Dublin Zoo New Baby Tapir

A yet un-named Brazilian tapir has been born to Rio in Dublin Zoo.

Bon Iver

Bon Iver have just announced that they will play the O2 on November 12th. Tickets go on sale this Friday 22nd June and are €36.50 and €39.50(plus credit card charges)
 

La Cocotte at Alliance Francais, Kildare Street Dublin

 
This little cafe/bistro in Alliance Francais is a well-kept secret. It's a great place for a morning espresso and croissant before starting shopping or a fab place for lunch. Each week they have a different special menu from a French region plus the usual desserts made fresh. Afternoon deals are coffee and dessert for €4.90 or 'cafe gourmand' which is 3 dessert nibbles plus coffee for €4.25.

"Chasing Shadows" at CENTRE FOR CREATIVE PRACTICES

This photography show sounds interesting. At the Centre for Creative Practices, 15 Pembroke Street Lower Dublin 2, it's on from 28th June to 10th July 2012,Monday - Saturday 12 - 7pm and admission is free.
 From http://www.cfcp.ie/ ; " Chasing Shadows III exhibition, as part of PhotoIreland Festival, explores the theme of the relationship between digital and nineteenth century photographic processes as well as exhibiting some unique processes using period equipment and methods...The process of making these images not only influences the result in terms of aesthetic but has an effect on the theme or concept. This exhibition not only explores photographic methods but also more importantly scrutinises a collection of concerns and subjects reflecting the eclectic interests of the exhibiting photographers. This work not only demonstrates the flexibility of photographic practice but also acknowledges the origins of the art."

Baked bean soup

CBeebies "I Can Cook" programme has some surprisingly nice recipes!! This oven-bake soup recipe is quick and easy and uses tinned borlotti beans to speed up the process.

3 heaped dsp(60g) tinned borlotti beans, rinsed and drained

1 spring onion

1 stem of celery

3 dsp(50g) chopped cooked bacon

1 clove garlic

pinch of chilli flakes

1 heaped dsp(25g) tomato puree

pinch of stock powder

1 cup/250ml of water

Measuring beans into an oven-proof dish, give them a bit of a squash with the back of a spoon to help thicken the soup a bit.

Add chopped celery,spring onion,crushed garlic ,bacon, chilli flakes and  tomato puree dish.
To finish, add water and stock powder. Stir well and put the lid on.

 Bake in a pre–heated oven 160°C(fan oven)/180°C/Gas 4 for 25-30 minutes and stir well before serving.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/i-can-cook

Moroccan roasted veg & couscous

This looks so good, from my favourite food website http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/ . Would be great at a barbecue or as part of a summer dinner party. Guess you would vary the veg to your own taste and availability.

2 courgettes , cut into chunks

3 red peppers , deseeded and cut into chunks

1 large aubergine , cut into chunks

8 spring onions , cut into 2cm lengths

2 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp harissa

2 tbsp tahini paste

juice 1 lemon

4 tbsp Greek yogurt

small bunch mint , roughly chopped

couscous and pitta bread , to serve

1. Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Spread the vegetables out on a baking tray. Drizzle over the oil and harissa, season and toss well. Roast for 30 mins or until cooked and beginning to caramelise.
2. Mix together the tahini, lemon juice, yogurt and 1-2 tbsp water to make a dressing. Stir in half the mint.
3. Sprinkle the veg with the remaining mint and serve with the dressing, couscous and warm pitta bread.

Dublin Biennial 2012 Pop Up (2)

Was at the official opening of this art event yesterday at Point Village right by the O2. A very exciting event as the artists were nearly all present mingling about and the art work on show was both varied and interesting. The most well know name there exhibiting was Yoko Ono. her wishing tree allowed the public to write a wish on a luggage label and to tie it onto the tree. A lovely idea and a way for all to take part, even children. Other artists that particularly caught my eye were the following;
Victoria Kovalenchikova (Reflected Reality)
Al Wildey
Rod Coyne (Meeting of the Waters)