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FEATURED ARTICLES
LUXURY ESCAPE
Taking Hidden Gems to the Next Level – Castle Durrow
LUXURY ESCAPE
Country houses are in no short supply in Ireland, it’s the one thing that we may have to thank the English for. Striking architecture, manicured gardens, stately rooms and an air of stuffiness are generally the images conjured up when mentioned. And let’s be honest in most well maintained cases that is often the case.
RESTAURANT REVIEWS
Life’s a Beach at Harry’s Shack
SEASIDE RESTAURANT REVIEW
I’m often asked how I decide which restaurants to review. The truth is that there is no real science behind it other than an honest desire to eat in the particular places that I choose. I hear about restaurants from a variety of sources – from newspapers and magazines, online and by word-of-mouth.
A lot More than Meets the Eye – Michael’s Italian
RESTAURANT REVIEW
Some restaurant openings in Dublin at the moment are a bit like the Luas strike, over valued and underwhelming. With a seemingly endless supply of fresh faces popping up at unprecedented levels, one has to wonder how the old neighbourhood spots are holding up against the new kids on the block.
Dine in Derry – Browns Restaurant and Champagne Lounge Review
DERRY RESTAURANT REVIEW
2016 promises to be an exciting year for the food, hospitality and tourism sectors in Northern Ireland as it has been designated as Northern Ireland’s Year of Food & Drink. Each month will have a specific theme and with the support of Tourism NI, a wide range of events is scheduled to take place during the year.
Turning Up The Heat – Fahrenheit at Clontarf Castle
DUBLIN RESTAURANT REVIEW
Clontarf Castle Hotel has recently been given a makeover. The 12th century castle, nestled in a leafy northside suburb of Dublin, has been sensitively refurbished with contemporary, boutique style interiors. They have managed a modern twist on contemporary elegance while managing to retain the classical and historical ambience of this 12th century residence.
Truffle Treats at the Chef’s Table in Sika Restaurant
WICKLOW RESTAURANT REVIEW
Powerscourt was awarded Hotel of the Year at the 2015 AA Hospitality Awards last October and is considered one of Ireland’s premier five-star hotels. Housed in a stunning Palladian-style building in the grounds of the Powerscourt Estate, the hotel is renowned for its luxurious surroundings and exemplary service.
A Piece of Paris in Dalkey – DeVille’s Restaurant Review
DALKEY RESTAURANT REVIEW
The charming heritage town of Dalkey seems to be the perfect location for a charming little Parisian bistro. DeVille’s has been a neighbourhood staple since owners Kim and David O’Driscoll opened their doors in 2012. In a post recession South County Dublin suburb, you can expect to find great food, great value and a strong French influence.
Magic at McLoughlin’s Restaurant
DUBLIN RESTAURANT REVIEW
Set in mature gardens, Roganstown Hotel & Country Club is an elegant country house hotel which is located on the outskirts of Swords, close to the airport in North County Dublin and within easy reach of the city centre.
WINE ARTICLES
AFTERNOON TEA TREATS
Luxury and Lapsang – Dromoland Castle Afternoon Tea Review
LUXURY AFTERNOON TEA
I love nothing more than sitting down to afternoon tea. It is, without doubt, one of the most pleasant ways of whiling away a couple of hours. Every now and again I like to find the time to relax in elegant surroundings and enjoy a leisurely cup of tea along with a variety of sweet and savoury treats.
EXCLUSIVE LUXURY ESCAPES
Hotel Meyrick
LUXURY ESCAPE
Culinary Escape to the luxurious 4 star Hotel Meyrick in Galway, overnight stay plus Chocolate Afternoon Tea for 2 people only €158
The luxurious 4 star Hotel Meyrick, has the best address in Galway City- situated overlooking Eyre Square. Hotel Meyrick is the ideal destination for a relaxing March break, combining a stunning Victorian décor with a superb convenient location.
the g Hotel & Spa
LUXURY ESCAPE
Luxury Two Night Stay at the g Hotel & Spa for 2 people with breakfast each morning and a 3 Course Dinner and Bottle of Wine
The luxury 5 star g Hotel & Spa in Galway is located on the edge of Lough Atalia as you enter the heart of the city. Perfect for a Galway city break or mid-week getaway. Ideal for spa break in Galway. The g Hotel is the only 5 star destination spa hotel in the city.
Renvyle House Hotel
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.
l’Ecrivain Restaurant
Experience Derry & Sallyanne Clarke’s l’Ecrivain Restaurant – 9 course dinner tasting menu for 2 people with a glass of Champagne on arrival for only €99
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 27 years, with food of the highest standard.
