Dublin’s legendary culinary festival, Taste of Dublin, in association with JYSK, officially opened its gates today after being named one of Europe’s best food festivals. Returning to the glorious surroundings of Merrion Square, it celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, with over 30,000 visitors expected across the weekend.
Taste of Dublin was named in the top 25 food festivals in Europe by Big 7, a travel company that specialises in rounding up the best experiences, food and drink spots and activities around the world.
At its official launch today, well-known personalities were spotted basking in the culinary glory, including Rosalind Lipsett; Sarah Morrissey; Norah Casey; Daragh Curran; Faye Shortt and TV Chef Edward Hayden.
Across the weekend, a stellar line up of Irish and International chefs will inspire visitors sharing the best of cultural innovations at the brand-new SuperValu’s Real Food Kitchen. Visitors can expect to see TV cook Sarah Butler; health food experts The Happy Pear; performance nutritionist, Daniel Davey and Executive Chef at Anantara, The Marker Hotel, Gareth Mullins plus many more gracing the stage.
To fuel those summer design passions, JYSK’s ‘Around the Table’ will have experts on hand to share their top tips, including boutique designer Grace Cahill; interiors expert Paul Kinsella and fashion and interior icon Sarah Battle.
From neighbouring Wicklow, the Glendalough Distillery’s immersive Foraging Masterclass, led by the brand’s head forager, Geraldine Kavanagh, will allow visitors to create their own unique botanical refreshments to take home.
All corners of the world will be covered with superb international cuisine dotted throughout the festival. Some of the top dishes to try include; The Salt Project’s province inspired ‘Leinster’ Chicken and Waffles, BIGFAN’S Black Dragon Lobster special, Shaku Maku’s VIP Grill mix plus Bovinity’s classic Bangers’n’Mash.
Once dishes are eaten and thirst is quenched, visitors can enjoy an energising line up of entertainment at the Bulmers Live Music Stage with Spring Break, The Runaways and many more, and on Sunday they can top off their weekend with the nation’s favourite, Bingo Loco.
Commenting at the official opening on behalf of Taste of Dublin, CEO, Equinox Events, Jo Mathews, said, “We are thrilled to officially open this year’s festival and continue our 20th anniversary celebrations. It’s been a wonderful two decades of highlighting the magnificent restaurants, innovative artisan producers and expert chefs from across Ireland and we thank all of those here today who are sharing their creativity and expertise. It’s a joy to see so many people soaking up the atmosphere and we can’t wait to welcome many more across the weekend!”