Heartbreaking closure, smashing plates and chocolate hope
It's time to bid farewell to Assassination Custard (for now) but you could also bid on Neven Maguire's plate collection or maybe you fancy being part of the sweet future of Grá Chocolates...
Hello from West Cork where I finally seem to have found some summer sun and as expected I’ve been eating very well since arriving in the Rebel County - I promise to share a round-up of the best bits here soon. For now though here’s a brief but bounteous batch of news with lots of ups and downs…
Fresh ingredients:
News & stuff I’m excited about
What got everyone talking this week? Assassination Custard’s announcement on Instagram that their current set up is no more. This ‘sort of Italian’ restaurant has had a cult-like but sporadic following for the past nine years or so, usually opening Tuesday to Friday from midday to 3 pm, serving daily changing menus to two tables in a straightforward kitchen and dining room. It was divine, Dublin’s original ‘hidden gem’ beloved by nearly every foodie I’ve ever known. The infamous Slutty Chef captured the zeitgeist of this place perfectly on a recent visit and then posted yesterday ‘You don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone’. Too true. Owners and chefs Ken & Gwen promise that they won’t be totally disappearing though so if you don’t follow them on Instagram you should because we are all dying to hear what might come next…
Glasnevin is already doing well for itself when it comes to cute places to drink wine and spend all your money on snacks (see H2G wines on Botanic Avenue) but it looks like there is more to come. Local restaurant The Washerwoman has teased on Insta a new wine bar they are opening called The Little Washer.
Neven Maguire is selling off his plate collection! And for a good cause of course 🙏🏻
Galway-based chocolatier and entrepreneur Gráinne Mullins of Grá Chocolates has launched a Kickstarter for plans to open a West of Ireland chocolate factory. Find out more and support the cause here.
Bambino announced they were selling Hot Honey and sold out straight away.
Great news for summer barbecues - the Bujo at-home burger kits are back!
Want to perfect at-home dumpling making - check out Janet's upcoming masterclasses.
What about Baked Alaska? Learn from the best - check out Chef Shane Smith’s classes here.
Belfast coffee shop Neighbourhood opened in Austin as part of Dead Rabbit’s new opening.
In London Irish food news, it seems chef Patrick Powell is on the move after successfully setting up Allegra and more recently The Midland Dining Rooms. Wonder what’s next? And is it London???
Kinara Clontarf has announced the return of its outdoor summer BBQ running on Saturdays and Sundays during the summer.
Have you heard about Two Green Shoots near Glengarrig in West Cork? It’s a ‘garden of reimagination’ where they run immersive experiences and this Sunday they are hosting a very unique workshop with the legendary Sally Barnes at last check, there were two spaces left…
Speaking of Cork there is a new B&B opening in Michelstown. Co. Cork called Barnahown. It looks dreamy and a good spot for foodies with a proper local breakfast on offer and bookable foodie add-ons to your stay.
Mark Moriarty announced a new book coming later this year, Seasons.
Dates for the Diary:
Tasty things to book ahead
On July 20th Rick Higgins of Higgins Family Butchers will host a BBQ Block Party in The Marine Hotel, Sutton, with 100% of the proceeds being donated to The Alzheimer Society of Ireland (The ASI). There are loads of guest chefs, fun and prizes planned.
Last week I mentioned chef Kevin O’Donnell was launching a supper club, well it’s launched and happening July 28th & 29th at The Fumbally Stables.
The Dining Club at Whitestown House’s next event in July, High Summer sounds great.
The Cookbook Club at IMMA is back for round two on July 21st this time featuring the wonderful cooking of chef Sham Hanifa and celebrating his new book Agak-Agak.
Street by Sunil at Roe & Co is happening every weekend in July - Check out the menu and book here.
Petit Fours:
Sweet bits to watch, listen, read or obsess over etc.
If Rome is on the cards for you this summer please ignore TikTok advice and follow Katie Parla because she posts sensible and delicious stuff like this. For my favourite Rome spots check out this post.
‘I pick up a Guinness as naturally as I pick up a tune’ - Mary Black. Genius Guinness advertising.
I’m no Mary Black but I did chat to the Financial Times about Guinness ‘Women and younger drinkers drive Guinness revival’.
Anchovy fans? These look divine.
Have you ever seen a cheese horse?
Thank you for reading & subscribing! PS - my debut book A Compendium of Irish Pints is out now, available from bookshops nationwide and from Nine Bean Rows.
