Finding the new hiding in the old!

It has been a beautiful week here in Dublin.  With now 'fiancée-Claire' out of the country, I took the opportunity to catch up with some friends and family in some of the latest food offerings in Dublin and surrounds....like I needed an excuse.  Friday night Tom and I headed for the revamped Mulligans in Stoneybatter. Where I say revamped, I should really probably be saying....slight adjusted.  

The traditional bar holds true to itself in design but has added a great selection of beers - local and foreign.  The restaurant is at the back of the pub and has been kept low-key and unpretentious. We settled on O'Hara's Red Ale for the night and in fairness it did the job quenching Friday evening thirst.  The scotch egg and potted crab starters were both great.... the crab being good and lemony, although a touch cold.  The re-styled bacon and cabbage was flavourful and more than appropriate for the surroundings. Tom's lamb dish however, was a little lacking in support from perhaps some cous cous and needed longer stewing for the meat to loosen up.  Overall though Mulligans is worth a return visit for both pints and grub. 

Today, with sister and brother-in-law in tow, I went in search of an altogether different offering.  Irish foodie Clodagh McKeena has recently set up stall in Lyons Estate, just along the canal in Kildare.  Her very feminine take on food and design are strongly emphasised across the cafe, shop and cookery school. The shop is beautifully laid out but perhaps a little light on stock and heavy on design.  Is there a market for more? 

The cafe was light and airy with a well designed menu.  The Croque Madame - strangely minus the egg.....and surely making it a Croque Monsieur?... had great chunks of baked ham with Gruyère melted on top, was by all accounts very tasty and looked the part.  My baked lemon ricotta cake was very tasty, but unfortunately the cappuccino I had ordered was not up to scratch.  The replacement espresso did the job though.  I am pretty sure it's Ariosa coffee, as it was on sale in the shop too.  For a quick way to step out of the city for some peace and quiet, a stretch of the legs and some good food, it is a recommedable spot!

Tip - Ariosa Coffee is sold and served in Fallon and Byrne & Lilliput stores and is worth a detour for a caffeine hit.