French Foodie in Dublin: My foodie week in pictures

I've had some nice food related moments over the last few days and instead of writing a post for each food experience I decided to gather a few pictures of the highlights. If you follow me on Instagram or Facebook you'll probably be familiar with some of the following pictures, if not I hope you enjoy.

• Arnotts Department Stores window display for Cook Month

I was passing by Arnotts and saw the beautiful window display for Clodagh's Bakery by Clodagh Mc Kenna, I couldn't resist and I had to take some pictures. In the department store you can find Clodagh's food court and  Clodagh's Bakery on level 1 and Clodagh's restaurant on level 2. I visited the food court a few times and I like the salads which are tasty and good value. It's Cook Month in Arnotts so there are cookery demonstrations in their Henry street window display, you can see the schedule here. There's also a giveaway for €2000 worth of Bosch kitchen appliances.
Arnotts, 12 Henry Street, Dublin 1, www.arnotts.ie/

• My favourite scone ever at Avoca Suffolk Street

I blogged about Avoca before but oh sweet baby jesus, look at the pic! I think they make the best scones I've ever tasted, seriously good and gigantic. I met with blogger Yolene from Crème de Citron and during our foodie talks I enjoyed this gorgeous sundried tomato scone with cream cheese and chives served with some relish. I cannot recommend it strong enough!
Avoca, 11-13 Suffolk Street, Dublin 2, www.avoca.ie

• Langues de Chat de Lu bought at Fallon and Byrne

Mr. FFID brought me back to French memory lane when he surprised me with some 'langues de chat' (cat tongues) he found in Fallon and Byrne. These delicious biscuits are perfect with a cup of tea. They're actually easy to make but oh la la the brand LU is part of my childhood. As Mr. FFID said 'Bein dis donc, they're addictive".
Fallon and Byrne, 11-17 Exchequer Street, Dublin, www.fallonandbyrne.com

• Donal Skehan filming Kitchen Hero in Dublin

Last Sunday the weather was amazing at the Dublin Docklands Summer festival. I felt like I was in Barcelona with the people wearing sunglasses and flip flops: the Irish capital looked stunning! There was a great atmosphere, food stalls and also we happened to see Donal Skehan. He was cooking  pad Thai for his cooking show Kitchen Hero. He 's traveling all over Ireland with a very cool Citroen H van and his fantastic vintage props. It was great to watch him cooking live.

• My visit to the Glenisk pop store on Dawson street

A great place to visit at the moment in Dublin city centre if you like (who doesn't?) Glenish organic Irish yogurt. You can buy their products on site or treat yourself to a nice salad or sweet treat made with the yogurt. I went last Sunday and wrote an article about it, have a little read here if you wish. You'd never imagine you could make so many things using yogurt!
Glenisk pop up, corner of Dawson Street and Duke Street, Dublin, www.glenisk.com

• A not so foodie moment: I made a mug cookie and I liked it

A few days ago I wanted to eat something sweet and unhealthy but I had nothing much in my pantry/fridge and was too lazy to go down to the shop. I had the leftovers of Lindt Easter Bunny and for some reason thought I could make a mugcake (I've never made one). I ended up on this French recipe for a mug cookie. All you need to do is mix 1 tbs of melted butter, 1 tbs caster sugar, 1 tbs brown sugar, 1 egg yolk, 3 tbs flour, 2 tbs chocolate chips and microwave for 1 minute. I used some of my chopped Easter bunny, oh dear and it was yummy. Please don't judge me, no foodie is perfect.

• Lamb Couscous by my friend Cedric

Last but not least, my Parisian friend Cedric who loves cooking and baking had us for dinner last weekend. As he was away for my birthday celebration a few weeks ago he wanted to cook for me as a gift. He made us a Lamb couscous which was absolutely delicious, with lovely spices brought from Morocco by his mammy. For dessert he made a lovely lemon baked cheesecake. Merci Cedric!

Et voila, that's it for now! As you can see, as usual I ate my way around Dublin!

What about you? Any foodie events you attended recently or even something delicious you had?

Glenisk Upfront and Personal pop up store, Dawson Street, Dublin 2

 

On a Sunday afternoon filled with sunshine we decided to pay a visit to the Glenisk pop up store located at the corner of Dawson Street and Duke Street.
 
