Yemi’s Food Stories: a culinary exploration in Ireland

Yemi Adelekan is a food writer and blogger who was a semi-finalist in the 2022 series of BBC TV’s Masterchef competition.

Every Saturday Yemi writes on the Stray Ferret about her love of the area’s food and shares cooking tips – please get in touch with her if you want her to review a restaurant, visit your farm, taste the produce you sell or even share a recipe.

I was at stunning Mountain View Kilkenny in Ireland over the bank holiday to attend Foodiefest which is the first food and wellness festival of its kind.  I got to help my fellow MasterChef UK contestants as they cooked their dishes for circa 90 guests followed by cooking demos for a captive audience.

From start to finish the weekend showcased Irish cuisine in so many different ways so this week my column covers some gems that I can’t wait to share with you.

‘Food and recipes should be shared, not owned’

My highlights started with dinner at Mountain View with menu from head chef Keith Boyle, a renowned award winning Irish chef with a heart of gold. For my starter, I opted for Seafood scampi, crab salsa and mango aioli. This was a generous and stunning plate of food with crispy coated scampi and delicious aioli. The crab salsa was new to me and I couldn’t stop scooping it onto my scampi.

I asked chef Boyle for the ingredients and he gladly shared them with me saying food and recipes are meant to be shared, not owned.

For my main dish, I ordered the pan seared salmon, curried leeks, mussels, poached eggs and chive butter. This was as classically French as it gets with the delicious sauce further enriched when the egg yolk bursts into the sauce. This was served with irresistibly parmesan truffle chips which were to die for.  

This dish exuded the love, passion and generosity of the chef and his sous chef Ed who has earned the nickname of ‘the ED Chef’.  

I was tempted by the preserved berry crumble and whisky anglaise but gave in to the classic sticky toffee pudding and caramel sauce. The plating of this dessert was elevated by the beautiful plate which had a hole in the middle that perfectly encased the pudding.

Some of the delicious dishes from the weekend

It was what I expected from a well made pudding, light and sticky with traditional caramel sauce. A part of me wanted a non-traditional version of the sauce which can be through the introduction of a salty or sour element or the addition of rum or whisky.

My go to sauce for sticky toffee pudding is my velvet tamarind caramel sauce which brings just enough sourness to change the game. A salted, miso or date caramel will also lend some character to this well loved dessert.

The next morning, ahead of a super busy day, chef made the time to cook us a full Irish breakfast with deliciously juicy sausages, intensely smoky bacon, black pudding, fried bread, Irish soda bread, eggs and more. This was enough to keep me going all day.

I had the pleasure of working in the kitchen where I saw the other side of chef Boyle which was a focused and accomplished chef who ran a professional kitchen without any faff or noise.

The MasterChef dinner

The MasterChef dinner comprised four courses of standout dishes designed by Matthew Samuels, Forest Kwok and Nichola Rapson.  

The first course comprised three canapé-style starter including Caribbean Jerk pork belly, crispy coconut rice with apple and mustard, blue and red tostada, guasacaca, salsa macha and queso blanco, and crab korokke, Japanese mayo and pickled shallots. This course left everyone wanting more.

Fish course of torched cod, miso, orange and rum espuma and local trout roe by Matthew Samuels was exquisite with perfectly cooked fish and utterly delicious sauce.

This was followed by Irish beef, charred corn puree, corn velouté, Venezuelan chimichurri and crispy leek by Nickolas Rapson. The corn flavours on this dish was at another level, beautiful, silky smooth and delicious. I watched chef Boyle ‘nurse’ the corn puree so not surprised at the final result.

At the food demonstration

They say dessert should leave an impression on a diner’s mind and the dessert of chocolate, praline and yuzu paris brest by Forest kwok did not disappoint. There wasn’t anyone who did not wish there was a second portion. It was sensational and a true knockout of a dessert.

My turn

For my food demo, I made a salad of honey, black pepper and balsamic beetroot, Irish potatoes spiced with mustard seeds, chilli, and spring onions and a crowd pleasing creamy chicken sauce using mascarpone, sun dried tomatoes, shallots, chillies and coloured peppers.

To make chef Boyle’s crab salsa – mix finely diced courgette and tomato concasse with fresh crab meat, capers, coriander, olive oil and lemon juice. Check the balance of ingredients and adjust to your taste.

Serve this with potato croquettes, salmon or any white fish or use to elevate a classic scampi dish. Tomato concasse is a tomato that has been peeled, seeded and chopped to needed dimensions.

