From a barbecue for the whole family, a taste of France in a new crêperie or a garden to plate menu – here are some food stops to explore this month …
Garden To Plate Menu: The Stables Café, Mount Congreve Gardens
The Stables Café at Mount Congreve has unveiled its new summer menu, featuring freshly harvested produce from the estate’s own kitchen gardens, all alongside the launch of the Stables Store. Set within the charming and historic grounds of the estate, The Stables Café welcomes newcomers and return customers to try its new refined menu, led by head chef Jean Baptiste Dubois in collaboration with Mount Congreve’s kitchen gardener. Expect freshly baked quiches, daily specials such as monkfish risotto and lots of lovely vegetarian options. After lunch and a walk around the gardens we recommend paying a visit to the newly launched Stables Store, a treasure trove of artisan products. www.mountcongreve.com
A Taste of Summer BBQ: Avoca Kilmacanogue | Saturday July 26
Head to Avoca Kilmacanogue on Saturday July 26 for a day-long event filled with activities, food and fun for the whole family. Avoca’s barbecue promises an unforgettable day featuring a gourmet barbecue, live music and most importantly, lots of tasty bites from Avoca and other artisan food vendors, including Avoca Bakeries, Sugar Plum Sweetery and Solstice Ice Cream. Each ticket entitles the holder to a barbecue lunch, a summer cocktail for adults and access to all of the activities. Guests will have the opportunity to watch live cooking demonstrations, families can enjoy the children’s games, the little ones can get their faces painted and enjoy a range of creative crafts. Book soon to ensure to get a spot! www.avoca.com
See more: A Taste of Summer: Win Tickets For A Perfect Family Day Out
Late Bird Menu: Glas Restaurant, Chatham Street, Dublin
The acclaimed plant-based and gluten-free restaurant Glas has taken inspiration from London’s growing dining trend for the “Late Bird Menu”. From Friday July 18, all night owls can enjoy a full menu at a discounted price, exclusively for Friday and Saturday bookings between 9pm and 9.30pm. As the evenings are brighter and town-goers are staying out longer, they need not go hungry with this fine-dining option. Whether you’re catching a show, planning a late dinner with friends, or simply not a fan of early reservations, Glas’ Late Bird Menu aims to make weekend nights more delicious, accessible, and worth staying out for. www.glasrestaurant.ie
A Second Location: La Crêperie, Dalkey
Whether you have a sweet tooth or are a savoury fan, this is the new spot to try this summer. The couple behind the beloved La Crêperie in Greystones have brought a second restaurant to Dalkey. They have recently unveiled a brand-new outdoor courtyard at the new Dalkey location so attendees can enjoy their crêpes al fresco in the heat (that has returned!). French chef Julien brings traditional techniques and recipes to life using only the finest ingredients, many of which are imported directly from France, while others are carefully sourced from Irish suppliers. On the menu, guests will find savoury buckwheat galettes filled with rich, seasonal ingredients, indulgent sweet crêpes, and a thoughtfully curated drinks list. It’s a complete French dining experience, whether you’re enjoying a lazy brunch, or a midweek treat. www.lacreperie.ie
Dinner and Wine Menu: Vada, Stoneybatter, Dublin
From Friday July 25, the beloved brunch spot Vada will start serving dinner and wine. Founded by Ballymaloe alumnus Sarah Boland, Vada is one of Dublin’s best new brunch/lunch and coffee stops. It was created out of a passion for sustainability, helmed by head chef Hannah O’Donnell, formerly a chef at Kai in Galway. Menus change according to the season, crafted from local suppliers’ fresh produce and now regulars and new customers alike can enjoy a delicious range of snacks, small plates (including Thai pickled mussels, Oir Tonics granita, coconut curry gazpacho), large plates (including chickpea and walnut polpette, cavolo nero, ajoblanco), sides (including spud ends, caesar with Cais na Tire) and desserts, plus a gorgeous range of wines. www.hellovada.com
Lillet Cocktail Menu: Balfes, The Westbury, Dublin
To continue the French flair, Balfes in The Westbury has launched its new summer Lillet cocktail menu, inspired by Paris. Bold, fresh and irresistibly chic – these fruity French-inspired cocktails blend ripe flavours with Parisian flair for a delicious taste. Sit on the terrace, enjoy the sun and sip away on the La Vie en Rosé, the Belle Époque or the Mûre Sauvage or enjoy the decadent sorbet, Rosé Rêverie. www.balfes.ie
A Food-Filled Time: Cork on A Fork Festival, Cork City | August 13-17
The ever-growing Cork on A Fork festival returns this year and tickets for the events are selling fast. With nearly 100 food events across the city, from pop-up feasts and tastings to foraging walks and street parties, there are plenty to choose from and lots to enjoy for every type of appetite. We have our eyes on the VQ shared table where 450 guests will share a long banquette table running down MacCurtain street and dine out on dishes and drinks from 20 businesses in the area. Other events include Afternoon Tea on the Train, Pig on a Spit and Craicly Stories at Glenbrook Farm and Glenbrook Farm Pop-up Harvest Lunch – plus much more! www.corkcity.ie
Food and Harvest Festival: Waterford Harvest Festival | September 5 – 7
A special evening at Christ Church Cathedral on July 22, in Cathedral Square will mark the launch of Waterford Harvest Festival. The festival is a celebration of the city’s vibrant food culture and its passionate producers and will offer an exciting programme of music, food and community. Any Clarkson’s Farm fans will know the vast importance of community support when it comes to harvest and moving produce, so be sure to drop by and show your support at some of the exciting events which include Faulty Towers: The Dining Experience, The Bridgerton Symphonic, and a spectacular closing event: Beats, Bubbles and Bites with Chef Keith Boyle. Be sure to mark it in your diaries! www.waterfordharvestfestival.ie
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