Latest news with #O'Briens
The Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
O'Briens Malaysia: Fresh, fast and balanced
ON the sandwich shop spectrum, O'Briens Irish Sandwich Cafe Malaysia (O'Briens) falls on the slightly more premium end but customers are known to get what they pay for – sandwiches crafted to international standards with high-quality, fresh ingredients. Speaking to theSun, O'Briens managing director and master franchise holder Brian Pua explained that the success of the brand over the past two decades is the result of his team's relentless commitment in upholding the highest standards in food quality, customer service and healthy food products. Opening its first outlet in Malaysia at Great Eastern Mall in Kuala Lumpur back in 2002, O'Briens quickly expanded under Pua's stewardship to over 30 locations, largely in urban areas. Though the 'Irish' in its name may give some pause, Pua stressed that O'Briens is halal-certified, which was his very intention from the opening of the initial Malaysian outlet. 'As a cafe offering what many consider comfort food, it was important for us to target the halal status. Now, all our food is halal-certified, so our Muslim customers can enjoy their meals with confidence,' Pua explained. 'From the start, it was very clear how we would serve our customers,' he said. Healthy eating, local flavours O'Briens was one of the first businesses in the country's food and beverage landscape to push the concept of fresh and nutritious food – even if the general awareness on how both went hand in hand with living a healthy lifestyle was not as prevalent. Pua believes the pandemic drove a change in attitudes. 'It was when people began to have more awareness on the importance of taking care of their immune system by consuming more natural, fresh food products. 'People now look for meals that support their lifestyle, where they want something balanced, fresh and satisfying. We are proud to be part of that movement and it is great to see so many regulars who have made O'Briens part of their everyday routine,' he said. Yet, O'Briens is not rigid in its offerings. Over time, the brand has adapted – or rather tweaked – its menu to suit local tastes while maintaining its original values. 'Being a Malaysian myself has helped guide O'Briens. In the beginning, we looked at introducing Irish sandwiches, the concept and lifestyle to the Malaysian market. Over time, we looked into the taste of what O'Briens offered,' he said. Giving an example, Pua cited how Malaysians liked spicy food. This eventually led to the O'Briens menu adopting items such as the Piri-Piri Chicken Multigrain and the Volcanic Chicken Wrap. 'Another thing was the demand for vegetarian options and we answered it with a wide range of vegetarian offerings such as the Watercress Sandwich and even those that combined the spicy and vegetarian taste portfolio, such as the Sundried Tomato on Hot Ciabatta, which is popular with vegetarians,' he pointed out. 'We put in the effort to make each and every sandwich have its own unique identity by increasing the taste portfolio, while staying true to our Irish roots and the philosophy of clean, nutritious eating'. Listening to lifestyles Today, O'Briens continues to adapt to what consumers are looking for. To Pua, this means always having his ear to the ground. On top of integrating new technology into its operations, O'Briens is working with the fitness industry, finding new ways to approach the food and beverage landscape. They are already taking into consideration what gym-goers want. 'We have done surveys with them to develop our salads to be low in carbohydrates and high in protein, while striking a balance between the health aspect and the taste of our food,' Pua said. While the brand is known for promoting healthy foods and living, one element is conspiciously missing from its clean and attractive menu – nutritional information for each item, with calories, protein, carbohydrates, fats in gram and so on clearly stated. 'We are currently working on it,' Pua exclaimed with a laugh. 'In fact, our halal quality control team already has all the information for each product and very soon, we will incorporate it into our menu. 'We want our customers to know the nutritional value of what they consume and they can plan their meals. That is also what we want to encourage our customers to do, which is to have a balanced diet,' he said.
The Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Healthy bites, local flavours
ON the sandwich shop spectrum, O'Briens Irish Sandwich Cafe Malaysia (O'Briens) falls on the slightly more premium end but customers are known to get what they pay for – sandwiches crafted to international standards with high-quality, fresh ingredients. Speaking to theSun, O'Briens managing director and master franchise holder Brian Pua explained that the success of the brand over the past two decades is the result of his team's relentless commitment in upholding the highest standards in food quality, customer service and healthy food products. Opening its first outlet in Malaysia at Great Eastern Mall in Kuala Lumpur back in 2002, O'Briens quickly expanded under Pua's stewardship to over 30 locations, largely in urban areas. Though the 'Irish' in its name may give some pause, Pua stressed that O'Briens is halal -certified, which was his very intention from the opening of the initial Malaysian outlet. 'As a cafe offering what many consider comfort food, it was important for us to target the halal status. Now, all our food is halal -certified, so our Muslim customers can enjoy their meals with confidence,' Pua explained. 'From the start, it was very clear how we would serve our customers,' he said. Healthy eating, local flavours O'Briens was one of the first businesses in the country's food and beverage landscape to push the concept of fresh and nutritious food – even if the general awareness on how both went hand in hand with living a healthy lifestyle was not as prevalent. Pua believes the pandemic drove a change in attitudes. 'It was when people began to have more awareness on the importance of taking care of their immune system by consuming more natural, fresh food products. 'People now look for meals that support their lifestyle, where they want something balanced, fresh and satisfying. We are proud to be part of that movement and it is great to see so many regulars who have made O'Briens part of their everyday routine,' he said. Yet, O'Briens is not rigid in its offerings. Over time, the brand has adapted – or rather tweaked – its menu to suit local tastes while maintaining its original values. 'Being a Malaysian myself has helped guide O'Briens. In the beginning, we looked at introducing Irish sandwiches, the concept and lifestyle to the Malaysian market. Over time, we looked into the taste of what O'Briens offered,' he said. Giving an example, Pua cited how Malaysians liked spicy food. This eventually led to the O'Briens menu adopting items such as the Piri-Piri Chicken Multigrain and the Volcanic Chicken Wrap. 'Another thing was the demand for vegetarian options and we answered it with a wide range of vegetarian offerings such as the Watercress Sandwich and even those that combined the spicy and vegetarian taste portfolio, such as the Sundried Tomato on Hot Ciabatta, which is popular with vegetarians,' he pointed out. 'We put in the effort to make each and every sandwich have its own unique identity by increasing the taste portfolio, while staying true to our Irish roots and the philosophy of clean, nutritious eating'. Listening to lifestyles Today, O'Briens continues to adapt to what consumers are looking for. To Pua, this means always having his ear to the ground. On top of integrating new technology into its operations, O'Briens is working with the fitness industry, finding new ways to approach the food and beverage landscape. They are already taking into consideration what gym-goers want. 'We have done surveys with them to develop our salads to be low in carbohydrates and high in protein, while striking a balance between the health aspect and the taste of our food,' Pua said. While the brand is known for promoting healthy foods and living, one element is conspiciously missing from its clean and attractive menu – nutritional information for each item, with calories, protein, carbohydrates, fats in gram and so on clearly stated. 'We are currently working on it,' Pua exclaimed with a laugh. 'In fact, our halal quality control team already has all the information for each product and very soon, we will incorporate it into our menu. 'We want our customers to know the nutritional value of what they consume and they can plan their meals. That is also what we want to encourage our customers to do, which is to have a balanced diet,' he said.
Irish Examiner
23-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Examiner
Wine with Leslie: The best bargains from the French wine sale
A return to the mother country this week, France. Cultivation of vines began in the fertile crescent of the Middle East along with civilisation. The Greeks brought wine to Italy and then to Southern France, and then the Romans brought it almost everywhere else. The first French vines were planted in Provence and the Languedoc and the latter is still a powerhouse of French wine today. France didn't invent wine but modern wine in general owes more to France than anywhere. France set the benchmarks for quality red, white, sparkling and dessert wines before anyone else. They figured out everything from bottle fermented sparkling wine to optimum oak ageing and created the first comprehensive wine laws with the Appellation d'Origine system. They are still at the forefront of innovation from concrete eggs (Marc Chapoutier), to the natural wine movement, to the current fashion for rosé. What prompted me to write about France was the French Wine Sale in O'Briens. Southern France is where the best bargains are, but if you have a few quid to spare Taittinger Champagne is on offer at €50 and the excellent co-op Beaumont des Crayères Champagne is just €33. The sale is particularly strong on Bordeaux