At home I often eat Glenisk organic yogurt with oats, honey and dried fruits for breakfast and lately I've been enjoying it as a healthy dessert mixed with passion fruit. I also use it with savoury recipes from Jerusalem by Ottolenghi which often require the use of Greek style natural yogurt.
 
Glenisk Upfront and Personal pop up store has been open for the last few weeks and will remain 8 more weeks giving the opportunity to Dubliners to taste some savoury and sweet treats made with this organic Irish yogurt brand.
 

Savoury treats are only €3.50 and feature Irish products like Goatsbridge trout caviar or Burren Smokehouse smoked salmon. A few options are available such as Greek salad, Smoked Irish Rainbow trout with chilli, horseradish, lemon and parsley and more. They're all served with some Rosemary & Olive Oil Crostini made by Paris Bakery especially for Glenisk.
 
You can also get sweet treats made with Organic greek style yogurt for €3: dark chocolate and orange with honey, pistachios and mint, pear with ginger and toasted almonds, banana with milk chocolate and caramel, etc... Smoothies (€3.50) and cheesecakes (€3) are also on sale.

Glenisk’s range of organic yogurt, fresh milk, fresh cream and crème fraiche are available in the store, along with the brand’s goats milk and goats yogurt.

The shop is bright and spacious, you can sit there while waiting for your food to be prepared and there is a tasting stand just outside.
 
I ordered the Smoked Irish Salmon and Mr. FFID got the Mexican salad. Stephen's Green is only a few steps away from the pop up shop so we thought we'd enjoy this summery lunch sitting on the grass. With the gorgeous sunshine, both dishes were just perfect for us: fresh, light and healthy, they went down a treat.

Mr. FFID has been claiming not to like yogurt for years and he's now converted. Having picked up the different recipe cards from the counter of the pop up store, he even suggested we recreate them at home. I can't believe it!

 

So hurry up and visit the shop as it's only here for the next few weeks. It's Irish made, healthy and you'll get some inspiration from all their flavour combinations and recipes made with Glenisk organic yogurt.

To find out more information, visit www.glenisk.com

 

Disclaimer: I was given a complimentary voucher for the Glenisk pop up by Sound PR. I gave no undertaking to write a review and the words above are, as always, my honest opinion. 

KAI Cafe + Restaurant, Sea Road, Galway, co. Galway

 

Red and white gingham napkins on the table, light bulbs trapped in jam jars, stone walls and floors, vintage bits and pieces scattered around the dining room: Kai has the rustic boho décor that I absolutely adore. 

 

A friendly lady led us to our table where some breads and salted butter were already on the table for us to nibble. Menus are changed on a daily basis depending on what they have in stock from the local food suppliers. The dishes sounded inventive and different from the norm, like the Bresaola with mandarine and manchego cheese or the the sunchoke, wild garlic, pea casserole and 5 mile town dolmas. We agreed from the start not to order any of the same dishes, that way we could taste more from this delicious sounding menu.

I started my meal with the West Coat crab, chilli and avocado: this was a perfect Irish summer dish. Colourful and appetising, the crab starter was light and aromatic with lovely bursts of citrus and coriander.  Mr. FFID ordered Ronan's hen plate.  The terrine was topped with a fried quail egg, the chicken liver pate had almonds and crushed pistachios scattered on the plate, it looked delicious and tasted divine. Some candied beetroot, carrots and radishes beautifully arranged on both dishes made them colourful, pleasing to the eye and nicely added some crunchiness in contrast to the soft textures.

To follow, Mr FFID chose the lamb rack. The meat was perfectly cooked medium rare and was accompanied by zough, a spicy mix herbs, chili and seasonings that marries greatly with lamb and a beautiful panzanella  included some generous crusty croutons. Your truly had Brady's strip loin with rocket leaves and seaweed butter: it didn't disappoint. My massive piece of meat was tender, juicy and cooked to perfection. I never get excited over potatoes, I'm not Irish enough I'm afraid, but whatever was in the crushed/mashed potatoes in Kai was quality: creamy, buttery and melted in the mouth.

