On the Tapas Trail

Hola: 1. Caitriona Gilmore & Deanna O’Connor; 2. Sean Munsanje & Kevin Dundon; 3. Luz Rivero & Francisco Garcia. (Pix. Brian McEvoy)

This month food and wine enthusiasts are in for a treat as Campo Viejo has joined forces with five of Dublin’s top Tapas restaurants to create the first ever Campo Viejo Tapas Trail. A month long celebration of the best of Spanish food and wine, participants will have the opportunity to join the gastronomic tapas trail through Dublin city centre and experience the delights of tapas style dining right on their doorstep.

To celebrate the launch of this food fiesta Campo Viejo hosted an evening of Spanish style tapas and wine at Odessa. Chef Kevin Dundon cooked up a range of delicious tapas specially developed for Campo Viejo by the Martin Berastegui School in Northern Spain.

Each Wednesday and Saturday throughout the month of June the Campo Viejo Tapas Trail will visit five top tapas venues around Dublin: Bar Pintxo, The Port House, Salamanca Dame Street, Salamanca St Andrews Street and Havana Tapas Bar.

Check out www.facebook.com/campoviejoireland for details.

M&S BBQ

Al Fresco: 1. Vicki Notaro, Nathalie Marquez Courtney & Sandra Horan; 2. Amanda Kevlin; 3. Sinead Desmond & Carmel Breheny.

Summertime: 1. Danielle Farrelly & Patrick Fagan; 2. Mo Kelly; 3. Ken & Emer O’Reilly –Hyland. (Pix. Kieran Harnett)

On the first day of the recently predicted “heatwave” Marks & Spencer unveiled its 2011 Summer Collection with a delicious BBQ featuring live food stations from key M&S Irish suppliers and a stunning showcase of M&S alfresco homeware.

Guests were treated to cocktails and fresh sushi upon arrival and all produce on the night of the BBQ was provided by Irish producers and expertly prepared by the M&S Grafton St. restaurant team headed by executive chef Steven Maguire.

Among the guests were TV3’s Sinead Desmond, Sybil Mulcahy, Alan Cantwell and Elaine Crowley, while stylist Angela Scanlon swapped style tips with fellow stylist Lauren McCreery. Chef Victoria MacKechnie spoke with the Irish suppliers about their produce whilst Linda Keating, Ross Golden – Bannon and Elaine Prendeville all enjoyed the vast culinary spread on offer.

Beauty guru Triona McCarthy was stepping out with her new beau William White before they travelled down the country for the society wedding of Maire Lee-Geary to Barry Goode. Ireland AM presenter Alan Hughes popped by on his way to the Celebrity Salon launch, more of that anon.

Interiors stylist Claire Wyse set the scene for the event, focussing on the M&S key homeware looks, featuring lots of muted tones and gorgeous flowers and trees to create a garden party feel. Stand out pieces included the stylish Autograph Topaz dining set and the stunning all weather Oslo lounge set, perfect for outdoor entertainment this season.

All we need is the sunshine!

Bushra Beauty

Beauty Buffs: 1. Cathaoirleach Letti McCarthy and Bushra Begum; 2. Elena Cotorca, Arina White and Marie Byrne; 3. Deirdre Kane. (Pix. Kieran Harnett)

Bushra’s Beauty Salon is a welcome addition to the grooming and pampering offering in SoCoDu. Located on Carysfort Avenue, Blackrock, it has been named and designed by its owner, Bushra Begum Shaik, who has created a warm and inviting salon with individually colour themed treatment rooms that are spacious and decorated with a feminine touch echoed by vibrant floral print pink wallpaper.

The range of treatments available includes Bushra’s own speciality, threading, which she was taught at the tender age of 8 years with the skill passed on to her by her mother. Other beauty treatments include facials, waxing, spray tanning, eye lash tinting and lash application.

A warm and welcoming atmosphere awaits every client at Bushra’s Beauty Salon with a dedicated service ensuring a relaxing experience whichever treatment you opt for.

Threading has become incredibly popular in Ireland and Bushra’s expertise extends beyond her own salon doors to providing brow maintenance at each of The Body Shops in Dublin (Grafton Street, Henry Street, Blanchardstown, Swords, Liffey Valley and Dundrum). She will also be rolling out the in-store service nationwide (Galway, Sligo, Limerick, Cork and Belfast) in the coming months.

Best of the Rest

Best of the Rest ... who brought it to the party this week ... 1. Great print dress and bag from Amy Richards at the Divine Boutique Spring Summer fashion show in Maynooth; 2. Romy Carroll certainly brightened up the Savoy with this yellow number at the premiere of the Hangover 2, her she’s pictured with Dave Henderson; 3. Designer handbags at dawn! Georgina Pukas totes Louis Vuitton while Ruth Puidokoite grabs a Gucci at the opening of Farmleigh Craft 2011 which runs until the 24th of July 2011 at Farmleigh House Gallery.

