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If the vegetable orchestra could truly hold a tune they would be playing the praises of the wonderful new book from Ross Lewis. Ross is the master-chef behind the wonderful iconic Irish restaurant Chapter One in Dublin.   Located (since it's opening in 1993) in Parnell Square, a decidedly un-hip area of the city, especially in terms of restaurants, Chapter One has for many years and again recently   been voted Best Restaurant in Dublin. As more trendy restaurants come and go in Dublin's very competitive culinary landscape, Chapter One's longevity and location are just a couple of the things that set it apart from it's rivals. Being in such a historic and significant part of old Dublin is actually suitably apt, as the interior evokes all the good and wonderful things one associates with Ireland past and present, as of course does the food. You will notice I didn't refer to said book as a "cookbook". That's because this is much more than just another cookbook. The book is entitled 'chapter one - an Irish food story' and that is precisely what it is. A food thriller.

Ross Lewis' new book - chapter one - an Irish food story is a thriller among food books.

Detailed, mouthwatering, original recipes from the restaurant kitchen keep your taste buds in expectant suspense while unforgettable, emotional and passionate Irish food characters/suppliers light up the pages in between - and then there are the stunning atmospheric pictures. It's an instant classic. While the recipes sometimes call for the use of specific kitchen equipment or ingredients, this book is not just about the recipes. It's about commitment to the finest products, sourced locally, in season.  It's about joining the dots between where food comes from, when and how it's handled and prepared and how it is presented. Most of the well known "celebrity" chefs deliver a new book every 6 months. Variations on a theme mostly. Ross Lewis on the other hand may never write another. He has spent a long time putting this food story together and has poured his heart and soul into it.  Despite it being a big and imposing book there is a refreshing air of humility, respect, integrity and honesty about it. You never get the feeling you are being preached to or shouted at and you feel first hand the deep emotional bond that exists between Ross Lewis, his food, suppliers and customers. A visit to the restaurant is always a highlight. Irish to the core, with no grimace factor. No cheap tricks just a real Irish food story played out in the wonderfully understated company of Martin Corbett, Ross Lewis and their wonderful staff. Oh and by the way, we will be talking a lot about food from now on it being dear to our hearts in Applegreen. You might say, this is just chapter one.

Take a bow Applegreen customers, take a bow Applegreen and Petrogas employees.Take a bow Applegreen Charity Fund  committee members and take a bow Mr. Chairman. Adrian Giffney current chairman of the  Applegreen Charity Fund has just announced that they  (Applegreen Charity Fund)  handed over a whopping €405.387,357- to their designated charities, Jack and Jill Children's Foundation and Console. Jack and Jill is a registered charity helping young children born with or developing brain damage and severe intellectual and physical developmental delay, while Console supports people in Suicidal Crisis and those Bereaved by Suicide through Professional Counselling, Support and Helpline Services. 
Jonathan Irwin, founder and CEO of the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation said “The partnership with Applegreen has been a phenomenal success and to receive funds over €200.000,- exceeds all our expectations and I want to sincerely thank Applegreen staff and customers for their generosity. To put the Applegreen donation in context – it funds 12,500 hours of vital home nursing care for children up to the age of 4 years old with severe disabilities and that’s a real gift of time for these children and their families up and down the country. On their behalf I say thank you for your kindness and friendship over the past 2 years, it means a huge amount to us. “
Paul Kelly founder and CEO of Console said “This vital support from Applegreen, its staff and customers, will make a huge difference to all those vulnerable people who come to us for help and support. Thanks to Applegreen an amazing amount of money has been raised. They have also helped to raise awareness getting Console’s message out to people who may be in crisis, or their concerned family and friends, that there is help available.”

Krystle Foley (Applegreen) with Brendan O Connor , Adrian Giffney (Chairman of the Applegreen Charity Fund)

The sheer enthusiasm exuded by Adrian Giffney ( Account Manager Fuel Card Division at Petrogas Ireland Ltd) for his work with the Applegreen Charity Fund is palpable every time he speaks about it and he seems to have a knack for enthusing others to also get involved. The tremendous figure in 2012/2013  (€405.387,357-) was achieved though a combination of Applegreen's  "you buy we give" project  and events of all kind which were organized by Applegreen staff around Ireland. To the surprise of everybody the figure achieved by the individual site actions almost matched the customer transaction contribution.  A huge "well done" to all staff who got involved in the numerous events since the fund's beginning . All in all a tremendous effort from all parties involved, an effort and result which deserves recognition so here's a little more than a token drum-roll and big thank you to all concerned. Enjoy.

Petrogas Director Joe Barrett at the handing over of funds to Jack and Jill and Console.

Wecoming the new charity partners to the fold!

Happy New Year to you all and may 2014 bring all you want as well as all you need. With things back to normal everywhere after the festive frolics it will be interesting to see statistics indicating how many unwanted gifts are being returned to retailers around the globe.

Gifts are always a challenge, for both the giver and receiver. Choosing a gift for another person can pose a very complex problem to some people while others are well, simply good at it. Receiving a gift on the other hand can cause problems if the recipient feels it's too lavish or too little. A Christmas gift from someone you don't have a gift for, often causes embarrassment. It's a tricky path, full of indecision, doubt, suspicion, satisfaction, disappointment, but above all, and hopefully in most cases, delight and joy for the giver and the receiver.

Here are a few gifts you most certainly would not be inclined to return. As an Applegreen customer you are probably at least a bit of a coffee nerd ( who isn't a coffee nerd these days) and you are most likely
a car owner.

The limited edition Espresso Veloce turbo tooled espresso maker marries the sleek design of Racing Car engines with a supremely built espresso machine. The result is stunning.

The one cup Canadiano coffeemaker for the minimalist is probably a more realistic investment if it's just a great cup of coffee you're after. Classic and simple.

Between those two extremes check out the beautiful Bonaverde. It roasts, grinds and brews making it the first home machine to take a green bean all the way to the perfect cup of coffee.

Finally regular Applegreen customers  like to travel. They clock up the miles daily. Travelling long distances is routine, after all there is always an Applegreen station along the way to pop into and freshen up... or is there. Here's the ultimate present for travellers. The trip of a lifetime. The stuff of dreams

EspressoVeloce  V12                                    The Canadiano One Cup wonder. In walnut .

Bonaverde