Alana Mahon O'Neill is a library assistant in DCU Library. She attended the CONUL Training and Development AI and Libraries seminar which took place in the University of Galway on the 28th November 2024. At this event she won the blog series contest and she has shared her winning blog post with us below.
It's an AI-generated blog post called A Culinary Tour of Carlow Town which demonstrates how to get AI to do what you want through a series of well thought-out prompts.
Learn more about the process in AI and Libraries 2: Enhancing Library Marketing with AI Tools published by Eileen Kennedy in the Hardiblog.
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| Alana Mahon O'Neill picture credit Claire Mason |
Task 2 – AI generated Blog
Prompt:
I want you to write a blog post about the three best restaurants available in Carlow town. You should reference (and link) some reviews about the restaurants that have been shared online. I would like for you to write in a neutral style of voice and with a few words sprinkled in here or there in the Hiberno-Irish dialect to appeal towards an Irish reader. I want you to be informative, but also tell a story and convince the reader to visit. Feel free to have fun and crack some jokes. The target audience is an Irish native, who would like to eat familiar, tasty food that is good value and of excellent quality. 300 words maximum.
OpenAI's ChatGPT first response:
Culinary Tour of Carlow Town: Top Three Picks for a Great Bite
Carlow might be a small town, but it packs a mighty punch when it comes to food. Whether you're a local or just passing through, there are some stellar options for a hearty meal that’ll leave you delighted and perhaps even planning your next visit.
1. Mimosa Bar de Tapas
A beacon for tapas lovers, Mimosa offers a warm welcome and plates as colourful as a Spanish fiesta. Known for their steak tartare and perfectly seared steak, Mimosa's dishes are rich in flavour and served with flair. Pair that with the attentive staff, and you’re in for a treat. It’s also known for its little extras—complimentary drinks and sweet surprises often make diners feel extra special. Gastroranking OpenTable.
2. Teach Dolmain
If you’re after something a bit more traditional, Teach Dolmain is a brilliant choice. This pub combines hearty Irish staples with a touch of modern finesse. Their portions are generous, their prices fair, and the staff offer service with a smile—no wonder locals rave about it! It's the spot for comfort food done well, with a side of Carlow charm OpenTable.
3. Lennons @ VISUAL
Situated within the VISUAL arts centre, Lennons offers a bright, modern dining experience. Known for its fresh and locally sourced ingredients, this restaurant serves beautifully presented dishes that are as tasty as they are Instagram-worthy. It’s the perfect place to relax over a leisurely lunch or a sophisticated dinner Gastroranking OpenTable.
Next time you’re in Carlow, be sure to give one of these spots a go. Whether you’re sharing tapas, digging into a comforting Irish classic, or indulging in an artisanal dish, you’re guaranteed a belly full of happiness. Sláinte!
Alana's comments:
The links just go to a list of restaurants in Carlow, not to any specific restaurant page, or review as I had asked. However, this is also a limitation of the website design.
Mimosa Bar de Tapas also mentions a steak dish twice! What if it mentioned a single dish for each restaurant…
2nd prompt:
Great, now I want you to mention a specific dish for each restaurant that is also served there.
OpenAI's ChatGPT second response:
A Culinary Tour of Carlow Town: Top Three Picks and What to Order
Carlow's dining scene is a treasure trove of delicious options. Here’s a closer look at three standout restaurants and the dishes you simply must try when visiting.
1. Mimosa Bar de Tapas
For a taste of Spain with a modern twist, Mimosa delivers in spades. Their Steak Tartare, served with egg yolk and crispy toast, is a firm favourite. The bold flavours and delicate textures make this a standout choice, perfect for those seeking something a bit adventurous but utterly rewarding.
Gastroranking OpenTable.
2. Teach Dolmain
If it’s traditional Irish fare you’re after, the Slow-Cooked Beef and Guinness Stew at Teach Dolmain is an absolute must. Tender beef, rich gravy, and a side of creamy mash or crusty bread make it the ultimate comfort dish—ideal for warming the cockles on a cold day
OpenTable.
3. Lennons @ VISUAL
Lennons is the spot for fresh, seasonal delights. Their Pan-Fried Hake, served with herbed baby potatoes and a lemon caper sauce, showcases their commitment to locally sourced, high-quality ingredients. Light, zesty, and satisfying, it’s a dish that makes a statement without being over the top
Gastroranking OpenTable.
Each of these dishes tells its own story, and together, they paint a picture of Carlow’s vibrant food scene. So, pull up a chair, tuck in, and let these culinary gems work their magic.
Sláinte!
Alanna's comments:
I checked out the menus available for these restaurants, and the steak tartare is not an available dish at Mimosa Bar de Tapas. Lennons does not serve Pan Fried Hake, as it may be an old dish, or out of season. Teach Dolmain does not have Slow-Cooked Beef and Guinness Stew as a staple main course. Is ChatGPT ‘hallucinating’?
