News Archive
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Lucinda's Lookback 2017
21 December 2017
Overall It’s been a year of positive growth and change throughout the restaurant industry, says Lucinda O’Sullivan, and as we enjoy the 12 days of X-mas she gives you her 12 most memorable moments of 2017.
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Restaurant Review - Lucinda's 20 Best Festive Shopping Lunches
13 December 2017
Lucinda's 20 Best Festive Shopping Lunches for this season's best Christmas foodie fare.
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Our Latest Great Place To Stay & Eat - Eccles Hotel Glengarriff
08 December 2017
The stunning, majestic scenery that surrounds the fabulous Eccles hotel in Glengarriff, West Cork, is truly a joy to behold, overlooking Bantry Bay and Garinish Island on a beautiful section of the Wild Atlantic Way.
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Restaurant Review - The Garden Room
06 December 2017
The 5-star Merrion Hotel has a lot to boast about, says Lucinda O’Sullivan, but they never hit the casual dining nail on the head, until now. Their new glass-fronted Garden Room is a perfect ying to Patrick Guilbaud's yang.
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Restaurant Review - Lucinda's 20 Best Sunday Lunches
29 November 2017
Lucinda's 20 Best Sunday Lunches For Roasts, Grills & Thrills In The Capital & Countrywide.
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Our Latest Great Place To Eat - Peachtree East
28 November 2017
Since it opened, Peachtree East has quickly picked up a loyal following of impressed patrons who cannot speak highly enough of it.
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Our Latest Great Place To Eat - Pink Salt
24 November 2017
The Victorian seaside town of Bray, Co. Wicklow, is a tad shy on good eateries, so when I heard that a new Indian restaurant, Pink Salt, was opening, I was out there pronto.
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Restaurant Review - Host
22 November 2017
Having booked a table in advance, at the new Host Restaurant in Ranelagh, Lucinda O’Sullivan was taken aback when, with lots of free tables to be had, she was pointed to a high stool at a narrow ledge in the front window.
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Our Latest Great Place To Eat - Truffles Restaurant & Wine Bar
21 November 2017
Having a 'black and amber' heritage, I'm always delighted to see the culinary scene in Kilkenny move in the right direction, and it's terrific that there are two Michelin-starred restaurants in county. Truffles on William Street, is another step forward.
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Our Latest Great Place To Eat - Masala - Indian Food To Go - Blanchardstown
17 November 2017
When Masala Indian Food To Go in Killiney opened their doors, their food quickly become a favorite in our house and many others it seems. Their newest branch, Masala Blanchardstown, offers the same great fare.
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Restaurant Review - Kilronan Castle Estate & Spa
15 November 2017
Having visited the spectacular Kilronan Castle Hotel in Ballyfarnon, Co. Roscommon in the past, Lucinda O’Sullivan was delighted to be headed back, eager to check out new head-chef David Porter's much-lauded cuisine.
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Restaurant Review - Truffles
08 November 2017
With her family tree firmly rooted in the county of cats, Lucinda O’Sullivan is always happy to see their foodie community thrive. They've so many good restaurants now, and the latest to join their ranks is Truffles on William St.
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Boyne Valley Food & Drinks event at Signal Restaurant, Kilmessan, Co. Meath.
01 November 2017
Check out the Boyne Valley Food & Drinks Tasting Adventure at The Signal Restaurant, at the delightfully pretty Station House Hotel, Kilmessan, Co. Meath, on Friday, 3rd November.
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Restaurant Review - Lucinda's 20 Best Asian Spots
01 November 2017
Lucinda's 20 Best Asian spots for truly great eastern eating, both in the capital and around the country.
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Restaurant Review - Dunne & Crescenzi Blackrock
25 October 2017
It's been 20 plus years since Dunne & Crescenzi first broke ground in the Dublin restaurant scene, says Lucinda O’Sullivan. Today, they're household names and have recently opened a new eatery in Blackrock, Co. Dublin
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Restaurant Review - Dax
18 October 2017
Olivier Meisonnave and Graham Neville have formed a fantastic foodie pairing, says Lucinda O’Sullivan. A perfect ying for each others yang, it's all for for one and one for all at the fab Dax restaurant on Upper Pembroke St.
