New research has found that more than a quarter of the population is affected by someone else’s drinking habits. While alcohol consumption in Ireland has steadily fallen over the past decade, the study aimed to look not at those who imbibe, but to investigate greater societal impacts of their actions. “Alcohol’s Harm to Others in Ireland,” published in late March by Ireland’s … [Read more...] about One Quarter of Ireland Affected by Another’s Drinking
Food & Drink
Sláinte: Forty Shades of Green
Back in the nineties a friend’s gorgeous garden made me 40 envious shades of green. Then in 2002, I moved into a little 1950s bungalow with a big backyard that was choked with weeds, discarded bed and bicycle frames, and a dilapidated shed housing a black widow spider colony. Full of purpose and heavily gloved, I dove into the task of creating my first garden. For four months I … [Read more...] about Sláinte: Forty Shades of Green
From the Ground Up
Chicagoan Jeanne Nolan talks to Kara Rota about her new book and her commitment to growing organic food. "I am all about people growing their own food,” Jeanne Nolan says to me when we get on the phone to discuss her just-released book, From the Ground Up: A Food Grower’s Education in Life, Love and the Movement That’s Changing the Nation. When we met nine years ago, Jeanne … [Read more...] about From the Ground Up
What Are You Like? Rachel Allen
Rachel Allen was brought up in Dublin and at eighteen left to study at the prestigious Ballymaloe Cookery School in County Cork. Today, she not only teaches at the school but writes regular features for national publications, presents highly acclaimed TV programs and writes UK bestselling cookbooks. Currently, her TV show BAKE is shown on The Cooking Channel, and her new … [Read more...] about What Are You Like? Rachel Allen
From Brown Bread to Wine Writing – Irish Talent at the James Beard Awards
The recent James Beard Awards, held at Lincoln Center’s Avery Fisher Hall on May 9, celebrate the stars of the restaurant and cookbook worlds, and this year’s winners included some true Irish talent. Matt Dillon, of Seattle restaurant Sitka & Spruce, went home with the award for Best Chef in the Northwest. Maureen O’Hagan won a Health and Well-Being writing award for her … [Read more...] about From Brown Bread to Wine Writing – Irish Talent at the James Beard Awards