Compiled by MARIE-CLAIRE DIGBY

Eat, talk, learn

The most important words to know in any langauage are the ones that will keep you well fed. So if you're planning a holiday in France, Italy or Spain and want to be able to read a menu and order without guesswork, or relying on Manuel's grasp of English, sign up for the conversation classes conducted over dinner at Odessa restaurant in Dublin. They take place over eight weeks, beginning on February 4th, with Spanish on Monday nights, Italian on Tuesdays and French on Wednesdays. The cost is €22.50 per class, including food, and the classes are led by native speakers. You can book places online at thecookbookclub.com.

Foodie forum

We've been trying to avoid using the F-word, but it's unavoidable in the context of GMIT's Foodie Forum, which takes place at the Galway campus on Tuesday, February 5th. Workshops, demos, debates and master classes with chefs are open to the public as well as industry professionals. The event culminates in a local food banquet prepared and served by students and lecturers. You can book tickets for the forum (€10) and the best of the west banquet (€50, with wine) at thefoodieforum.net.

Raw energy

Raw Food Detox, by Anya Ladra (Ryand, Peters Small, £14.99)

Raw food mightn’t sound all that appealing in midwinter, but there are some really clever tips in this book, such as blitzing parsnip in a processor til it resembles grains of bulgar, and using it to give bulk to salads; creamy dressings made with cashew nuts instead of mayo; “pastry” made with almonds and olive oil, and a “stir-fry” where a punchy marinade wilts the veg instead of a hot wok. It’s clever, thought-provoking food, and won’t leave you feeling deprived.

Web watch

Buyersclub.ieis an Irish online retailer offering discounts on nonperishable groceries and cleaning products. There are some good savings on things like pasta and rice – Noodle House organic pasta is €2.21 instead of €3.34 – and you don't have to bulk buy. Delivery is free in Ireland for orders over €50 and €4.95 for orders under that amount.

The buzz: food tweets

@thekitchn: The newest weight-loss management tool is a “smart fork” that measures every bite + meal + tracks it in your phone

@nytimes: Restaurants are putting photo bans in place for diners who take pictures of their food