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More than a pretty plate: Why Proud Mary deserves the hype
More than a pretty plate: Why Proud Mary deserves the hype

Time Out

time15-07-2025

  • Time Out

More than a pretty plate: Why Proud Mary deserves the hype

Since opening in 2021, Proud Mary has been pleasing palates and racking up awards. Now, it holds the title of Best Hotel Restaurant in the 2025 Luxe Awards, so naturally, we had to see what's got 25,000 diners talking. It's a warm Friday in winter when we step into the matte black building that houses Hyde Hotel and Proud Mary. From the outside, it's understated. Inside? Surprisingly romantic — elegant, beautifully designed, but never overdone. The energy of Rosebank calls to a sophisticated younger crowd who are chasing the sun, so I half expected to find the restaurant packed with cosmopolitan singles ready for a night on the town, but inside it was quite the opposite. Seated at the bar were two guys taking a load off after a long week. In front of them, a couple's body language read like a neon sign flashing 'first date.' Behind us, a dad enjoyed a quiet meal with his two kids. Off to the side, a big family (baby and all) had gathered for what looked like a mini-reunion. All of this in one of the most beautifully curated spaces in Johannesburg. You can come alone and feel completely comfortable, or come with friends and celebrate. Proud Mary is warm, inclusive and unpretentious. People watching done, our starters arrive. The crispy fried squid is a flavour bomb, golden and light, served with lemon aioli, turmeric onions, a zingy basil and coriander salad, toasted coconut flakes, parsley dust, and preserved lemon. Each bite delivers a perfectly balanced mix of crunch, zest, and freshness. The chicken kabobs are just as impressive: tender grilled thigh skewers paired with smoked grapes, saffron aioli, lime yoghurt, and shards of crispy chicken skin. It's Proud Mary on a plate, refined, generous, and effortlessly cool. For mains, the Caper Butter Sole was a standout, beautifully cooked, delicate, and sliding off the bone with ease. No awkward mid-bite bone moments here (thank the heavens). Served with thick-cut chips, the dish is finished with a bright caper and lemon butter, shaved fennel, and fresh herbs like coriander and chives, giving it that perfect balance of richness and freshness. The Wagyu Cheeseburger is far from your average burger. Juicy and packed with flavour, the patty is topped with smoked Stanford cheese, a tangy fennel and mustard jam, garlic aioli, and lemon watercress for a citrusy lift. Add triple-fried chips, smoky ketchup, and fresh truffle, and you've got a burger that feels indulgent but incredibly refined. Proud Mary's consistent innovation is something that has helped to secure the restaurant awards time and time again. The seasonal menus and strong relationships with small wine and spirit producers help to keep things fresh. They champion organic wines and work directly with family-run farms. So it's not just beautiful food, it's thoughtful, too. The service at Proud Mary is worth highlighting too, warm, attentive, and impressively well-informed. The staff know the menu inside out, and every recommendation feels spot-on. Courses arrive with just the right pacing, giving you time to savour each dish while keeping anticipation high for what's coming next. For dessert, we shared the Peaches and Cream Panna Cotta, a dreamy combo of silky yoghurt panna cotta, mango jelly, passion fruit pearls, peach salsa, crumble, Chantilly cream, and a scoop of vanilla bean gelato. Light, creamy, and bursting with summery flavours, it was the perfect sweet note to end on. I had my eye on the Coconut Brûlée Cheesecake (with vanilla cheesecake, white chocolate and coconut ganache, and coconut gelato), but the waistband of my jeans was already begging for mercy. That one's firmly on the list for next time, and yes, there will be a next time.

'I found way more than I expected when I visited the party capital of the world'
'I found way more than I expected when I visited the party capital of the world'

Dublin Live

time25-05-2025

  • Dublin Live

'I found way more than I expected when I visited the party capital of the world'

