A FRENCH 'UNICORN' IN IRELAND

It was my last day attending 'Showcase Ireland' held in Dublin last January. Hurriedly I made my way through the RDS . Walking a straight line is nigh on impossible for me. One almost needs to wear blinkers to make it through ! This , however is not a bad thing as the 'Creative Island' is a veritable feast for the senses.
One of the hidden gems in this treasure trove was a company named 'Unicorn'. The founder and designer, Sophie Rieu was born and raised in France and now resides in Greystones, Co Wicklow. Wicklow is also known as the 'Garden of Ireland' . I stopped to chat with Sophie and learn the lovely story about her designs.

Sophie was born and raised in Volvic, France. Volvic is located in the Masif Central region, (South Central France). In 1994 she moved to Ireland working as an au pair for an Irish family for ten months. An English and history degree followed and from 1994-1996, Sophie studied journalism which led to a career in public relations for Patricia McKenna, MEP for the Green Party.
Sophie's love was fashion and not surprisingly she studied Fashion Design at Grafton Academy for another 6 years or so.

I asked Sophie if this was something she always wanted to do and if she was influenced by anyone. Her answer was not surprising as most people who pursue their passions tend to have been doing it somewhere from the ages of 8 - 14 years of age. Sophie knitted as a teenager, making dolls clothes and clothing for herself. I suppose it was only a matter of time before her love became a career.

Sophie and I had one thing in common, ( actually we had a lot in common) both of us learned a lot from our grandmothers and great grandmothers. Sophie's great grandmother 'Marguerite' is the inspiration for one of her pieces. Her love of fabric and accessories shine through in this beautiful piece. A time to be a lady.

The brand 'Unicorn' is a label with a conscience, using natural fibers. Donegal and Kerry Tweeds are used as these manufacturers use yarns from sheep bred in Tipperary. These magnificent pieces of art are then lined with silk.


Is it any wonder the Crafts Council of Ireland selected 'Unicorn' to be featured on the 'Creative Island'. If you are a buyer and are looking for unusual, classy pieces for your customers then a visit to 'Showcase Ireland' and to 'Unicorn' is a must.

QUEEN ELIZABETH IN IRELAND

Cork City, Ireland's 2nd City and my home plays host to Her Majesty the Queen on Friday May 20th 2011. Although I am many many miles away from home living over here in the United States, I am brimming with pride, bursting with joy and so incredibly happy for the people in Cork. The Queen will visit the historical 'English Market' located in the heart of the city. Doors opened to this market over 223 years ago in 1788.
During my final year in school, I attended a school in Washington Street Cork, known then as Doctor Paye's and every day I walked along the Grand Parade, through the doors of the 'English Market' to use it as a shortcut to get to Oliver Plunkett Street. I have to admit, there were days when the smell of the fish just made me move a little faster. Stalls were brimming with fresh produce, fresh eggs, butcher's counters , breads, poultry , home made sausages and cheeses. This was, as I mentioned, an everyday occurrence , so the word 'Foodie' was never uttered. It didn't even exist back then. No, indeed, this was the norm !





Last June, I revisited and spent the afternoon browsing, smelling and sampling. What a difference a decade makes......oh ok then a few decades make ! I ate lunch upstairs in the famous 'Farmgate Restaurant' . One thing I always notice and indeed miss when I return home for a visit is the incredible vibrancy in Cork City. The streets are always busy, and on this day the English Market was equally as busy. You know that lovely sound of people chatting, bustling, vendors calling out...life is simply happening.

The Queen will tour this historic place and be presented with a basket filled with goodies from the 'English Market'. Would you like to know whats in the basket.................?

YEAR OF CRAFT 2011

"The Crafts Council of Ireland and Craft Northern Ireland have designated 2011 as Year of Craft. The year marks the 40th anniversary of the Crafts Council of Ireland and will be celebrated through a diverse range of dynamic events and programs to showcase the very best of craft made on the island of Ireland" ~ CRAFTS COUNCIL OF IRELAND.

Showcase Ireland is Ireland's largest international trade fair and this was the venue for me to launch my line of Irish kitchen textiles. Almost a year in the making , working across time zones , it seemed almost surreal seeing the textiles come to life.
I wanted to work with an Irish company, one that also makes the products in Ireland (Not China). Charles Gallen Irish Linen was that company.

