Weekender

John Masterson’s Kilkenny

My perfect weekend

begins with check-in to the Pembroke Hotel, where James Cox would reassure me that if anyone deserves a perfect weekend, it is me. Kilkenny is a foodie paradise, so... 30 seconds to Zuni or five minutes to Campagne? Spoiled for choice and accompanied by the most attractive woman in Kilkenny.

Saturday morning, I would breakfast like a king

then off to Mount Juliet for the best round of golf of my life, including a birdie on the 13th.

Saturday afternoon is for browsing.

Stonehouse Books and Rollercoaster Records on Kieran Street, and the CD section in the Samaritans shop. I would phone ahead to Mick Mullins’ butchers and, by the time I get to Friary Street, he’d have my custom-made gluten-free burgers and sausages ready for a Sunday barbecue at home.

Saturday evening, I will again eat with the most attractive woman in Kilkenny.

This time, a two-minute walk to my favourite, Rinuccini. We have a drink in Rive Gauche, once a bank, where my father spent much of his working life.

Sunday morning will begin with a pot of coffee

delivered to my room. Then a sunny ride on my Harley home to Thomastown, to be joined by Kilkenny’s finest conversationalists for the afternoon barbecue.

Like Lee Iacocca of car fame,

I end the weekend with a sheet of paper to plan the week ahead.