The return of sin e

Library Diva is pleased to say that Sin E was hopping last night.
After the closure and subsequent reopening earlier this year, crowds
had waned and i was worried that sin e would never get its mojo back.
Last night allayed my fear- the tunes were bopping and so was the crowd.
Brilliant night was had by all!

Visit 2011

Ever wondered where artists work?  Now is your chance to find out as over 250  artists living
 and working in Dublin willopen their studios to the public for one day only.  Visit 2011 is takes
 place on Saturday the 22nd October.This is the ideal opportunity to take a tour into the
creative sphere of some of Ireland's most prominent artists. 
To find out times, venues and studios click on the link: http://visitstudios.com/

Nigella's french toast

As you may or may not be aware Dublin library Diva started as a homage to the delightful
Nigella Lawson.  Upon discovering that Nigella had 12 versions of the same dress i
had been coveting from afar, I simply had to get one for myself and share my
journey with cyberworld.

Last week I discovered an amazing channel on UPC- its called the food network,
and guess what (cue drum roll).... they play reruns of nigella express twice a day.
Needless to say the dvris working overtime and my love of Nigella has
been rekindled.  Here are some gems from the domestic goddess herself:

'I agree that to some people using half a kilo of chocolate to make 12 cookies may seem
excessive, but personnally i don't put a price on alleviating human suffering'

'Emmanating calm is hard work after all'

'generally i dislike all things skinny'


Here is a recipe for doughnut french toast that i have taken from http://www.nigella.com/.  I will be
testing it out in her honour tomorrow

Doughnut French Toast

Ingredients

• 2 eggs
• 4 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 60ml full-fat milk
• 4 slices from a small white loaf or 2 slices from a large white loaf, each large slice cut in half
• 25g butter, plus a drop of flavourless oil for frying
• 50g caster sugar

Method

Serves: 2

1. Beat the eggs with the milk and vanilla in a wide, shallow bowl.
2. Soak the bread halves in the eggy mixture for 5 minutes a side.
3. Heat the butter and oil in a frying pan, and fry the egg-soaked bread until golden and scorched in parts on both sides.
4. Put the sugar on a plate and then dip the cooked bread in it until coated like a sugared doughnut.

Are Cafes the new Bars?

Is cafe culture a real alternative to a night in the pub?  Dublin is home to a number
of cafes who offer a great nights out without the pints.

Accents coffee and tea shop:  located on stephen street just off Georges street,
Accents is host to Dublin's first non-alcoholic comedy night every Monday evening.
Perfect excuse to catch up with friends for a laugh without the lager.
http://accentslounge.wordpress.com/

Busybee and Coco cafe:  A buzzing fairtrade cafe just off grafton street.  Late opening
and live music every Saturday makes this a great place to check out if you fancy a change
from the pub scene.

Bewleys cafe theatre:  This iconic landmark on the heart of Grafton street is home
to regular theatre nights.  Check out their website for upcoming shows  http://www.bewleyscafetheatre.com/index.php

Moda:  Located in Rathmines, Moda is a funky art cafe with late opening until 10pm.
Knitting enthusiasts should check out their Tuesday night Knitting group.

Promenade Cafe:  A charming cafe in Dun laoghaire which has started to hold Monthly
theatre nights.  Like them on facebook to keep up to date.

Are cafes finally usurping pubs in the capital?  To be honest, probably not,
Pubs and boozing are part of our DNA.  However, its great to have options,
Heres to more choice!

Websites I love:

Here is a round up of where to find out wheres happening, whats hot, and whats free around the
capital:

http://www.freefun.ie/
Broke but looking for fun? From festivals to workshops with a bit of everyting in between,
If its fun and its free, its here!

http://www.lecool.com/
A free online events magazine.  Sign up for e-mails and every Thursday find out whats hot
in Dublin. From art to fashion, culture to clubbing, whatever your interested in you'll be the first to know
where its on.

http://www.cheapeats.ie/
A brilliant blog all about feasting like a king on the purse of a pauper! Check it out for restaurant deals,
to find out who has the best early bird deal in Dublin or to download supermarket vouchers. 

http://www.entertainment.ie/
A one stop shop for whats on where in dublin.  Very useful for gigs and cinema listings.