News Archive
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Our Latest Great Place To Eat - Kenz
31 December 2015
“It’s always been our dream to open a restaurant”, said Samir Hachadi of the new Kenz Moroccan Restaurant and Takeaway on the main street in Blackrock in Co. Dublin.
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The Lucindas 2015
30 December 2015
As we bid farewell to another year, Lucinda O'Sullivan takes a look back at the best and worst experiences of a year spent devouring great food - and not-so-great restaurateurs. The award goes to...
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New Year Breaks
29 December 2015
Once a year, we all get a chance to start over again, a chance to reset our hopes and goals, put the past aside and to approach the future with optimism - and New Year's Eve has always been a celebration of that.
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Restaurant Review - Bastible
20 December 2015
With its deceptively simple urban chic style and its fairly priced fine dining, Barry Fitzgerald’s new Bastible,on Dublin’s South Circular Road, is a sure fire hit, says Lucinda O’Sullivan
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Restaurant Review - 12 Years of Rasam
27 November 2015
Rasam are celebrating their 12th anniversary with a tasty new menu, and Lucinda O’Sullivan couldn’t wait to sample the latest delights at this renowned Indian restaurant
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Reservation sites leave restaurants hot and cold
27 November 2015
Fees charged by table-reservation sites mean another slice out of a dwindling pie for eateries, Lucinda O'Sullivan is told
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Restaurant Review - loko
14 November 2015
Upon arriving at Loko in Waterford, Lucinda O’Sullivan was amused by the enormous effort that has clearly been put into making it seem casual and effortless, If only they put as much thought into the food...
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Restaurant Review - Cavern
10 November 2015
'Just knock three times and whisper low, that you and I were sent by Joe . . ." There's a real whiff of Hernando's Hideaway to the new Cavern, a wine bar on Upper Baggot Street. It is the sort of place that you think you have discovered all by yourself an
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The cut and thirst of Christmas Day
01 November 2015
Impressing your guests with your carving skills and sophisticated wine choices is easy with the right advice, says Lucinda O'Sullivan
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Restaurant Review - Kenz
01 November 2015
Finding it difficult to choose from their extensive, authentic menu of tagines, Lucinda O’Sullivan was delighted by the food and atmosphere at the new Kenz Moroccan Restaurant & Takeaway in Blackrock, Co. Dublin
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Derry Clarke at the Muckross Park
20 October 2015
Join Michelin Star Chef and TV Celebrity Derry Clarke on Saturday 14th November for 'How to cook the perfect Christmas Dinner'.
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Restaurant Review - Cinnamon
11 October 2015
Having had a bad experience in their Ranelagh branch three years ago, Lucinda O’Sullivan hoped for a better result on her visit to Cinnamon in Monkstown. Wishful thinking!
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World Animal Week – 4th – 10th October 2015 #EndCruelty
04 October 2015
To celebrate World Animal Week 4th – 10th October coinciding with the feast day of St Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals on October 4th, the ISPCA is launching a social media campaign and asking all animal lovers to Join Our Fight to #EndCruel
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Dax Restaurant at the Dublin Simon Fun Run
02 October 2015
Olivier Meisonnave is bringing a gourmet experience to Phoenix Park this Saturday 3rd October at the Dublin Simon Fun Run!
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Restaurant Review - Trump International Doonbeg
16 September 2015
Having purchased the former Lodge at Doonbeg, in Co. Clare, for a cool €15m, Lucinda O’Sullivan wondered what plans ‘The Donald’ had in store for the fabulous estate that completes his so-called ‘Trump Triangle’
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Restaurant Review - Unicorn
16 September 2015
With a great new team now in the saddle,the legendary Unicorn Restaurant, just off D2’s vibrant Merrion Row, is back to its best, with fantastic food, superb service and a wonderful atmosphere, says Lucinda O’Sullivan
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Mam's dripping reigns supreme
15 September 2015
When Pat Whelan made his mother's old fashioned beef dripping, he never expected to see it in Harrods, says Lucinda O'Sullivan
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Marcel's Musical Chairs
11 September 2015
With Il Segreto's beans well and truly spilled, says Lucinda O'Sullivan, it's no secret that Marcel's is now making itself at home with a new traditional Irish bar and contemporary restaurant
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Restaurant Review - Saucey Suesey
22 August 2015
The brand new Suesey Street,in the former Brasserie Le Pont, on Fitzwilliam Place, is servin some really fab food in an atmosphere thatseems effortlessly chilled out, says Lucinda O’Sullivan
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Feast of Festivals to say so long to summer
19 August 2015
The sun hasn't shone on us much this summer, but when did we ever really need the sun to have a good time? For us, the sun has always just been a bonus! There are still two weeks in which to have a really great time before the kids go back to school.
