November Magazine
November’s edition of TheTaste.ie is embracing Winter and an incredible new season of food. This month we have been travelling the country to bring you the best of Ireland’s food and drink from Dublin, Kilkenny, Galway and Wicklow. Top chefs such as Ken Harker, Neven Maguire, Shane Smith and Fiona Uyema are giving inspiration for some seasonal Winter warming recipes and some Asian inspired delights. We also have some great interviews this month with top winemakers from Carmen and Bertrand Wines and a great Craft Beer Hamper to give away courtesy of O’Hara’s. With reviews from Mount Juliet, Campagne, Suesey Street, Glenlo Abbey and The Strawberry Tree at Brook Lodge and dining out offers from Clontarf Castle, RIBA and Renvyle House Hotel, this month’s edition of TheTaste.ie is giving you the best culinary experiences. 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
SMALL BITES
CHRISTMAS
MONTHLY SPOTLIGHT
Is the Lady Really as Good as they Say ? Mount Juliet Review
FEATURED REVIEW
Our visit to Mount Juliet last week is one we will remember for several reasons. Unfortunately for us the taxi driver we had booked was a little eager (to put it mildly) to get there from Kilkenny city, where we were staying the night. Apart form driving his modest Megane like an Aston Martin round the narrow roads of Thomastown he has took the whole Mount Juliet experience.
RESTAURANT REVIEWS
A Tale of Two Cities – Campagne Review
KILKENNY RESTAURANT REVIEW
It’s no secret that we have a bit of a soft spot for Kilkenny, filled with lots of little dining out gems you will be spoiled for choice. On our recent visit we decided to try two very different venues, one a casual, relatively new eatery Rive Gauche and one with a Michelin star to it’s name. This is why we like the city so much plenty of choice not matter what mood takes you.
Soaring High Above the Rest – Mount Falcon Estate Review
MAYO HOTEL REVIEW
Imagine being taken on a magical journey through a beautiful forest, stopping every now and again to feast on delicious food taken from the surrounding wooded environment… After which you sink into one of the most comfortable beds you have ever slept in and fall into the deepest, most relaxing sleep…
Streets Ahead Dining Experience – Suesey Street Review
DUBLIN RESTAURANT REVIEW
“If it ain’t broke don’t fix it” was a phrase uttered by many when Brasserie Le Pont announced a complete refurb and name change to boot. Having been fans of the old incarnation we were interested to see what vision Director Fiona Kelly had in mind. Like many Dublin venues which may have been tarred with a slightly stuffy image the team decided it was time for a total rebrand with a more relaxed feel and with better use of the unique space.
Pick of the Crop at The Strawberry Tree – Brook Lodge Review
WICKLOW HOTEL REVIEW
Dining in The Strawberry Tree at Brook Lodge in Macreddin Village is a unique dining experience and one that I will remember for a long time. As Ireland’s only certified organic restaurant, the menu only includes organic or wild ingredients and their provenance is proudly displayed throughout the menu which is opportunistic in its use of ingredients, drawing on what is in season and locally available or can be foraged nearby. This results in food that is unusual, playful and thought-provoking on many levels.
Get Thee To Glenlo by Fiona Dillon
GALWAY RESTAURANT REVIEW
Just two miles outside Galway’s city centre you will find Glenlo Abbey Hotel. Nestled in a neatly manicured golf course, this 5 star hotel invites you in with open fires and a warm welcoming smile. Of course you will find all of the luxuries one might expect from a 5 star establishment, but only Glenlo Abbey can offer dinner on board the Orient Express.
EVENTS
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.
Castlemartyr Resort
LUXURY CULINARY ESCAPE
Five Star Castlemartyr Resort Experience with over night plus 5 course culinary escapes for 2 people
We are so proud to be working with the 5 Star Castlemartyr Resort in Cork and have secured two unbelievable culinary escapes for you to choose from. This 18th century classic manor house with its luxurious grounds is the perfect backdrop to treat the one you love to a fine dining break.
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.
l’Ecrivain Restaurant
MICHELIN TASTE OFFER
Experience Derry & Sallyanne Clarke’s l’Ecrivain Restaurant (Best Chef in Dublin at Food & Wine Awards 2015) 9 course dinner tasting menu for 2 people with a glass of Champagne on arrival for only €99 – This offer is valued at €200
We are very proud to be partnering Michelin Star Restaurant l’Ecrivain. One of the very best restaurants in Ireland, Derry and Sallyanne have been delivering exciting cuisine and a personal service in their Baggot Street restaurant for over 26 years, with food of the highest standard. Today, we are giving our loyal foodies the chance to experience an 9 Course tasting menu for 2 people with a glass of Champagne on arrival for only €99. This is a Michelin Star Tasting menu we highly recommend!
