To Taste: Taste of Dublin
Expect star turns and top tips as the ever-popular Taste of Dublin returns to the Iveagh Gardens this June. As in previous years, foodies can again look forward to sampling the diverse and delicious range of tastes on offer as the festival continues to showcase the best of Dublin’s dining scene. This year’s highlights include cookery demonstrations from such culinary luminaries as Kevin Dundon, Lynda Booth and Derry Clarke. Taste of Dublin runs from Thursday 16th to Sunday 19th June. For more see www.dublin.tastefestivals.com
To Try:Friends of Pichet
As part of the transformation of city-centre eatery Pichet, head chef and co-owner Stephen Gibson has just introduced Friends of Pichet, a tasty new monthly initiative where Irish chefs and colleagues he’s worked with previously are invited to put together a special Sunday evening guest service tasting menu. Set to run once a month, Friends of Pichet got off to a great start at the end of May when the first guest was Andy McFadden, head chef at the prestigious L’Autre Pied in London. For more see www.pichet.ie
To Festival Dining: Body&Soul
As we head towards the summer solstice Body&Soul bring a mouth-watering lineup of independent eateries to the woods at Ballinlough. Festival favourites such as Natasha’s Living Food, The Happy Pear duo and the Big Blue Bus continue to serve up gastronomic surprises, with pop-up debuts from the Punnet Health Store and the Science Gallery Dublin. Online delivery service JUST EAT also offers hungry revellers a chance to avoid the queues this year as Waiters deliver food directly to them from festival traders. Body and Soul, Ballinlough Castle Co. Westmeath June 17th to 19th. www.bodyandsoul.ie
To Trail: Campo Viejo Tapas Trail
Artists Okuda and Remed have combined to produce the striking urban mural that provides a colourful backdrop to this month’s Campo Vieja Tapas Trail. Participants are invited to follow the trail through Dublin’s Creative Quarter, pausing to savour a variety of signature tapas dishes complemented by a glass of Campo Viejo Reserva at each of the four restaurants involved: The Market Bar, Drury Buildings, Salamanca and Zaragoza. The Campo Viejo Tapas Trail runs from June 7th to July 3rd. Tickets cost €30 per person and can be booked at www.campoviejotapastrail.ie
To Health: Japanese Inspired Lunch Boxes
Following on from the successful launch of Japanese Food Made Easy, a colourful cookbook filled with easily prepared recipes, blogger and chef Fiona Uyema has organised a series of healthy, practical cookery demonstrations over the summer months. On Saturday 11th June she’s holding a fun and interactive workshop that aims to brighten up lunchboxes, making them more appealing and healthy. The hands-on workshop takes place at the Miele Gallery in Citywest. Tickets cost €65 and include drinks on arrival and a sit down lunch. For more see www.fionauyema.com
Words: Martina Murray
