The party posse were out en masse to kick off the week in style at the IDÔL Vodka Cocktail Challenge which was hosted in Eddie Irvine’s Cocoon bar on an otherwise quiet Monday night. Representatives from 10 of Dublin’s top bars displayed their mixing talents to compete in the contest, which saw a very high standard of entries.
The judging panel (consisting of socialite and Life Magazine columnist Triona McCarthy, Alan Chambers of Comans Wholesale, chef Dillon McGrath of Mint restaurant and mixing expert Michael Foggarty of The Celtic Whiskey Store) had a difficult task in deciding a winner but in the end it was Gareth Lambe of Venu Brasserie who secured the top place. His innovative entry was made up of 3 parts - a shot with specially made IDÔL vanilla ice-cream, a main cocktail which included IDÔL, plum jam and oregano and the finale of a canapé which had an IDÔL infused whole grape.
Among the large crowd in Cocoon last night were actor Dave Coffey of Dan & Becs fame, who is looking forward to the much anticipated release of the popular series on DVD. Barbara McCarthy was with her pal Ben Bringer, she's on the crest of a wave with her new RTE show Highly Recommended, which also features Ben Dunne. David Chawke (son of publican Charlie) and Michael McNamara (son of Shelbourne Hotel owner Bernard) were impressed with the cocktails and enjoyed sampling the various entries.
Samantha McGarry and her friend Ruth Connolly flew in from Ghent for the party, which was also attended by Nadine Wai – O’Flynn, Emily O’Donnell and Andrew Rudd of Ireland AM. Richard Holder, of the fashion brand Tom Tailor, took time out of his hectic schedule to attend. He is busy working on the roll-out of 8 new Tom Tailor stores across the country over the next 3 months. Interior designer Judith Giltinane was there with her sister Liz, she’s just finished decorating the new Churchfields development in Ashbourne. Meanwhile Dr. Marco Lombardi, deputy head of the Italian Embassy, founder of Blacktie Niall O’Farrell, jewellery designer Rebecca Davies, PR gurus Sinead Ryan and Puffin Moynihan and entertainer Alan Amsby also enjoyed the evening.
Apart from the cocktails, the big hit of the party was Avila Lipsett, the MC, who had the guests roaring with laughter throughout the contest. Despite it being her first live performance gig she proved to be hugely popular with her witty banter which kept everyone entertained.
Second place in the contest went to Paul Lambert of Saba and third place to Zibi Kolodey of Krystle. The winner, Garth Lambe of Venu, will now be jetting off, with a friend, to New York where he will enjoy 4 nights in the trendy W Hotel.
