The new book is called Conrad Gallagher's New Irish Cooking - well, there was undoubtedly going to be a better class of canape served at this book launch.
Friends, supporters and regular customers flocked to Peacock Alley in Dublin to applaud the luscious new production from one of Ireland's best chefs. Indeed, it could easily have been a very different kind of celebration for Conrad and his partner and co-chef, Domini Kemp, as their baby was due on the very day of the party. But no such emergency took place and Conrad was free to discuss plans for his new brasserie, Lloyds, which is to open next to the Merrion Hotel, and sign endless copies of the book.
Solicitor Gerald Kean and his wife and fellow lawyer, Clodagh Kean came early; they had celebrated their wedding anniversary at the restaurant a few weeks previously. Another guest, Ann Mills, also raved about her 25th wedding anniversary in June, when Peacock Alley moved to her home and cooked a six-course dinner for 20. Helen Kilmartin of the design shop Minima also popped in. She has been busy of late choosing accessories and furniture for the new Morgan Hotel in Fleet Street. Due to open on October 27th, it will be managed by Aileesh Carew, who formerly ran La Residencia, Richard Branson's hideaway hotel in Mallorca - the one so beloved of Sting, the late Princess Diana, and actor Goldie Hawn.