In the surroundings of the Patrick Guilbaud restaurant, Ireland's only two star Michelin Restaurant, the winners of this once in a lifetime competition got the VIP treatment.
When you walk in to the Patrick Guilbaud restaurant, you immediately recognise that you are in an establishment that's a step above the rest. The maître d' who greets you is impeccably dressed and polite, and the rest of the staff are similarly in black tie, letting you know that you've entered a realm where it's going to be as much about the experience as it is about the food.
For Joe Smith, who won the MasterCard Priceless Ireland dining competition, this was a once in a lifetime prize to be given the VIP treatment at one of the finest restaurants in the country. "It's somewhere that we've come a few times for special occasions, but having won the prize we were able to get the whole family together for this experience. My son is even home from London, it's like a family wedding!".
For Niall, who traveled back to attend, he was similarly enthused. "We've never done anything like this before, and definitely not in a Michelin star restaurant, so to go behind the scenes is something that money can't buy, really".
What the family got was a chance to see the kitchen in action before the hustle and bustle of the evening's service took over, and head chef Kieran Glennon guided them through the signature dish at the restaurant, lobster ravioli. There's a touch of curry which gives the dish an exotic feel, a mixture of vegetables to give a strong taste such as fennel and bay leaf and as you would expect, the presentation is second to none.
The family were also treated to a wine reception and an evening of fine dining in the restaurant on the night, and while the prize itself was special enough, the chance to bring the family together for something that they could never had done otherwise proved to be a memorable occasion that has created a priceless experience for them all.
There are some fantastic offers and incredible competitions over on the Priceless Ireland website, including a VIP experience at the Irish Derby which is not to be missed, so throw your hat in the ring for a chance to win.