weekend bites

This week… I’ll be eating courgette flowers, deep-fried in a light, crisp batter. Most of our veg is late this year so we can enjoy the male flowers while waiting for the plants to fruit. Just take out the stamens and check for wild life and dip in to a batter made with flour, water, salt and a little baking powder mixed with water. Deep fry in very hot olive oil until golden and then pile on a plate. Scatter with sea salt and serve with wedges of lemon as a starter. Allan Jenkins, author of Plot 29 and now of Morning, a book in which he describes his love of working on his allotment very early in the day before work as editor of Observer Food Monthly, will be at the West Cork Literary Festival later this month. I’ll be talking to him on stage in Bantry House at 9.15am on Monday 17 July. westcork westcorkmusic.ie Taste of Cavan will take place on 10 and 11 August at the Cavan Equestrian Centre. The line-up includes Richard Corrigan, Rachel Allen, Simon Delaney and Shane Smith of Airfield Estate in Dundrum. Amongst Neven Maguire’s contributions will be a parent-and-child cookalong sponsored by Dunnes Stores. For more, see tasteofcavan.ie Meanwhile, Dalkey Lobster Festival will take place on the weekend of 25 and 26 August in the south Dublin seaside town. Adare Manor will be hosting a Krug Champagne dinner next Thursday, 12 July, the evening starting with a Champagne reception followed by a four course dinner, each course being accompanied by a different wine from the Krug stable. Krug is regarded by many as the top Champagne house and this is reflected in the price of €250 per person. The event will be led by sommelier Julie Dupuy, Krug ambassador for Ireland. Places are very limited and in great demand. For more visit adaremanor.com