Meeran Manzoor on his ideal weekend, consisting of lots of great food, paired with long drives exploring his favourite spots …
“It’s a perfect blend of food, fun and discovery, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of Ireland’s diverse landscapes.”
FRIDAY NIGHT DINNER
“I’m a huge fan of seafood, so when it comes to indulging in fresh, flavourful creations, Goldie’s in Cork City is my go-to spot for a Friday night fix. The dishes they serve are incredibly unique and bold, perfectly matching my taste for adventurous and exciting flavours. If I had the time (and the appetite), I’d happily order every single item on their menu – it’s that good! Every plate I’ve tried has been an absolute delight, showcasing incredible skill and creativity. Aisling, the chef behind these masterpieces, is exceptionally talented and truly elevates seafood to another level.” @goldierestaurant
SATURDAY AND SUNDAY
“I would love to start the day with brunch in Good Day Deli (@gooddaydeli). I love their mackerel benny and the ambiance is erene. Then a drive to Dublin for some food and restaurant hopping. We do it a lot, it’s one thing my wife and I love doing together. We start with Little Dumpling (@littledumplingrestaurant1) on Stephen’s Street, where we get the ji gong bao (spicy clay pot chicken). We love this dish so much that we drove to Dublin several times during my wife’s pregnancy as she was craving it constantly. It’s served in a huge clay pot with bone-in chicken pieces simmered in a chilli, potato, garlicky sauce with fresh Szechuan peppercorns, with a side of fried rice … delish!”
“We might grab pizza slices in Bambino (@bambino_dublin) – we keep it simple, just a margarita is yummy – then into Big Fan Bao (@bigfanbao) for a cold dish of okra in a dark marinade. It’s really good and, of course, some bao buns. We stroll around the city and then drive back to Kinsale, stopping along the way in Sandyford at Southern Spices (@southernspices.sandyford) a South Indian restaurant, for some late tiffin, paniyarams, idly and dosa, which are exceptionally good, with proper Tamil hospitality. The perfect Saturday! I am also keen to add Kicky’s in Dublin (@kickysdublin) to my itinerary, so that’s one for the future.”
WEEKEND SHOPPING
“I love wandering around all sorts of specialised cuisine supermarkets. I always find Chinese supermarkets very exciting, I am not sure why, but I end up buying so much every single time! When in Dublin, fresh mochi in the Asia Market is a must. In Cork, I love going into the English Market to pick up cheeses made locally, like Macroom burrata and mozzarella. Walking around this market gives a vibe that is unmatched.”
WEEKEND TIPPLES
“Rum spiced mango lassi hits the right notes, while the rum adds a bold, warming kick. Spices like cardamom, cinnamon or even a hint of nutmeg elevate the drink, offering a tropical balance of sweetness, making it the perfect, refreshing yet slightly indulgent cocktail for a flavourful moment.”
SEE MORE: Kasha Connolly At Hazel Mountain Chocolate’s Culinary Wishlist