New Products and Openings

URRU

The acronym URRU is the clever concept for a brand new shop in Bandon, created by Ruth Healy, who hails from Kilbrittain in County Cork. Urru stands for Urban Rural "where producers and consumers come together". This beautiful shop is a huge addition to West Cork. Here you will find the best olive oils, coffee, spices and equipment, mixing it up with the best local foods - Irish farmhouse cheese, Glenillen butter, local herbs, fantastic baking by RG-L. There is a table to have coffee and local cookies, and the suppliers to the shop ­ Charles Carey, Peter Ward, Mr Bell, and the local producers themselves ­ are impeccable.

www.urru.ie

Java Republic Teas

Having conquered the world of the coffee bean with his fab Java Republic roasts, David McKiernan has begun to wrestle with the world of fine teas. The new Java Republic range runs from Ceylon Pekoe through a vanilla scented Roibois to a fine breakfast tea. These are superb to drink, easy to use, have delightful varietal characteristics, and the packaging is as gorgeous as it gets. Another sure-fire hit for Mr McKiernan.

www.javarepublic.com

Kilkenny Farmers' Market

Thursday mornings in the shadow of the castle is the venue for the excellent Kilkenny Farmer's Market. Look out especially for the fine foods of Cottage Garden Herbs, from whom we bought some very fine pickled tomatillos, but CGH is only one of a distinguished parade of fine food artisans, and a vital addition to Ireland's most beautiful city.

Ballybrado Organic Chickens

We like a chicken stock which, when it sets, will easily hold a spoon upright. Buy a Ballybrado organic chicken and, after you have roasted the bird and everyone has enjoyed a succulent dinner, then make a stock with the bones. And just look at all the goodness that leaches out of that carcass: pure, rich, gelatinous, the foundation of all good sauces and soups. These are fine birds, not cheap, but worth every penny. You will find them in Tesco and Supervalu stores throughout the country.