December Magazine
December’s edition of TheTaste.ie is all about the festive season, gift ideas and indulgence. This month we have been travelling the country to bring you the best of Ireland’s food and drink from Cork, Dublin, Westmeath and Wexford. Top chefs such as Ross Lewis, Darina Allen, Catherine Fulvio, Neven Maguire, Shane Smith and many more have given us a host of mouth watering recipe inspiration for all your festive cooking. We also have some great interviews this month including top Michelin Star chef JP McMahon and even more unique competitions such as our Teeling Whiskey Christmas hamper. With the latest reviews from The Hot Stove, Kelly’s Resort, Fenn’s Quay, Castlemartyr Resort and not forgetting our top dining out gifts from Sabor Brazil, BANG Restaurant, Renvyle House Hotel, Dylan Hotel and many more. This month’s bumper edition of TheTaste.ie gives you all the best in Irish food and drink. We are very proud at TheTaste to be teaming up with a sponsor with the calibre of Bauknecht.
GOT A NEWS STORY FOR THETASTE? WANT TO WORK WITH US? SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER TWITTER FACEBOOK INSTAGRAM
Past Editions: [2015] OCT | SEP | AUG | JUL | JUN | MAY | APR | MAR | FEB | JAN | [2014] BEST OF THE YEAR | DEC | NOV | OCT
CHRISTMAS
MONTHLY SPOTLIGHT
THE JOY OF MODERN IRISH CUISINE – THE HOT STOVE REVIEW
FEATURED REVIEW
When you think of an ideal location for a fine dining restaurant Parnell Square isn’t necessarily the first place that might spring to mind. Steeped in history, some more chequered than others, one thing the square is not steeped in is eateries.
RESTAURANT REVIEWS
THE JEWEL IN WEXFORD’S CROWN
WEXFORD RESORT REVIEW
Restaurants and hotels are booming again and a lesser known barometer of the hospitality industry in Ireland are wine events. For the last few years many top hotels and restaurants had steered away from wine events for two reasons, one there was little appetite for spend on these evenings and secondly let’s be honest it wasn’t really the done thing in the economic climate we were faced with.
A FLAIR FOR NOSTALGIC FARE – FENN’S QUAY REVIEW
CORK CITY RESTAURANT REVIEW
I have a real soft spot for Cork and love visiting the city and county whenever I can. Unfortunately, I don’t get the chance to do this as often as I would like so I try to pack in as much as I can when I am there.
A NEIGHBOURHOOD TREAT THAT’S NOT JUST FOR LOCALS – RIBA RESTAURANT REVIEW
SOUTH COUNTY DUBLIN RESTAURANT REVIEW
As a Stillorgan local myself, I can tell you it’s been a while since we have had something to get excited about on the dining front. Since the opening of Dundrum Town Centre, business has been drawn from the surrounding villages creating empty premises and a lack of atmosphere.
A TALE OF THE UNEXPECTED – MY THAI AT THE BEACON HOTEL REVIEW
THAI CUISINE REVIEW
Dining in My Thai Restaurant in The Beacon Hotel in Sandyford is like opening a rather plain looking gift box and discovering all sorts of wonderful delights inside. Located on the edge of Sandyford Business District in South Dublin, The Beacon has a rather unprepossessing appearance from the outside but once you enter through the doors, you feel like you have been transported to a different world.
MODERN FOOD BATHED IN HISTORY – JACOBS ON THE MALL REVIEW
CORK RESTAURANT REVIEW
Those familiar with Cork’s South Mall will know it best as the financial centre of the city, with accountant’s and solicitor’s offices flanking both sides of the broad street. However, the street also boasts some of the finest hospitality in the Southern capital. None more so than Jacobs on the Mall.
