Taste of Dublin
A dozen years on, the annual food-fest continues to shine, with this year’s event reflecting the growing diversity of Dublin’s food scene. Visitors to the Iveagh Gardens can look forward to an enticing array of artisan produce, cookery schools and taste experiences, all themed around “Flavours of the World”.
Artisan newcomers making their debut this year include Mama Nagi, makers of authentic Indian chili pastes and Flavour Safari, producers of African inspired sauces.
With lively cooking demonstrations from chefs such as Aoife Noonan, Simon Lamont and Kevin Dundon, Taste of Dublin runs from 15th – 18th June. http://dublin.tastefestivals.com
Around The Table – An Oral History of Food In Dublin
We’re big fans of Come Here To Me! the rather excellent group blog that shines a spotlight on the multi-faceted life and culture of Dublin City. Their latest offshoot “Around The Table” documents an oral history of food as part of Dublin City Council’s National Neighbourhood Project. Featuring the memories of market workers, dockers and street traders involved in the arrival and departure of food between Dublin’s East Wall and Markets Area, this fascinating piece of social history is now available to download as a free pdf. See facebook/comeheretome
Roberta’s in Temple Bar
And speaking of history… the old Dollard Printworks building which dates from 1886 has recently become home to the stylish new Roberta’s Restaurant in Temple Bar.
The building’s stunning floor to ceiling windows help ensure that the fancy-dan 220-seater benefits from great light. The food is Italian with an Irish twist and the menu includes Wood-fired Duck hearts with smoked Mayo celeriac.
Part of the Press-Up Group, further development plans include a gourmet market place, with an additional 100-seater restaurant set to open in July.
Festival Foodiness
As the summer festival season gets underway, this month sees independent eateries, craft brewers and artisan producers packing their wares, taking to the roads and pitching their tents in fields all around the country. From Vantastival to Forbidden Fruit to Bare in the Woods, festival food and drink offerings have evolved from somewhat limited offerings to become an increasingly important part of the entertainment in their own right.
This year’s Body and Soul is a case in point, featuring a plentiful supply of “Victuals and Libations”, with foodie highlights including a vibey Veuve Cliquot Champagne Bar and White Masau, a special project by chef Katie Saunderson exploring Asian Street Food.
Hope Beer
In a nod to the perpetual battle between t-shirts and raincoats at this time of year, a small microbrewery located behind the Dart Station at Howth Junction has just released a special brew celebrating the eternal perseverance of its namesake.
Hope Beer’s maiden Summer Session IPA comes crammed with tropical fruits, with the addition of spelt and oats resulting in a sensation described by its makers as a “creamier mouth feel”. The summer brew joins a core range including a fruity IPA, a malty Blonde and a crisp, dry Saison, all brewed and bottled on Dublin’s Northside. www.hopebeer.ie
Words: Martina Murray
