Dublin is well and truly in Christmas mode and you can barely move without touching a mince pie, or walk down Grafton Street for fear that Bono will start busking at you. Sure, it's December, but if you're just not ready for fruit cake, turkey sandwiches and tins of Quality Street, feel free to say “no-ho-ho” and substitute one of these completely non-Christmassy items instead...
1) Tinned Sardines From The Chew @ The Big Romance
Basically the anti-Christmas. Escape from December for five minutes in The Big Romance on Parnell Street, where Chew Food are serving these summer sardines with salad and warm sourdough. Sardines + Salad + Sourdough = Summer, and definitely not Santa season.
2) The Potato Risotto From Woodruff
Woodruff, the newist addition to Stepaside, describes itself as a neighbourhood restaurant serving modern Irish food, and this starter sounds like they’ve hit the brief. A risotto of purple potato from Ballymakenny Farm, pickled onion, and Hegarty’s cheddar looks like just what we want of a cold December evening.
3) The Chicken Spice Bag Dumplings From Double 8
We first paid a visit to Double 8 in Bray back in September and have been thinking about their homemade dumplings ever since. Now that they’re opening as a pop-up in Lock 6, Ranelagh, on December 13th, 20th, 21st and 22nd there’s limited opportunity to get down there and sample all the dumplings, so use this time wisely.
4) A Smoothie Bowl From Kale + Coco
Are you minding yourself? It's always a good idea to stop, take a breath, and ask yourself this question - especially in the height of winter when reserves can feel that bit lower and you're probably partying more than your body will thank you for. Take some time out and brighten up your day while stocking up on lots of lovely vitamins with a fruit-topped smoothie bowl from Kale + Coco in Stoneybatter.
5) Garlic Butter Crab Claws From The Seafood Café
Crab claws are always a winner in our book, but this version from The Seafood Café is served with a veritable waterfall of hot garlic butter. It’s the stuff of dreams, if you dream mainly about food and butter, like we do.
