Comments on: Neven watchable but not memorable

By: eimear

eimear — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 10:35:25 +0000

I agree about Nevens show. The fundamental problem, I feel is that the show does not have a clear vision. It is called home chef, but the recipes are very restaurant-y and not aimed at the home cook. Neven was always great on RTE afternoon shows, because he was clear what he was doing – showing people recipes they could do at home. It was live and he was very natural. He is stilted and not relaxed in the current series.

I say – bring back Neven showing Marty Whelan how to make good value Irish dinners at 3pm.

By: Conor O'Neill

Conor O'Neill — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 06:51:57 +0000

That’s something I’ve wondered about recently. Why is it that we sell Irish beef on the whole “green pastures” idea yet we think it’s OK to rear pigs and chickens in frankly horrible conditions.

Particularly considering that pigs are at least 10x smarter than cows.

And following that through, it is now pretty easy to buy free range or organic chicken in supermarkets but I never see free range or organic pork (only bacon). No demand? I’d definitely pay more for free-range (not necessarily organic) pork with some fat and taste on it.

Thanks for the duck fat offer! Neighbour gave me some recently. Haven’t had a chance to use as I’ve done a massive reduction in carbs so no roast spuds.

By: Anthony

Anthony — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 23:09:07 +0000

If you would would like some duck fat (actually smoked duck fat) let me know!

Bit late commenting on this post, but having just watched tonight’s episode, I was a little saddened to see Neven at the pig farm looking at piglets that will never feel earth between their trotters or will never go rooting up the soil with their snouts.
Maybe our wonderful experience last year with Ping and Pong, two Gloucester Old Spots, have effected me more than I thought!

By: Conor O'Neill

Conor O'Neill — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 19:37:52 +0000

I’ve watched a few more episodes and my opinion hasn’t really changed. The editing is atrocious too with constant repetition of “I will do X” “I am doing X” “I did X”.

There is a great TV series somewhere inside Neven. It just needs the right people to get it out of him.

By: psmyth

psmyth — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 14:15:02 +0000

I’ve been watching the series as well and it is disappointing. Seems to be more geared towards advertising Mr. Nevin and his restaurant than it’s stated aim of teaching people to chef at home. The presentation is very lacklustre and nobody is going to learn to be a chef watching it. Generally quantities are not given in the programmes and with only three recipes available on the website anyone who wants to try the recipes from the show would be forced to buy the book as well.

By: Ellen Townson

Ellen Townson — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 18:50:10 +0000

I just got Darina’s book in the post yesterday. It is AMAZING isn’t it!? She has it right with her belief in seasonal eating. I mean, where could you actually find Nasturtiums in January, unless you pluck them out of a table centerpiece at a fancy restaurant?! Seasonal is always fresher, more reasonably priced and ALWAYS tastes superior. Can’t wait for your review…..

By: Conor O'Neill

Conor O'Neill — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 16:04:51 +0000

Big Sis got it for me. Honestly, I think Darina has written a masterpiece and I’ve barely got started on it.

By: Daily Spud

Daily Spud — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 16:01:50 +0000

I see santa brought you a copy of Darina’s book so

Didn’t see Neven’s show yet but I, too, would be all for a show based on Darina’a latest – it’s fabulous, as is the woman herself.