Something for everyone …
Gourmet Food Parlour: Dublin, Meath & Galway
Gourmet Food Parlour has reunited with Keogh’s for a third year of its wildly popular Christmas Sambo, a festive riot of roast turkey, baked ham, stuffing, warm camembert and rocket, all packed into a toasted ciabatta slicked with vodka cranberry sauce and sage aioli, plus a side of Keogh’s Roast Turkey & Secret Stuffing crisps for good measure. There’s also a vegetarian version, swapping the meat for lightly grilled halloumi but keeping all the trimmings.
Carved: Grand Canal Dock & Ballsbridge, Dublin
A popular option every year, Carved’s Christmas special is a celestial combination of roast turkey, carved ham, sausage stuffing, brie, garlic aioli, pickled red cabbage and cranberry sauce with dipping gravy. Those in the know advise getting a portion of roast potatoes on the side, and maybe even extra gravy if you happen to be on team soggy spuds. No judgement.
Tír Deli, Dublin 2
The folk at Tír Deli go the extra mile when it comes to sandwiches, and this year’s Nollaig Special is no different. Featuring roast Feighcullen Farm turkey breast, smoked Salters free range ham, master stock gravy, Christmas tree mayo (made from pine foraged in the Dublin mountains), Irish cheddar and cranberry sauce on toasted ciabatta, this one is a work of art. If art was made to be devoured.
Little Geno’s, Dublin 2
With a strong sandwich game year round, it’s no surprise that Little Geno’s pulled out all the stops this year. Teaming up with Jameson (yes, of the whiskey fame), the Christmas sandwich features Jameson, orange and wholegrain mustard ham hock, roast turkey, cranberry sauce, sage and onion, and whipped brie on toasted sourdough. It’s a no brainer.
The Pepper Pot, Dublin 2
With roast free range turkey crown, maple glazed ham, chestnut stuffing and cranberry sauce crammed between two slices of freshly baked focaccia, this is sure to challenge even the most famous of The Pepper Pot sandwiches. Step aside pear and bacon, the Christmas sandwich is having a moment. Get it while it’s hot.
As One, Dublin 2
The As One Christmas sandwich is filled with glazed roasted ham, free range chicken, sausage stuffing, organic sprout and carrot slaw, cranberry ketchup and herb mayo. It’s served in a fresh baguette with dipping gravy on the side and looks good enough to eat. Twice.
And for those who don’t like sandwiches …
Iciar French Cheese Bar, Dublin 18
If you don’t fancy a festive sandwich, make your way to Whelehans Wines and stop by Iciar French Cheese Bar for the showstopping roasted Mont D’or. This winter wonder features a whole seasonal Mont D’or cheese, baked in the oven until oozing and dangerously hot, before adding coquillette pasta and lardons for the ultimate in mac ‘n’ cheese style comfort food. Baguette optional.