South African chefs are finding their feet with Johan van der Merwe (below) one of the tasty attractions at this week’s Taste of Dublin that opens on Thursday at Iveagh Gardens for four days of culinary indulgence.

As the Celtic Tiger recovers his old form, lets hope SA visitors to the Emerald Isle and SA wine exporters will support Johan and his Salt of the Earth Test Kitchen which features Harissa crab claws with chermoula, millet & chickpea salad or peri-peri prawns with pea & mint riata and baby gems.

With brandy producers still basking in a fiery reception for their Vuur gevang in glas at Fine Brandy Fusion in Sandton last week, let’s hope they’ll take on Irish Whiskey producers with SA brandy on their home turf this weekend.