Dublin’s Fair City

Apparently there’s ALOT of rain in Dublin right now. The rain is something I don’t miss, but here are some things I do miss (as well as the family, friends and Guinness of course!)

Juniors – my favourite neighbourhood joint

Juniors Deli & Café, 2 Bath Avenue, Dublin 4

http://www.juniors.ie/deli-and-cafe.php

OK so it was only my neighbourhood for 3 months or so, and I could never figure out if I actually lived in Ringsend, Beggars Bush or Grand Canal. ‘Beside the Aviva’ would usually suffice. But one thing I was sure of was that Junior’s was an excellent place to live beside.

They don’t take bookings but it’s not much of a chore to put your name down on the list and head next door to Slattery’s  for a pint while you wait – the staff will often come into the pub to get you instead of calling, now that’s good service.

I always dither when ordering here as there is usually at least three things I want to eat – so my advice is go as a table of four and convince the others to order the stuff you want to try! Best dish I’ve eaten here was their Italian steak tagliata served on rocket. It was perfectly cooked amazing meat.

Grab a seat outside if you can, there are heaters & blankets to keep you warm. The staff are knowledgeable, fast and cheery. The wine is good and reasonable and the food will not disappoint.  Oh and they do great lunches and brunch on the weekend. And if they’ve got no tables try there sister place around the corner – Paulies Pizza http://www.juniors.ie/paulies-pizza.php

You’ll be looking up nearby property in no time….

Michie Sushi – best Sushi in Dublin

http://www.michiesushi.com/

Michie Sushi, 11 Chelmsford Lane, Ranelagh, Dublin 6

To be honest I didn’t try much Sushi in Dublin but I don’t think i needed to – once I found this gem, hidden down a laneway in a garage type building in Ranelagh I was hooked. Their sushi got me through a very interesting few months working in Dublin. Takeaway sushi often tends to have cold rice – which invariably means it’s not fresh. Once you’re had fresh, perfectly seasoned sushi rice you won’t scoff your M&S refrigerated version with as much vigour again. Michie has perfected their rice – which means all their sushi is good – I love their salmon and tuna combo and the miso is good too. And the soft shell crab roll is worth making a journey for – although they do a local delivery too.

Nick’s Coffee Company – fine flat whites

http://nickscoffeecompany.com/

Ranelagh Village Market (next to Superquinn), Dublin 6

Now I’m in Sydney I’m spoilt when it comes to coffee but I still miss the taste of my morning takeaway coffee from Nick’s Coffee Company in Ranelagh – I think the hours I was working in Dublin made this coffee all the more special but I’m pretty sure their flat whites could rival the best barista’s creations down under.  They are really into coffee here – lots to try from around the world and they also sell great coffee to take home and pop up at various Dublin markets. If you love coffee make it your business to find them.