Traffic was brought to a near standstill on Dawson Street last night. A mixture of limos dropping off their passengers, Gardai escorts for the diplomatic corps and members of the public stopping for a closer look all contributed to my being late for the launch of Fire, the new restaurant at the Mansion House. Not to worry, it was a busy night on the social circuit.
Fire-eaters, devil worshipping topless jugglers, gymnasts, fire devils and musical and drum performers, were some of the activities that welcomed the 300 strong guests to the red carpet affair.
The latest venture of Longford businessman Padraic O'Kane attracted many familiar faces. I spotted rugby star Brian O'Driscoll (overheard saying that he will be going to France to play), singer turned actress Samantha Mumba, Louis Copeland Senator Mary O'Rourke and Jason O'Callaghan, who tonight is hosting his own party to mark the publication of his first book, Behind the Velvet Rope: Confessions of a Gossip Columnist.
The restaurant's next door neighbour, the Honorable Catherine Byrne, Lord Mayor of Dublin, performed the official opening, to rapturous applause. I'm reliably informed that the kitchen serves an amazing fusion of European and American high-quality food, which, unfortunately, I didn't have time to sample.
As I left, there was a large crowd gathered on the terrace outside, including Lord and Lady Mount Charles, Joanne Rochford and Elisabeth Fitzpatrick, Marisa Mackle, Caroline Desmond and Richard Kavanagh. Some of whom taking refuge from the large crowd inside, others having a quick cigarette.
There's no smoke without Fire, as they say.
