An Issue With Food Costs
In a recent blog posting on my web site I wrote about what makes a great marriage – a great food marriage that is. As a young chef working in London I learnt about the true values of food marriages. This revelation on flavours & ingredient parings how the marriage of two food ingredients work together i.e. scallops & garlic.… Continue reading
Donegal Food Strategy
The Donegal Food Strategy was officially launched in Glenveagh Castle by Minister John Perry TD on Monday 23rd July. The strategy, commissioned by Donegal County Enterprise Board in conjunction with the other state development agencies, was prepared with input from representatives from all of the sectors within the food industry… Continue reading
Wild Mushroom Hunting in Donegal
A damp start to July has been the bain of Irish agriculture & local farmers. Whilst ” Damo” are local farmer tends to the ewe’s & lambs in this inclement weather, even his 4×4 struggles over the damp ground – hence its parked at the top of the lane & its a trudge down the fields to keep the “Agri… Continue reading
Blowing The Budget – But It Was Worth It
When booking a table at the Ledbury restaurant – a quote I heard from a TV chef came to mind “Restaurants are not a revenue stream – there a bottomless pit that you throw money into & hope one day you get your money back!” But hey that… Continue reading
Menu Planning and the Cost Implications for Business
As most business operators in the hospitality trade will tell you they’ve been living with rising costs. So how can you absorb costs like this & be profitable. A good place to Start is with your current menu
Menu planning and the importance of the menu is an essential… Continue reading
Martin Helps Spreads The Cost With LCN Readers
I am delighted to be penning several articles for the LCN Licensed & Catering News. First published in 1940, LCN magazine, as it has fondly become known, is regarded by many of its readers as the ‘Bible’ of the licensed and catering trade. The business newspaper… Continue reading
Running A Tourism Buisness in Ireland
A briefing paper entitled “Reducing State Imposed Costs on the Tourism Industry:The Case for Better Regulation” by Failte Ireland makes for a great insight into regulation across the tourism sector. In general, tourism businesses are required to interact with at least 24 different public, statutory and other bodies in operating their business. The study’s findings were based… Continue reading
Whats Your Recipe For Success?
As a young aspiring chef working with Gary Rhodes , I had high ambitions (working in Michelin star restaurants does that to you!) along with another chef from NI John Simpson who owns successful catering business in Swindon – Hospitality Services – I had recipe for success, inspired by Gary Rhodes & fantastic West Country ingredients … Continue reading
On The Trail off Donegal Good Food Treats
On my working days treks & trails around Donegal & the North West. I get to work with lots of local businesses. Results for the clients are the essence of business. Results which leads to better business for them –it gets them more customers, attracts more attention to their service & converts to the profitability of the business… Continue reading
The highlights of 2011
A Review of the year led me to file Hospitality Solutions highlights of 2011
Working with the team at Hotel WestPort to bring the food to 1 AA rossette standard – which was awarded to the Hotel in October http://www.hotelwestport.ie/dining.html Well done to Declan, Stephen & all the team
The Oarsman winning the national… Continue reading