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Many people were surprised when I told them I was jetting off to Ibiza. I've never really been a fan of clubbing nor am I like some of my friends who are in awe of the celebrities and influencers who flock to the sun-soaked Balearic island each summer. Known as the 'party capital of the world', it's no surprise that revellers flock to Ibiza each summer. But there is so much more to this particular holiday hotspot. After my visit, I can say with certainty that Ibiza's cultural and culinary offerings alone are richer than the multi-millionaire DJs who perform there. I spent a whirlwind four days exploring every nook and cranny of the tiny White Isle. My trip, organised by the Ibiza Tourism Board, revealed a side of the island far removed from the partying. Kayaking off Es Figueral beach, cycling through pine-scented forests, and sipping wine in a sun-drenched vineyard were just a few standout moments that made me fall in love with Ibiza. I stayed at the Hyde Hotel, which overlooked the white sandy Cala Llonga Beach and was located just 15 minutes away from Ibiza's Old Town. The modern hotel, which is tucked away in the bay of Cala Llonga, boasts stunning views of the shore and coastline that can be admired from the seven bars and restaurants or three pools available to guests. The first stop on the itinerary was a visit to the Santa Gertrudis village - which is in the heart of the island. The little town may be quaint but it is steeped in history and was once home to Manuel Abad y Lasierra who was the first Bishop of Ibiza. A bronze sculpture of Bishop Abad y Lasierra now greets visitors when they visit the village's main square. Santa Gertrudis was the perfect introduction to Ibiza's quieter side - charming, relaxed, and full of history. The bars, restaurants and church all had stunning white-washed exteriors. Nearly all the tables were full as locals along with tourists ate and drank under the warmth of the early May sunshine. (Image: Getty) Santa Gertrudis was also where I had my first (of many) tastes of Spanish ham - which is known as Jamón ibérico. After a bite, I realised why it was considered a delicacy. I was lucky enough to sample it at Bar Costa – a haunt locals love and one they probably wish tourists hadn't discovered. The menu is small and while I can't speak for everything, the ham was some of the best I had on the island. It was delicately sliced, rich in flavour, and perfectly paired with a local cheese. That afternoon, we toured Dalt Vila which is nestled in Ibiza's Old Town. The medieval enclave, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999, is like stepping back in time. The huge fortified walls which remain to this day are one of the few remaining examples of Renaissance military architecture and are truly relics of the past. Ibiza's Old Town is also a must for any traveller to the island. If I wasn't on such a tight schedule, I could have easily found myself lost while meandering through the winding streets. It also caters for everybody – from its high-end boutiques right down to the souvenir shops which dominate most holiday hotspots nowadays. Over the course of the four days, I sampled an array of unique restaurants, all of which left me wanting to go back. Some of my favourites were Aubergine by Atzaró – a farm-to-table restaurant located in Ibiza's countryside. Another standout was the recently opened Maymanta in Santa Eulària des Riu, where I indulged in delicious fish and meat dishes with a Peruvian twist. But my favourite meal was at S'illa des Bosc. The beef fillet was outstanding but the sunset which melted over Cala Conta's horizon as I tucked in was even better. Another standout moment on the trip was to the family-run Can Rich organic winery located in Camí de Sa Vorera. Visitors are surrounded by sun-soaked fields with rows and rows of grapevines. Alvaro Perez Navazo, whose wife's family owns the vineyard, brought me on a tour and showed me the wine-making process from start to finish. The tour culminated in a tasting of Can Rich's products. I tried two different reds and whites along with a rose and a sparkling variation. They all had unique flavour profiles, which ranged from fruity and light to intense with tannins. Sadly, Alvaro dropped the bombshell that the wines were not yet available in Ireland but he promised progress was being made with retailers – so I thought it was only right to stock up before leaving. Friends and family were also much happier to receive a bottle of wine from a local vineyard than a tacky colourful fridge magnet. Everyone I gifted a bottle to raved about it – and none lasted more than a sitting. If Can Rich do begin selling their products in Ireland, they'll at least have some customers already. One of the last things I did in Ibiza was to head to Can Muson – a family friendly farm and restaurant. It was opened by Ibiza native María Marí in 2009. Before a hearty lunch onsite and after meeting the goats and pigs which inhabit the organic farm, I made my very own Hierbas Ibicencas – which is a traditional herbal liqueur from the island. Many on the island use it as a digestive after a meal. It's made by stuffing up to 20 herbs that are grown in Ibiza into a bottle with orange and lemon slices before a spirit is poured on top of it. The herbs and liqueur will take at least six months to infuse properly, meaning it'll be ready to crack open just in time for Christmas Day. They say don't judge a book by its cover. A modern variation of this is – don't judge a destination based on a couple of Instagram stories. Ibiza has something for everyone – you just have to look beyond the dance floor. Its quieter side isn't hidden – most people just don't bother to find it. Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage.

