Working in Temple Bar feels like belonging to a little community, which can be a rare feeling in such a large and diverse city. So last Thursday after work we decided to 'keep it local' and stay in Temple Bar for dinner. FXB's Steakhouse has a great reputation in Dublin, with 5 restaurants around the city. They have a value menu for €24.95 for 3 courses but about 3 of the 7 main courses have a supplement. Saying that, it is still good value as all 3 courses are of superb quality.
The restaurant was not full but busy when we arrived. The atmosphere was cosy with some of the seating with sheepskin rugs over the backs of them. We ordered a lovely bottle of Fleurie to complement the steaks. I had the fish cakes to start which were very tasty. For the main course the Ribeye steak was done to perfection. It was served with homemade chips, mash and vegetables. The waiter then correctly guessed our dessert choices, much to our amusement! My boyfriend thought he had overheard us but I figured the girl always goes for the chocolate dessert as I did and the guys go for the ice-cream as he did! All 3 courses were of a really good quality and it was one of those meals that was so satisfying that I was thinking about it for days afterwards!
If you like steak, you will like FXBs!
25.8.09
The Best Things in Dublin are Free!
I’d like to say a big ‘Thank You’ to Sir Alfred Chester Beatty for the donation of his vast collection of manuscripts, miniature paintings, rare books and artefacts from Asia, the Middle East, North Africa and Europe that make up the museum/library named after him. His once private collection is now a national treasure located on the grounds of Dublin Castle in Dublin city centre.
Last Sunday myself and my friend decided to take a much overdue visit to the Chester Beatty Library, stopping off on the way at a quaint French café restaurant called Chez Maz for a leisurely cappuccino. We decided to sit outside so we could cope with our hangover-induced hot flushes.
Because entry is free we decided to visit just one of the permanent exhibitions as there is so much to take in that we took our time in the ‘Arts of the Book’ collection. We plan to return again and visit the others. The collection is housed in an expansive dimly lit room which felt relaxed and peaceful to walk around. We took time to read all the explanatory notes next to each artefact and enjoyed the unique beauty of the ancient manuscripts and paintings.
Before heading home we took a stroll upstairs to the roof top Japenese Zen garden and relaxed under the warm sunshine. There are viewing areas around the garden where you can see areas of Dublin castle and the city. We also had the pleasure of hearing the distant melody of church bells ringing out around the city. It did feel quite barren there with a lack of greenery but we still found it an oasis of tranquillity on a sunny Summer’s afternoon in late August.
The Chester Beatty museum/library is gushing with culture and the joy of the place is in the diversity of the collections. I’m already looking forward to my return visit. If you live in Dublin it’s the perfect way to while away an afternoon or indeed if you’re a visitor to the city you will find it an interesting stop off for an hour or two depending on your time. For more information visit the website www.cbl.ie.
Walking distance from Temple Bar Hotel - 10 minutes
Last Sunday myself and my friend decided to take a much overdue visit to the Chester Beatty Library, stopping off on the way at a quaint French café restaurant called Chez Maz for a leisurely cappuccino. We decided to sit outside so we could cope with our hangover-induced hot flushes.
Because entry is free we decided to visit just one of the permanent exhibitions as there is so much to take in that we took our time in the ‘Arts of the Book’ collection. We plan to return again and visit the others. The collection is housed in an expansive dimly lit room which felt relaxed and peaceful to walk around. We took time to read all the explanatory notes next to each artefact and enjoyed the unique beauty of the ancient manuscripts and paintings.
Before heading home we took a stroll upstairs to the roof top Japenese Zen garden and relaxed under the warm sunshine. There are viewing areas around the garden where you can see areas of Dublin castle and the city. We also had the pleasure of hearing the distant melody of church bells ringing out around the city. It did feel quite barren there with a lack of greenery but we still found it an oasis of tranquillity on a sunny Summer’s afternoon in late August.
The Chester Beatty museum/library is gushing with culture and the joy of the place is in the diversity of the collections. I’m already looking forward to my return visit. If you live in Dublin it’s the perfect way to while away an afternoon or indeed if you’re a visitor to the city you will find it an interesting stop off for an hour or two depending on your time. For more information visit the website www.cbl.ie.
Walking distance from Temple Bar Hotel - 10 minutes
18.8.09
BBQ in Powerscourt Waterfalls!
Well my initial plan was to write a blog about things to do in Temple Bar, then I branched out a little and included the Dublin area and now I’m even including Wicklow! Sure where will it stop I hear you ask?!? But I think Powerscourt Waterfalls are a popular destination for both tourists and locals and definitely worth a mention.
I’m a huge fan of barbeques! I just love the whole concept of cooking outdoors or more so the concept of getting the men to do the cooking for a change! Usually a few comments in the line of ‘It’s such a manly thing to do’ has them cooking without too much complaint! Last Saturday I got it in my head that I wanted a barbeque and what better a destination that on the grounds of Powerscourt waterfall in Wicklow. I would highly recommend it to tourists and locals as a relaxing way to spend an afternoon.
