I have a confession to make.

Much as I love Waterford, I do leave from time to time. On one such recent expedition I settled into my Aer Lingus seat (I know, I know, no recession round here) and reached for Cara magazine from the pocket in front. Imagine my delight when on page 44 I read “The word is out: Waterford is the hottest place to eat in Ireland.”  Having clearly stumbled on the work of a wise and discerning columnist I read on…

Aingeala Flannery proceeded to pile praise on the Deise- not just its restaurants and chefs who have steadily gained in prestige and reputation in recent years but its food producers- who are more numerous, varied and talented that you may imagine. Baldwin’s Ice Cream and Knockalara Cheese work with the cream of Waterford’s dairy produce (cream, geddit?) Black Rock Irish Stout, Copper Coast Red Ale and Helvick Gold Blonde Ale are brewing up a storm in Dungarvan while if it’s baked goods you’re after you’ll be spoiled for choice with M& D Bakery and the famous Barron’s of Cappoquin.

Aingeala definitely leaves you with the impression that anyone eating in Waterford has no excuse not to eat well. Lest you not know where to find all this fine produce she also directs you where to ‘Shop At…’ The Country Store in Dungarvan, Florrie’s Fine Wines, Tramore and Michael McGrath’s Butchers are all on the roll call.

I have another confession to make- all this talk of food has left me starving and it’s still two hours to lunch.  I’m off to forage for biscuits. If reading it hasn’t had a similarly famishing effect on you, you can read the whole CARA article here. Now, biscuits…