Latest news with #Italian-style
Irish Examiner
2 days ago
- Health
- Irish Examiner
The Menu: I ignored the warning tingle of a food allergy — soon I was waiting for an ambulance
Recently, I headed into town on a 'fat-finding' mission, culinary cousin of the fact-finding mission, that has me seeking out wonderful new ways to pile on the pounds. In one favourite venue, a selection of divine dishes included roasted aubergine slice, rolled and stuffed with cream cheese and walnut. Aubergine has long been one of my most favourite foods, first discovered decades ago upon moving abroad when it was still largely unknown on these shores. I didn't even have a recipe the first time I cooked it, inventing a dish that soaked up half a pint of olive oil yet still tasted delicious. I became a lifelong aubergine acolyte. Baba ganoush blew my tiny mind: fire roasting the purple-black globe over naked flame, turning flesh to a gooey mush, blending it with tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and salt. I improvised additions, natural yogurt and cumin and, eaten with flatbread, olives and a fine Lebanese red, it brings Levantine summer to even the darkest days. After my first encounter with ratatouille, we were told to get a room, such was my primal passion for this great peasant dish from the south of France with aubergine as an essential component. I regularly grilled slices of aubergine, marinating them, Italian-style, in olive oil, garlic and herbs, a jar always in the fridge for a quick snack with crusty bread and crisp green salad. One evening last summer, after such a supper, I registered tingling on the lips. Really, I thought, an allergic reaction? When the requirement to list allergens on Irish menus was first introduced, many chefs I talked to expressed their 'disgruntlement'. Granted, they had heard of potentially fatal anaphylaxis but presumed that was just peanuts. For most, 'allergies' equated to those deeply irritating diners who elevate a 'dislike' to the status of allergy — tales were legion of those with a flagged 'gluten allergy' subsequently spotted gorging on the bread basket. In my family, however, we have learned to take allergies a bit more seriously, having sampled from the full medley of allergic conditions, including asthma, eczema, hayfever and even anaphylaxis. My mother developed food allergies later in life and now carries an epi-pen for potentially fatal reactions to citrus, tomatoes, strawberries, nuts and shellfish — all the makings of an excellent meal. A nephew is anaphylactic (nuts) as is one of my own who carries an epi-pen for his peanut allergy. My own chronic hayfever (and an asthmatic reaction to house dust) is a royal pain in the arse but at least I don't eat grass. A potential allergy to a favourite food? I did what any right-thinking glutton would do and blocked it entirely out of my head until faced with this delightful little delicacy and, even then, took a nibble, after all, it was just a tingle. This time, within two minutes, tingling be damned, my lips were on fire. Within five, I was scrambling for an over-the-counter antihistamine from a nearby pharmacy. Shortly after, the pharmacist was taking my blood pressure, asking permission to administer an epi-pen should my symptoms worsen, while we waited for the ambulance she had called. The ambulance crew ended up staying for almost two hours as I rallied but they waited for a mobile triage doctor to sign me off as safe. I await formal testing but my own doctor has already issued an epi-pen and banned me forever from eating aubergines. I had known aubergines, one of the world's most popular foods, were a member of the nightshade family (Solanaceae), along with potatoes, bell peppers, and tomatoes, and in my ignorance presumed a relationship to deadly nightshade. Actually, an aubergine allergy is rare but can be caused by cross-reactivity, where an allergy to proteins in one substance can trigger a reaction to similar proteins in another. Aubergine is high in histamines, to which I already react badly thanks to hayfever. I have physically recovered from the event but am now in deep mourning for the permanent loss of aubergines. No more parmigiana, moussaka, aubergine risotto … the list is endless, the heartbreak even longer, further augmented by a deep-seated unease at the potential extent of my genetic maternal inheritance. After all, what good is a food writer who is allergic to food? TODAY'S SPECIAL Fixx coffee The majority of Anne Abberton's Fixx coffee business is B2B, to cafés and restaurants etc, but she still finds time for the niche items, including single origin coffees, also available on subscription. The classic Lisbon makes for a very fine espresso but the latest single origin, Finca La Mercedes, San Salvador Volcán (El Salvador) is a light roast best drunk as filter, presenting with a lush mouthfeel, pleasing acidity and notes of nutty chocolate, apple and red berry. €14.95 (online or in select retail outlets) Cheesemaker chats Boyne Valley's Centre of Food Culture is staging Meet The Cheesemaker, a cracking series of on-farm events across the country celebrating world-class Irish farmhouse cheeses and their producers. Guided tours of each farm and cheesemaking facilities, along with conversations with the cheesemaker and tastings, run right through until autumn. Supported by Sheridans' Cheesemongers, scheduled visits are as follows: Boyne Valley Farmhouse Cheese (June 7); Coolattin Cheddar (July 5); Leitrim Hill Creamery (July 13); and Killeen Farmhouse Cheese (Sept 20). Limited tickets, pre-booking essential.
