Latest news with #Achara
Irish Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Irish Times
Six restaurants where you can find especially good value in Ireland
Achara 14-18 Aston Quay, Dublin 2; 089-9477910, Achara, on Dublin's Aston Quay. Photograph: Fran Veale Walking from the busy Dublin quays into the diningroom at Achara , gently fragranced with the smell of grilled meats, is like being briefly transported far away. Chef Graeme Reynolds pulls no punches, delivering authentic Thai flavours such as chicken wings in fish sauce caramel, Wagyu basil chilli beef krapao and XO mushroom larb. Check out the €15 weekday lunch menu for some of the best value in town. Joanne Cronin Dining Room Bridge Street, Gorteendrunagh, Castlebar, Co Mayo; 09-49021861, Dining Room, Castlebar - 'thoroughly composed'. Photograph: Michael McLaughlin Dining Room in Castlebar has been quietly serving one of the best-value prix fixe menus in the country since 2016: €42 or €59 gets you three courses and a sorbet – brown soda bread, scallops with Kelly's black pudding, Hereford sirloin with gratin dauphinoise, and a sticky toffee pudding that justifies the drive. Service is calm, the room is dark wood and Prussian blue, and every plate feels thoroughly composed. Corinna Hardgrave L'Atitude 51 1 Union Quay, Cork; 021-2390219, L'Atitude 51 wine bar, Cork. Photograph: Joleen Cronin The mark of a great wine bar is shown in how they share their enthusiasm for wine with their customers, and the charming L'Atitude 51 leads the way when it comes to a calendar packed with wine tastings and food and wine pairing events. The food menu is designed for sharing, with simplicity and quality shining through. Try Macroom burrata with olive oil, radishes with anchoïade or haddock and mussel croquettes, and of course, some magnificent wines. JC Richmond 43 Richmond Street South, Portobello, Dublin 2; 01-4788783, Richmond restaurant on Richmond Street South, Dublin. Photograph: Crispin Rodwell In a bustling neighbourhood, this spot still delivers a solid early evening menu – two/three courses for €42/€52 – proving that early bird doesn't have to be bland. David O'Byrne, with his Michelin Bib Gourmand since 2018, keeps the menu fresh with creative dishes like grilled sea bass with orange and kohlrabi or pan-seared halibut with fennel, shellfish, and chorizo barley broth. A five-course tasting menu is also available on the first Tuesday of each month for €72. CH READ MORE The Fish Box Green Street, Dingle, Co Kerry; 087-6027866, Fish and chips at The Fish Box in Dingle It's all systems go in Dingle for the Flannery family who have increased the number of seats at The Fish Box as well as moving the takeaway to Paddy Bawn Brosnan's. New this summer is Fish Outside of the Box, offering lobster, crab and prawn rolls along with cocktails, wine and beer. With fish direct from their own fishing vessel and commitment to a sustainable supply chain, it's among the country's top seafood spots. JC Volpe Nera 22 Newtown Park, Blackrock, Co Dublin; 01-2788516, Volpe Nera restaurant in Blackrock, Co Dublin Darren D'Arcy always has a perfect bottle of wine on hand to match the dishes that flow from Barry Sun's kitchen. It's no easy task, given Barry's broad range of skill and flavours. Think Flaggy Shore oysters with a dab of home-made chilli oil, his signature mushroom dumplings, BBQ brill for two or a classic rum baba with strawberries. It's worth noting that the evening neighbourhood menu offers seriously good value. JC [ This just might be the best-value restaurant menu in the country Opens in new window ]
Bangkok Post
14-07-2025
- Business
- Bangkok Post
Thai fashion industry urged to create stronger global brands
Amid rising concerns over the surge of foreign fashion and beauty products entering Thailand, the National Soft Power Development Subcommittee for Fashion is urging all stakeholders in the fashion industry to differentiate their offerings and build strong Thai branding. Achara Umpujh, chairwoman of the subcommittee, said Thailand's main competitors in the fashion market are China, Japan, and South Korea, which have dominated the sector for some time. She said Thailand was once a leading exporter in the fashion sector, but as competitors have grown stronger, they have taken more of the international market share. The global fashion market has a glut of goods, making it more important than ever for Thai products to differentiate themselves, said Ms Achara. This requires the creation of a clear identity and brand essence that international consumers can recognise and connect with. As concerns rise over the growing presence of foreign fashion goods in the region, the need to strengthen the Thai fashion brand has become more important, she said. To tackle these challenges, Ms Achara emphasised the need for government support in enhancing the branding of Thai fashion products and adding value throughout the supply chain. She said many foreign consumers may lack a clear understanding of Thai fashion. "To return to the global stage, it's time to rethink the direction of Thai fashion," said Ms Achara. With Thailand welcoming a large number of foreign tourists, she said this was a prime opportunity to promote the country's fashion soft power. "All stakeholders should work together to create a unique and recognisable Thai brand. It's not just about producing brilliant designers or artists; we need a clear direction for communicating our identity globally," said Ms Achara. She also urged the government to play a greater role by encouraging fashion producers and related associations to identify what makes Thai products unique and to develop clear branding strategies and communication plans. "We need to become trendsetters," she said. Despite the challenges, Ms Achara encouraged local fashion operators to persevere through these turbulent times.