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3 to Try - Al Fresco Dining
18 August 2015
We all love dining al fresco when we manage to get the chance in this country! Here are three suggestions that you might enjoy
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The Lime House in Mallow is a treasure trove
12 August 2015
You only have to look at the number of builder's vans outside houses in the past few months to realise that people have got sufficient confidence back to splash out a bit on their homes.
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Restaurant Review - Jules
12 August 2015
The new Jules Restaurant, on Dublin's Dame Street, may have some pedigree when it comes to its foodie history and ambience, but the only thing modern about the menu are the prices, says Lucinda O'Sullivan
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Restaurant Review - Luna
04 August 2015
With great food and service, a trip to the new Luna on Drury Street had Lucinda O’Sullivan suitably impressed.However, the growing trend of ‘POA’ left her a little peeved
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Our Latest Great Place To Eat - Sister Sadie
15 July 2015
One of the most popular spots to go brunching in Dublin, right now, is Sister Sadie on Harrington Street, around the corner from the top of Camden Street.
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CREATE at Brown Thomas
14 July 2015
Last Tuesday saw the launch of Create at Brown Thomas, showcasing and celebrating the works and talent of some 50 Irish designers and craftspeople. The event will run until August 16 in Dublin, with pop-ups also taking place in BTs in Cork and Limerick
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Our Latest Great Place To Eat - Mykonos Taverna
07 July 2015
The notion of a lovely al fresco summer supper had certainly appealed, but the artic weather on the day, called for an indoor venue offering protection from the elements! We spotted the perfect answer; Mykonos.
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Lough Erne and Fermanagh's own Lake District
06 July 2015
Not everybody has it in them to be a true hotelier - let alone a five-star hotelier. You have to have that innate ability to be a people person, to be out there greeting and interacting with your guests, not hiding in an office writing reports.
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IRELAND'S HOTTEST YOUNG CHEFS ARE SERVING UP ACES
02 July 2015
With the tennis starting at Wimbledon tomorrow, the O'Sullivan family has been busy discussing possible outcomes on the grass courts....
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Restaurant Review - Taste at Rustic
27 June 2015
Dylan McGrath's new Taste at Rustic is the result of his food-foraging world travels and Lucinda O'Sullivan finds the 'hard man' chef has brought some real winners back with him
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Lismore Craft Gallery
26 June 2015
No matter where you travel in Ireland, uphill or down dale, you will always find individuals and groups of wonderfully talented craftspeople plying their trade.
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Our Latest Great Place To Eat - Osteria Lucio
16 June 2015
Located on Clanwilliam Terrace, is the fab Osteria Lucio, the latest venture of the popular restaurateur & chef Ross Lewis.
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Will two and a half men represent us at World's 50 Best?
15 June 2015
With the questionable voting structure at the 'academy', Ireland has little chance of featuring in this gong show, says Lucinda O'Sullivan
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Head Chef Jenny Flynn's Food Journey
05 June 2015
As a woman in a man's world, 'you have to be bold, you have to be ballsy', to become a head chef, Jenny Flynn tells Lucinda O'Sullivan
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Restaurant Review - The Washerwoman
04 June 2015
An underwhelming and overpriced experience in a new restaurant in the leafy suburbs of Glasnevin left Lucinda O'Sullivan feeling rather unloved on a wet summer's day
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3 to Try - Classy Joints
03 June 2015
We all love a reliable place to eat and here are 3 suggestions for places that are tried and tested over a long period
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Our Latest Great Place To Eat - The Fisherman Seafood Bar & Grill
28 May 2015
With cool, retro-modern décor, (wood and open brick meet chrome) and stunning views out over Galway Bay and Blackrock, not to mention some of freshest and best seafood you will ever taste, the Fisherman Seafood Bar and Grill has become a real hotspot.
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Our Latest Great Place To Stay - Westport Coast Hotel
26 May 2015
With picturesque views out over Clew Bay, Westport’s only waterfront hotel, the Westport Coast, is the perfect place to escape the modern rush without sacrificing modern comforts.
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Queen Bee's honey sting before her tragic end
25 May 2015
Julia Holmes' Irish Bee Sensations Honey won food awards left, right and centre, but it was all a con, says Lucinda O'Sullivan
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Restaurant Review - Brabazon at Tankardstown
25 May 2015
Princess Grace would have felt at home dining at the 'swellegant, elegant' Brabazon Restaurant at the fabulous Tankardstown House in Co Meath
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ACE GUIDE TO JUNE BANK HOLIDAY DEALS
25 May 2015
Summertime is upon us, and the livin' should be easy, says Lucinda O'Sullivan, so get yourself ready for the June bank holiday.
