casual dining

EATOKYO IN THE PROCESS OF BEING REPLACED BY TUCANO PLUS

Making my blog more accessible is important to me. For readers who find the detailed text descriptions challenging, I've begun adding audio descriptions in a conversational format. I hope this offers a richer and more inclusive experience

DAY TWO 28 JANUARY 2025

As already mentioned in an earlier post Eatokyo on Capel Street closed on Sunday [26 January 2025]. Within a week or two Tucano+ will open at the same location and I plan to visit them on their opening day. Especially as the he new restaurant will feature some really interesting urban art.

Tucano appears to be a relatively new arrival to Dublin, focusing on Brazilian cuisine. Their existing restaurant has garnered attention for its vibrant atmosphere and authentic Brazilian dishes.

Tucano Plus: The new Capel Street location, dubbed “Tucano Plus”, is being touted as an “upmarket” version. The intriguing addition is the “special sushi menu”, a nod perhaps to the location’s previous occupant and a potential bid to attract a wider audience.

Eatokyo:

Wellington Quay: While an exact opening date for their first location on Wellington Quay is tricky to pin down without further digging, it appears they were established there for a good number of years, becoming a popular spot for Japanese cuisine in Temple Bar. Their website mentions it being a “peaceful haven” by the River Liffey, suggesting it was a well-loved fixture. I first visited this restaurant at Christmas 2018 and have some photographs to prove it but for some reason I never visited it since then

Expansion: Eatokyo later expanded to two other locations:
Capel Street: This branch, now taken over by Tucano Plus, aimed to bring “the finest Asian street food to the heart of the city”. Since the ending of Covid restrictions I have visited at least once a week.

Talbot Street: Also taken over by Tucano, this branch was praised for its “bento boxes and sushi selections” and described as having a “modern atmospheric restaurant” vibe.

KOPITIAM AT 53 CAPEL STREET DUBLIN

PHOTOGRAPHED MONDAY 27 JANUARY 2025

Kopitiam, located at 53 Capel Street in Dublin, is a popular Malaysian restaurant known for its authentic street food and vibrant atmosphere.

Here’s what makes Kopitiam special:

Authentic Malaysian flavours: Kopitiam offers a diverse menu featuring classic Malaysian dishes like Nasi Lemak, Char Kway Teow, and Roti Canai, all prepared with fresh ingredients and traditional recipes.
Casual and inviting ambience: The restaurant has a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, making it perfect for a casual lunch or dinner with friends and family.
Affordable prices: Kopitiam offers great value for money with its reasonably priced menu, making it accessible to a wide range of diners.
Halal-certified: The restaurant is Halal-certified, catering to Muslim customers seeking authentic Halal cuisine.
Convenient location: Situated on Capel Street, Kopitiam is easily accessible by public transport and is located in a bustling area with plenty of shops and attractions nearby.

I VISITED DUNDRUM MAIN STREET TWICE OVER THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY TO HAVE LUNCH AT ESSENCE

THIS IS NOT AN ADVERTISEMENT

I visited Dundrum village twice over the Christmas holiday as a friend recently took over “Essence” on the main Street.

Essence is a, long established, café and patisserie and is a popular spot offering a variety of breakfast and lunch options, along with a selection of pastries and cakes. In essence it provides a casual dining experience with a focus on fresh ingredients and quality food. They offer items such as:

Breakfast/Brunch: Full Irish breakfast, pancakes, and various egg dishes.
Lunch: Sandwiches, paninis, soups, and salads.
Pastries and Cakes: A range of freshly baked goods, including croissants, cakes, and other sweet treats.
Beverages: Coffee, tea, and other drinks.

The reconfiguration of Dundrum Main Street has been a significant undertaking with the aim of prioritising pedestrians and cyclists, and creating a more vibrant and accessible village centre. Here’s a summary of the changes and the public reaction:

Changes Implemented:

One-way System for Motor Vehicles: Traffic flow was changed to a one-way system to facilitate wider footpaths and cycle lanes.
Cycle Lanes: Dedicated cycle lanes were introduced to improve safety for cyclists.
Wider Footpaths: Footpaths were widened to provide more space for pedestrians and outdoor seating for businesses.
Pedestrian Crossings: New pedestrian crossings were installed to improve safety for those on foot.
Traffic Calming Measures: Measures were implemented to reduce traffic speed and create a more pedestrian-friendly environment.

Public Reaction:

Before and During:

Initial Concerns: There were initial concerns from some businesses about the potential impact on trade due to changes in traffic flow and parking.
Disruption During Construction: As with any construction project, there was some disruption during the implementation phase.

After:

Generally Positive: The overall reaction has been largely positive, with many people appreciating the improved pedestrian environment and safer cycling facilities.
Increased Footfall: Studies have shown an increase in footfall on Main Street, suggesting that the changes have had a positive impact on the area’s vibrancy.
Concerns about Accessibility: Some concerns were raised about accessibility for elderly people and those with mobility issues, particularly regarding the kerbs separating the cycle lanes.
Temporary Measures: Some of the initial measures, such as the temporary kerbs, were recognised as not being ideal long-term solutions.

Overall:

The reconfiguration of Dundrum Main Street appears to have been largely successful in achieving its objectives of creating a more pedestrian and cycle-friendly environment. While there were some initial concerns and challenges, the overall reaction has been positive, with evidence suggesting that the changes have had a positive impact on the area.

It’s worth noting that ongoing monitoring and evaluation are important to address any remaining issues and ensure that the changes continue to benefit the community.