Series 4, Episode 6
Catherine Fulvio meets Ann McClay at Grianán of Aileach (Greenan Fort) on the summit of Greenan Mountain, Co. Donegal with stunning views out across the bay below. They chat about Monica and James, her daughter and son, both now living in the USA in neighbouring states, who are both in need of a taste of home. Monica emigrated Ireland over 20 years ago and James over 7 years ago, so Ann agrees to teach Catherine Fulvio, how to make their favourite anytime “Apple Pie” as well as their childhood Christmas treat “Snowballs”.
“I would just like to say as far as the show is concerned I LOVED every minute of it, it was a great experience one I will never forget you guys were so nice and made me feel so at ease a great team to work with and Catherine is a gem it felt I just had a bunch of friends in my home” said Ann McClay
Catherine starts her journey off in Portland, Maine where she goes on a Food Tour through Portland’s Old Port District and tastes donuts made from potatoes, lobster rolls and a Maine seafood chowdah (chowder) and blueberry beer. Catherine and James head out on the water to try their hand at Lobster fishing for Maine lobsters and, back on dry land, Catherine meets the “bitterest man in the world” in Vena’s Fizz House which makes fizzes, mocktails and cocktails. Before leaving Portland Catherine and James visit a one of kind “Inflatable pub”.
“I had an absolutely amazing time filming Tastes Like Home. Catherine and the entire crew were wonderful and made the experience so much fun. The food was out of this world, it was like they delivered the apple pie straight from my Ma’s kitchen,” said James McClay
They hit the road to the next door state of New Hampshire to visit James’ sister Monica, who lives in Pelham. Together James, Monica and Catherine visit Moonlight Meadery with over 40 types of meads all brewed on site. They take a trip to America’s Stonehenge and learn about the ancient civilisation who built it, as well as stopping at Parlee farms a pick you own farm for flowers and fruits.
Monica Cote said about her time on the show, “My time spent on Tastes like home was a great experience .I was a little anxious at such a great chef Catherine Fulvio coming to my home but the whole team made me feel relaxed straight away. We had lots of fun all day and, then, getting back home to the aromas I knew from childhood in my mother’s kitchen being recreated here in mine was truly magical. Finally, we enjoyed Apple Tart like mammy’s in America!!!!! Thanks tastes like home.”
Catherine was also enthused by her experiences, “Lobster fishing, lobster roll and blueberry beer are all part of the Portland Maine and New Hampshire experience. I also got to visit a farm, which, coming from a farming background myself, was really interesting. To see their huge pumpkin patches and sunflower beds and how they are making a modern living on the farm was inspirational. We even got to pick our own apples from the orchard for the apple pie! And then I got to meet the “bitterest man in the world” – he makes bitters for cocktails… I’d the non- alcoholic version!” said Catherine Fulvio .
The popular TV series returns for six consecutive weeks, this November, promising a serving of delicious recipes steeped in tradition and a flavour of incredible culture and sights from locations right across the world. As well as delighting viewers with recipes, culture and captive travel, the series captures eight individual stories, from Irish contestants who refuse to let the physical distance from home, curb their appetite for a home-cooked meal, a taste of home.
Sponsored by Londis.
For further information, recipes, imagery, or interviews with Catherine Fulvio or the McClay family, please contact; Ann-Marie Sheehan, Aspire PR & Marketing, T : 01 827 5181 / 087 298 5569.
Editor’s Notes:
About contributors:
Ann McClay is a the mother of four children, two children based in Donegal Ireland and two in America. She lives with her husband Jim. Ann’s hobbies include crafts, sewing, felting, quilting, ICA.
James lives in Maine. James lives on the Saco River with his wife Meghan and Bernese Mountain dog Oisin. He works for Child Protective Services in Maine as an investigator and he is currently completing his 3rd year in the Masters of Social work at the University of New England. James has long had a passion for working with young people with various problems. James went to the States on a J1 to work with children in care before meeting his wife and getting his green card. James enjoys spending time with his family, going to the lake, craft beers and whiskey, shooting, fishing, hunting.
Monica lives in New Hampshire. She has been in the States close to 20 years. She has long had a passion for cooking and is an accomplished chef. She has worked in restaurants all over Ireland mostly Derry, Donegal, Dublin and Kerry. Monica spent some time as a head chef in Manchester England after 4 years in the states to then go back to the states to run the Peddlers Daughter and Bistro 45 in Haverhill Mass. Monica then moved to Methuen Mass where she ran the kitchen of the Irish Cottage. Monica’s husband runs a successful landscaping business. They were married in 2007. And have two beautiful children. She enjoys eating out, watching her children play sports, going to the beach or to the lake and spending time with her family. Today she works as a School Nutritionist Assistant.