New restaurant opens in Dunamaise Arts Centre
Dunamaise Arts Centre director Michelle de Forge, R32 staff members István Kelemen, Richard Herczku, Anett Horvatk, Tilda Korodi and Tibor Nodi, box-office manager Laura Dunne and Dunamaise Arts Centre board member Cllr Tommy Mulligan of Laois County Council pictured at the launch Photo: Stand Henderson
FOLLOWING the absence of a café at the Dunamaise Arts Centre in Portlaoise for more than 18 months, the family-run R32 Artisan Bakery and Coffee Shop opened its doors in early January.
The official launch was held recently and the food on offer included freshly-baked breads, amazing pastries and cakes, sandwiches of all descriptions, hearty soups, a children’s menu, gluten-free options and fine coffees.
The welcoming team of R32 is comprised of manager Tibor Noda, his wife Anett Horvatk, who is front of house along with Tibor's mother Tilda Korodi. Their top-class baker is Richard Herczku, who is the partner of Anett’s sister, and the man behind the artisan foods is family friend, chef István Kelemen.
Just before last Thursday’s launch, Tibor spoke to the ***Laois Nationalist*** about his family’s venture.
He said: “We are originally from Hungary and were living in Dublin until we moved down to Laois with the idea of starting a family business. We opened in early January and the people here are amazing. They are very supportive and very friendly. Our family friend Richard is a baker. He was working in Borris-in-Ossory and we got together and decided to open up a bakery here in Portlaoise.
“We are priding ourselves on sourcing food locally. Our coffee beans come from Portarlington and our milk and several other products are locally sourced, too.” Michelle de Forge, director of the Dunamaise Arts Centre, was "delighted to welcome the family and their amazing food. For over 18 months we were between café tenant clients. Now we’re delighted to welcome the family-run R32 Artisan Bakery and Coffee Shop.
“Tibor and Richard approached us with a proposal towards the end of 2024 so we checked out all of the possibilities with them and it sounded like a really strong plan. They have been really resilient throughout January, which is a tough month for any business, but for them to battle through bad weather between the snow and the storms shows that they are a very dedicated family. They are very warm and welcoming people who have been a warm echelon on the visitors to the Dunamaise.
“We are delighted to have a café in place again to invigorate, liven and broaden our welcome to visitors and customers. The café is open from Tuesdays to Saturdays and it offers breakfast, brunch, lunch and delicious coffee and snacks throughout the day.
“I highly recommend the sourdough bread to take home with you, but also their delicious range of sandwiches, and their beautiful range of pastries and cakes are just amazing. There’s lots of wonderful fresh food on offer here at the Dunamaise.” Further details on R32 Artisan Bakery and Coffee Shop are available by phoning Tibor on 083 4824586 or email info@artisanbakery.com.
