We were so honoured to be part of ' A Taste of West Cork' this year, for the very first time. Cape Clear B&B./ Ard na Gaoithe Afternoon Tea was a joy to prepare and a privilage to host our wonderful guests from near and even fellow islanders from as far away as Malta,
Afternoon Tea is such a special treat, an opportunity to indulge in a huge variety of homemade sweet and savoury treats. We at Cape Clear B&B/ Ard na Gaoithe were truly delighted to be able to offer a unique dining experience showcasing the very best of what local Cape Clear Island producers have to offer, to indulge our own passion for baking and creating treats. Sourcing ingredients for the event was such craic, visitng Ed Harper's long established farm, Cléire Goats, took me on a very pleasant meandering walk over the Cnoicíns (part of the looped walks on the island), hearing the wind whispering though the woodland of native trees, enjoying spectacular views of Liosómóine, Calf islands and Schull across Roaring Water Bay. The land glowing with flowering heathers and gorse as well as wild herbs and grasses, misted with salt spray, forming the unique terroir, an unpolluted gem which enhances the goats' milk to produce a delcious, healthy, artisan cheese which we were proud to offer our guests. Once the goats cheese was in the bag- so to speak I had to dash off to meet Pádraig C. Ó Driscoil and his son Connor of the Giselle at South Harbour. Pádraig and Connor know the fishing grounds around Cape like the back of their hands. Pádraig went out to the very deep water especially to find beautiful brown crabs with huge meaty claws so our guests could sample the finest fish possible, We were so lucky and very, very grateful to get them as that was their last haul of the season. Pádraig then topped it off by handing me divine inky blue lobster- what more could anyone ask for? Back at Cape Clear B&B/ Ard na Gaoithe a knock came to the door and Debbie from the team at Ger and Máirtín's Cape Clear Farm stood there armed with punnets of what must be the tastiest tomatoes in the world, red, yellow and dark dark red, they shone like jewels; almost too pretty to eat -along with wonderful crisp, tasty leaves of every variety and the sweetest cucumbers as well as a huge bunch of the fine, ferny, elegant chervil. Highlights from the tea included, fresh crab, smoked salmon, roast beef, goats' cheese bites, homemade scones and cakes with home made blackberry jam, lemon curd and cream, lemon drizzle cake, Bara Brith, Callebaut choclate ect. The day was spent busily making all manner of treats both sweet and savoury as we endeavoured to do justice to the wonderful produce. A huge thank you to Karen and Seamus from Cape Clear Ferries who cordinated bookings, took the guests on a tremendous guided walk and even sent in a high chair for one of our very young special guests, to Fields of Skibberen for delivering all manner of things from their amazing sourdough bread, tender meats and tasty condiments. Thank you, especially to Eileen (mum) and Marianne who did trojan work arranging the tables with vintage china and stunning floral arrangements as well as a million other jobs resulting in a lovely afternoon for all!
If we manged to whet your appetite why not book you own Tuesday Tea party? perfect for Birthdays, staff days, bridal tea-parties (excellent for relatives not going on hen do), baby showers, christenings ect.
Min group 6- max 20 booking call us at 028-39160 or EMAIL welcome@capeclearbandb.ie.
We are looking forward already to hosting you at a Tuesday Tea-Party at Cape Clear B&B/ Ard na Gaoithe !
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