I haven't time to do this justice right now but I had a meal in Naas last night with an old friend at a French restaurant called Vie de Chateau.

Recession my eye! The place was packed to the rafters. Gorgeous food, beautifully presented, excellent service. The highlight for me was the starter - black pudding and apple tarte tatin. Three courses each (very piggy but we were celebrating!) large bottle of sparkling water and one glass of wine (both driving) less than 80 squid. I've been there a few times and the food is always excellent. The owner is French and knows and loves his food and it shows. I'd highly recommend it.

Ha! The Burren defeated him as he couldn't find enough tools of death in there to unleash on the people of the Wesht.

I'm sure he found plenty of trees to hang the uppitty spacers off of above in Nasa, Co. Kildare

Cromwell would turn in his grave if he knew that black pudding was being eaten with cake instead of with babies/small children etc.

I've been invited to dinner in Chapter One followed by a trip to The Gate to see Arthur Miller's All My Sons and then back to Chapter One for dessert in the first week of April - mmmmmmm!! Though this is only a preview, I can assure you the review will be tasty .

I've been in Vie de Chateau, Naas a few times myself, great place and I agree its always packed, mostly with gorgeous women. Its amazing the difference that the small touches make to a restaurant. The owner once had a competition to guess how many corks where in a large bottle and its little things like that make you want to return.

Oscars in Galway is fantastic. Nicest meal I ever had was in Mint. Bout a hundred quid per head though.

Yes Mint is lovely. They have a good new Tapas Menu which is decent value, I had a go at it last week. It is 55 euro including wine.

Rolys Ballsbridge is still a favourite spot.