Coming next week

Next week, I will bring you highlights from the opening of the latest fine dining experience, restaurant Fifty-Two at Rudding Park.

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Editor’s Pick of the Week: Starbucks arrives, James Bond returns and Knaresborough floods

Finally, after months of speculation, Harrogate got the answer to the question everyone is asking — when is the new Starbucks on Wetherby Road opening?

The answer is — very soon. The full details, caffeine addicts, are here.

Pierce Brosnan is leaving a trail of swooning admirers across the district. A month after he was spotted having a drink in the Fat Badger in Harrogate, he popped up in Knaresborough this week.

Not, sadly, at Bond End but on High Street where he surprised staff and customers at Yorkshire Eyewear by asking to borrow a screwdriver so he could fix his glasses.

The gobsmacked staff obliged, ensuring the 007 star’s specs were shaken but not blurred (thanks to my colleague John Grainger for that line).

I drove along dry roads on Knaresborough High Street on Bank Holiday Monday only to get home some 20 minutes later to reports of homes in the town being flooded. Surely some mistake? It soon became clear it was anything but, and we quickly fired up a live blog to track the breaking news and headed out the next day to speak to those affected.

We returned on Friday to find out more about the impressive emergency response being co-ordinated at Chain Lane Community Centre.

Finally, a plea for help. This week we launched a petition to support Ripon Military Heritage Trust‘s campaign to preserve key parts of the city’s military heritage from being bulldozed as part of the 1,300-home Clotherholme development. The trust only wants to maintain a tiny section of land so it can tell the

If you weren’t aware of what’s at stake, read this article about the key role Ripon played in two world wars. For instance, 350,000 soldiers passed through the military camp during the First World War. You can sign the petition here. If we get 500 signatures North Yorkshire Council’s Skipton and Ripon area constituency committee is obliged to discuss it. Don’t let treasured history be bulldozed

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Harrogate residents react to road reopening

A week ago, traffic started flowing again on a road in Harrogate that had been blocked for 18 months.

Bogs Lane and Kingsley Road together form a horseshoe shape off the A59 Knaresborough Road. The bridge where they meet was closed to facilitate one of the many new housing developments in the area.

The route serves thousands of residents and is also used as a rat run or cut through to avoid the A59. Emergency vehicles travel along it when the barrier at Starbeck level crossing is down.

So are residents pleased to see the road fully back in use or did they prefer living in a quieter neighbourhood?

The Stray Ferret talked to residents this week and visited the site to speak to councillor Chris Aldred, a Liberal Democrat who represents High Harrogate and Kingsley on North Yorkshire Council.

The road closure has ended.

Cllr Aldred said most residents he’d spoken to — particularly those in the new developments — appeared happy to have the full use of the road back.

When we met, a woman who lives in Barratt Homes’ Kingsley Meadows passed by and said she often drove to Knaresborough and unblocking the road had saved a lengthy detour.

Claire Mortimer, whose salon The Nail Garden is attached to her home in Kingsley, supported the re-opening. She said:

“The closure has been hard for my business as I have clients that travel far so it’s been annoying they’ve had to go the long way for so long.”

Kevin Francis agreed, saying he moved to the area in 2019 because of its “great links to other areas”, adding:

“Bogs Lane being closed has had a real impact on our day-to-day lives.

“Working to the east of Starbeck we had been shunted onto the High Street and spent many an hour clogging up the A59.”

Daniel Jefferson said the road “provides an important additional link around Starbeck”.

He added:

“Since the temporary closure of Bogs Lane I’ve felt like we’ve seen a significant increase in traffic congestion both exiting Kingsley Road and through Starbeck which I also believe has contributed in additional road traffic accidents occurring along these routes, significant increase emissions and congestion.”

‘More speeding cars’

But Nicola Woods is among those who have the opposite view. She said the reopening encouraged speeding motorists with little respect for the many cyclists and horse riders that used the road, adding:

“At times it is tricky getting in and out of my driveway which is again caused by the speed of some vehicles coming round the bend near Hillbank Road, I have had some near misses.

“The past few months whilst the road has been shut I have seen an increase in people walking and cycling down Bogs Lane. It will be interesting to see what affect the re-opening of the road has on this.”

Tim Redshaw said Bogs Lane was an unclassified road that could not sustain the increased volume of traffic. He said:

“Having lived in Starbeck most of my life l’ve seen how the traffic flows have changed, and the negative effects it’s creating. To keep building on the green belt land we till recently held so dear is a very big mistake.”

