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| Big Grill 2017, Herbert Park, Ballsbridge, Dublin |
I intend to pick up exactly where I left off 3 years ago. There's a lot that's happened since then and now, so lets briefly run-through some memorable culinary experiences over the last few years:
Salamanca, 1 Andrew Street, Dublin 2: Great selection of tapas, affordable early bird menu. €20 for three plates and a glass of wine. Recommended for groups or quick bites with the other half. They also offer pitchers of cocktails to share, bonus points!
Skinflint, 19 Crane Lane, Temple Bar, Dublin 2: Hidden just off Dame Street, this is an outside-the-box approach to rustic pizza, including, but not limited to, grapes as a topping (and it works, believe you me!). Try their hummous starter and be sure to have a peek around at the decor, you may find yourself dining on someone's front door creatively transformed into a unique dining slab. Pizza is made to share, so grab some friends and seek it out!
Wishbone, 16 Montague Street, Dublin 2: Self proclaimed wing masters, this is an approachable and intimate dive-bar type wing joint (get it, joint!?). The menu is small which always tells me that attention is paid to the few dishes on offer and this rings true in Wishbone. Head here for some soakage before hitting the surrounding bars and clubs.
The Generator, The Generator Hostel, Smithfield Square, Dublin 7: Anyone who has read my older posts knows that I've developed a healthy interest in burgers in all their dirty glory. The Generator burger is a back-to-roots homage to the quintessential meaty mouthful. Quality beef and signature sauce laid on secretly-sourced buns (the bakery supplies only the Generator) makes it a true treat to the taste buds. No frills, nothing fancy, just a great burger.
Token, 72-74 Queen's Street, Smithfield, Dublin 7: Gamer's paradise, this new arcade-style bar and restaurant offers anyone over the age of 18 (though I've heard this will change with time to allow families) the unique opportunity to drink and dine while being surrounded with arcade games and pinball machines. Tokens are available at the bar, and the menu features items like the Dogg's Bollox ("Latin-style corn dogs with homemade hot sauce...") and a Bag o Cans for the staff for a fiver. Its a fun spot that I recommend to any man-child and his missus looking for a hideout to meet like-minded people.
Wigwam, 54 Middle Abbey Street, Dublin 2: I've brought friends and family to Wigwam if only for the Skewered Chicken Hearts. Served with a minty salsa, these tasty little morsels might strike caution into the minds of some, but for those willing to try them you won't be disappointed. Other favourites include Creamy Brisket Croquettes and mini Churros. Head chef ,Pedro Ferraz, deserves many thanks for the menu, and is also the hero who brought us Spud Box, which any avid festival-goer will undoubtedly know and appreciate as a staple hangover cure!
I do hope to visit the above establishments again in the future and provide a more in-depth and mouth-watering notation of the goods on offer. For now, I'm just glad to be back and already making notes of where I'll be journeying to next! As always, please feel free to share your recommendations and your own experiences of the restaurants mentioned. I'm always open to criticism and tips on good eats!
Ciao for now!
XO
Mel
