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BARFLY Michael McDermott 1. 2. RENAISSANCE ROOM M
ark your calendars for October 21 at Dublin 2’s As One. The Renaissance Room is a pop-up supper club collaboration between Bia! Zine and Hi-Spirits Wine Club in honour of Black History Month. Bia Zine is a magazine centering communities of colour in Ireland and celebrating their food and stories. Hi Spirits is Ireland’s first black-led wine club.The event is set to be a five-course feast with perfectly paired beverages and live music. This soirée is a celebration of the profound influence of black identity and African culture on Ireland. It’s a culinary journey through the heart and soul of Pan-African cuisine, meticulously crafted by the renowned London-based Masterchef semi-finalist, Victor Okunowo. This event is all about honouring communities of colour in Ireland, celebrating diverse culinary identities, and forging connections through food. SDB ONCE UPON A VINE Once upon a vine, in the charming world of Irish wine enthusiasts, a guild was born in 1958. Now, in a twist of fate that could rival the most delightful grape varietal, the Irish Guild of Sommeliers has thrown open its doors to wine aficionados of all backgrounds. Gone are the days of exclusive CMS exams being the standard membership prerequisite. If you’re in the wine biz – whether it’s sales, service, or just sipping in style – you’re now eligible join the merry band of wine enthusiasts. It’s a great group of people who love a good quiz. The Guild also recently unveiled a brand-new, whimsically enchanting logo that reflects its commitment to embracing diversity and giving its wine-loving heart a modern, vibrant beat. Cheers to a Guild that’s as eclectic as the wines it celebrates! SDB 3. UPPING THE TEMPO Keep an eye on The Clock on Thomas Street! The local boozer which shuttered in the spring is set to get a hipster overhaul in an exciting collaboration between two purveyors of well considered spaces and fun vibes on the scene. We’ve been sworn to secrecy while they “get their ducks in a row”. However, the social swing in that direction of town is clearly gathering pace – what with relatively recent arrivals such as The Magnet, All My Friends and Dudley’s, the revamp of The Lark Inn, Harry Crosbie’s mooted plans for a 2000 capacity venue behind Vicar Street and The Guinness Quarter coming down the tracks. MMD 4. STAR POWER The Star Wine List has cast its eye over these shores and put thumbed some stars. Its judging panel included some renowned names in the field such as Pascaline Lepeltier and our own Julie Dupouy-Young, pictured, who is president of the Guild here. The big winner was Bar Pez with three Golds (Grand Prix, Best Short List, Best Newcomer). “I want to come here to drink! That sums up the great attractiveness of this fun, original and highly curated wine list. Unique, interesting presentation with great, informative texts throughout, a lot of producers not seen elsewhere, with many affordable choices and great value overall,” says Veronique Rivest, one of the judges from Restaurant Les Fougères, in Quebec. Uno Mas (Best medium-sized list), 64 Wine (Best Long List, Best Sparkling) and Monty’s of Kathmandu (Best Austrian and Californian List) were other notable winners. MMD 40