both price and style. 091-567866, www.themalthouse.ie. Joe Breen
PENCILS AT THE READY
In the hopes of drawing a crowd, the galleries and museums of Dublin have joined forces today for Drawing Day, a marathon of activities for all ages. At the centre of the action is the National Gallery of Ireland, which has a morning workshop for adults (11.10am) and afternoon sessions for children (2.30pm), with music sandwiched in between. Down the road, at the Natural History Museum, you can draw animal still lifes all day. There will also be activities at the National Library of Ireland and an adult workshop at the Royal Hibernian Academy (2pm). Dublin City Gallery the Hugh Lane has drop-in workshops for adults and kids, and Imma has workshops for all ages throughout the day. Admission is free, although some events require booking, so if you've nothing pencilled into your diary, contact the National Gallery at 01-6615133 (or other venues) for more details. Eimear McKeith
BRIDAL BLITZ IN BARCELONA
Is there no limit to how far Irish brides are prepared to go to find the dresses of their dreams? The latest country to cater for our cosmopolitan tastes is Spain - and Barcelona in particular. A shop in the city called Farah Novias, near the Paseo de Gracia shopping area, in the centre of the city, claims to have Europe's largest range of Vera Wang bridesmaids' dresses. The shop also boasts designs from Carolina Herrera (an exclusive in Europe), Romona Keveza and Christiana Couture. If you make an appointment to view you get a free bridal weekend kit, with lists of the best places to eat, party and shop. It can also recommend and book hotels. "Come with your bridesmaids and have a fun weekend" seems to be their beckoning call. Prices range from €1,500 to €5,000. More from www.farah-novias.com or 00-34-93-4143599. Deirdre McQuillan
THE ART OF THE GARDEN
The birds and the bees, the flowers and the trees. If these are some of your favourite summery things, take yourself to Brigit's Garden in Co Galway. Next Saturday's demonstration will show how to make your garden irresistible to birds, butterflies, bees and native plants. Other summer tours include wild-flower identification and herb growing. The tours and demonstrations cost €75 each. Call 091-550905 or see www.galwaygarden.com. Nicoline Greer
SEW FAR SO GOOD
Do you feel faint at the sight of a needle? If so, then help may be at hand in the form of a new book. DIY Fashion for the Not Very Domestic Goddess is a quirky guide to stitching, knitting or Velcroing your own catwalk creations in the quickest time, and with the least amount of effort. Author Eithne Farry (a former backing singer with the indie band Talulah Gosh) attempts to debunk the myth of "stress-making dress-making" with handy tips and simple patterns. Farry's book makes entertaining reading, as she encourages readers to get busy making the "screen heroine's skirt" (inspired by Shirley MacLaine in Billy Wilder's film Irma La Douce) or even a deceitful little number, an "alibi dress" (with ample secret pockets in which to conceal incriminating evidence). This manual covers every step of the way to domestic sainthood, from the most basic of stitches to more intricate detailing. So it just might revamp your wardrobe. Rachel Dugan