To Brunch: Vinyl Brunch at the Cookbook Café
We’re hearing great things about brunch at Audrey McDonald’s Cookbook Café, which recently celebrated its first birthday. The weekend menu at the Glasthule establishment features cold-pressed juices, freshly baked scones and a terrific signature breakfast with free-range eggs. Pancake stacks are cooked to order and there’s an appetising chunky avocado dish served with homemade sourdough for those who fancy something unusual. The Sunday morning Vinyl Brunch has an especially laid back vibe, with food available from 10am and tunes at 11am courtesy of Tom Dunne and gal about town Anne McCoy. www.cookbookcafe.ie
To Takeaway: Piply
Those who love a good takeaway but often worry about the consequences can take comfort in the arrival of Piply, a healthy new delivery service which has launched initially in the Rathmines and Ranelagh area. The brainchild of the folks behind popular Capel Street haunt Brother Hubbard, Piply promises healthy dinner delivered on demand to your door. Expect a world of lean meats, nutritious grains, seeds and pulses, complemented by a fine range of desserts including raw banana cookies and turmeric almond milk. At time of writing the service was just launching and we look forward to following developments on Twitter @piplyIE
To Treat: BubbleClaws at the Marker
The Marker Hotel has outdone itself this summer with a particularly tasteful offering involving the marriage of French vines and Irish seafood. Designed by Chef Gareth Mullins “BubbleClaws” features flame grilled blue lobster sourced from Mayo’s coastal waters by local fisherman Stephen McHale. The aptly named dish is paired with a bottle of Ayala champagne and comes served with summer truffle and parmesan fries, refreshing heirloom tomato salad and black pepper crème fraîche. Deliciously sweet, it can be enjoyed in the Brasserie at the Marker until Saturday 27th August. www.themarker.ie
To Nominate: Irish Whiskey Awards
As Irish spirits continue to go from strength to strength, the organisers of this year’s Irish Whiskey Awards are currently seeking nominees for the highly prized accolade of Irish Whiskey of the Year. In anticipation of the cask ahead, judges from the Celtic Whiskey Club and Irish Whiskey Society have set aside three days for tasting, and the results of their carefully considered deliberations will be announced at the awards ceremony in Tullamore this autumn. Other categories include Irish Poitín, Liqueur, Gin and Vodka. Nominations close on Thursday 11th August. www.irishwhiskeyawards.com
To Caffeinate: Two Boys Brew
We’re detecting a lot of love for Two Boys Brew, a new coffee and food space that opened its doors in Phibsborough last month. Inspired by the specialty coffee cultures of London, Berlin and Melbourne, the newcomer is proving a big hit with Dublin 7’s early morning commuters and diners. In addition to their great quality coffee, Two Boys Brew also offers a good selection of colourful soups, sandwiches and salads. We love the sound of the ham hock and cheese sandwich with fig and apple chutney, available to eat in and take away. @TwoBoysBrew
Words: Martina Murray
