Gin and Gems

Next time my sister pops into The Wine House in Trim – it’s temptingly close to the cathedral – I hope she picks up a bottle or two of St Patrick’s Extra Dry Gin.

My Medication

Earlier this year I thinned out my filing. One disposal, written in my mother’s hand on Barmeath writing paper, listed my childhood vaccinations. Except for blogging purposes, surely I could not need that?

Tomato Catsup

In 1876 Henry Heinz started selling Tomato Catsup – it sold well but the name didn’t catch on. Does anyone make ketchup better than Heinz?

Oat Milk

A few years ago a friend’s son thought the future lay in coconut milk. It didn’t, at least for him. He picked himself up, dusted himself down and started all over again. If I remember I’ll tell you what he’s doing now at the end of this.

Out to Lunch

Keith Waterhouse is very particular about what lunch is not: ‘It is not prawn cocktail, steak and Black Forest gateau with your bank manger.

Temple Bar

Wouldn’t it be grand if Temple Bar is where lawyers go for a slurp but they frequent El Vino instead. May I digress?

The Big Double

“This year’s Punchestown Festival will be remembered for its marvellous attendence and for the glorious week’s weather . People flocked from all over the country, and from abroad, to attend the festivities. The latest fashions were on show and all types of motor car were seen making their way down the Naas Road.”