In our opinion, Father’s Day food is the ultimate act of love. It’s merely a happy coincidence if you get to benefit too …
FXB – Various locations, Dublin
The steak gurus at Dublin steakhouse FXB rarely put a foot wrong when it comes to preparing a meal fit for a king, but this weekend, something special is afoot. Yes, you might choose to go for the €19 Sunday roast and the €8 Bloody Mary, but this weekend, you will stay for the complimentary Bloomsday dish. From June 15 – 18, diners at all FXB outposts will be treated to a complimentary dish of a signature Eccles cake appetiser upon arrival. Personally, I will be saving the indulgent dish of port-soaked plums, sultanas, and raisins in a buttery puff pastry, accompanied by a wedge of creamy gorgonzola for an after-dinner treat. But my, what a treat. Happy dad, happy pad. If you book into the Pembroke Street location, make sure to plan a pre- or post-dinner drink in the handsome Xavier’s bar (pictured top), conveniently positioned right beside the restaurant. www.thebuckleycollection.ie
Conrad Hotel, Dublin 2
Afternoon Tea may not be exactly what springs to mind when you think of Father’s Day dining, but why not? This weekend, Conrad Dublin’s Afternoon Tea offering has been given a timely makeover, swapping bubbles for a choice of pint or whiskey, and serving beef sliders alongside the sweet stuff. For the heartier appetites, the Father’s Day lunch menu will be served between 1-4pm, with a three-course meal in five-star surrounds for just €39 per person. www.hilton.com/en/hotels/dubhcci-conrad-dublin
Faithlegg House, Co Waterford
In Co Waterford, Chef Jenny Flynn at Faithlegg House has a number of tempting food options for the man in your life. Sunday lunch in the tranquil Roseville Rooms will satisfy the heartiest of appetites which may or may not be worked up from a round of golf on the championship golf course. Alternatively, dad might prefer an hour in the serene treatment suites and a soothing, high performance skin energiser. I know which option I would choose but, that, as they say, is the wonderful thing about choice. For a lighter bite, brunch and bubbles at Bar 1783 could do the trick and the Blaa Benedict with poached eggs, cured smoky bacon and béarnaise sauce sounds perfect for a lazy Sunday treat. www.faithlegg.com
Glover’s Alley by Andy McFadden, Dublin 2
Everyone will be a winner after a lavish meal in the plush surroundings of Chef Andy McFadden’s Glovers Alley but if you happen to have a dad who fancies himself as a chef and you want to elevate yourself to no. 1 child, read on. This June, the all new interactive and immersive Glovers Alley Kitchen Experience launched and it is the perfect gift for anyone with even a passing interest in getting down and dirty in a Michelin star kitchen. Every Friday morning, Andy and his team welcome groups of four food fanatics into the restaurant kitchen where the lucky participants will don an apron, get hands-on and learn top-secret techniques before winding down with a four-course lunch with Champagne and wine pairings. Learning while eating, isn’t that the dream? www.gloversalley.com
Kari, Inchicore
Kari owners Bala Nayak and Nidhi Joshi are no strangers to Dublin’s restaurant scene, already running Konkan in Dundrum and Clanbrassil Street.?Their newest opening, Kari in Inchicore will no doubt be a welcome addition to the village and indeed to anyone who loves excellent Indian food. Expect the unexpected however, with the chefs at Kari using traditional Irish produce to produce delicious Indian classics. Starters of kale and samphire pakoras will provide dream fodder for days and the papri chaat with spiced potato, crispy chickpeas and a honey yogurt is a unique (to me anyway) take on the traditional Indian street food snack of pani puri. It also happens to be one of the prettiest dishes you will ever destroy with a fork. The naan is light as a feather and Sunday lunch is a steal at €18.50 for a thali which includes both the chicken and lamb dishes of the day, lentils, rice and naan. Order extra, you will want leftovers. www.kari.ie
She is the queen of no makeup makeup and even manages to make a smokey eye look subtle. When everyone else was going for heavy contour and laminated eyebrows, she continued to promote enhancing your natural features with simple tricks and smart product placement. If you have seen any of her videos, you will notice how little product she actually uses. Even Victoria Beckham commented how surprised she was when she went to remove her makeup after a shoot with Lisa on how little product was applied.