WHILE we all have favourite wines, there comes a time when we find ourselves scouring the off-licence shelves for something new to try at home. Without a helpful staff member or critic's recommendation to hand, this method can often bag mixed results. Wouldn't it be so much simpler if you could just pour yourself a little taster, until you found one you really loved?

Well, now you can.

Enowine is a revolutionary wine shop that allows customers to sample before purchasing, thanks to state-of-the-art wine dispensers, which keep bottles fresh for three weeks. With over 100 different wines open for tasting at all times, you can choose a cheap and cheerful bottle for in front of the TV or a whole case of premium Burgundy. The Enomatic tasting station allows you buy a winecard in the shop for 10 or 20. When you find a wine you want to try, simply insert the card into a slot and it dispenses a tasting measure.

For a cheaper wine, you'll be charged from 20c and for an expensive bottle (like a good Claret) from 2, making it a great option for those who prefer to buy by the case. Best of all, the wines available for tasting change regularly, so wine-lovers can enjoy plenty of top treats before making that final purchase. The concept has proved so successful in Monkstown that Enowine has just opened its doors in the IFSC. The range is smaller here, but look out for a huge revamp in May. You can also order online with free delivery throughout Ireland.

No 23 The Crescent, Monkstown, Co Dublin.

Tel: 230 3500 and Custom House Square, IFSC, Dublin 1. Tel: 636 0616; www. enowine. ie.

Open season

HOW many times have you wished you'd a bottle opener to hand, but refuse to carry a bulky, beer-branded one around on your key chain? Check out this sneaky 'key' that doubles up as a smart, discreet opener, ideal for summer cider or bottled beer. Hidden amongst a bunch on your key ring it's the slickest bottle opener around. From British design team Suck UK, it can be ordered from its website at www. suckuk. co. uk or by calling 0044 207 923 0011. £7.50 plus P&P.

The fruitful way to try out new recipes NO need to be intimidated by an overflowing fruit bowl. Here's an easy way to make sure you get fivea-day in your diet. Pick up a copy of Fruit, the gorgeous cookbook by UK food writer Brian Glover.

Alongside celebrating the diversity of the world's favourite food, you'll find pages of great recipes for every meal and occasion.

Covering healthy options like starters and salads, you'll also find savoury pairings and sweet goodies like pancakes and puddings.

Covering berries and currants to orchard and exotic varieties there are practical tips for buying, storing and cooking this beauteous bounty.

Published by Ryland, Peters & Small, 24

A mezze way to eat TAPAS has taken off in Ireland as we discover the joy of nibbling little portions of many flavours, and sharing platters amongst friends.

And while tapas bars have increased in popularity, there's an equally exciting option fewer of us consider.

It's mezze, the eastern Mediterranean and Middle-Eastern version of the Spanish practice.

Instead of merguez, Manchego, prawns and patatas bravas, think creamy dips, subtle spicing, succulent meat and lots of vegetarian options.

My favourite hang-out for such fun finger food is Sinners, a Lebanese restaurant owned by an Egyptian on Dublin's Parliament Street.

Alongside hummus, tabbouleh, falafel and baba ganoush, you'll find carnivorous treats like lamb kebabs, beef meatballs and marinated chicken, all grilled over charcoal.

Expect lots of fresh herbs, exotic spices and warm pitta to mop up. The service is relaxed and engaging, and the vibe ultra-chilled. Go with a bunch of friends and you'll have a fun, affordable night out.

Sinners, 12 Parliament Street, Dublin 2 Tel: 01 675 0050

Drinking chocolate?

BY bedtime tonight you might be wishing you'd never laid eyes on an Easter egg. But before you start dreaming up ways to offload your chocolate surplus, consider using it as the basis for some pretty impressive drinks. Apparently Kenwood's new Frothie Hot and Cold drinks maker will take your broken-up Easter eggs and whip them into something creamy and delicious in minutes.

With a specially designed paddle that creates a creamy texture and delicious frothy top, you can choose anything from milkshakes to hot chocolate at the flick of a switch. It makes up to eight cups at once too, making sure there's plenty to go round. Sounds sweet.

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