Charles Gallen enters it's 141st year as a family linen business. The company has seen it's way through the empire, world wars, uprisings, depressions and the occasional boom. The company bears the name of the first owner who purchased what was then called 'The Drogheda Linen Company', in 1870. The firm remains in the hands of the Gallen family today. Their cloths cover the tables of Irish Embassies worldwide, and their pure Irish Linen sheets and pillowcases grace the beds of fine homes and exceptional hotels. When I was invited to be a guest on 'The Martha Stewart National TV Show' here in the U.S in March 2010 I was contemplating what to give Martha as a gift. I presented her with a Pure Irish Linen Damask tablecloth. She was delighted and told me how much she loves Irish Linen.

I wanted designs that were indicative of the Ireland I know, as I love to say 'My Real Ireland'. The' Boyne Spiral' was inspired by two things, my logo and company colors and a visit to the historic Newgrange in 2010. The Irish Castle was a must. The number of castles located around Ireland is staggering. From ruins to 5 star properties. The third pattern 'Irish Cupboard' features many of the ingredients I use in my cooking classes from mussels and turbot to carrots and leeks.
As I write this the prints are currently being assembled in Ireland and will be winging their way to the U.S market soon in the guise of aprons, tote bags, tea towels, oven gloves and even the long forgotten tea cosy.

I hope you enjoy.

ONCE UPON A TIME

Once Upon a time there was a girl who lived in Boston...............Before I proceed, let me explain. In this day and age of negative press, recession and reality shows that tend to thrive on humiliating people there are so many people out there working extremely hard , being kind and simply sharing with others. This is one of those stories.
This time last year I met Ann Marie Maxwell from Enterprise Ireland. A government organisation responsible for the development and growth of Irish Enterprises in world markets. I had begun my business in 2001 here in the U.S with the plan to build a brand. 'Rachel Gaffney's Real Ireland' has now become the Irish Lifestyle Company I had envisioned back then, well it's on the right path anyway !
Ann Marie listened over time and managed to connect the dots by introducing me to the people I was looking for.
I know that you all know what I am talking about when you meet people who do their job because it's 'their job' and then people who 'take pride in their work'. Huge difference. Puala Chase and Ann Marie Maxwell are two such people. They worked around the clock, enthusiasm never waning. I loved watching how excited and happy they were for everyone.Their enthusiasm was contagious. Every day I needed to check in to the Media Lounge just to see Paula smile. These two ladies represent Enterprise Ireland well but even more so...they are the ambassadors that Ireland needs today. It was my honor and pleasure to get to know them.

IRELAND JAN 23RD- JAN 26TH

The last two weeks have been somewhat of a whirlwind. I spent the first week in New York attending the Martha Stewart 'Dreamers Into Doers' Entrepreneurial event which was held at The Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Offices. The next few days were spent visiting the 'Enterprise Ireland Offices' and learning all about 'Education Ireland' which I will share later. The following week was spent in Dublin at Ireland's Premier Tradeshow where I launched my line of Irish Textiles, proud to say,'Made In Ireland'. The name of the event was 'Showcase Ireland'. This was a veritable treasure trove where Irelands premier artists,fashion designers and crafts people exhibited. I discovered some wonderful people and products and learned their stories, which I plan on sharing with you.
I need to recover from a little jet lag, compile my thoughts and upload photos & videos ! So bear with me......!

THE IRISH IN TEXAS

Friday, December 3rd, I arrived in Austin, Texas as I was teaching an Irish cooking class at Central Market. I was early. The Capitol Building was calling me. I had visited once before, ever so briefly but had this urge to go back. Upon entering the building I noticed quite a few tour guides eagerly waiting to share their knowledge. One guide in particular caught my attention. He was talking to two boy scouts with such animation that I knew immediately he was the one ! The child in me needed someone 'who loved' what they do to share this afternoon with. I was not disappointed.

Upon walking into the Senate Chamber, I was struck by the magnificence of two paintings hanging on the walls. As my tour guide continued to talk and ask questions,I participated eagerly. His comment was quite funny ,as he said 'young lady, you must have been a good 5th grade student in Texas History'. Obviously he had not noticed my Irish accent as it was not quite what I was studying at the Ursuline Convent Cork ! However, having two boys being educated here in Dallas helps somewhat when you are helping with study ! I continued to ask more questions as I noticed in the painting ' Dawn at the Alamo'that James Bowie was very much alive and I had thought he was dead or injured by the time battle occured. That was when I learnt about H.A McCardle.