WINE ARTICLES
AFTERNOON TEA TREATS
EXCLUSIVE LUXURY ESCAPE
Maryborough Hotel and Spa
LUXURY ESCAPE
Maryborough Hotel and Spa – Luxury Escape 1 or 2 night Stay for 2 people with Breakfast, Bottle of Prosecco on arrival, €20 Spa Credit each, €20 Dining Credit and use of Leisure Facilities only €159
Situated amongst 300-year old listed gardens in Cork city sits the Maryborough Hotel and Spa, a four-star hotel that offers contemporary accommodation within a timeless old world building. Take a trip to Ireland’s bustling second city and enjoy some fine cooking along the way with this Escape.
Renvyle House Hotel Galway
LUXURY ESCAPE
Experience a Culinary Escape at Renvyle House Hotel in Connemara, Galway – 1 night for 2 including Breakfast, Prosecco & a 5 Course Award-Winning Dinner for only €199
The stunning Renvyle House Hotel is the perfect choice for a culinary break. The four star, family owned, historic country house resort first opened as a hotel in 1883 and is spectacularly located on a 150 acre estate on the shores of the Wild Atlantic Way. They have won Best Customer Service in Ireland 2013,2014 and in Connaught 2015.
The Ice House Hotel Mayo
LUXURY ESCAPE
Luxury Escape at The Ice House Hotel – 1 Night for €199 or 2 Nights for €299 for 2 people in a Deluxe Room with Full Irish Breakfast, 3 Course Dinner, €40 Spa Credit & Late Checkout
This is one of the most romantic culinary escapes in Ireland, as you dine overlooking the river you will enjoy fresh locally sourced seasonal vegetables, the finest meats and a team passionate about creating the very best dishes possible. Each morning you will awake to a delicious Breakfast and will be able to treat yourself with a €40 Spa Credit in the acclaimed Chill Spa.
The Dylan Hotel
LUXURY DINING GIFT
Perfect Gift – The Dylan 5 Star Boutique Hotel are offering 3 courses dinner and a bottle of wine for 2 people only €60
The Dylan has always been a hot spot in Ballsbridge, tucked away on Eastmoreland place, this hotel is one of Ireland’s best boutique hotels. They have now opened their new restaurant called the Tavern with executive chef Mark Bodie. Today we have secured a tasting treat for you, allowing you to sample the very best of what the Tavern has to offer with a 3 course dinner and a bottle of wine.
Bang Restaurant
LUXURY DINING GIFT
The Perfect Christmas Gift – Enjoy 6 course tasting menu in Bang Restaurant for 2 people only €69
One of Dublin’s top rated and best restaurants, Bang has been recommended in The 2015 Michelin guide, is rated in the Top 3 Private Dining Rooms in Dublin and was nominated in Irish Restaurant Awards for best chef and best service.
Brasserie Sixty6
NEW EXCLUSIVE OFFER
Trendy taste from Brasserie sixty6 – 3 course meal for 2 plus a bottle of house wine for €50
Brasserie Sixty6 has long been known as one of Dublin’s dining hotspots. Todays taste will allow you to have a romantic night out or catch up with friends while enjoying some delicious food, tempting cocktails all in this trendy restaurant. Today, we have great offer for you, enjoy 3 course meal for 2 plus a bottle of house wine for €50, this offer is available 7 days per week. This would make the perfect Christmas Gift!
Clontarf Castle
NEW EXCLUSIVE OFFER
Experience Fusion Afternoon Tea in Clontarf Castle for 2 people for only €49
Let Clontarf Castle guide your senses through a gastronomique journey where they have taken the traditional and fused it with modern inspirations to create your eclectic afternoon tea experience. This is the perfect way to spend a leisurely afternoon with friends or family in the wonderful ambience of the Clontarf Castle Hotels beautiful lobby.
The Pigeon House
NEW EXCLUSIVE OFFER
Taste the Pigeon House Delgany with a 2 course dinner plus a bottle of wine for 2 people for only €49
There is a new restaurant in Delgany, called The Pigeon House, opened up by restaurateurs Brian Walsh and Paul Foley, it has proven to be a huge hit for people in South Dublin and Wicklow, recently awarded Best Newcomer at this years Restaurant Association of Ireland Awards. Unveiling a fresh look, The Pigeon House at the Delgany has undergone a refurbishment with dark wood, warm leather and glowing light bulbs suspended from the ceiling making for a mellow atmosphere to compliment the easy dining experience.