and among the bargains I spotted were three Irish Wine Geese Châteaux — Ch Langoa-Barton at €52 down from €65, Ch Phélan-Ségur at €56 down from €70, and Echo de Lynch Bages at €60 down from €75. These are not everyday wines, but given the prices in restaurants these days, they will make for a pleasurable night in. They also can be aged for a further 10-15 years. Selections this week are all from the Languedoc, two from the O'Briens sale and one from the ever-reliable Laurent Miquel in Dunnes Stores. Laurent Miquel Solas Viognier, Languedoc, France, €10 Viognier is the most seductive white grape of them all, packed with stone fruit and floral aromas. However, good luck finding one under €35 from its home base in the Northern Rhône. This has apricot and white peach aromas, textured pear fruits on the palate and a dash of acidity so would be perfect with grilled fish or a creamy pasta dish. Dunnes Stores Gérard Bertrand Château de la Grange 2020, Fitou, France, €14.95 From a coastal area in the Aude just south of Beziers in the heart of the Languedoc. Organic grapes (as with all Bertrand wines), this is a typical blend of Grenache, Carignan, Syrah and Mourvèdre. Blackberry and spicy plum fruits on the nose, juicy and fresh with good acidity, pleasing dark berry juiciness, crunch and freshness. A great price, as this is normally €18. O'Briens, Domaine Begude 'Etoile' Chardonnay, €18.36 O'Briens sale has some good white Burgundy on offer such as Ch. Fuissé at €28 but this would be my pick. Begude is a family-run organic estate near Limoux and their Étoile Chardonnay can easily match many a village Burgundy. Supple and textured with lush ripe apple and pear fruits balanced by citrus freshness and with bonus length and complexity. O'Briens, Spirit of the week: Midleton Very Rare 2025 Edition, 40% ABV, €240 MVR 2025 has three grain whiskies blended with three classic pot stlls and has gorgeous butter caramel aromas mixed with floral-vanilla notes. Beautifully smooth with honeycomb and peach flavours and a finish that begins with citrus followed by pepper and sweet oak. Delicious. Independents;
Irish Examiner
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
Wine with Leslie: Don't be a wine snob, this week's bottles are fun and flavourful
Don't you hate wine snobs? By snob I mean someone that turns their nose up at a wine because it doesn't fit their narrow view of what a wine should taste like, or when and how it should be served. I hate them mostly because I suspect I used to be one. Writing this column has forced me to relax about wine and to open my mind. I hated natural wine at first because all I could see were 'faults' such as volatile acidity (vinegar aromas) or brett (barnyard aromas). I wasn't willing to admit that many a posh Italian wine has VA and many an aged Bordeaux reeks of brett. Last weekend, I had food writers over to dinner, always a daunting prospect as these folk can't help but analyse whatever you put in front of them. I fretted all day about the red wine to serve with the lamb raan (slow roasted lamb marinated in yogurt and light spices) but thankfully my friend Sian Conway solved the problem with the litre bottle of Nat'Cool! she brought (see below). I immediately knew it would work better than any of the aged Bordeaux or Rhône wines I had expected to open. It was juicy, fruity and could be served cool; it was a perfect match. Nat'Cool is under one label but made by different producers with the same non-interventionist philosophy — rule No 1: No rules, No 2: Respect the first rule. Within reason, this is a philosophy for life as well as wine drinking. Wine should be fun and flavourful, especially in summertime, hence this week's suggestions. PS: I mentioned last week that rosé season had begun and I was not wrong as O'Briens, SuperValu, and most other multiples have May rosé offers. O'Briens have 25% off all rosé and SuperValu have nearly 20 rosés on shelves this month. Maurice Bonnamy Brut Rosé, Crémant de Loire, France, €15 One of many rosés on offer in SuperValu, also watch for Santa Rita Rosé at €9, Bendel Rosé at €10 plus all the celeb rosés such as GN, SJP and Kylie. This is a straightforward traditional method rosé made from Cabernet Franc with raspberry and citrus aromas and a crisp dry cherry skin-tinged palate. Also suited to spritzes, French 75 cocktails and Kir Royale. SuperValu Giol Organic Verduzzo, Marca Trevigiana IGP, Italy, €16-17 This is what I mean by fun: lime and ripe kiwi aromas, juicy, fruity and zingy and a dry lemony finish and a noticeable spritz. From a small family-run organic producer in the Treviso hills in NW Italy from a rare native Italian grape that is only really found in this region. Perfect lunch wine. Urru Bandon; Bubble Brothers; Harringtons Ardgroom; Quay Co-Op; Wunderkaffee Farran; Taste Castletownbere; Vintry Niepoort Nat'Cool Tinto, Terras do Dão, 1 litre, €30 Niepoort's NatCool range is non-interventionist, natural and organic and best served cool – the label says: 'Drink Me!'. At 12% abv this is juicy and ripe with cherry and floral aromas and a bright fruity palate – the perfect summer red. There is also a blue label Nat'Cool from Bairrada, which is similarly tasty. 1601; Bradleys; Lilith; GreenMan; DrinkStore; Deveneys; Barnhill Spirit of the week: Tullamore D.E.W. Honey Liqueur, 35% ABV, 70cl, €30 A blend of Bohemian honey, Tullamore malt, pot-still and grain whiskey, this has honey, vanilla and spice aromas, a smooth sweet palate, lingering caramel and pepper. Perfect for summer cocktails.
Irish Examiner
08-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Examiner
Why would anyone sell ocean scanning Whistler? Well, family here has Cork's famed Bunny's in its sights...
