Tonight off I went to one more event, part of the "Dublin Food Porn" theme. It was a 1h or so quick…read moreset up in the basement of the trendy Platform 61 in D2. The crew had their masks and leathers on and there were leaflets of lube of different flavours and tingling things... The place itself is very small and there were many people so got a bit overcrowded and warm. There was a queue of at least 20 girls waiting for a bit of make-up so I preferred to look at the products, chat and try the cocktails and nibbles. My stars go to the delicious mint and vodka drinks and to the absolutely delish creme brûlée! The event itself didn't have much interaction though. The goodie bag had a discount voucher, 2 condoms and a few small samples of lube.

Finally, I feel connected to the world and my own nationality. I don't drink alcohol, never had a…read moretaste for it, probably because I've a maaaaaajor sweet tooth hehe! Good food is my only buzz. I was on a Youth Exchange with Italian folk and swore I was meant to be Italian because of their love of fine foods. I am a food enthusiast and am always eating in the City Centre. I look up reviews like these ones sussing out new little places. I really love to hear independent cafes/restaurants opening up because they take their own way on serving up a dish, with unique recipes and a different approach to the same old, same old that you'd get in the likes of Starbucks, Costa etc. I've chosen to share a few photos here that when I look at, still make my mouth water. Pitt Bros is a must-try for anyone who likes MEAT. And, if you like authentic American style BBQ! The meat is cooked low 'n' slow with some of the tastiest sides such as Mac 'n' Cheese. N.B. This is the only Mac 'n' Cheese I've found that I like! Sweet Republic is a must-try for sweet lovers. It's in the name, it's a republic for sweet things! They've got surreal combinations, such as overloaded milkshakes with muffin tops! Thinking of the nutella milkshake with the donut top is giving me a head rush.. Aungier Danger is a little hub for creatively filled donuts. It's got all sorts of donuts such as a red velvet and banana and carmel. They stay open until all the fresh donuts have been sold! I popped in late one evening, and as expected all the lovely donuts were gone. However, the lad on the counter prompted me with a donut style ice cream cone filled with vanilla ice cream. I was hesitant at first, but after my first bite of that doughy cone I was very pleased with my choice! The dough was so tasty and the ice cream complemented the sweetness!

Before coming to this event I had no real inclination to go out to Sandyford for the sake of a…read morerestaurant. After the feed that the Beacon's My Thai provided for us I will definitely be going back there. When we arrived we were seated in the Crystal bar and given some lovely flavoured mojitos. Mine was watermelon. I wanted to make it last but I couldn't help myself; it was so tasty I nearly downed the thing in one go. Next we were led into the restaurant. It was a really nice place decorated with all kinds of Thai and Buddhist artwork. I spotted a huge collection of wine bottles at the end of our groups table. My first thought was "surely that can't be for us" but it was. We were seated, the food and beverage manager introduced himself and everyone was poured a very large glass of wine. When I signed up for this event all I expected was some small bits and pieces maybe a few tasting plates which would have been reasonable and very nice in itself. When they brought out the first round of starter dishes though, I could not have been happier to be wrong. They brought out plates and plates of food; prawn dumplings, chicken satay skewers and a variety of different kinds of springs rolls, all of which were absolutely delicious. At this point the restaurant's head chef, San, came out to see how we were all enjoying his creations. Although we weren't very talkative I think he could see that we appreciated his work greatly. When the main courses came out I was still shocked by the sheer amount of food provided for us.I sat in awe as the serving staff brought out plate after plate of amazing looking food. Everything looked absolutely amazing. I couldn't wait to gorge myself. We all piled our plates with food and tucked in. I think they must have brought out one of each dish on the menu. I think my favourite two dishes were the duck in hoisin sauce and the Indonesian bbq fish. Although I loved everything; there was not one dish there that I wouldn't love to come back and order again myself. When it got to the point that we were all completely full to burst, the waiting staff took away our plates. I nearly expected that to be it. So far we we had been stuffed full with the starters and main course, not to mention the fact that they never let our wine glasses go empty. When the desert came there was a collective moan of "Oh yes more delicious food!" but also with a bit of "Oh god no not more are you trying to kill us with this feast?!". They brought out two different cheese cakes, a chocolate fudge cake and a huge selction of fruit. Everything about this event was amazing from the food to the lovely staff. The wine they provided was also delicious. I will definitely be back for more.

What a seriously awesome event!! Prospective Elite venues, take note: You could definitely learn a…read morething or two from The Beacon. Most times when you're treated to food you're sharing a just a small sampler with several other hungry people. Even though it's free, you wish they had put out just a little extra so everyone is sure to try every dish. The Beacon flooded us with food and all of it was delicious! They didn't skimp in any department: the cocktails were delicious and a generous size, the wine was endless, my glass was never anything but full and not from a lack of drinking I can tell you that much. There were plenty of starters and even more mains, I'm pretty sure we sampled the entire menu?? The chef came out to greet us and was super attentive, there was a Vegetarian or two among us and he was quick to put in an extra order of veggie spring rolls himself as soon as we said so. Staff was all incredibly nice, very welcoming and again, constantly serving drinks or food the whole night! Because it was so much food I did not expect dessert and we were treated to a plate of fruit, chocolate and cheesecake which were all divine. Many food-related Elite events you end up grabbing something to eat before or after, not knowing how much you'll get, but this was the first event I actually had a whole meals worth and left full! It was a journey for most people who attended the event, ourselves included, but the Luas ride and short walk was definitely worth it. I tried so many things that were delicious that we'd definitely come all the way back just to have them again. The hotel is modern and chic but the restaurant ended up feeling very cozy and intimate and definitely a place for a date night. Thanks so much to everyone at The Beacon, the Chef, Emily and all the other awesome Elites who always make for excellent company!! Keep on doing what you do!