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Restaurant Review - The Jarvey's Rest
22 May 2015
Amid hordes of tourists out for some crack at The Jarvey's Rest in Killarney, our food expert liked the 'cupla focal' and the Kerry charm of the local waiter, followed by some excellent casual food
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Our Latest Great Place To Eat - Roseville Rooms at Faithlegg House
20 May 2015
With an elegance and old world charm, that makes you feel as though you’ve stepped into a French chateau, the Roseville Rooms restaurant at the fabulous Faithlegg House Hotel & Golf Resort, in Co. Waterford, is undoubtedly a great place to eat.
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Our Latest Great Place to Stay & Eat - Faithlegg House Hotel & Golf Resort
12 May 2015
Stunningly located, on an estuary of the River Suir, in Co.Waterford, is the spectacular Faithlegg House Hotel & Golf Resort...
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A Royal Afternoon Tea at The Hotel Meyrick
11 May 2015
To commemorate the Official Visit of the Prince of Wales, Price Charles & Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall to Galway on Monday next May 19th ; a special “Royal Afternoon Tea “ will be available at Hotel Meyrick, overlooking Eyre Square.
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Restaurant Review - Carluccio's Glasthule
11 May 2015
I must confess I had steam coming out of my ears by the time I'd arrived at the new Carluccio's, which has just opened in Glasthule, Co Dublin. I'd called up to book a table but was told they were not taking bookings for the first few nights,only walk-ins
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Meet Pat O'Sullivan of Masterchefs Hospitality
11 May 2015
I've met different people, at various stages of my life, who've all had a major influence. But, you do have to put yourself in the way of them. I've been very lucky."
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Restaurant Review - Soder + Ko
27 April 2015
We've had the gastropub and now it's the gastroclub. I love the notion of good restaurant-style food being served in casual surroundings, as do many others, which is why Michelin-starred chefs worldwide are rapidly turning to this burgeoning market...
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3 to Try - On the Waterfront
26 April 2015
There is nothing more pleasurable than sitting in a restaurant close to the water be it river or sea. Here are 3 different waterside restaurants you might like to try.
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Restaurant Review - Avenue
25 April 2015
Nick Munier's long and winding road has led him to his new Avenue Restaurant in Temple Bar, says Lucinda O'Sullivan, who found that style was the only thing being savoured on her visit
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Artisan food producers at Kilruddery Market
20 April 2015
Artisan food producers tell Lucinda O'Sullivan how the recession caused them to switch careers and set up great new businesses
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Restaurant Review - Cookbook Cafe
18 April 2015
The new Cookbook Cafe offers dishes prepared from the recipes of international cookery writers and famous chefs, says Lucinda O'Sullivan, who enjoyed her 'Ottolenghi' brunch
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Lally has his finger firmly on Limerick pulse
18 April 2015
Our wonderful hotel industry gets the boost it needs as deep-pocket investors return to our shores at last
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Our Latest Great Place To Eat - Pichet
17 April 2015
Since hitting the ground running some five years ago, the fab Pichet has gone from strength to strength, keeping high the bar of good food in Ireland and continuing to be one of the hottest spots in Dublin City.
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Our Latest Great Place To Eat - The Pavilion at University of Limerick
09 April 2015
The Pavilion, at the University of Limerick is one of the best multi purpose venues in Ireland. Wonderfully modern and fantastically equipped, The Pavilion is proudly operated by Pat O’Sullivan’s Masterchefs Hospitality.
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Our Latest Great Place To Eat - Bobby Byrne's
07 April 2015
The gastro pub has taken Ireland by storm these last few years, marrying really well prepared and sourced foods with the relaxed atmosphere of a pub setting. Bobby Byrne’s in Limerick City is a perfect example of this.
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Restaurant Review - Durty Nelly's
04 April 2015
We had lunch in the well-known Durty Nelly's. In the shadow of Bunratty Castle, it has been a magnet for hordes of tourists down the years, for refuelling and comfort stop...
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Easter Breaks
04 April 2015
Lucinda O'Sullivan: Easter fun and frolics for all the family. The ultimate concise round up of breaks around the country
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Our Latest Great Place to Stay & Eat - Coolbawn Quay Lakeshore Spa & Marina
31 March 2015
So near to the real world, and so far from the stress of it, is the fantastic private village resort of Coolbawn Quay. Perfectly located on the picturesque shores of Lough Derg in North Tipperary.
