Since chef and restauranteur Gaz Smith opened Big Mike’s in Blackrock, Co Dublin, it’s got people talking – not just about its fabulous seafood and steak by head chef Peter Byrne – but also about the music in the loos and special “friends with benefits” memberships.  The same sense of fun is reflected in the Mad Men-meets-disco aesthetic, and its cocktail terrace (which is now open). The venue recently hosted a Slane Whiskey tasting evening and party to celebrate three months in business.  

Bo Barrett and Philip Dunne.

The popular Winemaker Series returned to Wilde at The Westbury, Dublin 2, where its first event of the season was hosted by Irish winemaker Bo Barrett, CEO of prestigious Napa Valley winery Chateau Montelana and The Doyle Collection’s group sommelier Philip Dunne. Oenophiles will know that Chateau Montelena is famous for winning the white wine section of the historic Judgment of Paris wine competition. Chateau Montelena’s Chardonnay was in competition with nine other wines from France and California under blind tasting conditions. All eleven judges awarded their top scores to the Chardonnays from Chateau Montelena or Chalone Winery, another California wine producer. A fictionalised version of Chateau Montelena’s historic victory was featured in the 2008 film Bottle Shock, starring Alan Rickman.

The Station House Hotel, Co Meath, also held the first of its popular Boyne Valley tasting events of the year  – a triumph of seven carefully curated courses in chic surroundings (the next event is on March 11), with wines from Il Borro – the Ferragamo-owned vineyards. 

Having opened discreetly, Indo-Chine, a cosy neighbourhood restaurant on 33 Leeson Street Upper, Dublin 2, has already garnered lots of fans. We can recommend chef Philip Hughes’ menu – a melting pot of southeast Asian flavours (from Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Malaysia) interspersed with a minimalist French slant.   

After extensive renovation, the popular Dundrum gastropub Brickyard, co-owned by Simon Moore and Erwin Pollard, is reopening. The duo told Glossip: “We are very proud to be a social hub in Dublin 16. We are also the official sponsors of the Dundrum FC senior team, and we do a lot of charity work.”

Talking of new beginnings, the Hindu festival of Holi traditionally welcomes the arrival of spring in vibrant colour from March 6-9. One place to celebrate is at Doolally, The Lennox Building, Dublin 2, where executive head chef Shloke Chhabra, is creating a special menu in new cocktail menu, and some surprises …

If regular food festivals are not your bag, the upcoming Me Auld Flower Food & Drink Festival, from March 16-19, may change your mind. Taking place in the Dublin City Fruit, Vegetable and Flower Market, it’s billed as “a modern take on Irish food and drink culture” where visitors can expect bright ideas and bold flavours. The line-up includes a who’s who of Irish and international cuisine, with talks and demos from Aimsir’s Jordan Bailey, ex-Marcus Wareing alum Shauna Froydenlund, Dungarvan’s Paul Flynn, Goldie in Cork’s Aishling Moore and Will Beckett from Hawksmoor – which is due to open soon on Dublin’s College Green. Do check out the full programme: www.meauldflower.com. 

Bernice Moran De Neve and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar was one of the many guests who popped in to the opening of Be Sweet Café, Clarendon Street, Dublin 2. This photogenic little café is owned by Howth businesswoman Bernice Moran De Neve, who is also an accomplished pilot.

Zoe Quinn and Mark Fitzgerald.

She welcomed guests including fitness guru Zoe Quinn, Darren Wright and Karen Thompson, Roz Flanagan and Norah Casey, who all enjoyed sampling patisserie over a glass of champagne. The venue, which can be hired for private events, has an exclusive range of health and beauty boosting lattes and drinks (try the Blue Spirulina and Butterfly Pea Flower). It’s also dog-friendly: canine guests are treated to complimentary Puppucinos and other treats.

Jacinta McDonagh and Laura Honan.

The g hotel has a vested interest in the upcoming Oscars – having hosted Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson when they were filming The Banshees of Inisherin. 

In addition to unveiling stunning new decor throughout its ground floor restaurants – reason enough for us to visit – there’s also a new Boujee Brunch, available at the weekends.

Pam Richardson-Hoare.

Guests including model Pam Richardson-Hoare, headpiece designer Gillian Duggan, Galway Now’s Patricia McCrossan, boutique owners Martina O’Donovan and Michelle Burke, wedding stylist Fiona Morey and Amy Coy of Galway Hospice, were invited to a brunch preview, held in the newly refurbished restaurant overlooking Lough Atalia. All concurred that the Ibiza-vibe tunes, cocktails served by the g hotel’s mixologist and brunch favourites will make this a totally indulgent way to start any (five-star) weekend in Galway; www.theghotel.ie.

PMcC

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