(Pix. Harnett / McEvoy / Stedman / Photocall)

Frapp it up

(Pix. Kieran Harnett)

Frapp Girls: 1. Johanna Kinsella and Alexandra McKeever; 2. Eavan Fallon; 3. Emma Reilly and Tara O'Donoghue.

It’s Friday and apparently there’s a ‘heat wave’ in town so treat yourself to the latest delicious item on the Starbucks menu. They’ve made some cool changes to their Frappuccino range, offering fans the chance to personalise their favourite summer drink and have it however they want it.

Launched at Starbucks BT2 Grafton Street, coffee fans cooled down with their tailor made Frappuccinos to the sounds of DJ Mo Kelly, with Frappuccino Blend Master, Kate Lister, on hand to help everyone customise their own personal blend.

With a staggering 35,000 combinations, the new Starbucks However-You-Want-it Frappuccino gives fans the chance to create their own customised drink of the summer. Now all we need is for the heat wave to stick around long enough.

Give me Hope

Hopeful: 1. Barry Connolly and Grace Anne Connolly; 2. Rosemary Delaney, Phil Simmons and Liv Morgan; 3. Sinead Harrington and Maura Derrane. (Pix. Bryan McEvoy)

If we don’t have hope what do we have? The annual Hope Foundation luncheon took place at the Four Seasons Dublin to raise funds for the Irish charity that helps vulnerable and exploited street children in Calcutta.

The 200 guests at the lunch hosted by RTE’s Maura Derrane included Founder of Hope and Irish Person on the Year Maureen Forrest along with Mairead Sorenson of Butlers Chocolates, Emer O’Reilly-Hyland, Mary Hannafin and Irish Cricket Cricket Champions Phil Simmons and Roy Torrens. The lunch was a big hit in the style stakes.

The Auction topped the charity polls again this year with unique items from all over the world including a 5 star holiday in Portugal with at a private 3 bedroom poolside villa, a trip by private jet to see Manchester United, a signed Munster jersey, a break at the sumptuous Lough Rynn Castle (where Brian O’Driscoll and Amy Huberman tied the knot), a junior vintage Mercedes-Benz and a host of designer goodies from Chanel, Orla Kiely and Joe Malone.

HOPE is dedicated to working with local Indian help groups to provide rehabilitation projects. The funds raised at his event will finance a shelter in Calcutta for an entire year, every year, so the extra effort from Ireland once again is a gift received with unimaginable gratitude.

triAthlone

Respect: 1. Shane Gillen & Helen O’Dwyer; 2. Caroline McHugh, Michelle Massey & Clara O’Brien; 3. Tiffany Stanley & Karen Browne. (Pix. Brian McEvoy)

A host of well known faces got together to enjoy a ‘send-off’ before taking on the ‘triAthlone’ Triathlon for the charity Respect.

TV presenters Kathryn Thomas and Elaine Crowley, singers Brian Kennedy and High Kings star Darren Holden, Corrie St favourite Keith Duffy, fitness trainers Paul and Siobhan Byrne, restaurateur Ronan Ryan, jeweller Paul Sheeran and PR girls Helen O’Dwyer and Valerie Roe are all taking on the Triathlon challenge and were out in force to celebrate at the Fit, Fast & Furious bash in Lillies.

The high profile party, sponsored by Lillies Bordello, saw performances by singers Brian Kennedy and Sinead Madden up close and intimate and Magician and Mentalist Shane Gillan wowed guests with magic and mind tricks.

The party raised funds for Respect, a charity responsible for fundraising projects for people with intellectual disabilities of all ages. RESPECT is currently fundraising for the completion of six specially designed bungalows, an Alzheimer's Unit and a Dementia Unit at St. Joseph's Clonsilla to match Government funding of €6 million. After years of hard work and generosity, the sod was finally turned on Friday 15th April 2011 at a ceremony in Clonsilla and construction will soon commence.

Hangover 2

(Pix. Brian McEvoy)

Hang Tough: 1. Andrea Roche & Tiffaney Stanley; 2. Andy Quirke; 3. Ailish O’Connell & Jody Crosby.

The Irish premiere screening of The Hangover 2 too place at the Savoy cinema recently and the popularity of the first Hanover movie ensured it was a full house. I don’t know if there’s truth in the rumour that the first movie holds the distinction of being the biggest selling DVD of all time but I’d well believe it.

As the tag line declares ... Right after the bachelor party in Las Vegas, Phil, Stu, Alan, and Doug jet to Thailand for Stu's wedding. Stu's plan for a subdued pre-wedding brunch, however, goes seriously awry. More of the same shenanigans then.

