I heard that Paddy’s Market down in Port St Mary was now not just a fishmongers but more of a Saturday market. So I got my coat on and headed down south in the car to check it out. I was really pleasantly surprised. The usual fishmongers was in full flow with the normal queue building up and a fine arrary of fantastic fish and shellfish on display. Outside, there was also a small number of market stalls including Staarvey Farm with there fresh and potted herbs, a continental style stall (part of Paddys Market) selling a wide range of French cheeses, hams and continental meats, amazing fruit and vegetables with some looking like they were picked out the ground that morning!

Interestingly there was also the Isle of Man’s newest chocolate maker going by the name of Cocoa Red, selling locally produced handmade chocolates that looked delicious.

It’s definatley worth a trip down to Port St Mary on a Saturday morning, you will be sure to pick up something unusual that would make the perfect dinner party talking piece.

I went up to Robinsons at Ballapaddag today by B&Q as they were promoting a Halloween day where you could select your pumpkins and turnips for Halloween or ‘Hop tu naa’ as they call it here on the Isle of Man. I was really surprised at how good it was and what else they had on offer.

As well as a great selection of turnips and pumpkins they also had loads of freshly made hot food to sample including crispy duck and Thai green curry – which I have to admit tasted fab! They had face painting for the kids and the seafood counter looked great with lovely fresh fish including Manq Queenies and Monkfish cheaks. There where the guys from Greeba Farm Manx Mushrooms and also another stall selling local duck eggs. I resisted spending too much (for now any way) and came away with two turnips and some honey roasted cashews, but as the Terminator famously said ‘ Ill be back’ and you can bet your bottom Manx pound coin I will be… very soon!

Simple refreshing with a sharp bitey tang! Nice.

What you need

2 Shots of ManX whiskey
Juice of half a Lime
3/4 teaspoon of sugar
Lime wedge to garnish
Ice crushed or cubes depending on your taste

What to do

Put everything in a mixer (except the Lime garnish and ice)
Shake well
Fill a long glass with the ice
Pour over mix
Garnish with Lime slices

Simples, but really refreshing and the lime and sugar take the edge off the whiskey!

This is one of favorite Saturday afternoon snacks that I enjoy with a cup of tea or some times a sneaky can of Stella!

What you need

2 slices of white bread (Ramsey Bakery Mighty White)
4 good slices of Isle of Man Creameries Black Pepper Mature Chedder
Knob of butter
1 tsp oregano
½ cup sliced Greeba Farm Manx mushrooms
A toastie maker/George Foreman grill

What to do

In a pan, put a knob of butter and heat on the hob. Place the mushrooms and oregano in the pan and gently cook for 2-3 minutes until the mushrooms are lightly cooked and soft. Set aside.
Lightly butter the two slices of bread. Place one of the bread slices butter side down and line with slices of the cheese. With a spoon place the mushrooms on top of the cheese, finally adding the other slice of bread, butter side facing out.

Toast for 5 minutes in a toastie maker or George Forman Grill or until golden brown and cheese has melted. Serve warm with a side salad of leaves and cuppa if you want to push the boat out!

Gourmet Shark Tip: If you don’t have a toastie machine you could fry the toastie gently on each side in a frying pan.

The Isle of Man’s first ever food festival (which isn’t exactly the correct, dont forget the Isle of Man Queenie Festival) was held at the end of September at the Villa Marina Gardens. The Isle of Man Food Festival is a showcase of all that is good about the produce from the Isle of Man and featured over 40 different producers.

The weather was fantastic and well over 800 people attended the event. Some of the many many many highlights included Si King and Dave Myers aka The Hairy Bikers in addition to the I love Manx Chef competition finals, fantastic demonstrations from many local chefs and the Great Manx Bake-off cake baking competition.

I must say the sights and smells were fantastic and a big pat on the back should go to the Department of Tourism and Leisure for organising such a great event. Lets hope it goes from strength to strength.