We're weeks away yet from the big day, but already we've had to open our belts out a few notches. As well as the mountains of Christmas sandwiches we've chronicled and covered so far across the city, there's puds and pies, burgers and slices, sweets and treats aplenty for your seasonal delectation. Here's the festive fare that's got us excited lately...
Mince pies, Fable Bakery
We’re glad someone out there takes mince pies as seriously as we do. Fable's fantastically fun behind-the-scenes video peels back the curtain on the Mince Pie Manifesto and months of flavour that kicked off all the way back in October - now that’s dedication. You can get them solo or in boxes of six over the next few weeks, and you'll be wanting more than one visit for these.
Tiramisu choux, Sorn Bakehouse
Newcomer home bakery Sorn missed a trick not following Allta’s lead and calling this a tiramichoux, but a quick read through this description has us feeling forgiving. The cracked crust of cardamom craquelin looks just as good as it sounds, while we can only imagine the flavour bomb of mascarpone mousse and white chocolate ganache. They can be ordered in boxes of 8 for delivery or collection.
Christmas pudding, Scéal
Fear not: you needn’t trek all the way out to Greystones to get your mitts on what must go down as the most tempting Christmas pud we’ve seen so far this season. Scéal are selling their family recipe-based dessert centrepiece out of Drury Street’s Irish Design Shop right through to the big day. Treacle texture and a healthy measure of Guinness are more than enough to have us running right over.
Quince pies, Elliot’s
Mince pie connoisseurs have long held up Elliot’s as one of the best in the city for their delicious quince-studded specimens; this year they’ve gone all in and just called them quince pies. Clementine marmalade is an extra touch of December decadence, and once you’ve tried an oat and brown butter crumble topping you’ll never look back.
Christmas alfies, Bakeology
Meath Street bakery Bakeology does a great trade in Argentinian delicacy alfajores year-round, but rarely are as prettily presented as this. These dulce de leche-filled cookie sandwiches have been fashioned into festive shapes and covered in coloured icing, and they’re available by the box for collection on Sundays – there’s a gift we wouldn’t mind getting.
Mince pie bagels, FatBaby Bakes
It’s invention aplenty this festive season but not much out there is as enticingly original as the latest special from FatBaby Bakes. Christmas bagels - things you never knew you needed. They’ve also got a cranberry and walnut variety newly added to the menu. Orders are taken twice a week for collections in Ringsend on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Christmas pizza, Coke Lane
We have to wonder what the Italians would make of this one – or the Christmas traditionalists for that matter. Whatever the purists might say, we’re all aboard for trying the combo of confit duck and brussels sprouts in any form, not least a pizza. Coke Lane have the combo, together with mozzarella and pomegranate to cut through it all, available in both branches.
Christmas Clucker, Cluck Chicken
‘Tis the season to be giving, and this one’s giving a LOT, in calories as much as charity. Cluck have brought back their seasonal special and this time out they’re donating €5 from every sale to homeless charities. Mulled wine glaze and a pulled ham and cheese croquette had us sold on this one already, but with a cause that good we’d better go ahead and get two.
Mince pies, No Messin’
It’s good news for us all that No Messin’ are making more than ever of their in-demand mince pies, though we’re going to guess that won’t prevent some still being disappointed this year – these always fly out the door. It’s not for nothing they’re so popular: from the perfect provenance of each and every ingredient to the classic crisp puff pastry crust, these are as good as it gets.
Christmas slice, Mani
Mani were too busy finding their feet after an early December opening last year to get in on the seasonal special games, but that’s a market they’ve easily elbowed into since. Their first Christmas slice is a showstopper, with house sausage and roast sprouts playing off a Hegarty’s bechamel and guanciale and herb stuffing for a helluva festive feast.
Mince pies, Honey Truffle
Given the standard out there and no shortage of choice, it takes something special to turn our heads where the humble mince pie is concerned. Caramelised whiskey bites are that something special in the case of Honey Truffle. We reckon they also take the prize this year for the prettiest ones around town.
