The outdoors are a big focus this week, be it a taste of Spain in the heart of Dublin, or a five-star private terrace overlooking the capital.
Donegal has a new alfresco dining option too, while if you're a serious wine - and gadget - lover, the latest launches from Siemens are the stuff of dreams. Read on for all the info in this week's Bite-Size.
A Spanish summer
The Exchequer wine bar in Ranelagh, Dublin is now serving up a Spanish menu on its outdoor terrace – and indoors too, once government restrictions lift. José Gomez, the head chef, was born and raised in Santander so knows a thing or two about authentic Spanish food. The new menu features chorizo cooked in cider served with sourdough toast (€7) and seafood paella with prawns, mussels, clams and squid, (€10). There are jugs of sangria too, for €24. For more information or to make a reservation, visit theexchequer.ie.
Alfresco pizzas
If you’re in Donegal this summer, you might want to check out Rathmullan House’s new Pavillion. Located on the front lawn of the 4-star hotel, the bespoke outdoor tent offering the perfect spot for some casual outdoor dining (whatever the weather). The menu features classic and seasonal stone-baked pizzas and there’s a range of local farmhouse beers to enjoy too. Head to rathmullanhouse.com for further info.
Five-star Dublin
The Westbury Hotel in Dublin has had a complete refurbishment of late and is now home to a range of beautiful luxury terraced suites. Each one is individually designed and offers dramatic views of Dublin city. If you’re visiting The Westbury this summer, make sure to head to The Gallery, which is celebrating the hotel’s new partnership with Grandes Marques Champagne House Charles Heidsieck. Sit back and enjoy six Carlingford Lough oysters, shallot mignonette and a glass of Charles Heidsieck NV Brut Réserve for €40. doylecollection.com/hotels/thewestbury-hotel.
Ooh Betty!
Betty's Milk Bar, an ice-cream bar specialising in soft-serve ice cream, has opened its doors in Arnotts, Dublin. The brainchild of sisters Domini and Peaches Kemp, it offers vegan and dairy ice cream, along with speciality coffee, waffles and more. Options include the Betty Butter, served with homemade warm salted caramel sauce, melted toffee crisp and Peanut M&Ms and Betty's Helper served with a shot of espresso, Nutella sauce and Oreos. bettys.ie
Shelf life
Serious wine lovers will be happy to hear that Siemens has just launched new built-under wine cabinets. Designed to keep wines at an optimum temperature, they're as sleek as you’d expect from Siemens, with oak shelving and black aluminium door handles. The glass doors also have UV filters to prevent the wine’s exposure to direct light (which can cause it to age prematurely). The 30cm-wide iQ500 KU20WVHF0G stores up to 21 bottles, while the iQ500 KU21WAHG0G is 60cm wide and stores up to 44 bottles. Undoubtedly an investment buy, at RRP€979.00 and RRP€1,379 respectively, but firmly on the wine buff's wish list we suspect. siemens.com
