Irish food produce is renowned the world over, with Irish food suppliers selling products that rival the best of the best. From grass-fed beef to an array of farmhouse cheeses, there is no shortage of delicious Irish products to enjoy either at home or while dining out. Here are some of the best ways to experience these delicacies …
What: Flaggy Shore Dainties with Scotch Bonnet Mignonette
Where: Hawksmoor, Dublin 2
Originating from three small bays in coastal Co Clare, Flaggy Shore oysters are influenced by the rugged landscape of The Burren which allows rainfall to trickle down through the rocks, creating underground channels of freshwater in the bay. These channels usher the nutrients of the Burren’s landscape into the bay and the oysters, giving them their unique flavour. Flaggy Shore Dainties are harvested earlier, making them smaller oysters with lots of flavour. At Hawkmoor, they are paired with a delicious, fiery Scotch bonnet mignonette and during September, you can enjoy these flavour bombs for just €2 each during oyster happy hour (Monday to Friday from 5pm-6pm) with a selection of paired cocktails and drinks for €10 or less. www.hawksmoor.ie, www.flaggyshoreoysters.ie.
What: Toonsbridge Fior de Latte
Where: On the Vodka Slice at Bambino, Dublin 2
While many of us still mourn the passing of the Toonsbridge shop on Dublin’s George’s Street, the good news is that Toonsbridge’s excellent cheeses are widely available, with a shop in The English Market, and in Dublin, the Serpentine Avenue store is still thriving to meet all your cheesy, olive needs. If however, you fancy getting your Fior de Latte fix on a delicious slice of pizza, Bambino is the destination for you, with locations on Stephen’s Street and Merrion Street in Dublin 2. Cheesemakers since 2011, Toonsbridge Dairy specialises in Southern Mediterranean-style cheeses, particularly stretched curd cheeses known as pasta filata. Best known for its Mozzarella, the dairy also produces a range of cheeses including Caciocavallo, Ricotta, Smoked Scamorza, Halloumi, Burrata and more. www.bambino.ie, www.toonsbridgedairy.com.
What: Abernethy Butter
Where: Library Street, Dublin 2
What can we say about Irish butter that hasn’t been said before? Of course, there is the excellent, world-famous Kerrygold but honestly, even supermarket own brands would put the butter you get abroad to shame. However, Abernethy butter might just be the literal crème de la crème of Irish butter and Library Street is as perfect a place as any to slather it on delicious bread – or indeed anything. Handmade using traditional methods, Will and Alison Abernethy founded the brand in 2005 and on retiring earlier this year, the brand was acquired by Peter Hannan of Hannan Meats who will no doubt continue to churn out one of Ireland’s best butters. In the words of Nigella Lawson, “Abernethy Butter’s Black Garlic Butter may be the best thing I have ever eaten, or will ever eat”. High praise indeed and while I heartily agree with Nigella, the plain salted butter is my one true love. Buy online, in stores or enjoy in the delicious surroundings of the excellent Library Street, where “everything is meant to be shared” – except this butter. www.abernethybutter.com, www.librarystreet.ie.
What: Ladysbridge Potatoes
Where: At Farmgate Café, The English Market, Cork
I think we can all agree that Irish potatoes are in a class of their own but the steamed Ladysbridge potatoes served at Farmgate Café in The English Market are truly spectacular. Perfectly formed “balls of flour”, I would guess they are Queens and a recent purchase of West Cork Queens (at a petrol station just outside Glengarriff no less) were reminiscent of the Farmgate dish. The Ladysbridge potatoes are served with the Irish lamb stew and the Tripe dish, but do yourself a favour and order them with anything. These are potatoes that taste like potatoes used to taste. Just add butter. And lots of it. www.farmgatecork.ie
What: Crowe’s Bacon (served with the devilled lamb kidneys)
Where: FX Buckley, Dublin 2
It won’t be for everyone, but the Devilled Lamb Kidneys at FX Buckley is a dish worth travelling for and the addition of Crowe’s Farm Bacon elevates it from fantastic to fabulous – that is, if you are partial to liver. An independent, family-run business, Crowe’s Farm has been hand-rearing, outdoor-reared Landrace pigs since 1981 and the care that goes into the journey is evident. Located in Co Tipperary, the family farm uses traditional farming methods, and slow-reared animals with outdoor access result in a happier animal. The devilled lamb kidney dish showcases Crowe’s Farm bacon in a traditional and equally moreish way. Crowe’s Farm sells a range of porky products on its website from roasts to breakfast meats, with delivery nationwide. www.thebuckleycollection.ie, www.crowefarm.ie