The event was attended by rugby star Jamie Heaslip, boxer Bernard Dunne, TV Presenter Jenny Buckley, Republic of Telly’s Andy Quirke, Triona McCarthy and Cathy O’Connor, models Andrea Roche and Tiffany Stanley and was followed by an Asian – inspired after party at Cafe en Seine.

Smirnoff N.I.ghtlife

Nighlife: 1. Hayley & Lisa Harrison; 2. David Dornan; (below) 3. Sarah Kirk and Robyn Collnary; 4. Ben & Julie McMichael. (Pix. Kelvin Boyes)

Probably the most well known club in Northern Ireland, Kellys Portrush, played host to the latest Smirnoff Nightlife Exchange event last weekend. More than 2,000 people witnessed the best of Argentinean nightlife come alive at the venue as part of the region’s first Nightlife Exchange experience.

The biggest nightclub in the land was transformed as part of the exchange with more than 200 metres of fabric creating a stunning sea of light blue and white, the colours of Argentina. DJ David De Valera headlined the music bill and performed alongside Kellys resident DJ Col Hamilton and Connor Phillips.

The night also featured delicious drinks including an Argentinean take on the signature Smirnoff Mule, street theatre, including tango dancers, stilt walkers, fire eaters, and Paka the infamous fire breathing horse.

Best of the Rest

(Pix. Harnett / McEvoy)

Best of the Rest ... the guests that brought style to the party this week ... 1. Not only is she a top chef but she’s got an eye for fashion too, Clodagh McKenna is very on trend with her nude tone dress at the Angels Quest charity lunch in the Four Seasons Dublin; 2. Mary and Ruth Kelleher look so effortlessly elegant at the Jacob’s Creek ‘Add a Little Sparkle’ evening in Residence; 3. Fashion designer Grainne Walsh (of the label Ella Boo) makes a statement in this glamorous white fur at the Peter Mark NCAD show.

Disney Store opens

Childsplay: 1. Padraig Harrington with his wife Caroline and children Ciaran & Patrick; 2. Lorraine Keane and her daughters Romy & Emelia; (below) 3. Sharon Corr; 3. Babette & Lottie Ryan. (Pix. Maxwells)

Unlock your imagination…..the magic is finally here! The Walt Disney Company has officially unveiled its first ever Disney Store in Ireland with the opening of 60 Grafton Street, Dublin. As well as featuring exclusive Disney-branded merchandise, the store will bring to life Disney’s most beloved characters and stories, providing children with the best 30 minutes of their day.

A unique Opening Ceremony will take place every single day in the Store. One lucky child will be chosen each morning to take part in the Opening Ceremony and officially ‘Unlock Imagination’. A giant clock on the What’s New Board will count down to the opening moment by revealing 12 Disney characters.

A special appearance by Tinker Bell, spreading her magical pixie dust on the clock, will bring the Store to life as the child turns the key in the Imagination Lock and officially opens the Store. Every child who opens the Store will receive an exclusive gift – a scaled replica of the Imagination Key.

The new Store brings a sprinkling of pixie dust to the city of Dublin and promises to be a ‘must see’ experience for local and tourist shoppers alike.

Afternoon Lee

Tea with a Twist: 1. Grace Fox and Rebecca Lawless; 2. Models in Charloee & Jane, Karen Fitzpatrick, Nicki Bonass & Blaithnaid McKenna; 3. Clementine Mercedes and Kate Lawlor.

(Pix. Brian McEvoy)

To the Merrion Hotel for an afternoon tea party with a twist, hosted by Cork Dry Gin. Any excuse to hang out at President Obama’s Irish hotel of choice but when it involves cakes, cocktails and a fashion showcase by design duo Charlotte & Jane, I’m there.

Guests were treated to classic G&Ts and a new elderflower cocktail, the Lee Lemonade, specially created for the event by Cork Dry Gin’s mixologist and served up in exquisite, mismatched vintage china which was sourced by event stylists Pearl & Godiva.

Those counting the carbs can skip to the next paragraph … Dainty savouries included roast beef sandwiches, cucumber, chive and cream cheese on tomato bread, bridge rolls with egg mayonnaise and cress and chicken with pesto on sunflower bread. A five tier Victorian Lemon Cake formed a centrepiece in the room, surrounded by vintage china and crystal tiered cake stands piled high with sweet treats including Coconut and Blueberry Macaroons, Rosewater and Orange Mousse White Chocolate Feuilletines and Raspberry and Passionfruit Tartlets. Devine.

The aforementioned Charlotte & Jane were specially commissioned to create a cocktail dress for the event inspired by Cork Dry Gin’s iconic square bottle. This fitted, backless, vibrant red silk creation with crystals and gold studding took the designers 7 hours, working in tandem, to embellish. The fashion showcase featured the labels new silks and hats with vintage sounds in string provided by quartet Stringology.

