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Manys the time when I've found myself in the Henry street area needing a food stop. While of course there are loads of places to eat, I'm always wanting a nice bowl of soup or a cup of tea and cake in nice surroundings ie not a shopping centre or sticky tabled pub... While on a wander last weekend we stumbled on this place - Foam. Now I don't know for sure but it is possibly also a late night venue but on a Sunday morning it was lovely and bright with decidedly quirky decor. We were served great homemade tea and scones, though I was tempted by their omelettes they looked good.
It had a very NY feel, and in my book that's always a good thing.
I thought I'd share my new favourite coffee place with you. It's The Humble bean on, is it Aungier street or South great Georges st? As it's one and the same road depending on where you are on it, if your out and about in that area you'll find it. As a complete aside but nerdy point, the same road goes on to be both Wexford street and Camden St. One of those dublinease quirks, must be a nightmare to be a tourist in this town. Getting back to the coffee, it's perfect, I always go for a latte and I think it knocks Lemon of my top spot. The coffee is really mellow and the milk just so. Mmm, it's my new treat in town and as it's on my route home I'm finding it's become a regular fixture of trips with the buggy, now I need to master the art of one hand pram wheeling and I'll be hooked proper.
In my fantasy tea shoppe/cafe I dream of serving lots of things, among them mini versions of loaf cakes. I got these dinky tins in the US last year and eventually christened them last week. I've made this Banana bread plenty of times it's a recipe from Bill's first book and is really very delicious. My buddy disagrees with me that chocolate is an acceptable addition to banana bread, he has notions... Anyway I managed to swing him around with these, they look cute in mini version and are lovely served with a strong coffee. Next stop Nigella's dense chocolate loaf....
After much discussion and gentle persuasion I was talked out of attempting an overseas holiday with the little fella. Much as I love getting away I was pleased enough to be heading to Ardmore in Waterford on a mini break. We stayed in the Cliff House Hotel, it was pretty fabulous. The rooms all look out over the water, the building itself hugs the cliff which makes for an unusual layout. But although it was beautifully appointed throughout, what caught my eye most was the green roof. Not as in the colour green but living, it was planted with some moss like plant which was a gorgeous pinky colour. On arrival we were starving, our appetites were well sated by the bar menu. I had the Hake with pearl barley risotto and I have to say it delivered lots of taste, flavour and contrasting textures, I was very happy indeed. The following day we were booked in to the Michelin starred restaurant. Maybe it's because I'm breastfeeding and have an appetite like I've never had before but I found the food a bit fiddley and overly clever. It all looked beautiful my starter of peas and tomatoes 2011 was plated like a painting but I can't say it was lovely to eat and so it went on, I would have happily had my Hake from the night before over the John Dory I chose. How and ever I thoroughly enjoyed myself, the staff were excellent and as we had organised a baby sitter It was great to have an evening out together. Before we knew it it was time to go home but not before we had a quick roadway stop to pick up some Wexford strawberries and spuds. I was asked which spuds would I like, I enquired of different varieties and the reply was no would you like small or large?! And in fairness these were definately spuds you would boil whole with the jackets on something I haven't done in a long time.
So we'll see where we end up for next holiday. I think I'll be in need of some sun but the little fella is averse so more discussions methinks.
At the moment it's a good day when I get to have a shower, it's a really good day when I get to make dinner and anything beyond that is just rare. All because my little bundle is well pretty demanding.. It's alot of fun but extremely full on, I hate to think but he might be teething already so just when I think I have him sorted it'll be grumpy baby again..
Anyway in one of those rare moments mentioned earlier he was having a nap un-assisted by human contact and the urge to bake came over me, but as it was thoroughly spontaneous the only ingredients I had to hand were for flapjacks. I usually make them by feel but as my senses are not to be trusted for the moment I used Nigella's recipe and very fine they turned out too.... I wonder when I'll get a chance again....
Beginning to climb out of the cave I've been in for the last month. Been busy! Delighted to report we're doing well, can cope with a bit more than just survival again. Still feel a little like I've had half a lobotomy but hoping that will fade with time...
Tried out another canape idea, Cashel blue polenta squares with a pear and tomato compote. Think I need to work on the compote but otherwise it was pretty tasty.
He eventually arrived... Sorry no time for writing, not much time for anything!
