with Ciaran McGonagle & Federico Riezzo, from Catch

After working in many great bars and restaurants throughout the world, Ciaran and Federico started Catch just over two years ago after seeing a space for an event company that would bring quality to events in Dublin. Having started from zero they now work regularly with clients including SuperValu, Intercom, Peroni, and Tia Maria, to name but a few. Catch looks after many types of events, from creative and brand strategy, to production, staffing, food and drinks.

1. Who is your queer icon and why? We absolutely love Panti Bliss for her wit and for what she does for the society

2. Your ideal party of five, living or dead? Michael Jackson, Ernest Hemingway, John Lennon, Barack Obama, and Cleopatra.

3. What would be on the menu? Mamma’s Aubergine Parmigiana, homemade pasta, truffles, porcini mushrooms, tuna, Daiquiris, Negronis and a bath of Albarino.

4. Your favourite place to eat in Dublin? Coppinger Row ticks a lot of boxes for us – for the food, the drinks, the crowd, the lighting and the music.

5. Who/What is rocking your world in restaurants right now and why? Beside being two of the best chefs on the planet, both Massimo Bottura and Rene Redzepi are using their powers for a more sustainable culinary world, and cooking top-class food for homeless people.

6. What’s the funniest thing you’ve seen/overheard in your restaurant? Federico: A few years ago I was working in a very posh place and two ladies asked for a glass of champagne and a Gin Martini. Before serving the champagne, I was chilling the martini glass with ice cubes and soda water. While I was putting the champagne back in the fridge, one lady took the martini glass and started drinking from it. Jokingly, I asked if she liked it, and her reply was: ‘I love it. Strong and delicious.’

7. What’s your most cringiest work memory? Federico: On a quiet afternoon, while I was working in a very cool five-star hotel in London, Lou Reed came and sat down. He was the only guest at this very long bar and I was totally star struck. After he ordered I felt compelled to have a chat with him, and I said, ‘So… What’s the weather like in New York?’

‘I don’t live in New York,’ he replied, and I ran away, feeling like an eejit.

Find out more about Catch at catchbarsandevents.com, call 086 404 5691 or email ciaran@catchbarsandevents.com