Axios
3 days ago
- Business
- Axios
Italian steakhouse, Amazon office to anchor new Wynwood Plaza development
Wynwood Plaza, the new mixed-use campus under construction in Miami's art district, announced its newest tenant: Luca Steak, an Italian-style steakhouse from acclaimed chef Giorgio Rapicavoli. The latest: The full-service restaurant at the base of Wynwood Plaza's office tower is set to open next year. Rapicavoli, the first Miami contestant to win Food Network's "Chopped," is the chef behind Luca Osteria and Eating House in Coral Gables and Mayfair Grill in Coconut Grove. Why it matters: The 1-million-square-foot campus — which will feature apartments, offices, retail space and a landscaped public plaza — will be anchored by a 50,000-square-foot Amazon office, the largest office lease in Wynwood history. Zoom out: Wynwood Plaza at 95 NW 29th St., developed by L&L Holding Company and Oak Row Equities, will feature a 26,000-square-foot public plaza with a walking path "winding through art installations, native trees and other plantings." "Luca Steak will share this airy, stylish outdoor destination with a dynamic mix of indoor and outdoor lifestyle boutiques, curated storefronts, convenience locations and fast casual spots," according to a press release. The Residences at Wynwood Plaza will feature 509 rental units.
Time Business News
4 days ago
- Business
- Time Business News
Top Vending Machines in the UK for 2025: A Guide to Simply Great Coffee's Offerings
In 2025, the demand for convenient and high-quality vending solutions continues to rise across the UK. Whether you're a business owner looking to provide refreshments for employees or aiming to offer premium coffee experiences to customers, Simply Great Coffee offers a diverse range of vending machines to meet various needs. From hot drinks to snacks, their selection combines functionality with modern technology. Simply Great Coffee stands out as one of the UK's leading privately-owned vending specialists. With over 25 years of experience, they provide Diverse Machine Selection : From traditional coffee machines to advanced bean-to-cup systems. : From traditional coffee machines to advanced bean-to-cup systems. Comprehensive Services : Including installation, maintenance, and training. : Including installation, maintenance, and training. Flexible Purchasing Options : Machines available for sale or lease. : Machines available for sale or lease. Quality Assurance: All machines are tested before installation to ensure optimal performance Capacity : Up to 300 cups daily : Up to 300 cups daily Features : i-Detect™ system for guaranteed vend Extensive coffee shop drink range LED lit dispensing area A+ energy rating : Ideal For: Offices, waiting areas, and small cafes Features : Authentic Italian-style espresso Fresh leaf tea options Customizable LED backlighting Neo Quick Code technology for personalized beverages : Ideal For: High-traffic areas like universities and large offices Price : £2,850.00 Ex. VAT : £2,850.00 Ex. VAT Features : Suitable for cans and bottles Robust design with anti-vandalism features : Ideal For: Public spaces, gyms, and transportation hubs Convenience : 24/7 availability of refreshments. : 24/7 availability of refreshments. Revenue Generation : Potential for passive income. : Potential for passive income. Employee Satisfaction : Boost morale by providing easy access to drinks and snacks. : Boost morale by providing easy access to drinks and snacks. Space Efficiency: Modern machines are compact and require minimal space. Q: Are vending machines profitable in 2025? A: Yes, with the right location and product selection, vending machines can offer a steady stream of passive income. Q: How much does it cost to get started in the vending machine business? A: Initial costs vary based on machine type and features. Simply Great Coffee offers machines starting from £1,050.00 Ex. VAT. Q: What is the future of vending? A: The vending industry is evolving with technology, offering touchless payments, personalized beverage options, and energy-efficient machines. Q: How much does one vending machine make a year? A: Earnings depend on location, product pricing, and foot traffic. On average, a well-placed machine can generate significant annual revenue. Investing in a vending machine from Simply Great Coffee in 2025 is a strategic move for businesses aiming to enhance customer experience and generate additional income. With a range of machines catering to various needs and budgets, coupled with comprehensive support services, Simply Great Coffee ensures a seamless vending solution for your establishment. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Man reignites father's legacy as Anderson Fireman's Festival returns after 15 years
It didn't take long for Serafino "Sam" Delzotti to become a fixture of Cincinnati's restaurant industry after he immigrated from Italy in 1964. He started his career as a chef at the Lookout House Supper Club in Covington before moving on to Montgomery's Fox & Crow – located in the current Carlo & Johnny's – and the Hearth Supper Club in Mount Carmel, where it's rumored he lured Tony Bennett to perform. In 1980, he and his business partner, Peter Bonnis, opened The Loveland Inn on Loveland-Madeira Road. In 1982, Delzotti, who also worked third shift as a metal fabricator, took an old family sausage recipe and turned it into a side hustle. He debuted his Delzotti Italian Sausage at the Comboni Mission Festival in Anderson and soon joined the church festival circuit, providing Italian-style hoagies for the Immaculate Heart of Mary Festival and St. Veronica's Festival, too. His sausages developed a dedicated following and are now considered somewhat famous on the East Side, where they can be found at Jungle Jim's Eastgate location. Along with being a