brian clayton

sunset

brianclayton — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 19:17:43 +0000

ISS over Cork

brianclayton — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 21:10:49 +0000

the ISS (International Space Station) over Cork.

cafe depeche on western road open again after the floods

brianclayton — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 20:55:08 +0000

I was delighted to see Cafe Depeche on Western Road re-open today. It’s been closed since the flooding last November.

seaplane trials in cork harbour

brianclayton — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 14:48:36 +0000

Harbour Flights ran seaplane trials in Cobh today. They’re looking at launching a national seaplane service so were testing take offs and landings in the harbour.

the moon and jupiter, reflected in Youghal Bay

brianclayton — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 23:29:46 +0000

while I was waiting for an ISS pass, I saw this:

just a cute picture of a puppy

brianclayton — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 16:01:44 +0000

busy lately, so have a picture of a puppy.

Her name is Rosie.

the world at Cobh

brianclayton — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 19:24:22 +0000

Luxury liner The World visited Cobh today.
The unusual thing about this liner is you can buy a residence on board and live on the ship!

calves week in Schull

brianclayton — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 15:32:31 +0000

I took a couple of days off this week to visit Schull. Good food, wine, company and weather.

The village was jammed for Calves Week.

valentia harbour

brianclayton — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 11:26:05 +0000

I took a road trip to Cahersiveen and the Ring of Kerry yesterday. Beautiful weather and countryside.

fantastic sicilian dinner and wine tasting at fenns quay

brianclayton — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 11:21:13 +0000

On Monday I went along to Fenns Quay for a Dinner and Sicilian Wine tasting.
Victoria Curatolo of Villa Tonino and Liberty Wines were supplying and presenting the wines on the night.

There were about 20 people at the dinner, some of whom I’d met before. I had the pleasure of meeting Billy Lyons and his wife. Kevin had seated them at our table and we discovered a shared love of France, wine and a common history in Glounthaune, our native parish.

The dinner was fantastic, 4 courses with each being really tasty. As always in Fenns Quay, the service was top notch and the dinner was nice and relaxed, with no hint of a rush. I’ve attached the menu, with a grainy shot of the Osso Bucco and a grainier shot of Victoria.

Fenns Quay Sicilian Wine tasting and Dinner menu

For the wines, we tasted 6 from the range.
Villa Tonino Inzolia, 2009
Villa Tonino Grillo, 2009
Villa Tonino Nero D’Avola 2008
Villa Tonino `Baglio Curatolo` 2007
Villa Tonino `Baglio Curatolo` Syrah, 2007
Villa Tonino Marsala Superiore Riserva, NV, Curatolo

I loved the 3 reds, and if I really really had to chose a favourite, I’d go with the Baglio Curatolo. I’d be very happy with any of them though. I also very much liked the Inzolia – I reckon it’s tailor made for sipping on a hot summers day.
I had 3 of the clan with me, and in true family style we all had different favourites. We all liked a lot of the range though, which is an unusually high hit rate.

Victoria presented the wines in turn, with lovely stories of the history of the family Vineyard. I love hearing stories about where wines are made and the people that make them. It really adds to the experience for me.

It was a brilliant night, thanks to Kevin and all at Fenns Quay, and Victoria and Jerry.

You can read what Billy thought of the night.

As always, I’ve attached a scan of my tasting notes. Best of luck reading them