Bangkok Post
09-07-2025
- Business
- Bangkok Post
Mall Group keen on healthy competition
As the global trade landscape shifts, brands from around the world are expected to enter the Thai market. While this influx may create challenges for local manufacturers, retail operators believe it could revitalise Thailand's retail sector. Achara Umpujh, executive vice-president of The Mall Group Co Ltd, said consumers are more cautious with their spending due to concerns about the sluggish economy. All stakeholders in the retail sector must work together to address this issue and restore consumer confidence, she said. "The economy is slowing, but we need to look ahead. One day it will recover," said Ms Achara. Amid global trade uncertainties including rising tariffs by the US, she said foreign brands are increasingly seeking new markets. "In Thailand, I expect to see brands from various countries, not just China, entering the retail sector," said Ms Achara. This will intensify competition for Thai product manufacturers. In a challenging business climate, some local brands may struggle or potentially exit the market, paving the way for foreign brands to seize opportunities, she said. Ms Achara said Thailand's lack of R&D in product innovation hinders the country's competitiveness on the global stage. She called for enhanced collaboration among all stakeholders to improve Thai products and bolster their global competitiveness. "As Thai brands, we must fight. Competition will push us to improve," said Ms Achara. For retail operators, this situation could be advantageous. By attracting international brands to the Thai market, the overall industry could become more dynamic and competitive, she said. Regarding the decline in Chinese tourist arrivals of over 30% year-on-year in the first half of the year, Ms Achara said this has affected foot traffic in the company's malls. However, she suggested the Thai tourism industry adapt by introducing new travel experiences, such as attractions in second-tier cities, rather than focusing only on the well-known destinations.
Time of India
19-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Why your job applications keep getting ghosted: Top tech executive reveals red flags young candidates ignore
In a world brimming with glossy job titles and Instagram-worthy offices, it's easy for young professionals to fall for roles that sound cool but have little alignment with their experience. But according to Chidi Achara , the Global Chief Product Officer at design and tech powerhouse Huge , that mismatch is one of the most common—and fatal—mistakes fresh candidates make. Speaking to CNBC Make It at Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies Gala and Summit , Achara reflected on his years of experience leading teams at major companies including Nike and investment app Stash. With a keen eye for talent, Achara has conducted countless interviews and learned to spot red and green flags almost instantly. Humor and Storytelling Go a Long Way In an era where AI can mimic professionalism and resumes are increasingly polished, Achara values something far more human: personality. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Vergiss die blaue Pille: Diese Methode stellt alles auf den Kopf Undo 'Do they have a sense of humor?' he told CNBC Make It . 'Do they have storytelling ability so they can communicate clearly?' These two qualities, he believes, are not just soft skills—they're essential signals that a candidate can gel with a team and carry ideas forward with impact. It's not just about ticking technical boxes anymore. The ability to tell a story, to inject warmth and clarity into communication, is a trait that separates good hires from great ones, Achara emphasizes. You Might Also Like: This job search hack helped a candidate land 3 interviews in a week. Here's how Applying Without Alignment But for all the charm a candidate might bring, a lack of relevant experience is still a dealbreaker. One of the biggest issues, according to Achara, is the 'scattergun approach' many young jobseekers take when sending out applications. 'They're just applying for a bunch of stuff because the title sounds cool, or they like the comp, or they like the location,' he explained. This unfocused strategy may stem from desperation in a tough job market, but it rarely works. 'Hiring managers can very quickly see those people are not qualified,' Achara warned. And when it's clear that a resume doesn't match the role, 'I'm probably going to move on to the next.' Experience Doesn't Always Mean Employment Still, Achara isn't suggesting that recent graduates need years of full-time work behind them. He's a strong believer in the value of side projects, internships, and passion-driven pursuits. 'Say you're applying for a web developer or an engineering job and you've never worked full-time in either but on the side, you've built an app,' he said. If you've published it and drawn users—even just a few thousand— that counts. You Might Also Like: Bill Gates predicts only three jobs will survive the AI takeover. Here is why Tailoring your resume to highlight such accomplishments can tilt the odds in your favor. 'Immediately, you'll take that person more seriously,' Achara noted. The hiring team is looking for proof of potential—not perfection. So, what's the key takeaway for job-hunters, especially those at the start of their careers? Be selective. Be strategic. And be honest. 'If they're just applying because they think it sounds like a cool job, then it's probably not going to work,' Achara concluded.
CNBC
18-06-2025
- Business
- CNBC
Don't apply to a role just 'because the title sounds cool,' C-suite exec warns young job-seekers
Chidi Achara has worked at some enterprising companies, including investment app Stash and Nike. He's currently the global chief product officer at design and tech company Huge. In his years working in leadership, Achara interviewed many job candidates. Among his green flags is potential chemistry with his team. "Do they have a sense of humor?" he told CNBC Make It at Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies Gala and Summit. "Do they have storytelling ability" so they can communicate clearly? When it comes to red flags, he's noticed one pattern some young jobseekers fall into: applying when they have "no experience that matches the job," he said. Here's why and how they can troubleshoot. Young people are eager to get hired — especially in this tough job market. But a lot of young people new to the job market "take a scattergun approach to job application," he said, "and they're just applying for a bunch of stuff because the title sounds cool, or they like the comp, or they like the location." That is ultimately not a winning approach. Hiring managers can very quickly see those people are not qualified. And if Achara sees a candidate simply doesn't have the experience he needs to move forward with the interview, "I'm probably going to move on to the next," he said. Achara does not want to rule out suitable candidates who have not worked in the exact position he's hiring for but who still have some relevant experience. Recent grads might not have full-time experience but still have internships, clubs and side hustles under their belt. Say you're applying for a web developer or an engineering job and you've never worked full-time in either but on the side, you've built an app, he said. "[You] published it in the app store and [you] got 5,000 people using it." Include that in your resume. Tailor your material so it shows you have the results needed to succeed in the job. "Immediately, you'll take that person more seriously," Achara says of the hiring team. But, if you see a job you're interested in and you simply don't have the background — whether that be on-the-job experience or outside of it, think twice about sending in your material. Young jobseekers in particular "should be more discerning about what they apply for," he said. If "they're just applying because they think it sounds like a cool job, then it's probably not going to work."