When we left Dublin at midday the grey clouds were looming overhead but we decided to continue on and luckily by the time we arrived in Powerscourt the sun was shining and we managed to get a perfect spot next to an old tree trunk which we put our disposable bbq on. There was also a wooden bench and table next to it to prepare the food on. It wasn’t too long before the charcoals were lighting and the smoky barbeque smell was wafting through the air. There were about five other groups all enjoying a barbeques nearby and there was a sense of summer giddiness in the air. Two beef burgers and a lamb kebab later the belly was full and we were stretched out on the rug reading the Saturday papers with the warm sunshine on our backs and the sound of flowing waterfall in our ears.
Half an hour later it was time to pull out the flask of tea from the car boot (oh the memories of the 80s came flooding back!!), although I was delighted that jam sandwiches were replaced nicely with a slice of home made carrot cake. We walked up to the base of the waterfall and lay the rug down with our cups of tea. But just before you start thinking it was all perfect, I must warn you about the annoying midgets that we had to deal with that did their level best to ruin our day! Another downside is the €5 per adult charge to get into the Waterfalls, tis a bit Irish!
Powerscourt Waterfalls are only a 40 minute drive from Dublin. Daily bus tours are available to Powerscourt if you don’t have access to a car. It's an ideal day trip for people living in Dublin that are looking for something different to do on a sunny Sunday!
I’m a huge fan of barbeques! I just love the whole concept of cooking outdoors or more so the concept of getting the men to do the cooking for a change! Usually a few comments in the line of ‘It’s such a manly thing to do’ has them cooking without too much complaint! Last Saturday I got it in my head that I wanted a barbeque and what better a destination that on the grounds of Powerscourt waterfall in Wicklow. I would highly recommend it to tourists and locals as a relaxing way to spend an afternoon.
When we left Dublin at midday the grey clouds were looming overhead but we decided to continue on and luckily by the time we arrived in Powerscourt the sun was shining and we managed to get a perfect spot next to an old tree trunk which we put our disposable bbq on. There was also a wooden bench and table next to it to prepare the food on. It wasn’t too long before the charcoals were lighting and the smoky barbeque smell was wafting through the air. There were about five other groups all enjoying a barbeques nearby and there was a sense of summer giddiness in the air. Two beef burgers and a lamb kebab later the belly was full and we were stretched out on the rug reading the Saturday papers with the warm sunshine on our backs and the sound of flowing waterfall in our ears.
Half an hour later it was time to pull out the flask of tea from the car boot (oh the memories of the 80s came flooding back!!), although I was delighted that jam sandwiches were replaced nicely with a slice of home made carrot cake. We walked up to the base of the waterfall and lay the rug down with our cups of tea. But just before you start thinking it was all perfect, I must warn you about the annoying midgets that we had to deal with that did their level best to ruin our day! Another downside is the €5 per adult charge to get into the Waterfalls, tis a bit Irish!
Powerscourt Waterfalls are only a 40 minute drive from Dublin. Daily bus tours are available to Powerscourt if you don’t have access to a car. It's an ideal day trip for people living in Dublin that are looking for something different to do on a sunny Sunday!
4.8.09
Opera in the Open 2009
Since I moved to Dublin 6 years ago I have at various stages said farewell to friends that have got the calling back to Cork. Their time in the capital had been done and they were ready to move home! The one thing they all say they miss about Dublin is that there is so much to do here! And I must say I have to agree. You are allowed only two excuses, one being laziness and the other being penniless but on this occasion it won't cost you a bob so if you don't make a trip you are downright lazy! :)
This Thursday Dublin City Council is starting their Summer lunchtime Opera series which is free! It runs for five weeks and here is the superb line up....
August 6th – 1.00 pm : THE MAGIC FLUTE – Mozart
August 13th – 1.00 pm : JULIUS CEASAR– Handel
August 20th – 1.00 pm: DON PASQUALE – Donizetti
August 27th - 1.00 pm: HANSEL UND GRETEL – Humperdinck
September 3rd – 1.00 pm : IDOMENEO – Mozart
So whether you reside in Dublin or you're here visiting it is worth taking a lunchtime trip to the amphitheater at the Civic Offices, Wood Quay to see the Opera. Let's just hope the weather stays dry! For more more information check out the Dublin Tourism website.
Walking distance from Temple Bar Hotel - 12 minutes.
This Thursday Dublin City Council is starting their Summer lunchtime Opera series which is free! It runs for five weeks and here is the superb line up....
August 6th – 1.00 pm : THE MAGIC FLUTE – Mozart
August 13th – 1.00 pm : JULIUS CEASAR– Handel
August 20th – 1.00 pm: DON PASQUALE – Donizetti
August 27th - 1.00 pm: HANSEL UND GRETEL – Humperdinck
September 3rd – 1.00 pm : IDOMENEO – Mozart
So whether you reside in Dublin or you're here visiting it is worth taking a lunchtime trip to the amphitheater at the Civic Offices, Wood Quay to see the Opera. Let's just hope the weather stays dry! For more more information check out the Dublin Tourism website.
