March Bitesize: Wed Night Dinners, Gardening + Festivals

To Dinner: Wednesdays at The Fumbally

The folks at the Fumbally recently realised a long held ambition with the launch of Wednesday night dinners, something they’ve wanted to do since first opening their popular Dublin 8 eatery. Guest-chef Harry Colley of Dublin Pop Up has pared the mid-week offering right back, serving up a delicious, simple meal where the only decision to be made is whether to opt for the meat or vegetarian variation. A decidedly relaxed affair, dinner is served from 7pm on Wednesday with last orders at 9.30pm. For more see www.thefumbally.ie/wednesdays

To Grow: Airfield Back Garden Basics Gardening Course

The Grow Your Own movement has really come into its own in the past few years and this month Dundrum’s Airfield Estate hosts a new course aimed at those interested in making the most of their back garden. Week by week under the expert tutelage of Food Grower Kitty Scully, Ornamental Gardener Colm O’Driscoll and Farmer Eamon Younge, participants will learn how to grow their own flowers, fruits, veg and chickens. The ten week course begins on Monday 7th March and costs €220 (or €200 for members). Further details can be found at www.airfield.ie

To Imbibe: Irish Beer and Whiskey Festival

Now in its fifth year the ever-popular Irish Beer and Whiskey Festival returns to its indoor base at the RDS this month with a vast array of carefully selected craft beers, ciders and whiskeys on offer. In addition to sampling some fantastic liquid refreshment, festival-goers can also partake of such hearty fare as gourmet pies from Pieman, spicy cuisine from the Kerala Kitchen and Jane Russell’s artisan sausages. Running over four days from Wednesday 16th to Saturday March 19th, for more see www.irishbeerandwhiskeyfestival.com

To Howth: Dublin Bay Prawn Festival

The fishing village of Howth links in with the St Patrick Day’s Festival this year to play host to the Dublin Bay Prawn festival. Highlights include a Multicultural evening of music and dance, cooking demonstrations and street entertainment, while special festival menus have been devised at participating restaurants including Aqua, O’Connell’s, King Sitric and the Brass Monkey. Events get underway with a ‘Mystery Dine Around’ on Friday 18th, followed by a salubrious post-prandial at the Festival Club. The festival runs from Friday 18th to Sunday 20th March. For more see www.dublinbayprawnfestival.ie

To Amuse: Sanuki Wagyu

French Asian fusion is the order of the day at Amuse in Dawson Street where Sanuki Wagyu, a unique olive-fed beef from Japan, is a recent addition to the menu. We’re told that the use of olives results in a surprisingly sweet meat with a buttery texture and this delicacy is fast becoming a firm favourite at Conor Dempsey’s Dawson Street establishment. Available at a supplement of €35 samples of the restaurant’s signature lunch, dinner and Paris to Tokyo Tasting menus can be viewed at www.amuse.ie

Words: Martina Murray

Images: The Fumbally, Dublin Bay Prawn Festival, Airfield Dundrum, Irish Beer and Whiskey Festival, Amuse