Finally,  I suggested to Monsieur that we order le fromage (Jess' cheeseboard) AND the tutti frutti sorbet to end this decadence of tasty food. In the middle of our cheesegasm we forgot to ask what the cheeses actually were but nevermind, they were eaten within a few minutes along with figs, fresh quince and quince paste, along with the best Irish cheesecrackers you can find, the ones from Sheridans Cheesemongers. To finish, the tutti frutti sorbet was just perfect to cleanse our palates with some sweet and sour flavours and a generous dash of prosecco for good measure. It was my birthday after all, nothing wrong with an alcoholic dessert, is there?

Food bursting with flavours and colours, quirky décor with lots of character and attentive friendly waiting staff made our evening in Kai just perfect. I was taking some pictures of the place  after we paid and just before we left, a very nice gentleman who served our table a few times during the evening, took time to speak to us. He told us about the chef Jessica Murphy who is from New Zealand,  informed us that 'Kai' meant food in Maori and that the portrait in the middle of the room is a picture of Jessica's grandmother. He didn't know I was a food blogger, I never tell people to be sure I don't get any special treatment. We were amazed by his kindness, enthusiasm and passion for the restaurant he was working for, I later realized he was David Murphy, co owner of Kai.

 

KAI café + restaurant
Sea Road,
Galway
Co. Galway
http://kaicaferestaurant.com/

(Afternoon tea) The G Hotel, Wellpark,Galway City, Galway

Last year for my birthday, Mr FFID surprised me with a fabulous stay and dinner at The G Hotel in Galway. I loved everything about this hotel: the amazing decor designed by Philip Treacy, the staff that made us feel welcome and also the fabulous food we had at Gigi's restaurant. While I was sitting in the pink salon at that time, I spotted some people having afternoon tea, I got a little envious you see, so I thought I'd try it next time I visited Galway.

I'm a very lucky lady since this year, for my 30th birthday, Mr. FFID decided to surprise me with an afternoon tea at the G hotel. Oui!

Amongst the 3 salons at the G, the pink one is my favourite and it made sense to sit there to experience 'The G Pink Afternoon tea'. 

The G Pink afternoon tea includes a selection of sweet treats, a variety of freshly baked scones, a selection of finger sandwiches, a choice of hot beverages and a glass of pink champagne (€37 for one and €59 for two people). The afternoon tea with all of the above minus the champagne is priced at €25.95 for one and €40.35 for two. Oh and I've seen that they do the cutest afternoon tea for the little ones which includes cupcakes and cheesecake, rocky road and homemade cookies, selection of sandwiches, hot chocolate or milkshake (€16.35 for one, €25.95 for two).

'Oh la la' I said, when the waitress brought the tray full of gorgeous treats to our table. Everything was beautifully presented and so colourful.

We started off with the selection of sandwiches, which included a chicken wrap, smoked salmon on brown bread and other delectable savoury treats.

We then enjoyed delicious scones with some butter, jam and cream. There was also a strawberry that Mr. FFID kindly left for me to eat because I was the queen of the day.

And then we reached sugar heaven, thanks to all the beautiful desserts from the upper tray: blueberry cheesecake topped with a strawberry, a mini doughnut ball, a rhubarb and gingerbread crumble and finally a salted caramel macaron with popcorn on top. Needless to say, my favourite was the exquisite macaron: I could have had 20 of them! The pink champagne perfectly accompanied this afternoon overindulgence, we only turn 30 once after all.

Whether you're a lad looking to impress your other half, a mammy wanting to spend some quality time with your daughter or a group of girlies celebrating a special occasion, the afternoon tea at the G is the perfect treat.

I left the G hotel on a little sugar high, with a smile from ear to ear, feeling grateful for having such a wonderful fiancé and humming a beautiful French song: 'La vie en Rose' (Life in Pink) by Edith Piaf. Pure bliss!

The G Hotel

Wellpark

Galway City

Co. Galway

http://www.theghotel.ie

Irish chefs feature at this year’s Westport Festival of Music & Food

The Westport Festival of Music & Food (29th & 30th June) has announced that some of Ireland’s top chefs will feature at this year’s festival in the Chef’s Kitchen based at the heart of the FOOD&WINE Magazine Village. 

The FOOD&WINE Magazine Village, hosted by Norah Casey, Bláthnaid Ní Chofaigh and Tony Fenton, will bring together some of Ireland’s finest celebrity and Michelin Star chefs and restaurateurs for a series of culinary demonstrations. The line-up includes Derry Clarke, Ross Lewis, Kevin Dundon, Oliver Dunne, Seamus Commons and Dylan McGrath, making the food element of this year’s festival bigger and better than before.

