Paul Smyth

Shrinkflation is everywhere. Consumer goods are well known for it but restaurants are at it too. A favourite restaurant of mine is now serving a starter with 3 gambas instead of the previous 4. And guess what? The price has gone up too. Restaurants are in big trouble if this is what they have to do

China Tang is the new high-end Chinese restaurant in Monkstown. First impressions are that the food is a match for the expensive fit-out, but some service issues need to be fixed. Overall, a great addition to the area. Full review www.instagram.com/p/DGolKjPMMc...

Another visit to Volpe Nera and what a fabulous meal we had. Top class cooking in the burbs. Highlight was Grilled halibut with red wine & beluga lentils, parsley & lardo. Fish cookery at its finest. A 10/10 dish.
Full review at www.instagram.com/p/DFdoPbjs-F...

Cassoulet is one of my favourite French dishes. Lots of prep & cooking involved but the results are worth it. The blend of confit duck, sausage, pork & beans creates a hearty & deeply satisfying dish. Crispy breadcrumbs add a perfect contrast to the tender meats and creamy beans underneath. Yum 😋

Beautiful morning in Dublin at the Forty Foot for a Christmas swim (but not for me!)

Minutes from my door, the finest walk around Dublin.

A celebration dinner at The Oak Room in Adare Manor. Top class cooking befitting the 5 star location. A magical place to stay and eat. Review on Insta at www.instagram.com/share/_eWJ2W...

Back at Richmond restaurant. Snacks of gougère and crispy pigs ears. Then rabbit leg with Morteau sausage, followed by stone bass with chicken & Parma ham. Dessert was a luscious date pudding. Every visit reminds me why it’s one of Dublin’s best. Review www.instagram.com/p/DDNXSu8MdC...

Gig of the year for me was Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds in Dublin this week. Nick’s magnetic performance combined with the stunning musicianship from the Bad Seeds to deliver an epic gig. Unforgettable.