A Taste of Dublin, Iveagh Gardens, 13th June

Mid-June already and the Taste Festivals are in swing, this year adding Cork to the mix. A balmy Friday took Custom Ireland to the Iveagh Gardens in Dublin’s heart for what promised to be an evening of foodie leisure.

This summer event, now in its third year, has expanded since it’s origins at Dublin Castle to include a wide array of food and drink suppliers showing and selling their ‘wares’ from white stalls lined throughout the picture-perfect gardens. Tasty bites and beverages are acquired only using florins, the currency of the festival, which can be bought throughout the grounds or on first buying your entrance ticket.

As an example of a possible menu to be sampled, I enjoyed a starter of exquisite black pudding in a tart tatin with apple and leek (Locks Restaurant), a main course of the most succulent lamb kebab and mint yogurt from Venu, followed by dessert on the double courtesy of Bon Apetit(raspberry bavarois) and the King Sitric (chocolate, meringue & almonds).

A regular entrance ticket allows you to float throughout, picking and choosing as you go. The more ‘elite’ might be found in a specially imported two storey marquee, where even the toilets are plush. On Friday, for example, chef Derry Clarke was catering to the VIP tables throughout the evening.

It’s not just about eating, but about seeing ‘real’ chefs in action too. Demonstrations run throughout the day; some for participating, others simply for observing. It is an atmospheric experience where people, food & drink, trees, sky and music fuse. And then there’s all the free ‘stuff’… a Magnum ice cream here, a yogurt there, a sliver of Lindt chocolate, a shot of espresso, a flute of bubbly. Quite delish!

LC