In attendance were Emma Donnellan and Stephanie Wynne from Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard, designers Charlotte Cargin and Jane Skovgaard of Charlotte & Jane, author Marisa Mackle, stylist Maria Fusco, Avila Lipsett and FM104’s Sean Munsanje.

Midnight Shakers Ball

(Pix. Brian McEvoy)

Having a Ball: 1. Faith Barnett & Emma Waldron; 2. Lorna Nolan & Alan Murphy; 3. Sarah Geraghty & Sarah Murphy.

The Midnight Shakers Society hosted a ball in aid of the Cystic Fibrosis Association of Ireland at the Burlington Hotel Dublin recently, raising almost €30,000 for the charity.

The Society comprises a comittee of young people from different professional backgrounds aged between 24 and 27 years of age, who come together with the dual aim of organising events for their peers, whilst raising as much money as possible for a nominated charity or cause.

Guests were welcomed with string quartet and drinks reception sponsored by Tia Maria, followed by a three-course meal. Entertainment on the night was provided by 80’s tribute band Spring Break, and Duckworth Lewis Method (with Neil Hannon of Divine Comedy fame), as well as fun and games with Casino tables, giant board games and a huge raffle on the night.

Among those attending were Miss Ireland Emma Waldron, Michelle Massey, Kristi Kuudisim and Jenny Lee Masterson. This is the second charity ball of the society; last year they raised almost €30,000 for the nominated charity with over 700 hundred young professionals in attendance.

For more information on Cystic Fibrosis please go to http://www.cfireland.ie/

Peter Mark NCAD show

Future of Fashion: 1. Jenny McDermott & Ciaran Sweeney; 2. Michelle McGrath & Courtney O'Hara; 3. Barry & Aileen Dempsey. (Pix. Kieran Harnett)

The fashion forward were out to support the future of Irish design at the annual Peter Mark NCAD Graduate Fashion Show, which took place in the beautiful surrounds of the Royal Hospital Kilmainham on Saturday night.

The sell out show attracted over 800 guests and was attended by some of Ireland’s most influential fashion media. High profile guests included Irish fashion designer Ciaran Sweeney (who produced and styled the show for NCAD), stylist Catherine Condell, IMAGE editrix Melanie Morris and Off The Rails host Sonya Lennon. Irish fashion designers Peter O’Brien, Mairead Whisker and Joanne Hynes also showed their support.

The epic show featured over 200 creations on the catwalk. Fairytales, the circus and even construction were among the many sources of inspirations for the 15 final year students who showcased their graduate collections on the night.

The sleek and simple hair creations were put together by the talented team at Peter Mark with chief stylist Michael Doyle. Peter Mark has supported the show and NCAD’s emerging talent for the past 13 years, and indeed this is a very special year for them as they celebrate their 50th anniversary in business.

Final year graduate student Clarisse Walsh from Letterkenny was delighted to be announced as the winner of the 2011 River Island Bursary. She’s in good company; NCAD has produced some of the world’s finest designers including international milliner Philip Treacy, NY based designer Darrel K and the eponymous Orla Kiely, while other successful former students are now employed with the likes of Armani, Diane Von Furstenburg, Vivienne Westwood, Valentino and Diesel.

CARI lunch

Caring: 1. Cecilia Ahern, Miriam Ahern & Georgina Byrne; 2. Suzanne Craddock & Hazel Kaneswaren; 3. Siobhan Carnegie, Bridgid Cleary & Aisling Kilduff. (Pix. Brian McEvoy)

Ladies (and gents) still love lunching so it was with excitement that the guests attended Miriam Ahern’s annual summer do in aid of CARI in Cruzzos of Malahide recently.

Glamorous and stylish ladies dressed to the nines in Gucci and Dior were out in force to enjoy the wonderful surroundings of the harbour-side restaurant. The afternoon began with a champagne reception sponsored by M&S after which a chic fashion show was hosted by Malahide boutiques Neola, Divine, Yasmin and Camille (sounds like a girl band!), along with McGuirks Golf, doo-lally.com and M&S.

The show was followed by a delicious four-course gourmet lunch with wines sponsored by Gilbert & Wright, Malahide. During lunch there was live entertainment by Dublin’s newest group On the Edge and cabaret singer Rose Lawless. The charismatic Alan Hughes from TV3 was the MC for the afternoon and Georgina and Cecilia Ahern, Linda Keating, Gary Kavanagh, Roz Flanagan, Pippa O’Connor and Karl Broderick were among the guests.

CARI is a voluntary organisation, founded in 1989 to provide therapy and counselling to children and teens that have been affected by Child Sexual Abuse and support for the non-abusing members of their families and this annual lunch raises in excess of €30,000 in much needed funds.