Clontarf Castle
NEW EXCLUSIVE OFFER
Taste Clontarf Castle with a 3 course dinner for two and a glass of Prosecco on arrival only €60
Let Clontarf Castle guide your senses through a gastronomique journey in their award winning, AA Rosette Restaurant, Fahrenheit Grill at Clontarf Castle Hotel is regarded as one of the finest restaurants in Dublin. The perfect place in which to relax, celebrate, meet with friends and soak in the atmosphere. Classic cuisine is prepared with a distinctively modern twist using the finest local produce.
Taste at Rustic
NEW EXCLUSIVE OFFER
Exclusive offer from Taste at Rustic – Enjoy 12 pieces of Sushi for only €20
Once again TheTaste has secured one of the hottest dining experiences to open in Dublin this year. Taste at Rustic, Dylan McGrath’s newest creation is so much more than just dining out; it is an experience for all the senses which leaves a lasting impression. The menu has a westernised feel to it on some of the dishes, but McGrath has placed a huge emphasis on using authentic Japanese flavours. His unique, creative style and expert detail can be seen in every dish.
Sabor Brazil Restaurant
NO.1 TRIPADVISOR TASTE
Top Brazilian Taste – 7 course tasting menu for 2 for €120 at Sabor Brazil, Dublin, valid 5 days per week for 12 months, No.1 Rated Restaurant in Dublin on TripAdvisor
Sabor Brazil is an unforgettable dining experience ran by Tom & Marco, who combine style, charm and delicious food all into your romantic night. When you walk into the restaurant you will see from the decor why people fall in love with this small hidden gem. This restaurant has consistently held on to the No.1 Rated Restaurant in Dublin on TripAdvisor for the last 3 years.
McLoughlins Restaurant at Roganstown House
NEW EXCLUSIVE OFFER
Taste the new McLoughlins Restaurant at Roganstown House with a 5 course tasting menu for 2 people only €50
Be first to try the NEW McLoughlins Restaurant and the food of award winning Chef Tom Walsh in Roganstown House. We have a 5 course tasting menu for 2 people for only €50. This offer is available 7 days per week and from now until the end of Feb 2016.
Riba Restaurant
NEW EXCLUSIVE OFFER
Taste Restaurant RIBA in Stillorgan with a 3 course dinner for 2 people plus a bottle of wine for only €49
Cafe Restaurant RIBA is a hidden gem of a bistro, located right in the heart of Stillorgan Village, County Dublin. RIBA has quickly become a local institution for brunch with classic dishes and exciting innovative ones. Their dinner menu serves up the same great quality food based on the finest local ingredients and they have a great selection of cocktails and wines to suit everyone.
Win a Luxury Artisan Food & Wine Hamper by Ardkeen Quality Food Store
COMPETITION
Their Food & Wine Hampers & Gifts will be savoured and remembered. Carefully selected from some of Ardkeen’s favourite producers, they contain the very best of local, regional & Irish artisan foods that will excite & delight. Ardkeen boast an impressive range of hampers with something to suit every budget.
Win a Luxury Christmas Hamper from Musgrave MarketPlace
COMPETITION
This Christmas we have an Eve Hamper jam packed full of goodies to give away. Featuring Quay Landing Chardonnay and Shiraz, Lily O’Brien’s chocolates aplenty, Seery’s whiskey fruit cake, Caffrey’s fudge bag and Seymour’s chocolate and hazelnut biscuits. They’ve also included festive decorations to add extra sparkle to your Christmas.