Walking distance from Temple Bar Hotel - 12 minutes.
30.7.09
Yamamori on the Quays!
Can you think of anything more annoying than when you make a bad food choice when eating out? You look around the table and all your friends have big happy grins, clearly delighted with the culinary delights that lay in front of them! My competitive disposition usually renders me speechless in this situation, slow to admit that I have not made the best decision amongst us! Normally when this happens I am a little prepared as it’s usually when I go for a completely different dish. But yesterday I was pretty confident I had made a good decision until the dish arrived and it was not what I was expecting! The Tatsuta Age (Ginger Chicken) looked pale and unappetising when it arrived! It tasted somewhat better than it looked but this was perhaps my most disappointing visit to this popular Japanese restaurant yet!
On the upside the service was really friendly and quick which we agreed was a must to sustain a lunch time trade. The restaurant is bright and airy with long wooden tables throughout. On this occasion it was relatively busy but not crowded. The prices were reasonable and the portions are large…..although how much pale chicken can one stomach!!! Ewww!
I have no doubt that I will return to Yamamori again as I have really enjoyed my previous experiences of the restaurant. But here’s hoping my decision will be better next time or maybe the chicken will have been on a sun holiday!
On the upside the service was really friendly and quick which we agreed was a must to sustain a lunch time trade. The restaurant is bright and airy with long wooden tables throughout. On this occasion it was relatively busy but not crowded. The prices were reasonable and the portions are large…..although how much pale chicken can one stomach!!! Ewww!
I have no doubt that I will return to Yamamori again as I have really enjoyed my previous experiences of the restaurant. But here’s hoping my decision will be better next time or maybe the chicken will have been on a sun holiday!
Walking distance from Temple Bar Hotel - 10 minutes.
10.7.09
Running away with the Circus!
When we were kids, my brother had this notion that he wanted to run away with the circus. I think it was the idea that he could eat as much candy floss and popcorn as he liked that was the ultimate appeal. Admittedly the circus has a certain lure for most children who crave adventure and escape!Temple Bar Circus Festival started yesterday and runs until this Sunday, attracting both children and adults. This afternoon there was a performance by the Cannonball Circus. Temple Bar Meeting House Square was alive with children's laughter as they watched their performance. Their animated faces displaying their utter enthusiasm for all things Circus!
I was raging with myself yesterday when I rang the ticket office to see if there was any tickets left for the outdoor screening of Mouin Rouge tonight. But the good news is, there's lots of non-ticket events going on over the weekend.
Walking distance from Temple Bar Hotel - 5 minutes.
3.7.09
When there's no time for dawdling!
The one thing that puts me off eating out for lunch during the week is the time it takes. Your lunch hour suddenly feels more like a lunch half hour! And the one thing that was putting me off going to Thai Orchid was memories of the last time I went there. It was when I first came to Dublin and I had my birthday dinner there. I thought I liked spicy foods but sure I was as green as the chilli I bit into! I’ll never forget the heat or ‘the pain’ as I described it at the time. I suppose it is no wonder the girls laughed me off as being a Drama Queen with the fuss I made. So today I made my return and avoided the chillies….and the drama!
The décor is warm and inviting with genuine Thai artifacts around the restaurant. The waitress in her traditional dress also gave the restaurant a sense of authenticity. Most of the main courses were priced under €10. I went with the Garlic & Black Pepper Chicken, served with fragrant rice while my colleague went with the Kong Pung Beef. Both dishes were delicious and full of flavour. Of course I started into my meal with the same gusto I devote to all my meals, and admittedly it hit me with about two bites to go. Too late then lady! The damage was done and as expected the food coma began to set in about an hour later. Although I doubt it will deter future trips to this high standard restaurant. The service was friendly yet brisk, exactly what you need when you’re watching the clock. The restaurant was full yet it seemed quiet and hushed, as though all the other diners were on the same mission as ourselves….no time for dawdling!
The décor is warm and inviting with genuine Thai artifacts around the restaurant. The waitress in her traditional dress also gave the restaurant a sense of authenticity. Most of the main courses were priced under €10. I went with the Garlic & Black Pepper Chicken, served with fragrant rice while my colleague went with the Kong Pung Beef. Both dishes were delicious and full of flavour. Of course I started into my meal with the same gusto I devote to all my meals, and admittedly it hit me with about two bites to go. Too late then lady! The damage was done and as expected the food coma began to set in about an hour later. Although I doubt it will deter future trips to this high standard restaurant. The service was friendly yet brisk, exactly what you need when you’re watching the clock. The restaurant was full yet it seemed quiet and hushed, as though all the other diners were on the same mission as ourselves….no time for dawdling!
Walking distance from Temple Bar Hotel - 20 seconds!
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