The weather gods are shining on this weekend’s Taste of Dublin festival of food in Dublin’s Iveagh Gardens, where a packed programme of chef demonstrations, drinks tasting sessions, photographic exhibits, musical entertainment and food market trading are drawing in the crowds.
Star performer in the chefs’ demo tent today and tomorrow is Monica Galetti, who works with Michel Roux at Le Gavroche in London and whose tough love approach as a judge on MasterChef: The Professionals was a show stealer. Galetti is on stage at 1.30pm and 6.30pm today and 1.30pm tomorrow.
Irish chefs to watch out for at the Electrolux Taste Theatre this weekend include Derry Clarke of L’Ecrivain (today, 7.30pm) and Ross Lewis of Chapter One (tomorrow, 3.30pm). Both are in training, along with Kevin Hui of China Sichuan and Warren Massey of Drury Buildings, to cycle from Paris to Nice in September. The four are undertaking the 700km trip to raise funds for the charity Console. The Console Sunday package for tomorrow’s evening session (4.30pm – 8.30pm) includes entry, VIP suite access, a glass of Tattinger Champagne, cocktails and canapés provided by the chefs, and a prize auction. Half of the €50 ticket price for this will be donated to the charity.
Both afternoon sessions of the weekend programme have special events aimed at a younger audience, and a family ticket is available for €30. Tickets, from €15, can be purchased at the box office on arrival. Opening hours are noon to 4pm both days, 5.30pm to 9.30pm today and 4.30pm to 8.30pm tomorrow. See tasteofdublin.ie for the full programme of events.
