Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, John O'Donoghue T.D. today launched the "Value Menu Restaurant Guide", a major new initiative designed to benefit both tourists and domestic diners. The first edition of the guide contains 200 restaurants and hotels throughout the country, which will offer a range of meals at fixed prices of EUR10, EUR20 and EUR30.

This special initiative has been developed by the Restaurants Association of Ireland and the Irish Hotels Federation and supported by Bord Fáilte. It is part of the tourism industry's direct response to recent concerns over value for money available in Ireland. The participating establishments reflect the full range of restaurants and hotels throughout the country and it is hoped that the scheme will grow to include up to 1000 eateries nationwide.

"I am delighted to see this bold and timely initiative coming from the industry. The Bord Fáilte Visitor Attitudes Survey has consistently shown very strong satisfaction among incoming holidaymakers with food quality and customer service in Irish restaurants. However, in recent years, a small but significant minority have expressed dissatisfaction with price, particularly for budget restaurants. It is wonderful that the sector is addressing these concerns itself in such an imaginative way, and of course, in a way that will benefit all of the dining-out public throughout Ireland", said Minister O'Donoghue.

Restaurants Association of Ireland President, Mr Tom Mythen said the new guide effectively brought together a number of existing initiatives under one simplified banner. "Many restaurants already provide special offers, like early-bird, pre-theatre or tourist menus but now people will be more informed about what is on offer and how to avail of it. The menus available are imaginative and well constructed with all of the top quality ingredients and attention to detail one expects in Irish restaurants and hotels. The key difference is that the price is absolutely fixed", he said.

The "Value Menu" offer will be available on lunch and dinner menus, depending on the establishment. The fixed price of EUR10, EUR20 or EUR30 will typically cover two courses - a main with starter or dessert, from a number of options. The specific offers and pricing will be dependent on the participating establishment but are clearly outlined in the guidebook.

Many restaurants will also include a bottle of wine with their offers. Febvre, a Dublin-based, family-owned wine company, is a partner in the promotion the award winning De Martino Chilean wines as an excellent value wine to all participating establishments.
Febvre Sales and Marketing Director Gregory Alken, said the company was fully supportive of the venture. "We at Febvre welcome the opportunity to show our support for the Restaurant industry and Irish Tourism in general by sponsoring the Value Menu Restaurant Guide. Our shared philosophy with the Restaurateurs of Ireland - to uphold the traditions of good taste and to delight the Irish palate - makes this sponsorship a natural fit", he said.

It is intended to bring out updated and regional editions of the guide later in the year.

The "Value Menu Restaurant Guide" will be available free of charge from all tourist offices nationwide. It will also be distributed free with the Irish Times on Tuesday next, April 1st.

25th March 2003
For further information contact:
Murray Consultants
01 498 0300
Donnchadh O'Neill
087 205 6504