TD 1
PROUDLY SPONSORED BY BITESIZE WORDS Martina Murra
y BLASTA NIGELLA THE EARLY BIRD CATCHES THE BARGAIN 2023 is proving to be quite the year for Dublin-based restauranteurs and authors Anna Cabrera and Vanessa Murphy. The duo’s popular Las Tapas de Lola has been packing them in on Camden Street, even as their recently opened bodega, La Gordita on Montague Street, continues to garner rave reviews from the city’s most respected food critics. The THAT’LL DO LITTLE PYG! There was great news for Dublin’s Little Pyg earlier this month with word that it had been placed No. 1 in Ireland and No. 27 in Europe in the prestigious rankings of the 50 Top Pizza online guide to the best Italian and European Pizzerias. The hotly contested awards, based on an anonymous judging visit, saw restaurants from thirty-three countries make it to the final shakedown, with Little Pyg listed as the sole Irish representative in the top 50 this year. Accepting the award at a ceremony in Barcelona, proud owner Paul McGlade jnr said he was delighted with the success of the team, led by head pizza chef Federico Rapali, who originally learned his craft in Naples under the expert tutelage of the legendary ‘Godfather of Pizza’ Enzo Coccia. “The key to our pizza success is simple: we import the best produce from Italy and are very passionate about what we do.” McGlade added that their pizza is particularly popular amongst Italians living in Dublin, something he attributes to the quality of their unique dough which takes 48 hours to produce and has already earned Little Pyg a spot in the Michelin guide. As a result of this latest accolade, the award-winning Dublin spot now finds itself in the company of some very distinguished European pizzerias, including Barcelona-based Sartoria Panatieri which bagged the coveted number one spot, and Copenhagen’s Baest which was the runner up. Third place was awarded to London’s 50 Kalò, Vienna’s Via Toledo Enopizzeria took fourth position, with Pizza Zulù in the German city of Fürth rounding out the top five. Check them out on your travels around the continent this summer. @littlepyg launch of their much anticipated recipe book, ‘Tapas’, prompted further celebrations, with everybody’s favourite domestic goddess Nigella Lawson selecting it for her popular ‘Cookbook Corner’ feature almost as soon as it was launched by Blasta Books. It’s no secret that Nigella is a huge fan of publisher Kirsten Jensen’s series of compact cookbooks, having recently confessed that she could happily recommend every one of the quarterly publications with illustrations by Nicky Hooper. Citing Tapas as a particular favourite, Nigella observed, “I defy you to read this without wanting to invite people around to share these dishes straightaway”. Having proclaimed their recipe for Croquettas de Jamon ‘heavenly’, she added, “I need these ham croquettes in my life and I rather feel you do, too.” Need we say more? blastabooks.com @elevendublin Dublin’s dining community may be finding it increasingly difficult to avoid the scourge of inflation in these cash strapped times, but we reckon that there is still some great value to be had around the city and its environs. Over on Clarendon Street, €29 will secure a nice two course early bird offering at Glas Restaurant, with three courses available for €33. Their early evening menu features a lovely choice of vegetarian and plant based dishes, made using ingredients sourced from some of the country’s best artisanal suppliers. It is available between Sunday and Thursday from 5pm to 6pm. In Dublin 6, Ranelagh stalwart Dillinger’s is currently offering delicious Dover Sole (pictured) for two as its Tuesday/Wednesday special, along with two sides for €45. Meanwhile in Terenure, Orwell Road recently launched a new Neighbourhood Set Menu with two courses costing €30 and three courses for €38. Head Chef Dan Hannigan’s gorgeous selection includes snacks, starters, and a choice of mains including a spectacular dish of Baked Hake, Mussels, and Goatsbridge Trout Roe. Desserts include delightful Hibiscus Vacharin with Ryan’s Rhubarb, and the convivial menu can be enjoyed mid-week between 5pm and 6pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. orwellroad.ie FESTIVAL FOOD AT UCD WE’RE LOVIN’… … The start of ice-cream season, with queues out the door at our old favourite Teddy’s and the arrival of Cafollas on the Seafront on the bracing Bray promenade at the beginning of April. Like its big sister Cafollas on The Pier in Dun Laoghaire, the sweet little kiosk’s gorgeous selection of refreshingly tasty ice-creams and steady supply of great coffee, makes a day trip to the coast more than worth your while. Bray-zonian sea air a bonus. Belfield comes alive at the end of June as the UCD campus hosts a one day festival featuring over a hundred and thirty dazzling events. In addition to a cracking selection of masterclasses, creative workshops, sports events and interactive science displays, the organisers have also arranged for some lovely artisan food to help fuel their busy programme of activities. The palate-pleasing crew at Irish Village Markets have brought together an international selection of culinary vendors, with a substantial food offering that includes authentic German sausages from Dublin Bratwurst, and classic Mexican fare from the inimitable Dos Burritos. Festival goers can also look forward to succulent Irish made burgers and sausages courtesy of Irish Charcoal BBQ, with stunning Lebanese falafels from Pappa’s Falafels and tasty Korean BBQ Beef, Pork Belly, and sides from the always outstanding Jaru. UCD Festival takes place at Belfield from 12 – 6pm on Saturday June 10th. Admission is Free. For further details see festival.ucd/ie 38