I'm so impressed with Robert Chambers. What a great way to be pampered. A glass of prosecco, with a…read morefresh raspberry, (great little touch), and a FREE goodie bag, jam packed with little gems .. I feel utterly spoilt! Tamar was fantastic. I always go to a salon wanting some style, but with curly hair it's so hard to find. I always leave with the same style, not much input and still a little confused, which in turn has left me a little lazy with my hair. With Tamar, I've found a new love for my hair, a new product to try, a completely different approach, and advice on how to look after it and style it properly, I love it! (Thank you so much!) The Salon is so comfortable, with reclining massage chairs while you get your hair washed, followed by a head massage, which was delightful! My hair feels super soft and nourished with the treatment, and with the way Tamar styled it, I keep having to glance at myself in the mirror just to see how good it looks and feels..it'd be rude not to! Thank you so much for organising this event, I look forward to going back and being pampered and styled again!

Walked in feeling pretty unglamorous after a day in the office. Walked out feeling like a 40s…read moreDisney princess. Result! On arrival we were greeted with bubbly to start the post work pampering. I started with a consultation and my stylist was very helpful in suggesting a new style for me. I'll be back very soon to take him up on his suggestions! When it was time to get my hair done I sat down as I normally would. The footrest started to automatically rise up and it turned out the chairs were massage chairs! I was not expecting that at all but it was very relaxing. The products used were fab and my hair looked so healthy and smooth after. I got a great 40s style blow dry which I will have to come back to recreate for a work do we have coming up. Can't wait to try out the products in the goodie bag and return for a hair cut!

On Tuesday 22nd July all the positive forces of the universe gathered, as well as the planets, to…read moregive me the best day ever ! 1 star for the BADGE : Yes I know it has nothing to do, but it does actually have to do indirectly. On Tuesday I received a confirmation email that I was joining the Yelp ELITE SQUAD :D OMG OMG OMG I was jumping everywhere and my colleague (I was supposed to be at work... working :) she asked me what was happening. And then she had me promise to take her as my +1 when possible. That was the best start of the day one can have on a Tuesday !!!!! 1 star for the HOSTESS : I arrived at 4 Dame Lane with my buddy and I saw her. Emily, the one, the only ! Wearing a gold disco ball like dress and flowers in her hair... A vision ! And on top of that she is the sweetest... What can you do, some people have it, some don't... and she does :) 1 star for the SHOWMAN : He was reading the numbers like no one, warming up the room like a fire in a boys scout camp and generously distributing gifts - even for those who were lost in the game ;) - like Santa on Xmas day ! 1 star for the FOOD : To be brutally honest with you, I am not a big fan of chicken wings because they are usually very spicy. There I said it, now throw me the first fluffy pillow I don't care ! What happened is I was super hungry, like starving, and I had a chicken wing... And I loved it ! It was not too spicy and it was actually really tasty with the white sauce dip. So I approve and will probably go back because - why not ? :D 1 star for the OVERALL EXPERIENCE : From start to finish the evening was just amazing ! Oh and I had a line at some point in the game and shouted LIIINE !! I think everybody heard me. I don't mind losing but I really wanted some bling here :) In France usually only seniors play Bingo on a Sunday afternoon... But if French people started to go to 4 Dame Lane, eat awesome chicken wings, drink the best mojitos, and play BLINGO with a great crowd - I bet more people would join the game ! Cannot wait for the next Yelp event :D

Probably my favourite Yelp event to date!…read more I convinced a bunch of girls from work to sign up and get bingo-ing and it was a fantastic night. I have never been to 4 Dame Lane before, so I was really keen to give it a whirl. A great location with inviting flame sconces outside, how could one not like it. Inside is laid out really well, with fantastic floor spaces and the bar is easily accessible from all areas. Bingo is awesome. Wings are awesome. Put them together and you have a recipe for success, no matter the age group. Add in some bling and you've got me hook line and sinker. The night was thrilling, three numbers, two numbers.. ONE NUMBER TO GO! Unfortunately for me, I never got to shout blingo, but I very much enjoyed the experience. If I was to give some criticism it would be the following: 1. We found it very difficult to hear the numbers being called out. We sat right down the back as there were no other seats. I know there was a light up sign with the numbers, but I would highly recommend this be put up higher for all to see. 2. No non-alcoholic beers?! I don't really drink, so i would usually grab a non-alcoholic beer. I figured there wouldn't be an issue seeing as I had two tickets and would happily trade both for one. However as they weren't part of the deal, I opted for a soft drink which wasn't exactly ideal. 3. The wings could be a wee bit better. Maybe I'm spoiled from spending so much time at Blue Bar, but the wings were just okay to me. From speaking with my table, we all agreed. These minor issues aside, yes I would probably attend another blingo night at 4 dame lane, price depending.