The culinary experts face a unique challenge as each chef has to come up with the perfect dish for one of their favourite musical inspirations; their chosen artist will decide on the day if it’s a hit or a miss! Whether you’re a budding cook or a cordon bleu culinary expert you are guaranteed to learn something from the masters in action. Some lucky diners will be invited to join the Chef’s Table where they can dine on the gourmet feasts prepared by the chefs. Michelin star chef & owner of L’Ecrivain, Derry Clarke said “There will be culinary demonstrations, challenges, discussions, tasting, and we will also have a Chef’s table, where people will be treated to a truly unique and exciting dining experience.”

The leading chefs will also team up with some of the most talented, up and coming commis chefs from catering colleges around the country including the Galway Mayo Institute of Technology. Cait Noone, Head of College for Tourism and Arts in Galway Mayo Institute of Technology said, “The Institute is delighted to support and participate in the Westport Music and Food Festival. The event will not only showcase the wonderful produce the West of Ireland has to offer but will also provide culinary students from the Department of Culinary Arts in GMIT with a platform to work alongside many of their gastronomy heroes. The event is a must for all food lovers who can watch Ireland's leading culinary professionals demonstrate excellence in their craft whilst also supporting the next generation of professional chefs.”

Norah Casey explains “We’re creating a little village dedicated to the ‘Best Food from the West’. An amazing array of food producers will be rocking up to produce the most exciting and vibrant foods this region has to offer.”



A diverse selection of 29 food producers will present the most exciting and vibrant foods to suit all appetites! From traditional Spanish Paella at Paddy Paella and award winning Thai and Vietnamese Cuisine at Favara to slow roasted pulled-pork at Most Wanted Foods and a selection of delicious chicken wings at The Wing Bar. For those looking to indulge their sweet tooth, Rainbow Delight will host a large selection of top quality nuts, fudge and baklava while Choc-Amore will offer fresh, seasonal fruit smothered in melted Belgium chocolate.

The Westport Festival of Music & Food also recently announced that ChildVision, the National Education Centre for Blind Children will be their official charity partner for 2013.  ChildVision will be at the Westport Festival of Music & Food in Westport House on Saturday, 29th and Sunday 30th June, to give music fans the chance to experience the buzz of the festival blindfolded, putting themselves in the shoes of someone who is visually impaired during the ‘ChildVision Blindfold Challenge’. This ‘Dine in the Dark’ experience allows Wesport’s top foodie haunts to come up with some unusual tastes to challenge festivalgoers.

Additional features at the festival will include a pop-up pub, a seated area and a wine bar.

Festival Tickets are on sale now from www.westportfestival.com 
Adult Day Ticket - €75.00
Adult Weekend Ticket - €130.00
Teen Day Ticket - €40.00 (13-17 years old)
Teen Weekend Ticket x €65.00 (13-17 year olds)
Children under 12 are free, once accompanied by a person 18yrs or older - Limit of 2 children per adult
 
Food vendors at Westport Festival of Music & Food

PADDY PAELLA                    
THE WING BAR
ECO BUS CAFE
CHOC-AMORE
MANGO CATERING
CREPES IN THE CITY
JUST PASTA
MOST WANTED FOODS
ALFRESCO STONE BAKED PIZZA
KERALA KITCHEN
THE COFFEE BOUTIQUE
FAVARA
RISOTTO2GO
CRANKY YANKEE CORN DOGS
MEAT CURE
CANARD SOUVAGE CONFECTIONERY
MIMI’S CREPES & WAFFLES
THE WILD HOG ROAST
RAINBOW DELIGHT
THE FLYING MACHINE CAFE
GOLDENHILL ICE-CREAM
GALWAY CATERING
PIEMINISTER
FIRE & FOOD RESTAURANTS
O’BRIENS EVENT CATERERS
RAMBLIN’ CRAFTS
K-CHIDO MEXICANO
SABA
DRIFTWOOD COFFEE CART

About the Westport Festival of Music & Food
The ‘Westport Festival of Music and Food’ is a two two-day, family-friendly Westport Festival which is taking place this year on the 29th and 30th of June in Westport House, one of Ireland’s most beautiful historic homes and parkland estates set amidst a stunning 400 acre site in the heart of Co. Mayo.  