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Restaurant Review - Panorama Bistro at the Montenotte Hotel
11 October 2017
At long last, the Cork dining scene is returning to it's former glory, says Lucinda O’Sullivan, after her visit to the splendid Panorama Bistro at the Montenotte Hotel, just one of the great new spots to open in the rebel city.
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Restaurant Review - Mikey Ryan's
04 October 2017
Having sped down the motorway to Cork more times than she could count, a foodie pit-stop in Cashel is a favourite for Lucinda O’Sullivan. Delighted that the famous Mikey Ryan’s had finally re-opened, she hit the road once again.
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Restaurant Review - Peploe's
27 September 2017
Since he first caught her eye 25 years ago, Barry Canny has been a foodie to watch, says Lucinda O’Sullivan, who couldn't wait to check out the cool new bar and decor at his much loved Peploe's on St. Stephen's Green.
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Our Latest Great Place To Eat - Ember
22 September 2017
‘Love, love me do, you know I love you’ was coming over the music system, as we were the first punters to cross the threshold of Ember restaurant in Milltown. Looking around at the smart bar, and chicly kitted out room, we were loving it already.
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Restaurant Review - Dollard & Co
20 September 2017
The new Dollard & Co food hall, on Dublin’s Wellington Quay, is a magni cent vision, says Lucinda O’Sullivan, but she’d hoped their Grill Room would have had more interesting fare, instead of the same old risk-free fodder.
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Our Latest Great Place To Eat - Nightmarket
19 September 2017
Conor Sexton has long been involved in the Thai food game, having previously been partner in some of the best loved and most successful Thai restaurants in the country. His latest restaurant Nightmarket, in Ranelagh, has been a smashing success.
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Restaurant Review - Tequila Jack's
13 September 2017
Hoping for some Mexican zing and zest, Lucinda O'Sullivan ventured south to the new Tequila Jack's on Lapp's Quay, Cork. Unfortunately, despite a flash premises, the food was bland, dry and dreary.
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Restaurant Review - Lava Rock
06 September 2017
An impromptu bite at Lava Rock in Cahir, Co. Tipperary, turned into quite the impressive visit, says Lucinda O’Sullivan, who was blown away by the level of attention and care given to the food on such a reasonably priced menu.
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Restaurant Review - Pink Salt
30 August 2017
With a shortage of good eateries in Bray, Co. Wicklow, it's always exciting when a new spot opens, says Lucinda O’Sullivan, and, with a team as experienced as the guys at the new Pink Salt Indian, she couldn't wait to try it.
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Our Latest Great Place To Eat - Wild & Native
29 August 2017
Set on the Strand Road in Rosslare, Wild & Native Restaurant & Wine Bar, which has proved a big hit, is the brainchild of Jodie and Fergal Dempsey, who’d dreamt of establishing a restaurant and gourmet store ever since they first got together.
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Restaurant Review - Slane Castle - The Gandon Room
23 August 2017
The Boyneside Slane Castle is an iconic Irish landmark, drawing the world's biggest rock stars, says Lucinda O’Sullivan. Now, with a massive distillery launching this month, and two restaurants open, she just had to check it out.
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Lucinda's Top 20 Street Food Stop Offs
16 August 2017
Lucinda's Top 20 street food spots, markets and food fests, for the greatest grub on the go.
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Hot 100 Places To Eat - Part Five
09 August 2017
Part five of Lucinda's Hot 100, here are her Top 20 Grills or finger-lickin' badass bbq in 2017.
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Our Latest Great Place To Eat - Granvilles
03 August 2017
We'd driven by Paul and Leonie Granville’s eponymous family run bar & restaurant on the way into Macroom on many occasions and didn't have time to stop, this time we did.
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Hot 100 Places To Eat - Part Four
02 August 2017
Part four of Lucinda's Hot 100, here are her Top 20 Gastro Greats for pubbing and grubbing in style in 2017.
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Our Latest Great Place to Eat - Belle's Kitchen
27 July 2017
Just a short walk from the popular beach in Rathmullan, Co. Donegal is Belle’s Kitchen on Pier Road sitting beside its sister biz, the Salt 'n Batter fish and chip shop.
