On a bitterly cold night on Sandymount Green while people waited for the Christmas lights to be turned on, Domini Kemp was finishing the wine tasting that would decide the wine list for her as yet unopened restaurant Itsa 4, the latest offering from herself and her sister and business partner Peaches.

In true Christmas spirit Domini, pictured right, decided to make mulled wine in her brand new kitchen and serve the hot toddy to the crowd of appreciative merrymakers. Thus the start of their new business venture had just begun in a happy and festive mood.

With the twinkling lights of Christmas and the result of many months of hard work their dream of expanding their business had finally come true in the shape of Itsa4.

This is a restaurant with a difference. The interior includes design features with unique touches. Diners have the choice to sit at the counter or at the tables with the option of booth seats with leather ‘sink in’ upholstery.

Speakers are placed discretely to ensure piped music allows private conversations to remain private. Domini and Peaches liased with Ingrid Smith of Cooney Architects regarding every detail to ensure this upmarket spacious diner creates the environment and atmosphere that caters for everyone.

In designing Itsa4 emphasis was given to comfort and staff practicality. The food is simple and tasty with absolute attention to detail. This is a place where people can feel relaxed and can talk to each other or come in alone and feel welcome.

Talking to Domini on a grey day in the friendly, bustling atmosphere of Itsa4 it must seem a million miles away from the golden sandy beaches and blue skies of her childhood in the Bahamas. When her Scottish father, who was an accountant by profession died her mother who was Irish, brought her back here to live.

Though culturally it was a million miles away from the Bahamas Domini was familiar with Ireland as she regularly visited her grandparents here over the years. She boarded in Alexandra College and she still keeps in close touch with the friends she made there.

With a passion for horses that developed as a little girl, Domini had a saddlery business and competed full-time on the show jumping circuit. To keep on top of the game requires an awful lot of time, money and a good support system.

With sponsorship difficult to secure, catering was her way of financing it but eventually she had to make a decision. Showjumping is a tough and expensive business and Domini felt that at a certain level she had no control over circumstances that often govern horses.

For example, it was not unusual to travel 200 miles for a show jumping event to find the horse had a sprain or was off form which meant months of training were wasted.

Having made this life-changing decision and with her love of food, Domini went to study in the School of Food and Wine in London. Then on a chance weekend over here Domini met chef Conrad Gallagher who had just returned from New York.

Delighted to move back, Domini became his partner and worked with him for three fast and furious years, moving Peacock Alley to the Fitzwilliam Hotel. She was also involved in writing Gallagher’s first cookbook. During that time they had a daughter who now lives with Domini in Sandymount.

With a love of food running in the family, Peaches ran a catering company in Dublin, having completed a course with Alix Gardner. Although they fought like cat and dog as children the two sisters have become very close as adults.

Both dreamt of opening their own restaurant which became a reality in 1999 with Itsabagel, an upmarket bagel bar with outlets in the Epicurean Hall and the Pavilion, Dun Laoire. This hard-working pair also runs Feast catering.

Having worked with Trevor White on 101 Best Restaurants in Dublin, Domini has now started writing for Image magazine. Wondering how she combines single parenthood with such a busy schedule, Domini acknowledges the wonderful team of people that work every day to keep their operation the success it has become plus an understanding sister and a very helpful Mum allowing her the freedom to take time out when necessary.

Domini loves her work which motivates her to stay abreast of what consumers look for. With a passion to please the customer and aware of the responsibility for 70 staff, Domini maintains a lifestyle that ensures she herself is in top form.

Gone are the days of wining and dining till four in the morning. This girl has certainly got her feet on the ground and is committed to her work. Happy with their success in Dublin an ambitious eye is looking towards Cork or Galway for their next challenge. Both Kemp sisters would love to expand even further to serve their own brand of posh nosh. But meanwhile Itsa4 proves there is a market for top quality, low cost dining in a friendly and informal atmosphere and it’s on your doorstep on Sandymount Green.