These are some of the best festive dishes around the country right now – that aren’t Christmas sandwiches …
Is this my fantasy Christmas menu? I suppose if depends on the day. Look, to be honest, I am as partial as the next person to a Christmas sandwich and believe me, there are some great ones out there this year. I have drooled a lot over the 147 Deli version with bacon fat brussels sprouts and crispy bacon bits but there has to be more. December is the most food centric time of year, so what else is out there to try?
The Starter: Christmas Croquettes from Chimac, Dublin 2.
Handmade with sriracha caramel ham, gochujang turkey, stuffing and béchamel. I mean, what more is there to say? www.chimac.ie.
The Main Event: The Christmas Pizza from Grá x Tír Deli, Celbridge, Co Kildare.
There has been quite some chatter in recent months about the pizza from Grá Pizza and although I have yet to indulge, that is most definitely about to change. The Christmas pizza in collaboration with Tír Deli is a sight to behold with Feighcullen farm turkey meatballs, Christmas tree mayo (don’t know what that is but I want it regardless), Toonsbridge mozzarella, Tipperary brie, McNally’s Farm brussels sprouts, cranberry sauce and sage and onion sourdough stuffing. Not to be missed. www.instagram.com/gra.pizza.
The Sweet Treat: Seasonal Mont Blanc from Ursa Minor Bakehouse, Ballycastle, Co Mayo.
The varieties of deliciousness being churned out of Ursa Minor Bakehouse is astonishing, with each one better than the next. This seasonal Mont Blanc with hazelnut shortbread, chocolate brownie, whipped cream and chestnut icing ticks all the right boxes for me. And it is made with flour from Oak Forest Mills and Neary Nógs chocolate. Ursa Minor holds regular supper clubs in the evening along with bread baking classes, any of which would only add to a trip to beautiful Ballycastle. www.ursaminorbakehouse.com.
The Cheese Course: Dongè Truffle Brie from Sheridans, nationwide.
It’s back! The Dongè Truffle Brie that epitomises Christmassy cheese and all things festive. This young brie is filled with fresh double cream and layers of St Jean black truffles from Burgundy. Available now from Sheridans nationwide, the experts recommend serving with crusty bread and honey. www.sheridanscheesemongers.com.
The Finale: Irish coffee at Bramley, Abbeyleix, Co Laois.
I have been following Sam Moody’s journey from Ballyfin to Bramley for some time and though I have yet to visit Bramley, it is certainly on the list for 2024. All of the food Sam is producing, from savoury snacks to after dinner sweets, looks sublime and the panisse with lemon emulsion and burnt spices in particular looks good enough to warrant the journey to Abbeyleix. But, of all the delicious dishes on Bramley’s feed, it was the recent image of a picture perfect Irish coffee that cemented my fan girl status. A usually pristine blanket of cream is swirled with coffee, giving it a rustic look that only adds to the appeal and the presentation also won me over. December is the best time of the year to enjoy an Irish coffee and this is the place to do it. www.bramleyabbeyleix.com.