Wexford Launch- A great Success

A fine crowd turned up for our Wexford book launch in D'Lush Café last Saturday. The café is just the perfect setting for an intimate gathering and the D'Lush staff worked tirelessly to keep folk fed and watered. Linda's delicious chocolate brownies were a huge hit and, I suspect, the main attraction! It was a great opportunity for everyone to catch up with old friends. Mayor Joe Ryan introduced the book with a warm and well-considered speech. Having grown up in Dublin, Joe was well familiar with Urney Chocolates. He fondly reflected on the lure of the infamous Two and Two bar and noted the factory's significance in Irish industrial history. A terrific night. Thanks to everyone for all the support. And special thanks to Zeno for being both photographer and financial controller on the night. Who said men can't multi-task!
 

Book Launch, Saturday 12th Feb

Valentine's Day is fast approaching and many of us have chocolate on our minds. That makes it the perfect time of year to have our rescheduled "Sweet Memories" book launch. The Mayor, Joe Ryan, will launch the book on Saturday 12th Feb in D'Lush Café in  Wexford Arts Centre at 7pm, prior to the Maeve Higgins show. There will be delectable home-made chocolate brownies and hot beverages served on the evening. For anyone looking to spoil their loved-one on Valentine's Day, a selection of mouth-wateringly delicious, chocolate goodies, lovingly crafted by Linda of D'Lush, will be available for sale. Linda honed her chocolate-making skills in Holland before returning to Wexford to set up the popular eatery- a favourite spot for both sweet-tooths and lovers of wholesome, healthy fare. And of course I'll be there on the 12th to sign copies of "Sweet memories- the Story of Urney Chocolates". Look forward to seeing you.

Happy New Year

Can you believe it's 2011 already? Last year seemed to unravel in the blink of an eye. I'm looking forward to getting stuck into reading the books I got for Christmas. "Chocolate Wars: From Cadbury to Kraft: 200 years of Sweet Success and Bitter Rivalry" is first on my list. Written by a descendant of the Cadbury chocolate dynasty, Deborah Cadbury tells the engaging story of the Cadbury's chocolate factory from its inception to its recent takeover by Kraft. All the major English Chocolate brands such as Fry's and Rowntree's were started by Quaker families and the devout religious values that infiltrated their factories have long since given way to modern commerce. The world's chocolate industry is now dominated by just four multi-nationals; Kraft, Nestlé, Mars and Ferrero. Deborah, an acclaimed historian and documentary maker, details this fascinating journey in her book.




Incidently, Urney Chocolates founder Harry Gallagher also had Quaker roots. His mother, Harriet Thomas, came from a County Cork Quaker family. Harry certainly empathized with the Quaker ideal of caring for workers and he devoted much of his time creating a pleasant and safe environment for his employees. The Urney factory became known locally as the factory in a garden- just as the Cadbury factory had many years before in Victorian England.

Book Launch Cancelled until further notice

Due to adverse weather conditions the Sweet Memories, the Story of Urney Chocolates book launch will be postponed until further notice. Provided conditions do not deteriorate much further, I will be in Greenacres tomorrow, Saturday 4th to inform people of the change in schedule. I will also be available to sign books from 12pm til 3pm should anyone brave the elements and make it into Wexford town. A new launch date will be rescheduled shortly. Watch this space......In the meanwhile, keep warm....

Wexford launch of Urney book!

Finally, the Wexford launch has arrived. Be sure to get to Greenacres gallery at midday on Saturday 4th December to catch the opening of the Greenacres Christmas show. Directly following the art opening, local author and historian Nicky Furlong will introduce the book, Sweet Memories. The Story of Urney Chocolates. Special guest Brendan Grace will be joining us, promising an afternoon of shared memories and good old-fashioned craic. Don't miss it!

Book featured on RTE One - Four Live

This afternoon Tom Doorley was promoting his book "Eating for Ireland" on RTE's Four Live show. He chatted to Maura Derrane about favourite foods of our childhood and how they evoke a longing for a simpler but comforting time. His book celebrates this nostalgia and discusses how we used to eat throughout the years. Of course, Urney Chocolates got a mention. Tom and Maura waxed lyrical about the delectable Two and Two bar and the toothsomely chewy Bobby bar. At one point Maura furtively produced my book Sweet Memories- The Story of Urney Chocolates" from under the counter, taking care not to reveal its cover. She opened the book to point at a picture of a Two and Two Bar wrapper. As the camera lingered on the image they enthusiastically discussed the reincarnation of the well-loved bar. Unfortunately, there was no mention of the book title or its author and the implication was that this was a double page spread from Tom's book. Shame.....I feel a bit cheated..... See the programme for yourself here (scroll to 17.36mins for the Tom Doorley interview.) Link is only available til December 1st. Feel free to highlight this injustice by emailing emails@fourlive.ie ......

Hadji Bey back on our shelves

L.C. Confectionery, owner of many Irish vintage confectionery brands, including Urney Chocolates, has introduced Hadji Bey Turkish Delight back to the market. Hadji Bey the company, was established in 1902 in Cork by Armenian national, Harutun Batmazian. Harutun's first career choice, like Urney Chocolates founder, Harry Gallagher, was law. While studying in Istanbul (then Constantinople) Harutun found time to help out in a confectionery business producing Turkish Delight. However, when the Turks began executing Armenian Christians he fled to south west Ireland. Despite having no English or financial backing Haruntun set up shop in MacCurtain Street, Cork and before long had converted the Irish to the exotic charms of Turkish Delight. 

Today in County Kildare, Hadji Bey sweetmeats are still lovingly handmade to original recipes. Available in Original Rose and Rahat Lokoum (a mix of Rose, Orange and Lemon) flavours, the sweets are hand packed in beautifully designed sturdy, round boxes. The boxes retail at a very reasonable €8.95 from outlets nationwide, such as the English Market, Cork and The Chocolate Shop. They can also be found in exclusive London foodstore, Fortnum and Mason.