New footpath

The new footpath

The road re-opening is not the only change. New traffic lights have been installed near the entrance to Redrow’s Kingsley Manor development and a footpath has been created alongside it towards Bogs Lane to make walking safer.

Darren Long, whose family lives on Kingsley Road, said he didn’t understand why traffic from the Redrow site is now forced to turn right onto Kingsley Road.

“It’s a very odd decision. On a daily basis, we see residents turning around in the Barratts junction to go back over Bogs Lane way. It totally baffles me.”

Mr Long also called for traffic calming measures on Kingsley Road “as the speed of the traffic on here from some rat runners and residents is absolutely frightening”. He added:

“We’re regularly overlooked in this area and it’ll unfortunately take a fatality for the council to act on this I suspect.”

The road closed to allow Redrow to work on its Kingsley Manor development.

Cllr Aldred said the new footpath and road surface looked good but the old crumbling footpath across the bridge needed upgrading. He added:

“I’m going to ask for that to be done, as the new footpath makes it look terrible.  Highways also need to do something about the potholes on the approach from Kingsley Drive — they are awful.”

He added he suspected not everyone had realised yet the road had reopened, and the volume of traffic could increase in the weeks ahead.

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Lucy Pittaway unveils new original celebrating Harrogate life

This story is sponsored by Lucy Pittaway.

Step into Lucy Pittaway’s colourful world and get ready for an adventure through her diverse collection of artwork. From the tranquil beauty of Yorkshire landscapes to the playful antics of her beloved sheep, there’s something for everyone to love in Lucy’s gallery.

Picture this: you stroll into the gallery, and you’re hit with a burst of energy and colour that just screams Lucy Pittaway, it’s like stepping into a rainbow.

You’ll find yourself surrounded by splendid landscapes, vibrant florals, adorable dogs, energetic cyclists, and of course, those iconic sheep.

Lucy’s latest masterpiece “Yorkshire Life”

Let’s talk about “Yorkshire Life.” This latest masterpiece is all about celebrating the scenic wonders of Harrogate and its surroundings.

Think rolling hills, iconic landmarks, and maybe even a few fluffy friends thrown in for good measure. It’s like a love letter to Yorkshire, painted with Lucy’s signature flair and style.

The original “Yorkshire Life” on display in the Harrogate gallery.

Lucy’s collections are inspired by her travels, her love of nature, and her passion for capturing life’s little moments. Whether you’re dreaming of dramatic skies, sunrises and sunsets or simply want to bring a touch of joy and colour into your home, she has got you covered.

Harrogate gallery bursting with joy

Now, let’s talk about the gallery itself. Located in the middle of Harrogate’s bustling high street, it’s a beacon of creativity and fun.

Since opening its doors, it’s become a hotspot for art lovers and locals alike, drawing in people with its vibrant colour and welcoming atmosphere.

The store sells homeware, stationery and more.

Let’s not forget about Tanya, the gallery manager, and her team who unveiled the original “Yorkshire Life” in Harrogate today.

The team are always ready with a smile and a friendly chat, they’ll help you find the perfect piece to suit your style and personality.

Whether you’re a seasoned art expert or a newbie just dipping your toes into the art world, they’ll make you feel right at home.

So why not pop by Lucy Pittaway’s Harrogate Gallery? Lose yourself in the beauty of “Yorkshire Life” and discover a world of colour, joy, and endless possibilities. Who knows? You might just leave with a little piece of Lucy magic to brighten up your day!

Starbucks reveals opening date for new Harrogate drive-through

Starbucks has finally revealed when it will open its new drive-through on Wetherby Road in Harrogate.

The company will welcome its first customers at 8am on Tuesday, May 21.

The business will be open from 6am to 9pm daily.

Store manager Chris Gilbert told the Stray Ferret the Starbucks had brought 18 jobs to the local area through the new initiative, and the number was expected to increase.

Mr Gilbert said:

“We are looking forward to helping boost the local economy. We have already been out litter picking around the area as we know this is becoming an issue in Harrogate at the minute.

“On our opening day, we will be giving out free tall drinks vouchers to customers that come and visit. These can be redeemed on the first weekend and will be on a first come, first serve basis.

“We are super excited to open, and we look forward to being part of the community.”

Starbucks is based on the site previously occupied by Mediterranean fast-food chain Leon, which closed in April last year after just 10 months.

It was operated by Blackburn-based EG Group, which also runs Starbucks franchises as well as brands including KFC and Greggs.

The site was previously a Leon restaurant.