I went for an introduction to tribal bellydancing class with Jasmin last week, and holey smokes…read morethat girl has moves! Jasmin was brilliant at explaining the whole history behind bellydancing first, and then gradually introducing the different moves to us, although it took us Irish folk a fair bit more time to stray away from our old, rigid-arms, nothing-moves-above-the-waist roots!.. I think it's safe to say that her continuous encouragement made everyone feel increasingly at ease as the class went on, and even I started to feel my inner belly dancing guru come out when she introduced funky music to the scenario!.. All-in-all it was a really enjoyable class, and a nice gentle muscle-workout (not too strenuous, but still satisfying to know you worked muscles that you never even realised you had before!). I'd definitely recommend it as a fun hen-party activity to try. A big thanks to Jasmin Victoria for doing it!

I cannot believe it took me so long to try out belly dancing!…read more Being from a family of dancers and being myself a sport addict, I usually have very high expectations, but it was clear from the warm-up that Jasmin is not only a great teacher, she's also a very complete dancer. The class was challenging and interesting, and it was a perfect introduction to the genre, giving us an insight into its complexity, beauty, variety and benefits. I came out of it so happy and invigorated with only one simple question: "Where do I sign up?"

It was a fabulous event! We went to three secrets restaurants. My favorite was a first place…read morerestaurant. There was a Spanish restaurant. Foods and Wine was delicious. And stuffs was kindly. I hope I join this event again!

I had a really great time last night at the Secret Supper. We went to 3 cool Tapas Restauraunts,…read moreCafe Italiano, Zaragoza and Havana. The Yelp guys, the guides and the resteraunt people were great. I have been to Havana before, but never to the other 2. Zaragoza will definitly be seeing me again.

This first floor Pilates studio on Camden Row has big windows along two walls so it is lovely,…read morebright and airy. The reception area has cubby holes for putting bags/shoes/jackets/etc. and two changing spaces. It opens into the studio which has seven reformers and space for a mat class of no more than twelve people. It's on the small side but this means the classes have to be quite personal. A plus as far as I'm concerned. I used to do a lot of Reformer Pilates but it's been a while and so I was looking forward to trying out this studio as it's closer to where I live now than my previous studio. From the moment I walked in I felt very welcome as Steph greeted each of us as we entered. Steph walked us through the movements very clearly and in a very relaxed manner, while walking around and adjusting us if and when necessarily. I was very impressed with her knowledge and explanations. She gave advice where needed and offered suggestions if some of the movements aggravated injuries. I thoroughly enjoyed the class and will definitely be back.

As a bit of a pilates rookie, I must say I was semi-apprehensive about going for the double combo…read moreof matwork AND reformer classes yesterday. How-and-ever, I can confirm that I have lived to tell the tale, and what's more I do so with two thumbs firmly up and two super-toned thighs!.. Steph could not have been more helpful and reassuring throughout both classes as she offered tips and advice whenever asked for or required. She set a really relaxed atmosphere from her supportive and encouraging manner, and I think everyone felt confident in the knowledge that she clearly knows what she is doing. The gym space itself is also worth noting, as it must be one of the nicest I've ever been in; so spacious with lots of natural light and what looked like brand new, top-of-the-range equipment. I will definitely be recommending Live & Breathe to my many pilates-obsessed friends in the future!..

Community! that was great begin for me.. a lot of exercises to boost your body…read moreyou burn calories and work all your body. I highly recommend to everybody It worked for me why wouldn't it work for you?

Brought along some friends to the Dublin Design Night & we really enjoyed it! It was a fantastic…read moreway to promote these lovely eclectic shops, and for them to highlight and showcase the best of what they do! We were given a warm welcome and loads of lovely freebies at each stop. Cocktails (The Industry ones were particularly good), flower bulbs, Yelp goodies and a just-made screen print! My personal favourite was Article, which I'm sorry to say I left til last and was nearly closing when I arrived! The staff were still super bubbly and friendly when we arrived in (fair play, surely they must have been wrecked!) and offered us the chance to do our own screen prints to take home, making sure every visitor left with something. Overall I really enjoyed the night & would definitely attend an event like this in future!

I had a nice evening! It was lots of fun to make my own terrarium and I got to take home a little…read moreplant after making him a cute little home in a mason jar. Over at Article they were showing people how to screenprint, and you got to give it a try! I loved the random guys in red shirts scattered about the city, they were full of energy and really made an effort to get attention from passerby. It may have felt a bit rushed though due to the queues (and things filled up FAST). So I never did get anything drinkable/edible...but I'm not complaining! Thanks for organizing this HUGE event Emily - anything that involves arts and crafts (and being able to do it myself) is always GREAT fun.