Trevor White, the inimitable publisher of The Dubliner magazine, is an affable man, with a surprisingly acerbic wit. Last night he launched his latest Top 100 Restaurants guide in the stylish and dark environs of The Morrison Hotel. In his speech he made reference to being rid of "Conjob Gallagher and the invisible Frenchman" - that's Conrad Gallagher and Jean Cristophe Novelli to those of you not up on your gastro gossip.
The best selling guide is now in it's third year, and proving to be as popular as ever. New additions include Troy Maguire's l'Gueleton, Harvey Nic's new restaurant and Mackeral on Grafton Street. Old favourites like Bang, Shanahans and Odessa get better reviews.
Ross Lewis and the team at Chapter One restaurant picked up the Santa Rita wine sponsored People's Choice Award. I spotted author Marisa Mackle, Sharon Plunkett and Sinead Ni Conaill, who looked great in a black and white ensemble. Richard Kavanagh was looking refreshed after spending the weekend in Kerry at Noelle Campbell - Sharpe's Cill Riallig artist retreat.
I dashed off as quick as I arrived though, as I was late for the Design Centre Winter Fashion Show, which was taking place in the magnificent No. 15 St. Stephen's Green. This beautiful house, which was restored by Hugh O'Regan of the Thomas Read Group, looks more amazing every time I visit.
Enjoying the Moet & Chandon reception was guest of honour, internationally acclaimed designer Ben de Lisi. He'd been in Dublin since Saturday and last night's reception was his last port of call before appearing on the Ireland AM TV show this morning.
Among those guests were Debbie O'Donnell, Constance Harris, and Emily Cox. Fashion writer Bairbre Power, who was a judge for the Mr. Gay Dublin contest last weekend (and is still recovering!), loved the show. Cathy O'Connor, John McCormack (Nokia Young Fashion Designer of the Year) and Caroline Sleiman were all there, as was Jason Cook with his wife Cathriona (Jason is soon leaving Slattery Communications to go solo).
Aisling Kilduff wowed the fashionistas with the latest collection of fashion which included Jenny Packenham, Emanuel Ungaro, Philip Treacy and Julien McDonald. And of course a large selection of Ben de Lisi creations, which are available exclusively at the Design Centre. I think he was happy with the discreet "oohhs" and "aahhhs" that came from the assembled guests, who all retired for more Moet, canapés and heavenly Lindt Lindor chocolates.
After the show, Triona McCarthy and I decided to go back to The Morrison where The Dubliner party was winding down - or in full swing, depending on which event you attended.
