Taste That!

It's hard to believe that Taste of Dublin has been in existence since 2006, where it started in the grounds of Dublin Castle before moving to the Iveagh Gardens, entertaining and feeding people for the past 11 years.  The 2017 Festival kicks off tomorrow at midday and I'm here to give you a sneak preview of what to expect once you've bought your ticket.

Firstly, dress appropriately.  That means umbrella, SPF50, sunglasses and a warm scarf as we usually encounter four seasons in one day.  I've been at Taste when it hailstoned - in June. Trust me on the umbrella tip!

Secondly, spend your florins.  Taste of Dublin doesn't accept cash - they use their own currency known as florins.  There's loads of kiosks and sellers around the venue to entice you to part with your euros.  But remember, they're non refundable, so use them or lose them.

There's no end of places to spend your florins at Taste of Dublin and my personal food favourites are

Saba
Try their Sundried Pork & Sticky Rice dish with one of their impeccable cocktails at the Taste of Thailand area

Pickle (only on Sunday)
You can't get a table in the restaurant for love nor money, so enjoy Sunil Ghai's three delicious dishes - at 19 florins for all three, it's a steal.  There's Gwailor Aloo Chat, Kukura Jhinga and Goat on Toast

Suesey Street
I love their Crab Croquette which pairs perfectly with a glass of Gerard Bertrand Picpoul de Pinet

Urchin
The Duck Liver choux bun is quite mad but very delicious.  Give it a try!

When you've finished eating, rest at the Taste Theatre where chefs including the stellar Danni Barry of Eipic, Jean Christophe Novelli, Ross Lewis, Neven Maguire & Darina Allen are live on stage all through the Festival.  If you're feeling a little more energetic, I can recommend the Make Life Delicious sessions run by Lynda Booth's Dublin Cookery School.  These are hands-on cookery sessions with star chefs, so you're cooking what they're cooking. Places are free but fill up quickly, so book your spot when you arrive.

Don't forget to stop by the Taste Marketplace where you can sip, sample and shop (spending those florins...) from some great local and international food producers.  This is always a great chance to try something new and make a little purchase to enjoy at home.  And if you're a tea lover, Barry's Tea are creating a Mar-tea-ni experience.

Many thanks to the Taste of Dublin team who packed me into a rickshaw and hurtled me around the streets of Dublin as their guest at the launch of the festival in April. I've never screamed so loudly or enjoyed an afternoon off quite so much!