IF YOU REMEMBER the mid-1990s in Dublin, you probably remember Tosca. The restaurant was run by Bono’s brother Norman Hewson and for some time played host to celeb launches and the capital’s party set until it closed in 2000.
Now Tosca is to be revived – for one night only on 26 October – in Smock Alley Theatre in Temple Bar to raise funds for Self Help Africa. Over 25 original staff from Tosca are returning for the night to offer their services for free. These include Hewson himself, former head chef Aongu Hanly (now head chef with Cavistons in Glasthule) and actress Ciara O’Callaghan, who now plays Yvonne in Fair City but who was once a waitress in Tosca.
Shortly before Tosca closed, Hewson started his new venture, organic ‘fast food’ restaurant chain Nude with one of the outlets in the building beside where Tosca stood on Suffolk Street. Nude closed in 2010.
Apparently there are “a handful of tickets left” so to attend contact the Self Help Africa Dublin office on 1850 757678 or email toscapopsup@selfhelpafrica.org. The tickets are €95 all in.
There is to be an auction on the night too with prizes and lots including a limited edition print from artist Jim Fitzpatrick, a voucher for the rather more permanent restaurant Chapter One and “other prizes donated by U2, John Waters, Luka Bloom”.
What does one eat in a 1990s restaurant revival? We’re told that the menu (yet to be confirmed) may include:
Starter:
Main:
Dessert:
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