Hang Dai Lunchbox
Playful interiors and a hat-tip to neo-noir classic Blade Runner have provided interesting talking points amongst Camden Street diners since Hang Dai Chinese first opened its doors late last year. The popular eatery has just launched a relaxed new canteen-style menu offering a lunchtime taste of Hong Kong. Menu options will be posted daily via Instagram, with Chinese lunchboxes available to grab-n-go or to eat in at their signature faux subway booths. Lunch, including a choice of noodles or rice, is available from 12pm to 2.30pm Tuesday – Friday. 20 Camden Street Lower, Dublin 2 Instagram.com/hangdaichinese
Poachers Well Premium Ginger Ale
Oisín Davis and the crew at Poachers have hit on what may well be one of the smartest ideas of the last few years, with the development of a unique range of 100% natural tonic waters made using as many Irish ingredients as possible. Poacher’s Premium Ginger Ale is the most recent addition to the fold and as with its predecessors, the mineral-rich water from which it’s made comes from a well located at Morriscastle in Wexford. The inclusion of pure African ginger extract results in a gentle spice and honey flavour, making for a nice accompaniment to some premium Irish whiskies. For more see Facebook@poacherswell
Eatyard
The lights are on again at innovative street market Eatyard, the brainchild of the creative foodies behind the Beatyard and Big Grill festivals. Located beside the Bernard Shaw, Bodytonic’s stimulating casual dining experience features an array of cooks and market traders, with the Eatyard Stage set to host a series of food related talks, demos and workshops throughout the year. The list of street vendors rotates every two to four weeks and those interested in setting out their stall are invited to shoot an email to info@theeatyard.com The vibrant venture opens Thursdays to Sundays from 12pm at 9-10 South Richmond Street, Dublin 2 www.the-eatyard.com
New Cottage Market for Dublin
As part of its ongoing bid to encourage local communities to build from the inside out, the evergreen Grow It Yourself initiative recently announced the establishment of Dublin’s first Cottage Market in Raheny. Reflecting the talents, skills and interests of local people, 80% of the homemade, homegrown and hand crafted food, art and craft on offer comes from primary producers, many of whom are displaying their wares for the first time. Featuring the work of growing, sewing and baking hobbyists, the Raheny Cottage Market is scheduled to run on the first Friday of every month. For further details see @GIYcottagemarket and www.cottagemarket.ie
Boyne Valley Food Trail
City-based foodies interested in culinary tourism are invited to check out the events taking place as part of this year’s Boyne Valley Food Series. Now in its fourth year, the Series brings together some of the region’s most passionate producers, chefs and farmers as part of a calendar of authentic, immersive food-led events. Showcasing the best the Boyne Valley has to offer, events this month include the Focus on Fish Festival at Bective Restaurant in Kells and the annual Apple Blossom Walk through the orchards at Boyne Grove Fruit Farm, the home of Dan Kelly’s Cider.
Facebook/boynevalleyfoodseries
Words: Martina Murray
