MARIE-CLAIRE DIGBYperuses the world of food

Horgan's delicatessen

Horgan’s delicatessen suppliers has branched out into retail sales, with the opening of its first “food emporium” in Joyce’s supermarket in Knocknacarra, Galway. Connacht rugby player Gavin Duffy pitched up to launch the new shop recently and found himself put to work immediately.

Wicklow goes gourmet

This seafood chowder is a bestseller at McGills at the Ritz Carlton hotel in Enniskerry. But you don’t have to visit the Co Wicklow hotel to eat it – it will be one of the dishes on offer at Wicklow’s Finest Food Fest in the courtyard at Wicklow Gaol next Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Restaurants, food producers and retailers are involved in the event, which is part of a weekend of activities in the town celebrating the start of the Round Ireland sailing race. Wicklow restaurants taking part include the Ritz Carlton, Tinakilly House, World Wide Kitchen, Casa Pepe, Donnelli’s, and the Grand Hotel. For the full programme, see roundirelandsailfest.ie.

Point Market a winner

The new Point Village Market in Dublin comes highly recommended, with some excellent food stalls selling everything from flavoured ghee (Ger and Francesca Buckley’s Ghee Spot), to organic bread (Coolfin Gardens Organic Bakery). There are several organic or free-range meat sellers, a veg stand, lots of bakers and sauce makers, and the Green Saffron Indian spice stall. If all that food shopping brings on hunger pangs, you can refuel at a variety of hot food pitches, including Dick Dave’s Woodfired Pizzas, Pieminister and the Taco Truck. The market runs every Saturday and Sunday. In addition, there are all sorts of interesting non-food stalls, live music, and plenty to keep children amused. See pointvillagemarket.ie.

Footie and a posh burger

Is this the best value deal in Dublin? The Merrion hotel’s executive chef Ed Cooney has devised a World Cup Slider – rump steak, chicken chermoula and miso-basted salmon mini burgers, with green chilli and coconut relish, hot mango cucumber salsa, smoked chilli and white bean hummus, dill pickle and crispy onions. The offer also includes chips and a glass of South African wine. And the cost? A very reasonable €14.95. The offer will be available every night except Sunday, until July 11th in the Cellar Bar, where the football will be shown on TV screens. The Merrion also has a novel offering to celebrate Bloomsday next Wednesday. Joyce’s infamous glass of Burgundy wine with Gorgonzola cheese will be served with crusty baguette, for €13.50. mcdigby@irishtimes.com