A culinary wishlist …
In this series, we explore the rhythms and routines of Ireland’s foodie folk, from chef Richard Corrigan, Meeran Manzoor and Romain Tessier of Artybaker to Thomasina Miers and Kasha Connolly At Hazel Mountain Chocolate. This month, Jess Murphy of Kai Galway shares her ideal foodie weekend. With The Kai Cookbook from Nine Bean Row set to hit shelves later this year, it’s safe to say that Jess knows a thing or two about food.
Shopping list: On the rare occasion that I have a weekend off, I love to stay in my favourite city in Ireland, Galway. The weekend starts by getting up a bit earlier and hitting the Galway Market on a Saturday, having some oysters from Mike for breakfast, and buying all my picky bits for the weekend. The one-stop shop at Sheridan’s is great. Ernie’s also has everything that a girl could want. From fresh strawberries and cheese to charcuterie and natural wine (plus Ernie himself), it’s a beautiful inner city green grocer.
My ideal Saturday: There are almost too many amazing places to name them all. Magpie Bakery for their honey butter toast and Dela does amazing pancakes for breakfast. Fairhill Coffee Shop for iced coffee. Plámas is a great spot for lunch, where I like to devour a Hapi Bakery sandwich, or I’ll head to Rúibín or Wá Café for any of Yoshimi’s bento bowls, followed by a walk on the prom. Cava for tapas (I love the squid) then I’ll pop into the Beirhaus for some awesome bar snacks, see a few pals, have a few early pints and enjoy a gig at the Roísín Dubh.
Sunday brunch: The key here is to get a good night’s sleep on Saturday night and hit up Ard Bia for brunch on Sunday. Sundays are for road trips, so we’ll head to Moran’s on the Weir for crab claws and black sole on the bone. Then, back in town we’ll finish it off by having small plates and wine in Daróg.
My comfort food: My go-to is a Thai tom yum soup with all the fixings and a side of jasmine rice. I always go to the King’s Head – one of the few and only restaurant bars that serve lobster and chips – my favourite. This can be tricky to find in Galway, but it’s the status quo at this iconic spot. You’re always taken care of there; it’s like your family. Owners Paul and Mary are regulars of ours, and we adore them.
Chosen tipples? All About Kombucha’s probiotic sodas are killer. I’m way into beer and love Mexican lager. I even love a little Buckfast negroni!