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.
Tankardstown House
NEW EXCLUSIVE OFFER
Taste Award Winning Tankardstown House 7 Course Tasting Menu at for 2 people only €90
We highly recommend Tankardstown for it’s stunning property, grounds and food. Tankardstown have recently scooped a trio of RAI Awards in the Leinster Final, they won Best Chef, Best Hotel Restaurant and Best Wine Experience. Rob is also a member of Euro-toques.
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.
Win a Craft Beer Hamper by O’Hara’s
COMPETITION
O’Hara’s have been busy lately developing their new Hop Adventure Series. The series has been created to bring you some of their favourite and most interesting hops from around the world. To celebrate the new edition in their Hop Adventure Series, O’Hara’s have given us a hamper of craft beer and other treats for one lucky winner.
TOP CHEF INTERVIEWS
MORE NEWS STORIES
Beauty & Health in The Kitchen by MyNutrition Ireland
KITCHEN FEATURE
Our favourite cosmetic stores are always promoting a brand new beauty product with the latest technology; promising to make your hair fuller, shiner and your skin smooth, younger and wrinkle-free.
From Dublin to Korea – An Interview with Jordan Bourke
CHEF FEATURE
When I first met Jordan Bourke he was deeply engaged in conversation with the chefs at Ballymaloe Cookery School about the state of his Korean fermented cabbage, Kimchi, before his demonstration that evening. Once a student at here Jordan was very familiar with the kitchens but whether or not he ever expected to be the one giving the demonstrations.
Get Spirit Savvy at the Dublin Bar Academy – Review
COCKTAIL COURSE REVIEW
Cocktails are definitely back in fashion and it seems that everywhere is now offering them. Classic cocktails are being reinterpreted to include many of the new drinks from the small bespoke distilleries and micro-breweries that have cropped up in the past few years and mixology is back in vogue.
A Little Piece of Paris in Kilkenny – Rive Gauche Review
KILKENNY RESTAURANT REVIEW
Having reviewed many restaurants in Kilkenny all of top calibre we were keen to share with you an unexpected find we came across on a recent visit. We visit the city regularly and often pop in for a drink after dinner to probably the most popular bar in the city, The Left Bank. For those not familiar with the venue this is one of Kilkenny largest bars set in what once housed quite a large Bank of Ireland.
Kale is no Longer King – Emerging Food Trends
FOOD FEATURE
It seems we have a insatiable desire for diverse and unusual fare. Just when you think you have had your fill of quinoa and kale a new novelty food product or trendy dish creeps up the food aisle or onto our menus and becomes the next ironic darling of the culinary world. Predicting future trends can sometimes be as simple as observing what’s happening elsewhere.
Seafood and Sea Views – Aqua Restaurant Review
DUBLIN RESTAURANT REVIEW
Aqua restaurant in Howth is no stranger to awards and regularly appears on Best Seafood lists, including our own. It would also have to take the top spot for restaurants with a view. Situated at the end of the West Pier, Aqua enjoys a first floor elevation out over the bay so from any seat.
Flavours of Ireland – An Interview with Margaret M. Johnson
INTERVIEW
Margaret M. Johnson is a woman obsessed. During her first visit to our fair isle in 1984 ‘the seed was planted’ and the American author has since been back a grand total of 85 times! She has even been issued her very own Irish passport, thanks to an Irish-born grandmother.
A Star is Born – Loam Turns One
RESTAURANT EVENT
After just one year in business, Loam has picked up numerous awards and received its first Michelin star in September. The restaurant and wine bar, which is located just off Eyre Square in Galway, will celebrate its first birthday on Sunday 8th November.
PRODUCER SPOTLIGHT
Bees in the City – The Dublin Honey Project
PRODUCER REVIEW
Drizzled on porridge, paired with goats cheese or even used as the star ingredient in a homemade face-mask, honey lovers are well versed on the many virtues of this multitasking golden wonder. However, as you devour your morning slice of honey-slathered toast did you ever stop to think that the very flowers in your kitchen window box could be the source of all that sticky, sweet goodness?
DRINKS ARTICLES
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