talented chef, Delzotti was a community fixture who was active in several organizations, including the Knights of Columbus, the Cincinnati chapter of the Order Sons & Daughters of Italy in America and the United Italian Society of Greater Cincinnati. His death in 2007 at the age of 68 was a blow to not just the city's Italian-American community, but a large swath of the East Side, as well. "His funeral was crazy," his son, Franco, told me. "He knew so many people." After Delzotti's death, Franco, a firefighter in Union Township, took over the business as a coping mechanism. "I do it to keep on the tradition," he told me. It's also a way for him to commune with his father's memory. Franco started his firefighting career at a mentorship program with Anderson Township's Fire & Rescue department. To support his son, Sam started selling his Italian sausage hoagies at the annual Fireman's Festival, a fundraiser that helped raise money for the department. The festival ended in 2010, but you can try Delzotti 's famous sausage for yourself when it marks its comeback after a 15-year absence. The return of the Fireman's Festival is a story in itself. Started in the 1960s, it took place the fire station parking lot on Beechmont Avenue until 1998, when it was absorbed by the Anderson Park District and merged into Anderson Day, which takes place at Beech Acres each July. It lived on until 2010, but according to Mark Cunningham, a firefighter who serves as chairman of the Anderson Township Charitable Foundation, it eventually struggled to find volunteers. Worse, it no longer felt like the special event it once was. "It lost its spirit," Cunningham said. Last year, Anderson Township trustee Josh Gerth reached out to Cunningham, suggesting they try to bring the festival back. And finding a suitable location for it was easier than Cunningham thought. He and Gerth met with the management of Belterra Park, a horse racing and gaming facility on Kellogg Avenue, who said they could use the space, including its restrooms and food and beer vendors. With the infrastructure already in place, the decision to bring it back was simple. The festival's return is also a boon to the community. Unlike the old days, when proceeds helped pay for equipment, including ambulances, for the fire department, they will now go toward the Charitable Foundation, a 501c3 whose primary job is to serve as caretakers of the Anderson Firefighters Memorial at Beech Acres Park, as well as to support to firefighters and other community members in need. Along with those Delzotti sausage hoagies mentioned above, the Fireman's Festival will feature three additional food trucks. More food and beer options are available inside the park. Live entertainment includes the Dan Varner Band, DJ Glen Hock, the Naked Karate Girls and the Michelle Robinson Band. While the festival is open to all ages, Cunningham said the entertainment is geared more toward adults and teens, so you might want to leave the kiddies at home. If you want to make a day of it, there are several horse races scheduled this weekend. The Anderson Township Fireman's Festival takes place at Belterra Park, 6301 Kellogg Ave., Anderson Township, 5-11 p.m. Friday, May 30, and Saturday, May 31. For more info, visit This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Minor miracle revives Anderson Fireman's Festival after 15-year hiatus
Glasgow Times
6 days ago
- Business
- Glasgow Times
Award-winning Glasgow cafe to open exciting third location
Smile Cafe on Douglas Street is a popular Italian-style coffee spot in the city centre. And now, they're excited to launch a third location in Bellshill, North Lanarkshire. They bagged three gongs at last year's Scottish Cafe and Bakery Awards, scooping Cafe of the Year in South West Scotland, Cafe of the Year for Scotland, and Best Loved Cafe in the South West. Amy and Paul Mackintosh own and run the business, and they excitedly spoke to the Glasgow Times about the new venture. READ MORE: Popular restaurant in Glasgow on the hunt for new owner Amy, 30, said: "Since taking over Smile Cafe, Douglas Street, just five years ago, life has been a bit of a whirlwind for everyone. "We didn't plan to open a third location so soon, but when we were presented with the opportunity to open at Strathclyde Business Park, we felt it was too good to pass up." Amy, 30 and Paul, 38, Mackintosh, with their sons Paul, 4 and Angus, 2 (Image: Supplied) Paul, 38, added: "We are looking forward to expanding the Smile Cafe brand, and the new location will allow us to do so much more in terms of events and external catering. "We are so grateful for the support of our families, friends, the team and most importantly, the loyal customers who have supported us through hard times and allowed us to grow and expand as fast as we have!" They're getting ready to open the new location and hope to be up and running by the beginning of next month. The cafe is known for their pizzas and sandwiches as well as their coffee (Image: Supplied) The new Smile Cafe location will add to the Douglas Street one and the family's other venture, the Coffee Engine, next to High Street Train Station. They're busy setting up shop at Unit 3, Avondale House in Strathclyde Business Park in Bellshill. They posed for a snap to announce the news with their two sons, Paul, 4, and Angus, 2, on social media. READ MORE: X Factor icon announces Glasgow show as part of UK tour They were nominated as finalists for this year's Glasgow Times Best Cafe award. The cafe is known for its coffee and a selection of handmade pizzas, sandwiches, and cakes. Fans of the cafe commend its 'delicious' offerings and 'authentic Italian atmosphere', and they say they can't wait to bring that to Bellshill. They've set up a new profile for the new site, and you can follow along for updates here.
