Latest news with #JPMcMahon
Irish Independent
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Galway set for new Japanese restaurant from acclaimed city restauranteur
Kombu - which is named after the Japanese seaweed – is a new ramen and bao bar and will be operated by award-winning chef and restaurateur JP McMahon. The new location will operate from Druid Lane in Galway city and has been described by McMahon as a 'love letter to Japan', with a menu featuring ramen bowls, rice dishes, bao buns and other Japanese cuisine. The menu has been inspired by traditional Japanese street food, according to McMahon, who says that Kombu is a 'realisation' of his love for Japanese cuisine. A social media post by the restaurant has teased one of the potential dishes on offer at the restaurant, with further updates expected closer to the opening date. Kombu will further bolster McMahon's restaurant portfolio in Galway. The Dublin-born chef also runs Michelin star restaurant Aniar on Dominick St in Galway city and is the co-owner and chef patron of Cava Bodega on Middle St. 'I've taught Japanese cooking classes at Aniar for years,' said Mr McMahon. 'Our Ramen and Bao Bar pop-ups have been a big hit at at Aniar as part of Blas na Gaillimhe Festivals of Food, and of course, I'm passionate about cooking with seaweed, utilising it broadly in Aniar - so this felt like a natural evolution.' A head chef has been put in place, with Aniar chef Gabriel Ossani taking the reins. Further hires are expected with the restaurant taking applications for managerial positions, as well as floor staff, additional chefs and kitchen porters.
Irish Independent
15-05-2025
- Climate
- Irish Independent
Six spots in Galway to dine al fresco as sunshine remains on the menu
According to Met Eireann, temperatures are set to reach heights of 23C in Connacht over the next few days and conditions are due to stay dry. With that in mind, there's no better excuse to head into the city for dinner and drinks al fresco to enjoy the warm sun and the grand stretch in the evening. Around this time of year, Galway's Westend opens up into Dominick Street with most restaurants and bars putting their tables and chairs out for the summer season. Unfortunately the annual ritual is facing a delay this year after a legal challenge to the pedestrianisation of some of streets. Thankfully there are still spots across the city to enjoy some outdoor dining and soak up the sunshine – while it lasts. Cava Bodega Helmed by top Galway chef JP McMahon of Aniar, this tapas restaurant residing on Middle Street has the perfect suntrap locked down for those wanting to immerse themselves in the buzzy atmosphere of the Latin Quarter. With an extensive wine list, it's also the perfect spot to pretend you're in Spain. Sangria Sticking with tapas and Middle Street, Sangria sets itself apart with an inventive drinks menu to enjoy alongside some patatas bravas or padron peppers. Their outside seating is a great spot to enjoy the hotter temperature while we have it. The Universal This small plates restaurant is an underrated gem, and the outside seating is a great spot to enjoy the atmosphere of the city's West end area. While the outside seating area isn't as large as it usually is this time of year, you can still book one of their outside tables for dinner and drinks. Dough Bros A Galway institution, Dough Bros has gained a reputation for fantastic pizza done well. While its Middle Street branch only offers seating inside, there's always the option to get a pizza and enjoy it along the Claddagh. Then as always, pizza fans can also enjoy Dough Bros in O'Connell's pub beer garden. More recently, Dough Bros owners opened Lil' Bros, a New York-style takeaway spot where you can get a large pizza slice to take away. Just keep an eye out for hungry seagulls! Freddy's Another great spot for pizza, Freddy's places you right in the thick of things as it resides along the busy Latin Quarter area. As the city's tourist season is in full swing, it may be difficult to secure a spot – but once you do, it's entirely worth it. ADVERTISEMENT Ruibin Well known as one of Galway's most popular restaurants, the dockside eatery provides outdoor picnic-style tables for diners to enjoy the sea breeze while sipping on one of their famous cocktails and savouring a small plate or two.
Irish Post
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Post
Irish culinary entrepreneur reveals inspiration behind new restaurant offering
RESTAURATEUR JP McMahon has revealed a love of Japanese food inspired a new offering set to open in Galway next month. The chef, who owns the Michelin-starred Aniar restaurant and Cava Bodega, both in the city, will launch his new ramen and bao bar Kombu in June. Chef JP McMahon will open his new restaurant on Druid's Lane in Galway (Pic: Andrew Downes) 'Kombu is a realisation of my love of Japanese food, which I've long admired,' McMahon said this week. 'I've taught Japanese cooking classes at Aniar for years, our Ramen and Bao Bar pop-ups have been a big hit at at Aniar as part of Blas na Gaillimhe Festivals of Food, and of course, I'm passionate about cooking with seaweed, utilising it broadly in Aniar - so this felt like a natural evolution," he added. Kombu, named after the Japanese seaweed, will open on Druid's Lane in Galway in late June. Described by McMahon as 'a love letter to Japan,' the menu will feature steaming bowls of ramen, teriyaki, tempura, rice dishes, and a creative selection of bao buns—including a playful dessert like a chocolate ganache bao bun topped with wasabi sea salt. See More: Aniar, Galway, JP McMahon, Japanese Food, Kombu, Restaurant