IT WOULD take a lot to get a family to leave the likes of Whistler, a contemporary upside down home with wide ocean and beach views, in a property hot-spot like Cork's Fountainstown — but, turns out the vendors have something special up their sleeve, known and loved by them for half a century. Whistler is a house with studio apartment at the back within a stone's skip of the beach Selling Whistler are the O'Brien family, who built it back 25 years ago and home since to a couple and two boys. Only moving up the road, the family has deep local roots — they own both Pine Lodge (now The Lodge) and famed Bunnyconnellan's hospitality ventures, in nearby Myrtleville just to the east along the Coast Road…one of Crosshaven's increasingly valued Golden Miles. Whistler's vendors are to move to fantastically-sited Bunnyconnellan's after taking it off the market Whistler hits the market with a €1.3 million price guide via agent Roy Dennehy, for a high-end and adaptable four-bed, 2,150 sq ft home, including a self-contained apartment to the rear, plus double garage, at the Fountainstown beach end of the Coast Road. Why are the O'Brien clan selling? Well, great and all as Whistler and its seaside setting and vista is, they have a bigger, even more exotic fish to fry, at the famed Bunnyconnellan cliffs-set site less than a mile away, set to be their new home. Set in one of coastal Cork's most iconic settings, overlooking the mouth of Cork harbour and Roches Point above Myrtleville beach, Bunnyconnellan, or Bunny's, has been in generations of the O'Brien family's hands for nigh on 50 years; now it's about to take another pivot in that property's long, 200 year history. Go Whistler Bunny's was bought in 1976 by Paddy and Sheila O'Brien, who had previous bars in Cork city (the Marina) and in London, and they further developed the former bar/small hotel owned by the Porteous family, making it their own family home for a period too. Hugely loved by Corkonians and visitor alike, for its position as well as tradition, Bunny's closed post-pandemic when the current generation of O'Briens had at peak employed 80 between here and The Lodge (eight chefs alone in Bunny's), citing staffing and accommodation difficulties at the time. The Lodge trades well still today, whilst the c 6,000 sq ft Bunny's on over five acres was put for sale in 2023, guiding €1.9 million. It featured extensively here at the time, gaining both commercial venture offers and residential traction and interest, both as a dramatic one-off private home, or split into several smaller residential sections. Ground floor bedroom at Whistler Turns out, the O'Briens picked up on one aspect of the sales pitch (from agents at the time Savills, who had strong inquiries on it) and subsequently decided to restore it as an extended family home, splitting into three sections, for themselves and their adult children, noting their sons — in their 20s — would have the same challenges as any other young person in buying homes for themselves. Whistler is an upside down home, for the views They have the design services of an architect friend, Klaus Fleisch from Stuttgart and who has local coastal links too to the area, to adapt the former Bunny's, which grew from an initial tiny cottage back in the 1820s, in fits and starts, to what it famously became. Conversion back to residential use won't need planning permission thanks to legislative changes brought in a few years back to facilitate the repurposing of former pubs and bar to living quarters. While there will be some public disappointment that a bar won't run here in such a dramatic setting again 'I think people will be glad it won't be over-developed' says one of the couple, accepting the quip that generations now will be living cheek-by-jowl, in something akin to the famous Kennedy Compound on Cap Cod…also coincidentally three houses, on c six acres. In contrast, Whistler is a one-off, in more ways than one, 'a must-see, a truly rare opportunity indeed to purchase a substantial, detached residence located in one of South Cork's most sought after coastal settings, in a private cul de sac' say Dennehy Property. Open plan upstairs Whistler had three bedrooms (one en suite) and main bathroom at ground floor, and first floor reception hall, and vast open plan kitchen/living/dining with extensive apex glazing (with electric blackout blinds if needed). There's then access to a balcony for views over Fountainstown, Ringabella bay, Ringabella beach, headlands and across to Cork's outer harbour where yachts sport and tankers berth off-shore, in an ever changing ocean panorama. Behind, meanwhile on the stepped site is a self-contained one-bed studio apartment. The Price Register show half a dozen or so €1m+ sales at nearby Crosshaven, where several on the Point Road were bought for this sort of sum, flattened and rebuilt for new, multi-million euro homes with bells and whistles. The effect and price premiums put on water views and proximity has spilled over the harbour community's backing hills to Fennells Bay, Myrtleville and Fountainstown and the Coast Road between the latter two beach locations with another raft of €1m+ sales, including the €1.79m paid for the new build called Medjez-El-Bab. VERDICT: Canada's Whisler is a well-known snowboarding and ski-resort, at Cork's Whistler you can water-ski, surf, kayak and sea swim to your heart's content, then walk back up home for a hot shower and apres ski afterwards.
