Ciao Milano

Ciao: 1. Ciara Crilly and Siobhain O'Connor; 2. Ciaran Salmon and Laura Greer; 3. Brenda McCormack and Anne Keane. (Pix. KH)

Milano is delighted to announce that the Dawson Street restaurant is back and better than ever following a recent make-over. Situated in one of Dublin's most prestigious streets Milano Dawson Street is known for its vibrant upbeat atmosphere. With its extremely spacious and well-designed dining room, the new and improved Milano Dawson Street offers the same fantastic quality food at amazing value in a stylish new environment.

Guests will be wowed with the stunning new interior that was inspired by various Irish writers and poets. On walking through the restaurant it beautifully takes you to the world of their great work and forms the perfect setting for a memorable gourmet experience. With specially designed wallpaper featuring some of Ireland's influential writers including James Joyce diners will be left feeling inspired!

Speaking at the launch restaurant manager Stephen Toolan said, "Guests will instantly recognise the change in our stylish new surroundings in Milano Dawson Street which draws inspiration from the greatest Irish writers and poets.  We are delighted to welcome new and returning customers to come and enjoy our great food in a fantastic atmosphere.”

Paolo's new book

Belonging: 1. Marian Kenny and Paolo Tullio; 2. Chris de Burgh and Roz Flanagan; 3. Albhie Lee and Michael Hayes. (Pix. Garret White)

The legend that is Paolo Tullio launched his newest novel 'Longing & Belonging' at a reception in Cafe H recently. Hosted by Harry and Rita Crosbie the event was attended by a host of well known faces including Chris de Burgh,  Michael Colgan of The Gate Theatre, writer Kathy Gilfillan, designer Lainey Keogh, film director John Boorman and of course Paolo himself.

Guests enjoyed a selection of Mediterranean canapés with Italian wines and heard speeches from Harry Crosbie, Michael Colgan and Chris de Burgh as they celebrated their good friends new book.

'Longing & Belonging' is available online as a paperback or ebook at on Amazon and Createspace.com - https://www.createspace.com/3930282

Speaking on the launch of his newest novel, Paolo Tullio said “I am delighted to be launching my new novel, it has been a while since my last book and it is exciting to have my latest offering finished and ready to go! The book draws on my experience of emigration from Southern Italy, so I think there will be many resonances that will echo the Irish diaspora”.

Paolo Tullio is a journalist and broadcaster, best known as a resident critic on RTE's 'The Restaurant' and as the restaurant reviewer for the Irish Independent and his regular musings on Newstalk radio. He has previously published 'North of Naples, South of Rome', which became a six-part TV series, 'Mushroom Man' and a cookery book 'Paolo Tullio Cooks Italian'.

Peroni Design Awards

Design: 1. Matteo Alessi; 2. Carmel Mannion; 3. Adam Duxbury. (Pix. Anthony Woods)

Matteo Alessi officially launched the Peroni Design Awards at the opening of the exhibition Icons of Italian Design in The Gallery of Photography, Meeting House Square, Dublin 2.

The national design competition, organised by Peroni Nastro Azzurro, the premium Italian beer brand,  is seeking to push the boundaries of excellence and design by challenging designers to create an original item to enhance the enjoyment of Peroni during a special occasion.

The competition will be fronted and judged by Matteo Alessi, of international design house Alessi, in conjunction with key members of the Institute of Designers in Ireland (IDI) and Design Week 2013 with the winner receiving a €2,000 cash prize.

Club Italiano

Ciao: 1. Rita Macari and Jane Baker; 2. Alessia Macari; 3. Italian Ambassador H.E. Maurizio Zanini and his wife Patricia. (Pix. Brian McEvoy)

Club Italiano hosted its annual Irish Italian Gala Ball at the Mansion House recently, where they raised funds for the St Vincent’s charity. Guests on the night included Club Italiano president Cav. Teresa Di Nardi , the Italian Ambassador to Ireland H.E. Maurizio Zanini, Maria Fusco, Dave Morrissey of Lillies Bordello and Jane Baker.

Giacomo D' Agostino Italian 15 times World Champion Motor Grand Prix racing legend kindly donated an autographed Helmet to the prize draw and attracted much excitement. Live entertainment on the night was by Intermezzo String Trio, Patricia Higgins and boyband On The Edge as well as Connor Mc Keon and The Legends of Swing.