I was right, James Bowie was indeed dead or at least dying at that time but the painter had made changes. This famous battle, (although 'The Battle Of San Jacinto' is more significant) depicted the Fall Of The Alamo in March 6th 1836. There is a somewhat humorous depiction of Santa Anna himself on a donkey as little more than a caricature ! The painter had a sense of humor.

H.A McArdle was born in Belfast in 1836. His parents died when he was a teenager and he immigrated to America. He was a draftsman during the Civil War for the Confederate Navy and later he made maps for Robert E Lee. After marrying he settled in Texas and taught art at Baylor Female College. Later the President of Baylor, William Carey Crane recommended McArdle to the Governor of Texas. He was commissioned to paint a portrait of Jefferson Davis for the Capitol. McArdle moved to San Antonio and painted numerous portraits of Sam Houston. One of his portraits are on display in DeGolyer Library at SMU (Southern Methodist University)

The House of Representatives in the Texas Capitol houses 'The Settlement of Austin's Colony'. More of his work can be found across the street in the 'Texas State Library'and in Baylor University in Waco, Texas. I was so incredibly proud of this Irishman and wanted to see more. It was time to leave for Central Market but you can be sure that I was eager to share this information with all the students in the cooking school. Amazing what you learn when you look around you.

SHARING YOUR GOLDEN MOMENT...TEA OF COURSE !

As an Irishwoman living in the U.S, I frequently hear the stereotypical jokes about the Irish and their love of alcohol but rarely do I hear about our love of the other beverage........Tea ! Yes, you heard me tea. Did you know that a cup of tea solves all the problems of the world? It brings us together, we cry over a 'cuppa' and we laugh over a 'cuppa'. I moved to the U.S in 1996. When we bought our first house, needless to say we had various contractors in and out repairing and installing. I would offer them a cup of tea. Some declined politely. Others thought I was crazy offering tea in a cup. "What other way should I serve it?", I asked. "In a glass" was the reply. Of course, I had moved to Dallas, Texas, where the only tea that people drank back then (and even now to be truthful) was iced. More importantly, the difference was not in the temperature of the beverage but indeed, I, the homeowner was offering the hired help a 'Cup Of Tea' I grew up in Cork City, Southern Ireland and everyone had a cup of tea. My mum would put on the kettle to make a 'Cuppa' for the window cleaners. The man fixing the washing machine rarely began his task until he had a nice cup of tea. It's what we do. I sat for countless hours as a teenager with my friends drinking tea, planning our weekends, figuring out who we liked, and who was going out with who ! Tea became popular in 1901 and that was when James J Barry opened his first store on Bridge Street, Cork. Today BARRY'S TEA is still based in Cork and remains in the family. Growing up on BARRY'S TEA is a fond memory. When I first moved to London, I brought my tea with me. My sister now lives in London and packing the distinctive red box is a must in our home. You just can't leave Cork without it. Now, when I teach my cooking classes, I always make a pot of tea for everyone. My preference is to drink tea from a china cup or china mug. It just tastes better to me. The reaction is lovely. Warming reaction. Despite the vast array of teas here in the United States, this golden cuppa is received very well. Simply served with milk, and a spoon of sugar if you like, it is the perfect accompaniment to one of my Irish Butter shortbreads ! By now the customers from the grocery chain 'LUNDS & BYERLY'S in Minnesota know about BARRY'S TEA and I even point it out to them on the shelves. You see, over here, BARRY'S TEA is never where you would expect to find it..........in the Tea & Coffee aisle. No, this hidden treasure is found in the 'Specialty or Imported' section, nestled among products from Great Britain, Germany,France & Denmark. Look for the distinctive red box. In 1986, BARRY"S TEA launched their first TV ad and the slogan 'Every Day should have it's golden moments' was born. It has a uniquely refreshing taste and a bright, golden color. Blended from the high mountain slopes of Kenya and the Assam Valley of India. There are many flavors in the BARRY'S TEA range but I chose to write about my favorite ! Now, I urge you to share your GOLDEN MOMENT with me. Simply send me a photo and a few sentences telling me about your GOLDEN MOMENT, preferably over a cup of tea. You have until Jan 31st to submit. Then I will choose one lucky person and BARRY'S TEA will ship you a basket of goodies to your home. I have received several already on my Facebook page, so please feel free to post there also.