AT HOME WITH MARY BERRY:Mary Berry at Home, by Mary Berry and Lucy Young (BBC Books, £20)
For the Happiness Issue, we were going to tell you about The Medicinal Chef, Dale Pinnock’s latest book on eating for better health, and how certain foods can lift your mood . . . but then this landed on the Food File desk, and our moods were immediately lifted. Mary Berry’s having a bit of a moment, what with the success of Bake-Off, and her recent two-part TV documentary.
This collection of tried and tested favourites was written with her assistant of 23 years, and “closest friend”, Lucy Young.
Push the boat out
Black truffles from the Ardèche will feature in a lavish six-course menu, cooked by French chef Stéphane Polly and paired with six exceptional Rhône wines made by Stéphane Montez, at the next supper club at Donnybrook Fair in Dublin 4, on March 8th. Tickets €145, from donnybrookfair.ie, tel 01-6144849
Calling all foodies
It's time to sharpen your Sabatiers ... the Great Irish Foodie Quiz takes place in the Circle Club at the Grand Canal Theatre in Dublin on March 7th. Entry is €100 for a team of four, and there are some great prizes on offer including hotel stays, restaurant vouchers and masterclasses. Food will be available in the club and the bar will be open. You can book a table at mycharity.ie/event/ greatirishfoodiequiz2013
Children positively encouraged
Happy kids mean happy parents . . . and never more so than when it comes to eating out en famille. This glorious oasis in the suburbs is Beaufield Mews in Stillorgan, where families enjoying lunch in The Coachhouse restaurant can watch their little ones let off steam in the enclosed gardens – there’s even a lovely wooden Wendy House to play in. Children are tolerated rather than welcomed by some restaurants, but not here. Definitely one to chalk down for family celebrations this spring. The kids’ menu is €12.99 for three courses.
There's a more adult vibe in The Loft at Beaufield Mews, which opened last week and offers a brasserie menu served in a cosy setting of wooden beams, original stonework and an open fire. See beaufieldmews.com
