Released now from our usual 5K food-shop circuit (from supermarket A, to supermarket B, back to base …) we might roam outwards, toward grocers further afield, and sample some gourmet fare. Join us in visiting these elevated foodie havens for a more indulgent selection of necessities…
Saltwater Grocery, Terenure.
It’s been quite a while since such a buzz surrounded the opening of a new shop, especially one that specialises in fish. But when you pair seafood maestro Niall Sabongi with classically trained chef, Karl Whelan, you know something worth waiting for is about to emerge. Saltwater Grocery has been open for just over one month now and as expected, it has been a hit. A small premises, it manages to fit in everything we could want from a shopping experience with a grocery, charcuterie, raw bar and rotisserie, as well as assaulting our senses (in a good way) with 3fe Coffee, Firehouse bakery bread and pastries and of course, natural and organic wines. But it’s the fish that you should really visit for. The fishmongers on staff are also chefs, along with both owners so you know you are in safe hands when it comes to selecting your fish and getting advice on how to prepare it. The store itself has a deliciously retro feel but it’s the Himalayan salt fish ageing fridge and the live shellfish tanks that will make you want to return. And we suggest that you do. https://www.saltwatergrocery.ie/
Elm Epicurean.
Located on Merrion Road, a stone’s throw from Booterstown Dart station, you can find Elm Epicurean. From the same stable as Margadh in Howth and Barrow Market on Grand Canal Street, this food store releases its menus weekly (every Monday) offering fare available for order and collection from Tuesday to Sunday. Its range of baked goods includes all the crowd-pleasers – from frangipane tart with chocolate ganache and hazelnut to house-made sausage roll with pork shoulder. Elm Epicurean also stocks a range of Irish and international staples along with sandwiches, salads, homemade terrines and pies. https://www.elmepicurean.ie/
Fruitique.
Fresh food store Fruitique has just launched on 15 Lombard Street East in Dublin 2 by owner David Tuohy. The new venture specialises in cold-pressed juices and health-led salads, handmade in-store using a wide selection of seasonal fruit and vegetables which will also available for purchase. We are told that the shop will have “a dedicated space for cocktail enthusiasts and a shelf devoted to Ireland’s culinary best kept secrets.” Intrigued? Us too. What’s more, health conscious shoppers are invited to visit the new store on June 5th between 9am and 6pm where they can get 50% off all juices to celebrate World Environment Day, with other surprises promised for those who pop in. https://www.fruitiquedublin.com/
Lennox Street Grocer.
Started by the Arnold siblings, Claire and Christopher, during lockdown, the Lennox Street Grocer opened its doors in November 2020 as a Christmas pop-up, but thankfully, it appears to be here to stay. With a combined 20 years of experience working in different areas of the food and drink industries in Ireland, France, Canada and the US, the pair seem more than qualified to identify a need for gourmet fare back home. The shop focuses on delicious pantry fillers such as preserved fruits and vegetables, meats and fish, oils and vinegars as well as a selection of fresh bread and pastries, cheeses and coffee. The pair also hope to host pop-up events, exhibitions, Meet-the-Winemaker evenings and artisan food producer spotlight events in the near future. https://www.lennoxstreet.ie/
Toonsbridge Dairy.
The Toonsbridge folk are building quite the empire with stores in Cork, Georges Street in Dublin and Serpentine Avenue, Ballsbridge. As expected, the cheese and charcuterie is next level but listen to that voice that cries out to you, drawing you to the homemade focaccia and cannoli. The sandwiches are top-notch too as is the coffee. And basically everything that lines their exquisite shelving. Did I mention the olives?
