If you're heading to Donegal this summer and you're going through Letterkenny, then you'll be looking for somewhere to stop off for coffee or lunch.

Letterkenny has changed beyond all recognition since I started going there some 30 years ago. There has been huge development in and around the town including new housing, retail outlets and numerous places to eat.

The Sandwich Co have opened a new restaurant at the top of Upper Main Street. The premises are fresh and airy - which is important on a summer's day (even in Donegal!) and there is an extensive and inexpensive menu. Coffee (E1.95); Latte (E2.60); Scone (E1.35); Soup (E3.95) and Sandwiches (from E3.25) CLICK HERE for full menu.

I was driving through Carrickfergus the other day and decided to drop into the Clarion Hotel for a bite of lunch. Hotel food can be very average at the best of times, but I took hope from a recent wedding reception at The Clarion which my family and I attended. The food then was excellent and the service certainly wasn’t lacking. So, how would a mid-week lunch fair ... ?

The hotel lobby wasn’t particularly busy and it took a few moments to find someone who could guide me through the options for dining – lunch seated in the bar area or in the Red Pepper Restaurant. I opted for the Red Pepper. On reflection, as it was a balmy sort of day, the more airy bar area might have been more comfortable.

The Lunch Menu lined up a list of the usual suspects: Soup of the Day (£3.25); Sandwiches (£3.25); Paninis (£6.95); Burger with Bacon & Cheese served with chips (£7.95); Beef Lasagne with Chips or Salad and Garlic Bread (£8.95) and Chicken Curry (£9.75).

In spite of the warm weather, I opted for the Chicken Curry which was served with 2 small nan breads, plus a half-and-half serving of rice and chips. The curry had a lovely smooth flavour, the nan breads were fresh, aromatic and soft, the chips were nice and crispy and the rice was perfect. The plentiful main course was going down a treat – but I had to leave room for dessert!

Pavlova, Apple Pie, Profiteroles or Fruit Salad – all at £4.95. I opted for the fruit pavlova. Now don’t get me wrong I’m not one to nit-pick! – but to me, pavlova is best served soft on the inside, crisp on the outside – covered with fresh cream and a selection of fruit. What was served to me was a meringue – solid and crispy to the core, topped with a swirl of cream and a single sliced strawberry. Sorry guys, but this was not pavlova as I know it.

I finished the meal with a cup of very pleasant coffee and a total bill of £18.65. Overall, a pleasant enough lunch experience.

A FREE LUNCH

The kind folk at The Clarion have given me a voucher for 2 people to have a free lunch. Simply email me your name This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and I will put it in the hat for a draw at the end of July.

As the official Contact Ireland blogger, I’m not really sure what this section of the website will develop into over time. However, to start the ball rolling, the marketing person in me says, ‘give the visitors what they want’.

It seems that a significant number of internet searches arise from people looking for recreation: a hotel to stay in, an exciting attraction to visit or a recommended restaurant to eat at. So, what better way to start this blog than to introduce you to the restaurant where I start every morning ... well almost every morning.

Bennetts on Belmont, at the bottom of the Belmont Road in East Belfast, serve a fabulous coffee. In fact, if the truth be known, they offer tremendous menus for breakfast, lunch . . . and dinner.

My family’s favourite breakfast is Bennetts’ own style of French Toast with bacon and maple syrup, washed down with a couple of cups of coffee.

If you are looking for a light lunch, on a hot day like today, the Chicken Liver Pate (served with pear & red onion chutney and toasted ciabatta) is delicious. (£4.95)

For something more substantial, Bennett’s TBLT Sandwich, (turkey breast, bacon, lettuce and tomato with red pepper mayo and fries or salad) is very satisfying! (£7.75)

If you have a hunger for a ‘big dinner’ then the Slow Cooked Ham Hock (on simple mash, savoy cabbage & mustard honey jus) is just the ticket. (£10.65)

To my mind, desserts at Bennetts don’t quite hit the mark. I seem to remember the low point of a fabulous, fabulous Christmas lunch last year was a rather doughy strudel! But hey! with an ever-expanding waistline, the last thing I need is a tempting array of desserts.

Bennetts’ staff are friendly and attentive. So, when you pop in, don’t be afraid to introduce yourself to Ruby and tell her I sent you.