EVA embraces Bad Badtz-Maru on its flights
FROM EVA, the fun folks that brought the Hello Kitty and Gudetama themed flights comes a new addition to their Sanrio-family of themed aircrafts.
This time, the star is none other than the naughty but charming Bad Badtz-Maru.
Bad Badtz-Maru is a male
IRISH heritage may be richly imbued with myths, legends, fairytales and folklore, but the locals would declare their food culture equally just as strong.
In fact, the country’s cuisine – and its stouts – have played a huge role in constructing Irish traditions to this day.
You’ll find eateries serving traditional Irish cuisine everywhere, regardless the town you’re in.
Also, thanks to Ireland’s increasing cultural diversity, it is now home to a flourishing specialty food sector and has a myriad of international cuisine choices to offer.
Fortunately, during a recent media trip to Ireland sponsored by Trafalgar Tours, the company’s professionally-trained Irish travel director took charge, saving me the hassle of researching places where I could enjoy authentic Irish meals.
Ireland is a veritable food heaven to fans of the humble potato.
The potato forms the basis of several common side dishes to every meal served, fancy or plain. Whether it gets turned into deep-fried golden hash browns and fries, or creamy mash and crisp roast potato, there is always something there to appeal to everyone.
You can also find them in stews, a hearty traditional dish that sits on the majority of menus in Ireland.
And of course, Irish lamb stew falls under the must-try-foods category when visiting the country, penguin with spiky hair and an attitude. According to his biography, he was born on April 1, 1993, in Oahu, Hawaii. He is one of the few characters that is marketed to both boys and girls.
His image now adorns EVA’s Badtz-Maru Travel Fun Jet, which is Airbus A330-300 con- especially during the chillier months of the year, and you’ll find one of the best versions of the stew served in the rustic Nancy Hands pub in Dublin.
You can also gain insights into the cultural and historical significance of this crop, and about the potato disease which caused the tragic Great Famine (1845-1852), at the Dunbrody Famine Ship and Emigrant Experience in New Ross.
The Irish also have a distinctive dining culture. While our mealtimes are mostly governed by our fast-paced lifestyles, the locals enjoy taking their figured for 309 passengers. Building on the theme, EVA has designed more than 30 in-flight service items and cabin amenities with Bad Badtz-Maru’s image.
This includes Bad BadtzMaru pillows, slippers, headrest covers, playing cards, meal boxes, postcards, safety cards, time socialising over a meal in the evenings, washing it all down with a nice pint.
Take this opportunity to loosen up and dine like the Irish – indulging in wholesome Irish meals that are specially curated by these pubs for Trafalgar guests, while mingling with other travellers in private rooms, accompanied by entertaining live Irish music.
Among the local pubs we visited along our journey included the rustic-looking Old Killarney Inn in Killarney, as well as The Curragower Pub which is overlooking the hauntingly beautiful King John’s castle and disposable hand towels.
For a start, the Travel Fun Jet will serve the Taiwan-Japan and Taiwan-Seoul routes daily.
These include flight BR106 from Taoyuan to Fukuoka, flight BR105 from Fukuoka to Taoyuan, flight BR160 from Taoyuan to Incheon, and flight BR159 from Incheon to Taoyuan. in Limerick, and which serves up a lovely slowroasted Irish pork with a homemade black pudding crisp, and a celeriac and fennel vegetable stew with traditional Irish brown bread.
You can also widen your perspective by dining with the locals, and listening to their stories firsthand through the ‘Be My Guest’ experience, another exclusive for Trafalgar guests.
One of the locals we got to meet was Irish TV chef Catherine Fulvio, who welcomed us with heartwarming hospitality in her home, putting us at ease as we dug into delectable home-cooked Irish meals made from fresh ingredients straight from her backyard, including her slow-baked apple cake, from a family recipe.
We also explored the vibrant English Market in the County of Cork, a hidden gem proposed by the travel director.
Here, you get to smell the aroma of rich pastries and freshly grilled sausages, or browse through a plethora of fresh seafood, meats, cheese, fruits and more. The energetic vibe within the market will also charm and refresh weary travellers.
Trafalgar also wants to change the mindset that guided tours do not offer enough free time. That is why travellers can choose to forgo its ‘Optional Experiences’ – activities that are specially designed to make the trip more authentic for guests – to have ample time to conduct their own discoveries.
Quinlan’s Seafood Bar in Killarney was one of the restaurants I discovered during my leisure time. It serves incredibly fresh seafood dishes, especially fish and chips – this worldwide classic, just like the stews, is a popular menu item in Ireland.
Lastly, you can’t leave Ireland without enjoying a pint of Guinness. Even if you’re not a fan of stouts, it’s worth a try since it is relatively smoother and has a less bitter after-taste.
Otherwise, give the country’s cream-based liquors such as Bailey’s, Kerrygold and Saint Brendan’s a try. These are available in almost any pub or restaurant in Ireland.
Caffeine is taken quite seriously in Ireland, and coffee connoisseurs won’t be disappointed with their brewed coffee. Or you could try sipping the famed Irish Coffee or Bailey’s Coffee, which can be found in most pubs as well.
Otherwise, satisfy your sweet tooth with alcoholinfused desserts, such as Guinness chocolate cake and Bailey’s cake.
Those who prefer nonalcoholic desserts will be just as delighted with the apple crumble, a local all-time-favourite that will never disappoint.