A round-up of this week's other food news
Buck the market
IF YOU WERE to launch a cool cafe-bar in the cold winds of the current recession, people would say you were mad, but this is precisely what the folks behind a shiny new place in Dublin's city centre have just gone and done. The thinking behind Green Nineteen, however, is far from mad - apart, that is, from the intriguingly eclectic menu, which maxes at just €10 per main course.
"We wanted to create a relaxed local cafe-bar concept, and the Camden Street community is something special," says Stephen Murray, one of the owners, who has seduced some serious staff to work with his idea. Colin Dickson, formerly manager of Solas cocktail and music bar nearby, runs the place with his brother Adam, a highly regarded chef.
"Adam and I agreed that Dublin lacked the quality affordable dining we saw in other countries, a place where you can hang out and have a few drinks after dining," says Colin, while Adam adds: "Quality is the touchstone. Ingredients are sourced at the same outlets as Dublin's finest Michelin-starred restaurants."
Patrons include some of the painters whose work graces the walls, such as Mo Kelly, and musicians who play Whelan's and other local venues. Former Ramones drummer, Marky Ramone (pictured above with Adam Dickson), is G19's most famous customer to date. "He raved about the pastrami sandwich and the picture of Obama outside," says Adam. Apart from price, there is nothing cheap about Green Nineteen: its radical design, eye-catching decor, funky music and easy atmosphere. If this be madness, so be it!
Green Nineteen, Camden Street Lower, Dublin 2. Tel. 01-4549311, management@green19.ie.
A duck walks into Dundrum...
EVER WANTED TO ask Heston Blumenthal (above) what possessed him to make snail porridge and bacon and egg ice cream? Well you can get your chance to do so at "An Afternoon with Heston" on Friday, December 12th, at the First Floor restaurant at Harvey Nichols in Dundrum, Dublin 14. Blumenthal, who holds three Michelin stars for his Berkshire restaurant The Fat Duck, will be talking about The Big Fat Duck Cookbook in an interview with Ryan Tubridy, and signing copies for fans before joining them for a four-course lunch. The event costs €180, which sounds a lot, but will include a glass of champagne, lunch with wine, and a copy of the book, which sells for €130 on its own. And of course, you'll get to chat to the man himself. Be careful what you say, however - he's a martial arts expert with a black belt in karate. Book on 01-2910488. Harvey Nicks is also welcoming TV chef and writer Trish Deseine, who will open its Gourmet Festive Fete next Wednesday, December 3rd, at 6.30pm.