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Harrogate cinema evacuated after fire alert

Cinema-goers in Harrogate had to be evacuated mid-movie last night when a fire alarm went off.

The alarm sounded at the Everyman cinema on Station Parade at 9.42pm last night.

All the theatres within the cinema and the connecting buildings were immediately evacuated.

Firefighters from Harrogate were on the scene within five minutes for what turned out to be a false alarm caused by a faulty fire detector.

People were allowed back in the building shortly after 10pm.

Oliver Dawson was among those watching Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes when the alarm went off.

He said as soon as the incident was over, staff offered customers either a free ticket to watch on another day or the option to continue last night’s viewing from the time the alarm went off, which he took.

Mr Dawson said:

“The cinema staff couldn’t have done anything else. They kept us all informed and handled the problem as quick and efficiently as it was safe to do so.

“Personally, it just felt like going to the theatre with an interval.”

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Controversial traffic proposal for Harrogate road scrapped

Plans to introduce a left-turn only rule at a junction in Harrogate have been scrapped.

North Yorkshire Council proposed bringing in a traffic order to prevent vehicles from turning right at the junction of Belford Road and Victoria Avenue, opposite the library.

But it said at a consultation event this week the idea had proved unpopular and been dropped.

However, other changes are still in the pipeline as part of a £807,000 scheme to improve active travel on Victoria Avenue.

They include:

The Beech Road junction will be reconfigured to prevent traffic illegally travelling straight on.

However, the plans do not include a cycle lane, which had been seen as a key part of wider ambitions to create an integrated off-road cycle route from the train and bus stations to Cardale Park.

Cyclists branded the decision “unbelievably disappointing“.

Melisa Burnham, highways area manager at the council, told the Stray Ferret at this week’s consultation event at the Civic Centre in Harrogate that the cost of the cycling proposals had spiralled to £1.5 million due to inflation and rising material costs.

The council was awarded funding from the second round of the government’s active travel fund in 2020.

It planned to allocate this on creating cycle lanes but the rising costs, along with an unsuccessful bid to the fourth round of the active travel fund prompted it to propose cheaper alternative measures.

Ms Burnham said the council had written to about 1,500 nearby residents and businesses about the proposed changes and had received about 50 written responses as part of the consultation.

She said the scheme still promoted active travel because it would make Victoria Avenue better for pedestrians and wheelchair users and the council still aspired to create cycle lanes on Victoria Avenue when funding permitted. Ms Burnham said:

“It’s a positive step forward for active travel.”

Victoria Avenue

Consultation on the proposals ends on Sunday, May 12.

To comment, you can email Area6.Boroughbridge@northyorks.gov.uk using ‘Victoria Avenue ATF 2 Consultation’ in the title of your email or letter.

Or post comments to: NYC Highways, Area 6 Boroughbridge Office, Stump Cross, Boroughbridge YO51 9HU.

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Knaresborough businessman denies £200,000 business scam

A man has appeared in court charged with an alleged £200,000 business scam involving covid loans and accounting records.

David Allon, 44, from Knaresborough, appeared at York Magistrates Court yesterday when he pleaded not guilty to nine separate allegations regarding two businesses he was allegedly running between June 2020 and August 2023.

They include two allegations of fraud by false representation in June 2020 in relation to applications for a ‘bounce-back’ covid business loan involving the two named companies he was said to be running, and one count of removing property as a company winds up, between June and December 2020.

He is also charged with failing to comply with the provisions of a piece of legislation regarding the keeping of accounting records between October 2020 and August 2023 and failing to deliver up company books to a liquidator between 2020 and 2023.

Deputy district judge Natalie Wortley told Mr Allon that the allegations were too serious to be dealt with at the magistrates’ court and that the case would be sent to the Crown Court.

Mr Allon, of Arkendale Road, Staveley, will next appear for a plea-and-trial preparation hearing at York Crown Court on June 10. He was granted bail until then.

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Prolific Harrogate drug dealer jailed

A drug dealer who brought cocaine, ketamine and cannabis to the streets of Harrogate has been jailed for four years and 10 months.

Donovan Tanaka Mkutchwa, 24, who was already remanded in prison but previously lived in Keswick and Harrogate, was sentenced at York Crown Court today (May 9).

According to a North Yorkshire Police media release today, officers received information on Friday, May 5 last year that Mkutchwa was supplying drugs in Harrogate.

He was already the subject of two separate investigations into his involvement in the supply of cannabis and was under a suspended sentence due to being previously found in possession of a large quantity of cannabis.