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Restaurant Review - Victoria Asian - Monkstown
28 March 2015
I get this great longing every now and again for good Chinese food, but frankly, good Chinese restaurants, in general, have become very thin on the ground....
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Our Latest Great Place To Eat - Bay Restaurant
26 March 2015
Beautifully situated, with fantastic views looking out over Dublin Bay and the inescapable freshness of the sea air, is Bay restaurant, which, from the moment I walked through the door, was a pleasure to visit.
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Clos des Papes Wine Tasting at Kelly's Resort
25 March 2015
Bread and wine are two of the great joys in life; both almost as old as time, both loved unreservedly more than ever. And now we are out of the recession, there has been a great resurgence in the opening of standalone wine shops and artisan bakeries arou
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Restaurant Review - Fellini's
20 March 2015
Twirling my fork languorously through luscious ribbons of fettucine and popping the results of my efforts into my mouth, almost caused a When Harry Met Sally moment! There's a US TV show, Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, and such establishments are hot as he
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Tipperary food producers
20 March 2015
Here we are on Mother's Day - and hopefully the lady of the manor is being spoiled rotten. However, women always have to think ahead for 'high days and holy days', and, with Paddy's Day on top of us, the question du jour is: "Are you having bacon and cab
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Our Latest Great Place To Eat - Winnie's Craft Cafe
17 March 2015
Knitting has become hugely popular again over the past few years and when I heard about Winnie’s Craft Cafe, I was excited to pay a visit. What I found there was a whole other world of fabulous wools and crafts in a wonderful and welcoming café setting.
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Restaurant Review - Papillon
13 March 2015
Sitting in the window of the new Papillon cafe and wine bar in Clontarf, we had wonderful views looking out over the Bull Wall and Dublin Bay.
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From Kazumi to Le Gensake
13 March 2015
Jenni & Jennie: sisters doing it for themselves From dazzling Irish hair to gourmet French fare, Jenni and Jennie Crawford are a superb double act
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Our Latest Great Place To Eat - Eastern Tandoori
10 March 2015
On a recent cross-country sojourn, we stopped for dinner at the Eastern Tandoori Restaurant in Galway and we were certainly glad that we did. An evening spent enjoying really good Indian food is amongst my very favourite things to do.
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3 to Try - New to You
07 March 2015
Restaurants are opening all over the country and it is always interesting to try places you haven't visited before....
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Restaurant Review - Stanley's
03 March 2015
What's in a name? Well, marketing people would say that your business moniker is very important in luring people across your doorstep. The name needs to be appropriate to the type of customer you want to attract....
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AVOIDING THOSE WEDDING BLOOPERS
03 March 2015
With preparations for weddings taking place all over the country, Lucinda takes a humorous look back at some of the weddings she has attended over the years
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Restaurant Review - Rio Rodizio
27 February 2015
With gaucho chefs, smiling passadores and a masterclass in carving, Lucinda O'Sullivan was enjoying this new 'eat-all-you-wish' Brazilian churrascaria, until her camp came under siege
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Shop 'til you drop with Enniskerry's village people
27 February 2015
Seventies-style tops, china tea cups, and big, yellow-yolked eggs are among Enniskerry's treasures, says Lucinda O'Sullivan
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The final dismantling of an Irish Versailles
23 February 2015
Tony Ryan was one of the greatest collector of art and antiques. Now you can see the remaining pieces of his collection which go under the hammer at Adams Blackrock on March 24
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Restaurant Review - Dennison's
19 February 2015
David Dennison has been a well-known name on the food and wine scene in Waterford for many years. He formerly had The Wine Vaults, a popular restaurant and wine business on the city's historic High Street, which sadly closed just as the recession hit
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Our Latest Great Place To Eat - Silk Road Cafe
18 February 2015
Right in the heart of Dublin’s City Centre, at the Chester Beatty Library in the grounds of Dublin Castle, is a very special café, which has been delighting its patrons with a fantastic array of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean foods.
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IRELAND IS 2ND LARGEST CONSUMER OF CHOCOLATE
18 February 2015
Many of us will be overindulging in chocolate this Valentine's weekend as hopefully our beloveds will have done the decent thing by stumping up for chocolates to go with the red roses! Chocolates and roses have always been associated with love....
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RINUCCINI'S 25TH ANNIVERSARY FEAST
18 February 2015
At the tender age of 15, Antonio Cavaliere left his home in Italy to join his older brother, who was already working in Quo Vadis, a well-known Italian restaurant in Dublin, which operated for many years in St Andrew's Street.