Headlining acts at the festival will include Elvis Costello, Christy Moore and Imelda May with other confirmed acts including The Stunning, Alabama 3, Damien Dempsey, Ryan Sheridan, Delorentos and many more.   Also, for the first time ever, the festival will play host to The Roisin Dubh Stage – a homage to our favourite Irish artists; from electronic to bluegrass to rock, Westport Festival has provided a cross section of the enormous array of talent in the current vibrant Irish music scene. 

About ChildVision ChildVision, the National Education Centre of Blind Children, is the only educational facility in Ireland looking after the education and therapeutic needs of blind and partially sighted children throughout Ireland. www.childvision.ie

Saturday, 29th June Christy Moore with Declan Sinnott, Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club featuring Eliades Ochoa & Omara Portuondo, ABC, Blind Boys of Alabama, The Grand Parade, The Stunning, Alabama 3, Hayseed Dixie, Gavin James,  Julie Feeney, New Sunset Hotel, Le Galaxie, Daithi, Tieranniesaur, Funeral Suits, Sleep Thieves, Elaine Mai, In their Thousands, The Depravations, Stephen James Band. Bernard O’Shea, Karl Spain, Barry Murphy, Danny Dowling and Joe Rooney.
Sunday, 30th June Elvis Costello & The Imposters, Imelda May, Squeeze, Martha Wainright, LAPD (Donal Lunny, Andy Irvine, Liam O’Flynn & Paddy Glackin), Sharon Corr, I Draw Slow, Jack Lukeman presents Jack’s Duets with Special Guests, Damien Dempsey, The Clew Bay Pipe Band presents “Pipe-Versity”, Ryan Sheridan, The Riptide Movement, Cry Before Dawn, Hermitage Green, The Silver Seas, Delorentos, Squarehead, Kid Karate, Not Squares, Mojo Gogo, So Cow, Dott, Doghouse, Colin Murphy, Joe Rooney, Phil Jupitus, Barry Murphy and Danny Dowling.

(Lunch) KC Peaches, 28-29 Nassau Street, Dublin 2

KC Peaches cafe and wine cave is centrally located on Nassau Street close to the buzz of Grafton Street and Trinity College.

This self-service deli cafe serves breakfast until 11 am: breakfast paninis, weekday mini Irish, porridge, smoothies and more for around €5 to eat in or to take away. At the weekend you can treat yourself to a brunch of Eggs Florentine (€9.50), KC Pancakes (€8.50) or Moroccan eggs (€9.50) if you fancy, their brunch menu is diverse and attractive. The wine cafe opens at 5:30pm Tuesday-Saturday, opens on Fridays & Saturdays until late and hosts weekly events and live music. 

I visited the cafe last week for a quick lunch with my friend K who works nearby. We arrived after rush hour in this bright, spacious and modern cafe and I must say I really liked it.

The concept is simple: you decide if you want a small (€4.55), medium (€7.50) or large plate (€9.50) of hot food or salads (slightly cheaper). If you want to take your food away, take a box instead of a plate: as simple as that. It isn't your average self-service delicatessen; the food is fresh and healthy, plus you can put as much as you want on your plate. Bakes, salads, sides, soups... There'll always be something you like. When I was there I've witnessed a man with a 'mountain of food' on his plate and couldn't believe it.

If you feel like eating a sambo you can either make your own gourmet one or choose from their menu featuring the BLT, Club, San Diego, NY Flank steak and many more. For the small eaters, you can also make your own salad or be tempted by their Caesar, Greek, Spinach and Fig or anything your tastebuds might crave for.

Their window displays full of baked goods will surely open your sweet appetite and sure why not, the food is so affordable it's almost a crime not to buy a dessert. Muffins, breakfast pastries, scones, cookies, dessert breads: the selection is so huge it's difficult to make a choice!

KC Peaches has to be one of the most affordable places for lunch in Dublin city centre. I was seduced by their vast range of dishes made with whole foods: everything was colourful, nutritious and tasty. They don't use any additives, artificial ingredients or preservatives. It's nice to be able to put so much goodness on your plate for so little money and if you are looking for vegetarian, vegan or even gluten free dishes, it's a great place for you too. 

PS: There is another branch on Pearse Street which I'm yet to visit! 

KC Peaches

28-29 Nassau Street

Dublin 2

http://kcpeaches.com