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PROUDLY SPONSORED BY NEW YEAR, NEW BREW A TASTE O
F BLOOM FOR EARLY BIRDS Those on the hunt for something to look forward to this year may be interested in checking out tickets to ‘A Taste of Bloom’ curated by Neven which returns over the June Bank Holiday weekend. Diners get to enjoy a three-course menu designed by chef Neven Maguire, featuring top-tier Bord Bia Quality Assured produce, much of it sourced from the producers showcasing their wares at the festival’s Food Village. Looking forward to this year’s event Neven tells us that following on from last year’s spectacular experience, “Nothing gives me more joy than highlighting the incredible produce this country has to offer and being able to do so at Bord Bia Bloom makes it even better.” Set in the vibrant surroundings of the Garden View Restaurant overlooking the spectacular Show Gardens, sample menus will be available from next month with vegetarian, vegan and allergen-friendly options available. With two sittings per day, the popular event always sells out, so this is definitely one for the early birds. Diners will also have a chance to wander around the stalls, meet the producers and pick up some delicious take-home goodies while walking off their lunch afterwards. A nice ‘treat-yourself ’ plan to brighten the year ahead. Tickets from €79 via Ticketmaster. FEED YOUR MIND As the Year of the Horse gallops onto the horizon, Lucky Tortoise is hosting a series of interactive classes offering the inside track on the ancient art of sushi rolling. Participants are invited to learn how to create the ultimate Japanese staple from scratch, with hands on Sushi Rolling classes taking place at their city centre premises every second Wednesday evening. @luckytortoise Meanwhile Val Ivancenco of Fairmental Lab & Deli is inviting Dubliners to come and join the fermentation revolution he’s such a passionate advocate of. Amongst this month’s educational offerings is a hands-on Kombucha and Vinegar Workshop with a chance to make your own kombucha and vinegars to take home. The class includes some great tasting opportunities, with everything - including all the high-quality ingredients required - supplied. Take to the barricades and earn yourself some cool new culinary skills while you’re at it. Jan 23rd. @fairmental_ If your New Year’s resolutions include drinking better coffee, then the new AeroPress Premium may well be the answer to your prayers. The cult brewer, beloved of baristas and design nerds alike, has just launched its most refined version yet for brightening up morning caffeine routines. Featuring sleek stainless-steel details and a double-wall borosilicate glass chamber for extra warmth, it continues to work the timeless AeroPress magic that fans of form and function have come to appreciate over the years. Part French press, part pour-over, part espresso, the brand merges the best of all three methods to deliver a faster, cleaner cup with low bitterness, no grit and maximum flavour. Delivering a really nice brew, the newcomer retails at €190, but we’re told that those who prefer something simpler still rate the iconic AeroPress Original (€40) as their go-to for affordable, portable pours. The ideal caffeine companion for those who reject the notion of making mediocre coffee at home, and perfect for anyone quietly breaking up with their €5-a-day latte habit. Dublin stockists include Arnotts, 3fe, and Bear Market. @aeropress DUBLIN LUNAR NEW YEAR BANQUET With a great programme of delicious food and drink focused events set to usher in the Year of The Horse next month, Asia Market is bringing those all-important Lunar New Year vibes to Dublin with a lavish Chinese banquet at Ka Shing Restaurant on Wicklow Street. Taking place on Thursday, February 12th, this communal feast marks the Year of the Horse with an indulgent, multi-course spread designed for sharing and savouring. Diners can look forward to tucking into a tasty selection of classic dim sum, followed by some standout seafood, generous Sichuanspiced mains, with traditional Chinese egg tarts to finish. The evening is hosted by chef Eva Pau who’ll be on hand to guide diners through each dish, while imparting her considerable knowledge about the myriad traditions and symbolism behind Lunar New Year feasting. There’s a welcome drink, premium pours from Luzhao, and plenty of festive buzz around the table, with the added bonus of a delicious goodie bag to take home afterwards. Seats are limited. Book early and bring your appetite! For more details see @asiamarket WE’RE LOVIN’ Salsa Macha, a tasty Mexican-style smokie chili oil made with Chipotle, Pasilla, Ancho Chilies, Roasted Peanuts, and Sweet Dates. Handcrafted in small batches, this supercharged umami-crammed belter adds immediate heat and depth to pretty much most dishes, though we have been known to dig in straight from the jar. ¡Está delicioso! @garnacha_ireland 31