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Our Latest Great Place To Eat - Pullman Restaurant @ The Glenlo Abbey Hotel
11 February 2015
If you’re in search of a fun and unusual atmosphere in which to dine, then look no further than the Pullman Restaurant Aboard The Orient Express at the Glenlo Abbey Hotel in Galway.
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Restaurant Review - Chapter One - Chef's Table
11 February 2015
The dazzling tasting menu at Chapter One's very special chef's table is an amazing experience, says Lucinda O'Sullivan, who comes away with stars in her eyes and romance on her mind...
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3 to Try - Valentine Specials - Romantic Destinations
10 February 2015
Want to get away from it all - here are three superbly romantic destinations offering great breaks for Valentine's weekend
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Food, fun and frolics to satisfy the romantic soul
10 February 2015
Check out some great packages and events around the country over this coming Valentine's weekend
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3 to Try - Carnivore Heaven
06 February 2015
If you are a dedicated carnivore here are three excellent steak houses which you might like to try this weekend.
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Restaurant Review - Delahunt
03 February 2015
The meticulous restoration of a historic 'purveyor of groceries and provisions', complete with a cute little hideaway 'snug', in the heart of old Dublin, left Lucinda O'Sullivan quite enchanted
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Our Latest Great Place to Eat - Beeftro - Balfe Street
30 January 2015
Beeftro, a steak house with a French twist, opened just over a year ago in Dundrum Town Centre. Describing itself as a purveyor of ‘Viandes de Qualite’, the idea started originally in Monaco and now has branches from Mexico to Moscow.
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Restaurant Review - East Side Tavern
29 January 2015
A new chapter for this... East Side Story A legendary Dublin pub has reopened with a cool new style, says Lucinda O'Sullivan, who was impressed by the ethereal delights of woodruff and sorrel in a dessert that tasted of springtime
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Restaurant Review - Beeftro Balfe Street
29 January 2015
Having enjoyed a tasty crab and prawn Thermidor and a perfect filet mignon, not to mention the sinful dessert, Lucinda O'Sullivan was impressed by the new Franco-American diner-style Beeftro
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A Songbird for Charlie's supper
28 January 2015
Irish Life... A songbird for Charlie's supper Delicacies such as the ortolan may be off-putting to most, but there will always be a demand for illicit delights
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Our Latest Great Place To Stay - Glenlo Abbey Hotel
27 January 2015
Tucked away, just two miles from Galway City is the fabulous five-star Glenlo Abbey Hotel, with grounds spanning 138 acres of rich, lush scenery on the banks of Lough Corrib.
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Our Latest Great Place To Eat - The Locke Gastro Pub
20 January 2015
Between culture and cuisine, visitors to Limerick are spoiled for choice these days, with a fantastic array of restaurants, cafes and pubs to draw in diners of all ages and gastronomic desires.
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Lucinda meets Mayo Food Producers
19 January 2015
We all seem to know, or know of, someone who has walked the Camino de Santiago, and come back raving about the simplicity of life on the road and its artisan food.
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Our Latest Great Place To Eat - La Perla @ The Lyrath Estate Hotel
16 January 2015
At the Lyrath Estate Hotel, there is a fantastic assortment of choices when it comes to sating those culinary cravings. Their fabulous La Perla Restaurant, is simply a delight to dine in, featuring a vast picture window that runs the length of the room.
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Our Latest Great Place To Stay - Lyrath Estate Hotel
15 January 2015
The City of Kilkenny has been pulling in crowds and crowds of tourists for as long as I can remember. Its fantastic 12th Century castle has been drawing spectators and history buffs to its doors from far and wide.
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Restaurant Review - Tavern at the Dylan
15 January 2015
Following the current trend for informal dining, it's off with the tablecloths at the Dylan Hotel's Tavern restaurant, where Lucinda O'Sullivan loved the light, chic, contemporary cooking
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Our Latest Great Place To Eat - The Restaurant at Brown Thomas
13 January 2015
We have tended down the years to associate self-service cafes as being the dining element in Department Stores. Indeed, when my boys were young, the self-service restaurant in the then Switzer’s was the cause of great excitement.
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A fearless performance in the theatre of hospitality
12 January 2015
With faith and courage, John Healy and David Whelehan show that anything can be achieved, says Lucinda O'Sullivan
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Restaurant Review - Sophie's
07 January 2015
With amazing views, good casual food and a buzzing atmosphere, Lucinda O'Sullivan was impressed by new kid on the block, Sophie's, based in the hip Dean Hotel on Harcourt Street.
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LUCINDA MEETS DONEGAL CRAFTS PEOPLE
07 January 2015
Running a small artisan business reminds me a bit of the famous Alan Sillitoe story, The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner, about the courage and independent spirit of the hero.