Gypsy Rose BluCaffe

Where? BluCaffe, Aston Quay, Dublin 2

Ordered? Pulled Pork Sandwich on Home-made Bread

  There are so many charming features to this humble cafe, its hard to know where to start. A popular spot with Dublin's rock'n'rolling crowd, young and old, it also serves as a tattoo parlour with access to the Gypsy Rose Rock and Blues Bar nextdoor. With a fully covered seating and smoking area, it's a nice spot to sip on a coffee or specialty tea, of which they have plenty, and do a spot of people-watching. If you'd rather sit inside at the counter, the atmosphere is maintained with a steady stream of classic and modern rock songs on the stereo.

  They feature a small menu of pulled pork sandwiches that speak for themselves, the pork itself can be seen cooking behind the coffee station and is well worth the wait as it is slow-cooked. Order a sandwich and a coffee, and wait for your order with a spot of pool or peek in at their resident artist working away through the see-through wall into the tattoo studio. 

  If pool is not your thing, look for the bookshelf featuring books brought by guests, as they have a "take a book, leave a book" policy. On my last visit there were mixes of rock autobiographies, a book on celebrity inventions; even a few Stephanie Meyers and a copy of Fifty Shades of Grey! I might have been tempted to take it, but I didn't have a book with me to leave, no shame!

  The food is tasty with home-made ciabatta bread and sides like apple and cinnamon sauce and roasted aubergines, definitely a treat to warm anyone up on a rainy day. 

  I've been a patron of the Gypsy Rose since it was opened four years ago for many reasons, and the BluCaffe is another reason I'm proud to call myself a regular. Check it out, especially if you're a classic rock and metal fan, and tell me I'm wrong, I dare ya!

BluCaffe

Bison Bar

Where? Bison Bar, 11 Wellington Quay, Dublin 2
Ordered? Pulled pork with sides of Coleslaw and Fries

  Its always a toss up between Bison Bar and Pitt Bro's when I'm in the mood for BBQ pork, and neither disappoints. While the Pitt Bro's option is a little easier on the wallet, I've always favoured the Bison Bar as the portions are a little larger and the meats just a little juicier, As well as the decorated outdoor seating and smoking area, and whiskey-adorned cocktail menu, Bison Bar wins it for me. The whole place has an air of being transported back to the American Mid-West circa the cowboy era.
  I had the pulled pork today with coleslaw and fries, which came with a tasty spicy mayo dip. The whole lot was savoured and the plate left clean. The dishes are quite expensive but the food is cooked well, the staff are lovely and the place itself has a really unique charm, including saddles instead of stools, a smoking area that can be accessed by climbing through a large window, and a massive colourful mural of an American bison.
  Not my first visit to this meat joint (pun intended), they also offer a superb collection of whisk(e)ys, including tasting platters that I recommend any whiskey enthusiast travelling through Dublin try.

  All in all, its a pleasant place to relax and enjoy some succulent meats, and maybe go for a cheaky Bourbon if the mood strikes!

Bison Bar

Big Grill BBQ and Craft Beer Festival

Where: Herbert Park, Ballsbridge, D4
When: 15-17 August 2014

We are very lucky as Dubliners to be hosts to such great City festivals throughout the year, and the Big Grill BBQ Festival that took place over the weekend is a welcome new addition. Set in the lush surroundings of Herbert Park, the festival took place over three days and featured two Craft Beer bars, a fantastic selection of Food Stalls for meat-eaters and veggies alike, and a stage blasting out tunes and holding various eating challenges and competitions. There was so much to see and do (and eat!), I have no doubt that the return of the event year after year would be more than welcome.
  I managed to make it on the Sunday, and as far as I heard, it was the right day to go as Saturday was completely sold out, and there was just the right amount of people that it wasn't too crowded and the queues for food and drink were manageable. As a lover of all things BBQ, I was like a child in a sweet shop when we arrived. With stalls set up by restaurants such as Pitt Bros, Asador, Kinara Kitchen and Just Wing It, I really didn't know were to start. There were demonstrations and tutorials going on and food of just about every meat variety that one could dream of.
  By the end of the day I had managed two hot dogs (one of which was a really tasty lamb and rosemary blend by Paddy's Irish BBQ), a portion of buffalo boneless wings by Just Wing It, some pulled pork by Donnybrook Fair, and more pulled pork from the hog roast at the end of the evening. The pig had been smoking for about 30 hours, and a crowd gathered to try to get a taste of the melt-in-your-mouth meat. As the butchers carved it up and platters were passed around, there were a few moments where I felt like I was in a zombie movie. Hands reached forward in waves to grab chunks of the meat, all lunging forward for a sample. As a shortie, I had to fight my way to the front to get a sample. Nothing was going to get between me and that big tasty pig!
  Between stuffing myself with delectable meats and sampling some fine Pilsners and lagers, I felt like lead when it came time to leave (reluctantly!) I have to say, we made the most of the day and I was glad I paced myself with the food, as I got to enjoy so much and discovered a few new places that I'd be interested in visiting in the future (Just Wing It, look out!).

Overall, the event was executed brilliantly and I'll be even more prepared next year, my mouth is watering already!



Big Grill BBQ Facebook Photos

BBQ Anyone??

What? The Big Grill BBQ and Craft Beer Festival

When? 15th-17th of August

Where? Herbert Park, Ballsbridge

  For anyone who is into their BBQ'd meats, this is a must. I, for one, cannot wait! Some of my favourite spots around Dublin already include the likes of Pitt Bro's and Bison Bar, especailly good for a hangover-busting meat-feast, and nothing gets my taste buds watering like succulent juicy pork, in any shape! I'm also curious to see what Asador have got to offer, after hearing a lot of tasty things about them. As long as the Sunday stays dry, and the meat is plentiful, I'll be a happy camper indeed. 

  

Grab your tickets HERE while stocks last!