Young diners to enjoy 12-course tasting menu for free in April and May at Galway restaurant

Eva Osborne

Young diners can enjoy a specially curated 12-course tasting menu, completely free, when dining with an adult throughout April and May at Aniar in Co Galway.

Chef Jp McMahon said he has long advocated for educating young people and children about making better food choices.

He has now brought this mission into his Michelin-starred restaurant Aniar, by offering young diners between the ages of seven and 15 a free 12-course tasting experience when dining with an adult.

Jp and his team said they want to inspire the next generation of food lovers by introducing them to the essence of Aniar, wild and foraged Irish produce, fine dining, and the unique flavours of the West of Ireland.

Owner and Chef Patron of Aniar, JP McMahon, said: “I would hope that by inviting young adults to dine with a parent or other adult we can educate them on the amazing foods that are native to where they are growing up or where they are visiting and that by exposing them to new flavours or flavours presented in a different way, that they might be as enthused about Irish food as people are about other cuisines."

Adding that the atmosphere in Aniar enhances the experience, he said: “I also feel that the experience of dining in a more formal setting than the home tends to be is important, as it exposes the diner to the historic rituals around eating.

"That said, Aniar is a 'relaxed' and personable fine dining setting, with interaction between our team and the diner, and we hope this initiative will see us welcome many more younger faces."

The 12-course Young Diners’ Tasting Menu has been a feature for a number of years at Aniar and is available year-round, while throughout April and May this year, young diners will eat for free. Each young diner must be accompanied by one dining adult.