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GASTRO Summer Vibes Spring has finally sprung and
as we witness the welcome appearance of green shoots and splashes of yellow in Dublin’s parks and gardens, what better time to wander around, take in some art, and digest the aesthetics over a bite or two at some of the city’s cultural gems. In addition to housing some incredible art works, many of our favourite Dublin museums and art galleries are also home to some lovely cafes and restaurants, with a wealth of other terrific spots for a bite and a glass of something nice often only a short walk away. With that in mind, we’ve compiled an arty roundup of what’s happening this Spring at some of our perennial favourites. MARGADH AT THE RHA This Spring sees the Royal Hibernian Academy (RHA) host a number of great shows including new paintings by Hungarian artist, Zsolt Basti and a selection of large abstract paintings, displayed alongside ceramic sculptures in an exhibition of new works by Tinka Bechert. There’s also a ground-breaking inaugural exhibition by the CA Collective, a collective of artists living with intellectual disabilities, who showcase their work there for the first time. The gallery’s stylish environs are also home to Margadh, a bright, inviting space that caters mainly for tables of two or four, with one large table available for parties of six to eight people. The ‘café by day, wine bar by night’, is currently offering a special Tasting menu inspired by the Black Sea, drawing on Turkish and Georgian influences. Created by Mert Ozel, a senior chef at Margadh’s sister restaurant, Mamó in Howth, the multi-course menu costs €49 and is available Wednesday to Saturday evenings from 5pm, and at lunchtime on Saturdays. Lunch and light bites are available at the café between 11.45am and 3pm from Monday to Friday, while the wine bar is open from 5pm Wed – Sat. 15 Ely Place, Dublin 2. @margadh_rha CAMERINO AT IMMA This Spring sees The Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) mount one of the largest exhibitions in its history in a show sees the iconic art gallery zoom in on the nation-states that emerged in the wake of the First World War. The gargantuan, multi-faceted offering provides the visitor with plenty of food for thought as it explores the role of art and artists in relation to the expression of national identities, nation-building, and statecraft. In addition to checking out the exhibition, it’s always worth making time to take in the stunning collection of artwork in the gallery’s gardens and grounds, which extend to fortyeight hectares in Dublin 8, before checking out the cakes and brownies at the Camerino Bakery and café. The award winning bakery operates a mobile food truck in the outdoor Courtyard at weekends, where visitors can enjoy a light bite or two, with their signature offerings also available indoors in the museum’s Basement café seven days a week. This month sees the Gallery host Supper Stories, an afternoon of dining and storytelling, as Colm O’Regan hosts a special edition of the Dublin Story Slam on Saturday March 16th. The theme for the event is ‘Luck’ and includes curated stories by the Dublin Story Slam. Tickets include a three course brunch menu by Camerino Bakery. 2pm Sat March 16th, €65. @camerinobakery PRESS CAFÉ AT THE NATIONAL PRINT MUSEUM Drop in for a wander around the inky joys and historic printing presses to be found at the National Print Museum in Beggar’s Bush, then make your way through the archway and treat yourself to a tasty homemade breakfast, lunch, or afternoon treat at Press Café. The extensive breakfast selection there includes ‘Eggs Your Way’ and the ‘Press Signature’ featuring Toasted Soda Farls with Crushed Avocado and Chorizo topped with two poached eggs, with the option to substitute chorizo for smoked salmon, according to your preference. Coffee comes courtesy of Dublin artisan roasters, Cloud Picker, while delicious lunchtime offerings include a wide and varied selection of homemade soups and sambos, including Cajun Chicken Wraps, Corned Beef sandwiches, and Slow Cooked Lamb, with tzatziki, tomato, caramelised red onion, black olive tapenade and baby leaves served on soft middle eastern flat bread. Weekend visitors can also enjoy the added bonus of a delicious rustic brunch menu, with choices including Toasted Coconut or Banana Bread, Huevos Rancheros Salad, and Vegan Sweetcorn Fritter. This month also sees the museum host a tour of the fascinating exhibition, ‘Miniature Masterpieces – 100 Years of Irish Stamps’, in the company of Stephen Ferguson, curator and company archivist at An Post. The event takes place at 2pm on Saturday March 23rd. Tickets cost €6 per person (€5 concession). Bookings at nationalprintmuseum.ie Press Café is open Monday – Friday, 8.30pm - 5.00pm, Saturday & Sunday 10.00am - 5.00pm, with click and collect also available. presscafe.ie 32