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Hot 100 Places To Eat - Part Three
26 July 2017
Part three of Lucinda's Hot 100, here are her Top 20 Hot Coastal Eateries for coast to coast dining in 2017.
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Our Latest Great Place To Stay & Eat - The Westgrove Hotel
21 July 2017
If your agenda for the next twelve months includes some time spent exploring Ireland’s Ancient East, then be sure to check out the 4 Star Westgrove Hotel, in Clane, Co. Kildare.
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Hot 100 Places To Eat - Part Two
19 July 2017
Part two of Lucinda's Hot 100, here are her Top 20 Sassy Seafood Spots for suckin' and shuckin' in 2017.
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Hot 100 Places To Eat - Part One
12 July 2017
Part one of Lucinda's Hot 100, here are her Top 20 Terraces for eating and drinking outdoors in Summer 2017.
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Our Latest Great Place To Eat - Quay West
10 July 2017
Perfectly situated just opposite Donegal Pier in the county town of the O’Donnell county, is the fab Quay West Restaurant.
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Restaurant Review - Poke
05 July 2017
With good seafood, price can often be an issue, says Lucinda O’Sullivan. However, Niall Sabongi has just opened his new sassy seafood shack, Klaw Poke on Capel Street, offering premium poisson at a practical price
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Restaurant Review - Roberta's
28 June 2017
Roberta's, the latest venture of the ever current Press Up Group, is a surefire hit, says Lucinda O’Sullivan. With a fantastic vibe, great food and an aesthetic that's overflowing with style, book a table at Dublin's latest hotspot.
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Restaurant Review - Screebe House
21 June 2017
Set across a sprawling estate, Screebe House in Connemara is no ordinary getaway, says Lucinda O’Sullivan. From food to furnishings to facilities and fab service, this one gets five stars across the board.
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Our Latest Great Place To Eat - Michael's Mount Merrion
15 June 2017
If you’re looking for a great spot to wine and dine, be it morning noon or night, in the Dublin suburbs, then look no further than Michael's Mount Merrion.
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Restaurant Review - Sivad
14 June 2017
After years of belly-busting brunches with an ocean of cocktails, Sunday roast lunch has finally made a comeback, says Lucinda O’Sullivan. For a great afternoon bite, without the haute hipster nonsense, check out the Sivad Grill
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Our Latest Great Place To Stay & Eat - Tulfarris Hotel & Golf Resort
08 June 2017
Stunningly situated on the banks of Blessington Lakes and with fab views of the Wicklow Mountains, Tulfarris Hotel & Golf Resort boasts some of the most spectacular atmospheric scenery that Ireland has to offer.
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Restaurant Review - Kernel Bar & Kitchen
07 June 2017
Having spent almost three decades perfecting her culinary art, Chef Maria Raftery has gone out on her own, says Lucinda O’Sullivan, who couldn't wait to try the new Kernel Bar & Kitchen in the heart of the old city.
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Our Latest Great Place To Stay & Eat - Killarney Riverside Hotel
01 June 2017
Steeped in Irish history and culture, Killarney has always been a popular spot for tourists. There’s so much to see and do in the surrounding area, from touring the ring of Kerry, to exploring Killarney National Park, to visiting historic sites.
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Restaurant Review - Herbert Room at Cahernane House
31 May 2017
Having loved her past visits to the historic Cahernane House in Killarney, Lucinda O’Sullivan was delighted to be returning to check out the renovations and to try their new chef's fab contemporary cuisine.
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Our Latest Great Place To Eat - Kernel Bar & Kitchen
30 May 2017
With 17 years under her belt as Head Chef at Zuni in Kilkenny, Maria Raftery has a fine culinary reputation and following in the city. However, most chefs dream of having their own restaurant, and, when the opportunity arose to do so, Raftery ran with it.
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Our Latest Great Place To Stay & Eat - Mulroy Woods Hotel
25 May 2017
Stunningly set, in the heart of Donegal’s beautiful scenic countryside, and on the main route of the Wild Atlantic Way, is the lovely Mulroy Woods Hotel close to the village of Milford.
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Restaurant Review - Old Street
24 May 2017
Having exploded with life and culture in the boom, Malahide’s happening reputation had waned, says Lucinda O’Sullivan. Now, Old Street, with its fab new-wave food and design, is bringing the cool edge back to town.