Dax Restaurant
Taste Dax Restaurant, best restaurant in Dublin 2014 with a 6 course dinner for two only €60
Radisson Blu St. Helens
Exclusive offer from the Radisson Blu St. Helens – 3 course dinner plus glass of wine for 2 people €45
Odessa Restaurant
Enjoy a 3 course dinner with a bottle of wine and 2 cocktails for two people at Odessa Restaurant only €59.99
Asador Restaurant
Asador a Sizzling Taste we recommend – 3 course dinner for 2 people with a bottle of wine for only €55
Sabor Brazil
Top Brazilian Taste – 7 course tasting menu for 2 for €100 at Sabor Brazil, Dublin, valid 5 days per week for 12 months, No.1 Rated Restaurant in Dublin on TripAdvisor
Soho Restaurant Cork
Enjoy a 2 course dinner with a bottle of wine for two people at SoHo Restaurant Cork only €50
Marco Pierre White
Give the gift of Marco Pierre White Supper Club Evening with a 4 Course Dinner for 2 people with Bottle of Wine only €79
Alfie Byrne’s Bar
Enjoy Alfie Byrne’s with a Main Course and Dessert plus a ‘Craft Beer Tasting Tray’ for two People for only €35
The Dylan Hotel
The Dylan 5 Star Boutique Hotel are offering 3 courses dinner and a bottle of wine for 2 people only €60
INTERVIEWS
MORE NEWS STORIES
Ross Lewis Launches the 5th Galway Food Festival this Easter 24th – 28th March
FOOD FESTIVAL
It’s not all about the Rebellion of 1916 this Easter as Galway’s food revolution continues at the 5th Galway Food Festival taking place from Thursday 24th to Monday 28th March. Michelin Star chef Ross Lewis hosted the food tribes of Galway in Chapter One Restaurant this week as he launched an eclectic programme of events.
Dáithí Ó Sé Talks Food, Family and Fried Chicken
FOODIE INTERVIEW
Food may not be the first thing that springs to mind when you think of TV presenter and media personality Dáithí Ó Sé, but this Kerryman was brought up with a love for local foods, was a butcher in a past life and meets Ireland’s best chef’s everyday on RTÉ’s Today Show.
Easter Dishes from Around the World
EASTER FEATURE
In Ireland, like most European countries, the Easter feast centres round roast lamb. This tradition comes from Pagan Spring festivals and the Jewish Passover which both include a sacrificial lamb. All over the world, Easter dishes have lots of religious symbolism and contain elements that celebrate the resurrection of Jesus.
Add Some Culture to Your Kitchen – A Guide to Fermented Foods
SCIENCE FEATURE
2016 has seen an increased awareness and the rapidly growing interest in the human microbiome. The microbiome consists of ten trillion bacteria which make up our gut. They outnumber our cells ten to one!
Smithfield Welcomes Latest Latte Hotspot – Proper Order Coffee Co.
COFFEE FEATURE
Over the past number of years Dublin has become a city that is simply spoilt for choice when it comes to good coffee. This is not down to the fact that you are never more than one street corner away from a Starbucks in the city centre anymore.
5 Seasonal Market Foods to Try This Spring
TYPE OF FEATURE
With the arrival of March comes the first signs of spring. Our taste buds move from craving dark, richer flavours to lighter and brighter notes to suit the longer evenings. Foods that are in season are not only practical, but are better for you as they are at their nutritious peak.
The Origins of Easter Eggs
CHCOLATE FEATURE
The Easter Egg business in Ireland is worth nearly €40 Million a year with almost 20 Million eggs sold nationwide. Cadbury and Mars are responsible for the majority of those figures but with the rise of the artisan and craft movement, those big companies are steadily losing market share to smaller, independent chocolatiers.
The River Lee Whiskey Club Unveils the Perfect Irish Whiskey and Chocolate Pairing
WHISKEY FEATURE
TheTaste was recently invited to Cork to take part in an exclusive tasting event by The River Lee Whiskey Club, An Evening of Whiskey and Chocolate that showcased a blend of the finest Irish whiskeys matched perfectly with a range of luxury chocolate sourced from all over the world.
Saba to Open Brand New Location on Baggot Street
TYPE OF FEATURE
Award winning Thai & Vietnamese restaurant Saba will open a second restaurant at 22 Baggot Street Upper, Dublin 2 on March 7th. This expansion was ten years in the making and offers owner Paul Cadden and head chef Taweesak Trakoolwattana (Tao) the opportunity to take the much-loved Saba brand to a new customer base in a vibrant Dublin district.
DRINKS ARTICLES
PRODUCERS SPOTLIGHT
May the Flavour Be With You – The Skelligs Chocolate Story
CHOCOLATIERS
Willy Wonka may have had a chocolate river and a squad of nut-judging squirrels but the title for the most unique chocolate factory in the world is up for dispute. With it’s tempting truffles and chocolate clusters Skelligs Chocolate factory has attracted not only chocolate lovers from around the globe, but Jedi Master Luke Skywalker too.
Spreading the Joy – The Abernethy Butter Story
NORTHERN IRELAND PRODUCER
There are many who would count a schmear of butter on a thick slice of crusty toast as one of life’s great simple pleasure. Good news for those who enjoy a golden pat or two; natural, real fats are now being heralded as good for everything from your bones to your britches.
Growing a Legacy – The Long Meadow Cider Story
NORTHERN IRELAND CIDER
Everyone involved in a family business dreams of the day their children join the firm. That dream may be a long harboured ambition for the children to follow in the footsteps of forebears, or it might be a horrible vision, seeing them trapped in a stifling and difficult situation.
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