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FOOD
The spice trail Madhya Pradesh-born Sunil Ghai is the executive chef of Ireland’s Jaipur Restaurant Group (jaipur.ie), and primarily based at Ananda in Dundrum (anandarestaurant.ie). Here are Ghai’s favourite Indian eateries …
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GREYSTONES Chakra by Jaipur Well, as executive chef of the Jaipur Group, of course I’m going to choose one of our restaurants ...! Located in the gourmet capital of Co Wicklow, Chakra serves authentic Indian food with constantly evolving menus and an innovative use of local ingredients against a backdrop of great sea views. Ask for Laal maas, showcasing Wicklow lamb at its best. jaipur. ie/locations/chakra
BIRMINGHAM Itihaas This is widely recognised as a pioneer of exquisite Indian cuisine in the Midlands, where a smart, contemporary-meets-traditional interior is complemented by 18th and 19th century Indian artifacts. For large groups, a must-try is the Tiffin Room, complete with a bar, library and your very own dedicated butler. Ask for Daily special, or one of their Mumbai Street Food dishes. itihaas.co.uk
LONDON The Cinnamon Club The transformation of Westminster Library twelve years ago paved the way for a new generation of modern Indian restaurants – and has one of the most stunning dining rooms in the country. The Club’s menus and carefully matched wine list reflect an ethos of creativity. Ask for Roast saddle of venison with pickling sauce, and cocktails. cinnamonclub.com
GLASGOW Masala Twist Located in Glasgow’s West End on Byres Road, Masala Twist has a menu influenced by locations all across India, and offers alternatives to the standard Anglo-Indian curries. The team places a keen emphasis on fresh, local produce. Ask for A mix grill kebab – or, an Indian twist on a Scottish classic: mince and tatties curry, or haggis pakora. masalatwist.co.uk
time? Grab a bite from Pizza E SNACKS APPEAL Pushed for new al Dock, which has launched a Porchetta in Dublin’s Grand Can com tta. or take out. pizzaeporche Express Lunch Menu. Dine in TREND
An apple a day ... Following the global craft beer revolution, artisan cider looks set to be the next big trend in brewing. With deep roots in Ireland, producers are marrying older cider-making traditions with exciting new ideas and technologies. Many new-wave cider makers – such as Dublin-based Orpens (orpens.ie) and Co Wicklow’s Craigie’s Cider (craigiescider. ie) – have utilised knowledge and insights gained in the wine trade to create a more considered product, while producers such as Co Down’s Tempted? (temptedcider.com), Stonewell Cider (stonewellcider. com) of Co Cork, place emphasis on Ireland’s unique conditions for cider production. Brewers are quick to point out cider’s gluten-free status, and many, such as MacIvors (macivors.com), located in the orchard capital of Ireland, Armagh, suggest interesting food pairings – try cider with spicy Asian flavours, they say.
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AUGUST 2014
TEA OFF Luxury five-star Castlemartyr Resort in Co Cork has launched its new Lady Fitzgerald Afternoon Tea, which has been styled by Peter Kelly, aka Franc. The revamped menu features treats such as buttermilk panna cotta, home-baked scones and mini sandwiches served with tea or coffee. €29 per person, booking essential at 021 421 9000. castlemartyrresort.ie