3rd prompt:
Can you provide for me a link to a review that mentions the dish "Slow-Cooked Beef and Guinness Stew" that was served at Teach Dolmain.
OpenAI's ChatGPT third response:
I wasn’t able to find a direct link to a review specifically mentioning the "Slow-Cooked Beef and Guinness Stew" from Teach Dolmain due to technical issues with accessing some sources. However, reviews frequently praise their hearty Irish dishes, including stews, on platforms like TripAdvisor and Restaurant Guru. You may find detailed mentions there by browsing through customer comments.
Would you like me to try searching further or assist in another way?
Alana's comments:
So, there is a limitation when it comes to the information it processes and produces. It admitted to potentially making up the dish. Therefore, I will need to check out a current menu at these restaurants and mention exact dishes in the prompt.
4th prompt: Can you re-write the blog post previously presented, and this time use these dishes instead: for Mimosa Bar de Tapas use "Churrasco Beef Bavett", for Teach Dolmain use the dish "Pan Fried Haddock", and for Lennon's use "Pan-fried Cod".
OpenAI's ChatGPT fourth response:
A Culinary Tour of Carlow Town: Top Three Picks and Must-Try Dishes
Carlow’s food scene might be small, but it’s mighty, offering a delightful range of flavours for those looking for a memorable meal. Here’s a guide to three standout restaurants and the dishes that make them shine.
1. Mimosa Bar de Tapas
Step into Mimosa and find yourself whisked to the Mediterranean with a creative Irish twist. Their Churrasco Beef Bavette is the star of the show—succulent, marinated beef cooked to perfection and served with chimichurri for a burst of fresh, zesty flavour. It’s the kind of dish that keeps regulars coming back for more
Gastroranking OpenTable.
2. Teach Dolmain
A classic Irish pub with a modern edge, Teach Dolmain is known for hearty portions and fresh ingredients. Their Pan-Fried Haddock is a revelation: flaky fish with a golden, crispy crust, served with a side of buttered vegetables and creamy mashed potatoes. It’s a wholesome, comforting dish that showcases the best of local produce
OpenTable.
3. Lennons @ VISUAL
Housed within the VISUAL arts centre, Lennons combines style and substance. Their Pan-Fried Cod, paired with seasonal vegetables and a delicate white wine sauce, is a testament to their focus on simplicity done well. Fresh, flavourful, and beautifully plated, it’s a dish that feels like a celebration of the sea
Gastroranking OpenTable.
These three gems offer not just meals but experiences. Whether you’re sharing tapas with friends, tucking into traditional Irish comfort food, or indulging in fine dining with a local flair, Carlow delivers.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab a fork, and dive in. Sláinte!
Alana's comments: Finally, this blog post after being cross-examined is now suitable for publication!
A Culinary Tour of Carlow Town: Top Three Picks and Must-Try Dishes!
Published 22nd November 2024 by Joe Bloggs
Carlow’s food scene might be small, but it’s mighty, offering a delightful range of flavours for those looking for a memorable meal. Here’s a guide to three standout restaurants and the dishes that make them shine.
1. Mimosa Bar de Tapas
Step into Mimosa and find yourself whisked to the Mediterranean with a creative Irish twist. Their Churrasco Beef Bavette is the star of the show—succulent, marinated beef cooked to perfection and served with chimichurri for a burst of fresh, zesty flavour. It’s the kind of dish that keeps regulars coming back for more.
2. Teach Dolmain
A classic Irish pub with a modern edge, Teach Dolmain is known for hearty portions and fresh ingredients. Their Pan-Fried Haddock is a revelation: flaky fish with a golden, crispy crust, served with a side of buttered vegetables and creamy mashed potatoes. It’s a wholesome, comforting dish that showcases the best of local produce.
3. Lennons @ VISUAL
Housed within the VISUAL arts centre, Lennons combines style and substance. Their Pan-Fried Cod, paired with seasonal vegetables and a delicate white wine sauce, is a testament to their focus on simplicity done well. Fresh, flavourful, and beautifully plated, it’s a dish that feels like a celebration of the sea.
These three gems offer not just meals but experiences. Whether you’re sharing tapas with friends, tucking into traditional Irish comfort food, or indulging in fine dining with a local flair, Carlow delivers. So, what are you waiting for? Grab a fork, and dive in.
Sláinte!
This blog post was created with the assistance of AI, specifically using OpenAI's ChatGPT. It was used to choose the most popular restaurants against popular review sites such as Gastroranking and Open Table. It was also used to plan the structure of the blog post, establish a tone, and for its flow of language. All content cross-examined and verified by a human (Alana).
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