TOP CHEF INTERVIEWS
MORE NEWS STORIES
A BURMESE BRUNCH – THE MEETING HOUSE REVIEW
BRUNCH FEATURE
On a wet, wild and blustery Saturday a friend and I battled Storm Abigail and flimsy umbrellas to make our way to The Meeting House, in the heart of Temple Bar’s creative quarter. The previous weekend The Meeting House had created a storm of their own, of the media variety, at the launch of their new brunch offering.
A TAKEAWAY TRANSFORMATION – THE IRISH DUO REIMAGINING FISH & CHIPS
TAKEAWAY FEATURE
In Ireland think we know a proper fish and chips; flaky, fresh fish encased in a crisp batter served with a hefty portion of hand-cut chips, laced with salt and vinegar, wrapped up in layers of paper with an optional side of mushy peas. However travel to ‘urban seafood kitchen’ Bia Mara in Brussels, created by Dubliners Barry Wallace and Simon Whiteside, and you will taste fish and chips that will blow your usual local chipper order out of the water.
A THYME TO EAT – THYME RESTAURANT REVIEW
RESTAURANT REVIEW
I think that there is a lot of exciting food being cooked and served in Irish restaurants at the moment. I find it particularly encouraging that this is not something that is confined to city restaurants but that good food can be found in many places around the country.
THE SKY’S THE LIMIT SAYA CHEF PETER BRENNAN OF MARQETTE AT DUBLIN AIRPORT
CHEF FEATURE
In Ireland we have pride in our reputation as a food destination. The airport therefore is the perfect place to make a lasting final impression on vistors before they leave our island; by showcasing the quality of Irish food and extending the memorable dining experiences guests and locals alike have had here. However, until recently little effort has been put in to seize the opportunity to make an impact on the thousands of people that flood through our airports every day.
IRELAND’S LARGEST EVER CHRISTMAS MARKET I BELIEVE™ NOW OPEN
CHRISTMAS FEATURE
The I BELIEVE™ Christmas Tree and Market officially opened in Dublin last week, when the 53 foot floating Rockefeller-inspired Christmas tree was lit up with over 20,000 lights. With 56 traders selling 100% Irish food products and 90% Irish craft, I BELIEVE™ runs for 28 days in the lead-up to Christmas until 23rd December at the exceptional setting of Custom House Quarter.
THE FUTURE OF IRISH COOKING IS BRIGHT AS EURO TOQUES YOUNG CHEF OF THE YEAR 2015 IS ANNOUNCED
CHEF FEATURE
On Sunday 29th of November after a testing three month process the winner of Euro-Toques Young Chef of the Year 2015 was announced at a gala banquet event in Dublin’s iconic Shelbourne Hotel. 22 year old Ruth Lappin from Laois was awarded the coveted title from special guest judge, Clare Smyth, an MBE and three Michelin starred Northern Irish Chef.
IRELAND’S BLUE BOOK 2016 IS LAUNCHED WITH EXCITING NEW HOTELS & RESTAURANTS
TOURISM FEATURE
2016 is set to be a an exciting year for Ireland’s Blue Book with Brown’s Restaurant, Derry/Londonderry, Killarney Royal, Co. Kerry, No.1 Pery Square, Co. Limerick, Viewmount House, Co. Longford and some incredible private rentals including Coolmore Manor, Co. Donegal and The Shannon Princess, Co. Westmeath joining the illustrious collection.
PRODUCER SPOTLIGHT
A Business With Wings – The Poulet Bonne Femme Story
PRODUCER SPOTLIGHT
It is said that “out of adversity comes opportunity” and for one couple this definitely rings true. Gavin McCarthy and Sara Mitchell felt the sting of the recession when Gavin lost his job, but from the depths of the downturn their entrepreneurship qualities took flight.
Noel McMeel
FEATURED FOODIE VIDEO
Head Chef Noel McMeel from the luxurious Lough Erne Resort gives an interview to More2Explore about his love of food and how he favours using local produce.
View Past Online Editions
Past Editions: [2015] OCT | SEP | AUG | JUL | JUN | MAY | APR | MAR | FEB | JAN | [2014] BEST OF THE YEAR | DEC | NOV | OCT