Photonique

TUCANO OPENS TOMORROW REPLACING EATOKYO AT 11 CAPEL STREET

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

PHOTOGRAPHED FRIDAY 31 JANUARY 2025

As already mentioned Eatokyo on Capel Street closed last Sunday [26 January 2025]. Tomorrow, less than a week later, Tucano opens at the same location and hopefully they will be a major addition to Capel Street which is developing as the best alternative to Temple Bar. As I have a policy of supporting local restaurants I plan to visit Tucano over the weekend.

THE INSTITUTE OF ART, DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY DUN LAOGHAIRE

PHOTOGRAPHED 30 JANUARY 2025

The Institute of Art, Design and Technology, Dun Laoghaire (IADT) is a leading higher education institution in Ireland, specialising in the creative, cultural, and digital technology sectors. It has a strong reputation for fostering creativity and innovation, and its programmes are designed to equip graduates with the skills needed to succeed in these dynamic industries.

History:

IADT’s origins can be traced back to the late 1960s with the establishment of an art foundation course at the Dún Laoghaire College of Art and Design (DLCAD). Over the years, DLCAD expanded its offerings and gained recognition for its excellence in art and design education. In 1997, it was granted institute of technology status and became the Institute of Art, Design and Technology, Dun Laoghaire. This marked a significant milestone in its development, allowing it to further broaden its range of programmes and establish itself as a prominent player in the Irish higher education landscape.

Today, IADT offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across various disciplines, including:

Film and Media: IADT is home to the National Film School, a renowned institution that has produced Oscar, BAFTA, and IFTA-winning alumni. It offers programmes in film and television production, animation, photography, and more.

Art and Design: IADT has a strong tradition in art and design education, with programmes in visual arts, design for film, graphic design, and user experience design.
Technology and Humanities: IADT recognises the importance of technology and humanities in the creative industries. It offers programmes in creative computing, applied psychology, business and digital technology, and arts management.

IADT is committed to providing its students with a cutting-edge learning environment, fostering collaboration and innovation. It has strong links with industry, ensuring that its programmes are relevant and meet the needs of the creative and technology sectors. The institute also places a strong emphasis on research and development, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in its fields of expertise.

IADT has grown significantly since its establishment, with a student population of over 2,500. It continues to evolve and expand its offerings, adapting to the changing demands of the creative and technology industries.

EATOKYO IN THE PROCESS OF BEING REPLACED BY TUCANO PLUS

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.

HANOI HANOI IS AN EXCELLENT VIETNAMESE RESTAURANT ON CAPEL STREET

DUBLIN 27 JANUARY 2025

Hanoi Hanoi is a Vietnamese restaurant on Capel Street in Dublin, owned and operated by a Vietnamese family. While the premises has housed various Asian restaurants with different names over the years, it has now returned to its roots, offering an upscale dining experience focused on authentic Vietnamese cuisine.

Since reopening after the Covid-19 pandemic, Hanoi Hanoi has focused on dinner service, with restricted opening hours. The menu features classic Vietnamese dishes like pho and bun cha, but with a more refined presentation and ambience.

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.