There is a definite hint of spring in the air and as we edge closer and closer to longer days and warmer weather, there is a feeling of optimism that comes with bluer skies and colder drinks. Pretty soon, barbecues up and down the country will be dusted off and hauled out of sheds, but in the meantime, the selection of foods available at home is only improving on a weekly basis. Let’s hope it remains this way, even when we return to ‘normal’. Here are five recently renewed food options to enjoy at home this week.

Éan Bakery and Wine Bar

Little sister of Galway’s Loam Restaurant, Éan Bakery and Wine Bar has reopened for delicious takeaway meal boxes and treats including their Éan at Home dinner box. Menus will change every two weeks with orders opening Mondays at 12pm via the Éan website. Dinner boxes cost €75 (€90 with wine) and are easy to prepare and serve at home. Expect seasonal favourites such as Jersey curds, organic salad, blood orange or for mains, confit duck Leg, miso duck sauce. Éan at Home is available to collect on Friday and Saturday from 4pm – 6pm while Éan Bakery is open for takeaway Thursday – Sunday, 10am – 4pm. www.eangalway.ie

Fire and Sole

Without doubt, Fire and Sole were two of Dublin’s busiest restaurants BC (Before Covid-19) and it is safe to say they have been sorely missed by their dedicated clientele. We are quite sure there will be plenty of happy customers to hear that both Fire and Sole have recently launched an ‘at home’ dining service with all the Fire and Sole favourites available to enjoy around your very own dining table every Friday and Saturday. Coquille St. Jacques, spiced lamb skewers with miso and mirin and sharing seafood chowder are just some of the dishes available for collection or delivery (Dublin only) and a three course meal for two is priced at €75. www.firesteakhouse.ie

Cask, Cork

The multi-award winning Cask Bar in Cork is going the extra mile to make staying at home more pleasurable with the recent launch of its Cask in a Box, tapas at home. Short rib beef chimichanga nestles alongside monkfish croquettes and that tapas classic, patatas bravas in the meat eater’s box, while the veggie option has Toonsbridge halloumi croquettes and aubergine bravas among other drool worthy dishes. Of course cocktails are available to add on priced from €14 for two. Cask in a box is available on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Sorrel margarita anyone? www.caskcork.com

Allta Bakery

First there was Allta Wine Bar, then came the Allta Box and now we have been gifted Allta Bakery. Every Saturday from 10am (until sold out) the team at Allta Wine Bar will be opening up shop with a selection of dreamy pastries from Plúr Bakery, an impressive array of breads, various sweet treats and the condiment of the moment, shiitake miso butter. There will also be fresh pasta available to procure, but let’s be honest, it’s all about the crème brûlée donut. Bring your headphones, the queues are long but worth every minute and let’s face it, lockdown. www.allta.ie

Grano, Stoneybatter

Just a stone’s throw from Dublin city centre, Grano has reopened ‘Grano a Casa’ for those missing their authentic Italian fix. Handmade pasta in all shapes and sizes are available to order along with an array of Grano pasta sauces, tiramisu and nibbles. The Sicilian trapanese pesto is heavenly as is the perfectly piquant nduja. Grano is open for click and collect on Friday and Saturdays from 1pm – 6.30pm, which means that in the time it takes to boil a kettle and uncork some wine, you could be sitting down to an authentic Italian feast at home. www.grano.ie