From the early days of his music with Stockton's Wing to training at Ballymaloe Cookery School, food and music have been parallel lines that have kept Mike Hanrahan on track his entire life. Mike Hanrahan, a Ballymaloe-trained cook and teacher, songwriter and musician takes us back stage and into the kitchens of a bohemian, international and surprisingly foodie group of Irish household names, including Ronnie Drew, Finbar Furey, Leslie Dowdall, Pat Shortt, Eleanor Shanley and Sharon Shannon.Story-led and full of anecdotes, Beautiful Affair tells the tales behind the Irish music scene, from when Mike started out in the 1970s through today, and cooks up the favourite dishes of some of Ireland's most-loved entertainers.From memories of family recipes on country hearths, to the flimsy vegetarian grub served up in his early folk-club days and communal pressure-cooker stews in a crowded tour bus, Mike shares the excitement and passion that good food and great music bring to the table. After training with Darina Allen at Ballymaloe, he turned his hobby into a second career - working his way up in professional kitchens across the country and collecting stories along the way.'This is much more than my story. In Beautiful Affair I introduce you to my friends - who share memories, recipes and quite a few amusing anecdotes that add so much sparkle to my life.' - Mike Hanrahan