North Yorkshire Police’s Operation Expedite drugs team spotted him getting into a car that they later intercepted on King’s Road, Harrogate.

The vehicle contained three occupants including Mkutchwa, who was a passenger. Following a search of him, officers recovered multiple deal bags of white powder, which when tested were found to be 13 bags of cocaine and 10 bags of suspected ketamine.

Mkutchwa was arrested and taken into custody. During a further search of a property where he was staying in Harrogate, officers found more bags containing cocaine and ketamine and a set of scales. The total value of all drugs seized was approximately £2,250.

He was subsequently charged with possessing cocaine and ketamine with intent to supply and remanded into custody. He appeared at York Crown Court on June 13 where he pleaded guilty to both offences from May 2023.

On December 19, he appeared at York Magistrates Court and pleaded guilty to two counts of possessing cannabis with intent to supply. For these two offences, Mkutchwa was in possession of cannabis which when sold on the streets would have a value of up to £11,035. He also had cash to the value of £1,085.

Drugs recovered by police.

‘One less person spreading misery in Harrogate’

Investigating officer PC Michael Haydock of the Operation Expedite team, said:

“Mkutchwa has been dealing illegal substances for many years and has used others to assist in his criminal activity, putting himself above them in an attempt to distance himself from street level drug dealing. Not only that, he has continued to offend despite being given a suspended sentence and whilst under investigation for identical offences.

“For Mkutchwa, this has now come to an end and he is one less person who spreads misery on the streets of Harrogate. His actions, and that of anyone else involved in supplying illegal substances, are the cause of so many other crimes which are often committed by those desperate to fund a drug habit that he facilitates.

“He now has a significant period of time to reflect on his criminal behaviour and hopefully he will see the error of his ways.”

No drugs were found on the other two occupants of the car and no further was taken against them.

The sentencing judge commended the three officers who worked on the investigation, including PC Haydock, for their “utmost professionalism and integrity” and for “overcoming an array of difficulties to secure conviction”, as well as their “outstanding investigative skills and attention to detail to ensure this case was brought to conviction”.

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Review: Tess, a bold circus adaptation of the Hardy classic, at York Theatre Royal

Lauren Crisp is a book editor, writer and keen follower of arts and culture. Born and raised in Harrogate, Lauren recently moved back to North Yorkshire after a stint in London, where she regularly reviewed theatre – everything from big West End shows to small fringe productions. She is now eager to explore the culture on offer in and around her home town. You can contact Lauren on laurencrispwriter@gmail.com. 

(Lead image: Kie Cummings)

Thomas Hardy’s classic novel, Tess of the D’Urbervilles, is not obviously synonymous with acrobatics. Contemporary circus company Ockham’s Razor, however, think otherwise, and in a bold new vision, make Hardy’s world a vessel for the magic of physical movement.

The part of Tess is performed by two players. Narrator Tess, played by Hanora Kamen in a speaking role (sadly hampered somewhat by sound quality), gives voice to the heroine’s inner world. Dancer Tess (Lila Naruse), meanwhile, physically enacts this mostly tragic character’s existence, along with six other cast members who use dance and mind-boggling acrobatics to tell Tess’ tale.

In a feast for the eyes, the performers cartwheel, balance and flip their way through the story, building and scaling wooden structures, and each another, to drive the narrative.

(Image: Kie Cummings)

With bustling ensemble scenes and more subdued, individual expressions, we understand these characters, with few words required; a rural world comes to life, its various settings and many hardships told by the bodies on stage. The cast performs with vigour and vitality, their choreography sublime: it’s a wondrous spectacle.

The whole piece is hazy and dreamlike, underpinned by rustic beige-hued costume and long flowing hair. Hardy’s pastoral world comes alive on stage, with an organic set by Tina Bicât, constructed almost entirely of wood and billowing natural fabrics.

Holly Khan’s sound design matches the tone, with evocative, earthy soundscapes rooted in folk. Not a stone goes unturned in building a distinct atmosphere to envelop the audience.

The play is at once full of joy and humour while delving deep into the pathos and pain that Tess endures.  While part one is a touch long and meandering, it is a mesmerising piece, visually exhilarating, one which proves the power of the human body to portray meaning.

(Image: Kie Cummings)

The characters’ movement gives them freedom. The audience (which included many students reading the novel as part of their studies) sees Tess anew, giving us a sense of freedom, too – to interpret stories, as classic as they may be, in completely new ways.

Tess is at York Theatre Royal until Saturday, 11 May. 

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