If anyone wants a simple example of what is wrong with (supposedly) Modern Ireland, look no further than the patrons of RTE’s The Restaurant.
No offence to Athlone, really, but let’s face it, these people are in Athlone… yet they eat gourmet food and review it as though they think they are Frank Bruni. Who, incidentally, has just slated Gordon Ramsay’s recently opened London restaurant in New York (obviously a fan of tights..?)
But back to the point. Fifty to a hundred people show up over-dressed, stick their noses in the air (lowering them only to stick them to the bottom of their over-filled wine glasses and inhale in a spectacularly graceless fashion, betraying their true.. class…) and complain about the lack of garnish, or the absence of seasoning.
As with those who watch sports only from the couch, might I suggest that they try it themselves? When they can get five stars from Tom Doorley, they can go right ahead and return their nasal passages to the aforementioned 45 degree angle.
