The annual food and drink festival Taste of Dublin 2017 has opened its door and over 35,000 people are expected to attend between now and Sunday evening.
What is Taste of Dublin?
Its a festival that brings together some of the best food and drink* that the capitol has to offer from a huge variety of Irish restaurants (over 20) and food producers. There are also opportunities for foodies to learn about the latest food trends, recipes, cooking techniques, and sample delicious ingredients and dishes.
Where & when?
Taste of Dublin is on in Dublin's Iveagh Gardens, just off Harcourt Street from Thursday June 15 until, and including, Sunday June 18.
Which Chefs are on the menu?
Over 30 world class chefs are attending the festival and sharing their knowledge in a variety of ways, through workshops, cooking demonstrations and Q&A sessions. Plus they're mingling with the crowds and as Kevin Dundon told us, they're happy to answer any questions for Taste guests.
We are at the launch of #TasteofDublin with Ireland's top chefs 👨🏻🍳 🙌🏼 Keep an eye on RTÉ.ie for some tasty tips 😁 pic.twitter.com/J8U7DoDGxD
— LifeStyle on RTÉ (@LifeStyleRTE) June 15, 2017
Joining Kevin at the event are Clodagh McKenna, Daniel Clifford, Darina Allen, Jean Christophe Novelli, Nevin Maguire, MasterChef Ireland’s Robin Gill, Ross Lewis and Sharon Hearne-Smith (check out her nails below!).
Theme?
This year's theme is Flavours of the World - pretty apt given the increasing effect of International cooking on Irish cuisine in recent years.
The trendiest foodies in Dublin 😎 @KingSitric #TasteofDublin #oysterbar pic.twitter.com/0mNTKcH5i3
— LifeStyle on RTÉ (@LifeStyleRTE) June 15, 2017
We are behind the scenes of #TasteofDublin 😋😋 @TasteofDublin pic.twitter.com/6rtguH8rEd
— LifeStyle on RTÉ (@LifeStyleRTE) June 15, 2017
Are tickets still available?
The organiser of Taste of Dublin Avril Bannerton told us that tickets for Friday nights were sold out and whilst the event is selling quickly, there are still tickets available for other days and time slots here.
Is the event family friendly?
Absolutely - there are kiddie friendly events on Saturday and Sunday afternoon plus plenty of family friendly food on offer and picnic tables to eat at. Plus there are super comfy big bean bag areas in front of the live music stages.
People watching...
While you're tasting some of the delicious dishes on offer, you might just spot a number of well-known Irish faces. In addition to all of the chefs above, we spotted GastroGays Russell James Alford and Patrick Hanlon, @DublinByMouth's Niamh and @darraghdoyle, Darren Kennedy and his mum Valerie and Sharon Hearne-Smith.
Come on down to #TasteofDublin for sunshine, music, food and some amazing cooking demos 😍😍😍 pic.twitter.com/2Ye0GXFden
— LifeStyle on RTÉ (@LifeStyleRTE) June 15, 2017
A wee bit of Taste Trivia...
- Almost 3,000 man hours are spent on building the event
- If the 150,000 plates of food that will be served were put side by side, they would reach all the way from Grafton Street to Dalkey in South County Dublin!
- The 200,000 napkins provided would cover the 26 mile Dublin City Marathon route – TWICE. (Hopefully they're all made from recycled paper!)
- Trackway flooring at this year’s event would be enough to go all the way around St. Stephen’s Green.
- There will be 170,000 pieces of disposable cutlery - 84,000 forks, 45,000 knives & 40,000 spoons
- 11km of electrical cable is laid to facilitate the event
