Hot Flavours: Ballymaloe Festival of Food, Epomeo, Irish Chili Fest, Bang and more

H aving previously wowed Dublin foodies at Kickys on Great Georges Street – Michelin quality grub at modest bistro prices – Eric Matthews and Richie Barrett have given Bang on Merrion Row an Iberian makeover.

From the Jamon & Manchego Croquettes and Red Mullet Fideua to Morcilla de Burgos and Iberico Pork Secreto, it’s all really good and, again, keenly priced for food of this quality.

Bang

Not to be outdone, the People’s Republic has welcomed Epomeo, a posh pizza joint on Princes Street which does a seriously tasty Spicy Parmigiana combo.

Going from raw to blistered in 90 seconds, it’s the real Neapolitan deal. The staff are bellissimo too…

Epomeo

The other good news from down Cork way is that the Ballymaloe Festival of Food is returning from May 15- 17.

Now in its third year, the first lineup reveal includes Wahaca founder and food writer Thomasina Miers, wine expert Jancis Robinson, Janet Liu of Janet’s Dumplings renown, Catherine Fulvio, Malaysian-Scottish chef Julie Lin, Mariella Frostrup, Rachel Allen, the Go-Too Food podcast, Kevin Dundon, Kwanghi Chan, Robbie McCauley from the Michelin starred Homestead Cottage, Iranian food guru Anna Ansari and, natch, Darina Allen.

And that really is just for starters...

Ballymaloe Festival of Food

Back in Cork City, the Marina Market is set to host the inaugural Irish Chili Fest on June 27 and 28.

Guaranteed to spice up your life, there will be “hot sauces from across Europe and beyond, fresh chillis and plants, and sample products from specialty vendors.”

Another highlight will be the Irish Amateur Chili Eating Competition (are there professional chili eaters?), hosted by the Clifton Chili Club whose YouTube videos have racked up over 300 million views. We’re so there!

Aer Lingus have announced a new Dublin-Pittsburgh service starting on May 25, which means you’ll be able to sample the city’s famous Primanti Bros. Sandwiches, which are basically a Sunday roast in a bun; Pittsburgh Salad which is typically steak loaded with cheese and chips; and Burnt Almond Torte, a custard, buttercream and nut combo which guarantees you’ll return to Ireland several lbs heavier than when you left.

Also commencing in the summer are Aer Lingus flights to Oslo (meatball, herring and pork & dumplings heaven; Montpellier (renowned for its spicy octopus La Tielle Sétoise pies; and Asturias on Spain’s Galician northern coast (don’t leave without gorging on the pork ‘n’ beans Fabada Asturiana stew).

La Tielle Sétoise pies

Finally, Ryanair are introducing a Dublin-Tirana service where Tavë Kosi, AKA baked lamb or chicken in yoghurt, is the street food of choice…