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Restaurant Review - Nightmarket
17 May 2017
Being reviewed on the first night of opening might scare the pants off some restaurateurs, says Lucinda O’Sullivan, but, the new Nightmarket in Ranelagh should have nothing to fear besides stampedes of eager diners.
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Our Latest Great Place To Eat - Button & Spoon
11 May 2017
As we rolled over another humpback bridge, Sir said tersely, "is it Bridgetown or Brigadoon we’re in search of?" The SatNav had led us on a merry dance, passing shortcuts that would be familiar to locals, but I was on a mission to find Button & Spoon
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Restaurant Review - Duende
10 May 2017
An impressive set of pictures, tweeted by the chef of Duende in Drogheda, drew Lucinda O’Sullivan like a moth to a flame. The food and service were good, but the lunchtime menu didn’t exactly set her world alight
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Restaurant Review - Dooks
03 May 2017
Having worked at Ottolenghi's and the Petersham Nurseries, Richard Gleeson returned to the green fields of Tipp to fulfil his dreams, establishing the new Dooks Fine Foods in Fethard, says Lucinda O’Sullivan.
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Restaurant Review - Rachel's
26 April 2017
The arrival of Rachel Allen's first solo restaurant adventure has been eagerly awaited in Cork, says Lucinda O’Sullivan, who hot-footed it to the rebel city to try the sassy cocktails and high-class menu at the brand new Rachel's
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Restaurant Review - Guilbaud's Reborn
19 April 2017
There weren’t many Michelin stars floating around Ireland when Patrick Guilbaud showed up, says Lucinda O’Sullivan. Three decades on, his name, and the stars it carries, are synonymous with the best of Irish cuisine.
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Our Latest Great Place To Stay - Ballyliffin Townhouse
13 April 2017
Topping the National Geographic's 17 for 2017 Cool List, Donegal is officially the coolest place on the planet, not just for its fab scenery and proximety to the Wild Atlantic Way, but for it's warmth & hospitality.
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Restaurant Review - Coffee Counter Culture
12 April 2017
Cafe society has never been more in vogue, says Lucinda O’Sullivan. From high end barista bars to greasy spoons with heaps of personality, everyone that’s anyone has a regular coffee spot nowadays.
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Restaurant Review - Cask
05 April 2017
With a somewhat stagnant foodie scene, Cork isn’t the culinary hotspot it once was, says Lucinda O’Sullivan. However, Bryan McCarthy, Head Chef of Greene’s and the new Cask at Hotel Isaacs, is just the man to shake things up.
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Restaurant Review - The Bay Tree
29 March 2017
Innovative Chef Keith Boyle is no stranger to the Waterford dining scene, says Lucinda O’Sullivan, and his new venture, The Bay Tree on Merchants Quay, is a fantastic 3-floor undertaking that’s sure to make a big splash.
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Restaurant Review - Thali
22 March 2017
We've had a few scattered Nepalese Restaurants around Dublin over the years, but the new Thali on Popes Quay is Cork's first, says Lucinda O'Sullivan, who couldn't wait to drop in for a bite.
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Our Latest Great Place To Eat - Suesey Street
21 March 2017
Having loved everything about it when I had first visited, I was finally back on what is one of the best terraces in Dublin, located to the rear of one of the citys fine Georgian houses, Suesey Street - which indeed was the original name for Leeson Street
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Our Latest Great Place To Stay & Eat - Castle Oaks House Hotel
16 March 2017
Set on 26 acres of beautifully maintained gardens, which lead onto the banks of the famous River Shannon, as soon as we set foot on the Grounds of the Castle Oaks House Hotel, we knew that we’d picked a winner.
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Restaurant Review - Anocht
15 March 2017
Kilkenny has become a fab foodie destination with artisan producers and Michelin stars aplenty, says Lucinda O’Sullivan. Anocht, at the Kilkenny Design Centre, is the perfect place to try some of the best of modern Ireland.
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Our Latest Great Place To Eat - Dining Room
08 March 2017
On a recent excursion west, we found ourselves overnighting in Castlebar and in search of an evening bite. After 20 minutes or so of humming and hawing, we stumbled across Dining Room, on Bridge Street, and decided to give it a go.