I visited the 'party capital of the world' - it's more than clubs and celebs
I visited the 'party capital of the world' - it's more than clubs and celebs

Irish Daily Mirror

time25-05-2025

  • Irish Daily Mirror

I visited the 'party capital of the world' - it's more than clubs and celebs

Many people were surprised when I told them I was jetting off to Ibiza. I've never really been a fan of clubbing nor am I like some of my friends who are in awe of the celebrities and influencers who flock to the sun-soaked Balearic island each summer. Known as the 'party capital of the world', it's no surprise that revellers flock to Ibiza each summer. But there is so much more to this particular holiday hotspot. After my visit, I can say with certainty that Ibiza's cultural and culinary offerings alone are richer than the multi-millionaire DJs who perform there. I spent a whirlwind four days exploring every nook and cranny of the tiny White Isle. My trip, organised by the Ibiza Tourism Board, revealed a side of the island far removed from the partying. Kayaking off Es Figueral beach, cycling through pine-scented forests, and sipping wine in a sun-drenched vineyard were just a few standout moments that made me fall in love with Ibiza. I stayed at the Hyde Hotel, which overlooked the white sandy Cala Llonga Beach and was located just 15 minutes away from Ibiza's Old Town. The modern hotel, which is tucked away in the bay of Cala Llonga, boasts stunning views of the shore and coastline that can be admired from the seven bars and restaurants or three pools available to guests. The first stop on the itinerary was a visit to the Santa Gertrudis village - which is in the heart of the island. The little town may be quaint but it is steeped in history and was once home to Manuel Abad y Lasierra who was the first Bishop of Ibiza. A bronze sculpture of Bishop Abad y Lasierra now greets visitors when they visit the village's main square. Santa Gertrudis was the perfect introduction to Ibiza's quieter side - charming, relaxed, and full of history. The bars, restaurants and church all had stunning white-washed exteriors. Nearly all the tables were full as locals along with tourists ate and drank under the warmth of the early May sunshine. Santa Gertrudis was also where I had my first (of many) tastes of Spanish ham - which is known as Jamón ibérico. After a bite, I realised why it was considered a delicacy. I was lucky enough to sample it at Bar Costa – a haunt locals love and one they probably wish tourists hadn't discovered. The menu is small and while I can't speak for everything, the ham was some of the best I had on the island. It was delicately sliced, rich in flavour, and perfectly paired with a local cheese. That afternoon, we toured Dalt Vila which is nestled in Ibiza's Old Town. The medieval enclave, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999, is like stepping back in time. The huge fortified walls which remain to this day are one of the few remaining examples of Renaissance military architecture and are truly relics of the past. Ibiza's Old Town is also a must for any traveller to the island. If I wasn't on such a tight schedule, I could have easily found myself lost while meandering through the winding streets. It also caters for everybody – from its high-end boutiques right down to the souvenir shops which dominate most holiday hotspots nowadays. Over the course of the four days, I sampled an array of unique restaurants, all of which left me wanting to go back. Some of my favourites were Aubergine by Atzaró – a farm-to-table restaurant located in Ibiza's countryside. Another standout was the recently opened Maymanta in Santa Eulària des Riu, where I indulged in delicious fish and meat dishes with a Peruvian twist. But my favourite meal was at S'illa des Bosc. The beef fillet was outstanding but the sunset which melted over Cala Conta's horizon as I tucked in was even better. Another standout moment on the trip was to the family-run Can Rich organic winery located in Camí de Sa Vorera. Visitors are surrounded by sun-soaked fields with rows and rows of grapevines. Alvaro Perez Navazo, whose wife's family owns the vineyard, brought me on a tour and showed me the wine-making process from start to finish. The tour culminated in a tasting of Can Rich's products. I tried two different reds and whites along with a rose and a sparkling variation. They all had unique flavour profiles, which ranged from fruity and light to intense with tannins. Sadly, Alvaro dropped the bombshell that the wines were not yet available in Ireland but he promised progress was being made with retailers – so I thought it was only right to stock up before leaving. Friends and family were also much happier to receive a bottle of wine from a local vineyard than a tacky colourful fridge magnet. Everyone I gifted a bottle to raved about it – and none lasted more than a sitting. If Can Rich do begin selling their products in Ireland, they'll at least have some customers already. One of the last things I did in Ibiza was to head to Can Muson – a family friendly farm and restaurant. It was opened by Ibiza native María Marí in 2009. Before a hearty lunch onsite and after meeting the goats and pigs which inhabit the organic farm, I made my very own Hierbas Ibicencas – which is a traditional herbal liqueur from the island. Many on the island use it as a digestive after a meal. It's made by stuffing up to 20 herbs that are grown in Ibiza into a bottle with orange and lemon slices before a spirit is poured on top of it. The herbs and liqueur will take at least six months to infuse properly, meaning it'll be ready to crack open just in time for Christmas Day. They say don't judge a book by its cover. A modern variation of this is – don't judge a destination based on a couple of Instagram stories. Ibiza has something for everyone – you just have to look beyond the dance floor. Its quieter side isn't hidden – most people just don't bother to find it.

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