Dining out in Ireland

Sir, – Further to recent correspondence (June 7th), I would suggest that the quirkiness of Irish restaurant interactions adds to the charm of the visitor experience. Some years ago, in a well-regarded provincial hotel restaurant, our Swiss guests suggested that the red wine might be served at a slightly higher temperature. The charming waitress was glad to oblige: “Sure I’ll pop it in the microwave for a few seconds so.”

On another occasion, a banana split took some time to arrive. The waiter was apologetic: “We had to run down to the petrol station for the bananas.” – Yours, etc,

DENIS BERGIN,

Shannon Harbour,

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Co Offaly.

Sir, – Where have all the dessert trolleys gone? What a treat it was to see the dessert in all its glory before ordering it. – Yours, etc,

MARY BYRNE,

Bray,

Co Wicklow.