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Our Latest Great Place To Eat - Republic Bar & Grill
02 March 2017
With a relaxed charm and an effortless, welcoming atmosphere, the Republic Bar & Grill in Ballincollig, Co. Cork, was the perfect respite after a morning and afternoon spent wheeling around the rebel county.
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Restaurant Review - 64 Wine
02 March 2017
During the week, 64 Wine is already a bastion of great wines, artisan small plates and sharing boards, says Lucinda O'Sullivan, and now this fabulous wine bar has added a superb repertoire of hot specials to its weekend menu.
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Our Latest Great Place To Stay & Eat - Charleville Park Hotel
28 February 2017
If you’re thinking of heading south-west in search of respite or adventure, then set your sat nav for Charleville, Co. Cork. In the heart of Munster, Charleville is a terrific spot, with plenty of craic to be had, and well worth the pilgrimage.
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Restaurant Review - Bagots Hutton
24 February 2017
Bagots Hutton, located on the capital's quays, is a fantastic new undertaking, featuring a cafe, bar, restaurant and nightclub, says Lucinda O'Sullivan, who found herself delighted from antipasti right through to dolci.
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Restaurant Review - Valentine's Getaways
14 February 2017
With V-Day upon us, lots of folks will be panicking and rethinking the cheap bouquets and ambitious kitchen plans, says Lucinda O’Sullivan. For anyone still twiddling their thumbs, check out her 12 romantic hot spots.
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Restaurant Review - Mr. Fox
09 February 2017
Making a success of a basement restaurant in a not-so-salubrious neighbourhood is a challenge, says Lucinda O’Sullivan. However, this new venture may have just what it takes, with excellent food and retro sweet treats
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Restaurant Review - Lobstar
02 February 2017
With a host of great eateries already in situ, a newbie has to be pretty damn good to survive in Monkstown, says Lucinda O'Sullivan. Lobstar, the latest to plant its flag, has personality, style and some really good food.
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Our Latest Great Place To Eat - Sivad Grill & Wine Bar
01 February 2017
I love the way dining styles have evolved in Ireland over the years with todays mode of choice being much more casual fare, though painstakingly and expertly prepared, served up with really good imported wines.
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Our Latest Great Place To Eat - Whelehans Wines
25 January 2017
When I first visited David Whelehan’s vast new wine emporium in the bleak first days of January 2015, one half of me thought ‘this place is amazing’, while the other half wondered if he wasn’t a bit mad….
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Restaurant Review - Dulse
25 January 2017
With a new name and chef attached, she couldn't wait to get back up to Mulberry's, now Dulse, says Lucinda O'Sullivan, who, after making a beeline out West, discovered that the new chef had already departed.
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Restaurant Review - Ember
20 January 2017
The new Ember Restaurant looked trendy and was serving up some tasty, top-notch fine dining on their opening night, says Lucinda O'Sullivan. Watch this space, it's sure to be deep in hipsters and cool cats in no time.
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Restaurant Review - Whelehans Wines
13 January 2017
When David Whelehan took on the derelict Silver Tassie pub, she wasn't sure how he'd fare, says Lucinda O'Sullivan, but today his fab Whelehans Wines has brought the world's best wines to Loughlinstown, along with great food.
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Restaurant Review - Seasons @ Intercontinental
06 January 2017
The Four Seasons Ballsbridge was a boom-years hub for the who's-who and elite hobnobbers, but it lost its cool before departing in 2014, says Lucinda O'Sullivan. However, the fabulous new Intercontinental Hotel has brought the A-list back.
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Lucinda's Lookback on 2016
03 January 2017
After 12 months of the good, the bad and the Donald, Lucinda O'Sullivan, with a rocking Chinese, a Michelin starred market cafe, and the irrepressible Prez, gives you her 12 hottest dining experiences of 2016
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Restaurant Review - Ballynahinch Castle
02 January 2017
Hotel dining has come a long way in a short time, says Lucinda O’Sullivan, and, at the fab Owenmore Restaurant in Ballynahinch Castle, Chef Ultan Cooke’s contemporary cuisine is definitely a contender for best in the west.