Long Weekend

I decided to make the bank holiday just a little longer and took a half day from work on Friday.

What seemed like the longest journey ever (bank holiday traffic + road works ain’t a good combo) a finally arrived to blue skies in sunny Waterville.Taking full advantage of the (somewhat) summer like weather, we pulled out the BBQ and munched on local steak and veg, al fresco.

The weather was still cooperating the next day so I went on a long run over the lake road.You could run for miles without meeting anyone (which is the best part) and the views are spectacular.Having worked up an appetite we went to the Fishermans Bar for dinner,which most definitely has the best crab claws in a 100 mile radius.

The weather finally gave in, so after a quick walk on the beach Sunday morning,we ran for cover (and coffee!) in a local cafe.The rest of the day was spent hibernating and assisting with a Sunday lamb dinner.

 Now that I’ve actually put my weekend activities down in words, I realise how much my life revolves around food?!But when it’s really good food,I suppose it doesn’t matter!

After my drive home,I finished of my bank holiday sheltering from the stormy weather and catching up on House Of Cards….now here’s hoping the August bank holiday roles around just as quick!

The Brehon Hotel

I was lucky enough to be treated to a 2 night stay in The Brehon Hotel, Killarney this week. It was my first time staying here and was an amazing experience overall.

Firstly, the interior of the hotel is spectacular and really warm.You are welcomed by high ceilings,an open fire and there are gorgeous light features throughout.

The rooms are really spacious with a lovely partition detail between the bed and dressing area.We had a nice view along with really tasteful Paul Costello toiletries.

The spa was over 18s, which for me (as I’ve no kids) was a big bonus.You could really relax and it was quite serene.My favourite area was the little nook with heated ceramic seats and footspas.

Last but not least-the food!We ate in the restaurant on our first night and had bar food on our second.Though there was a significant price difference the food was amazing quality & i fell In love with the coconut & lime parfait.Breakfast was equally as nice with a full hot buffet,a selection of plates you could order from the kitchen, fresh fruit, pastries and best of all a pancake machine!

I’m already counting down the days to my next trip.

Nash 19

This weekend one of my college friends was home to visit so a few of us decided to catch up over brunch.

I love Saturday mornings in Cork as there is always such a buzz around the city and there is an abundance of choice when it comes to fuelling up for the weekend!

We went to Nash 19-a lovely restaurant on Princes St which opened in 1992.

I went for my favourite dish on the Menu…French Toast & a cup of Barrys!If you fancy something a little healthier they also have fresh smoked salmon,muesli and gluten free bread.

There is also some freshly baked sweet treats, breads and fresh coffee to take away along with seasonal dishes. Check out the amazing meringues below which are (almost) too good to eat.

The Front Room

The Front Room in Tollington Park is my favourite place for breakfast on a Sunday morning (if I’m lucky enough to get a seat). The Front Room is a small, quirky cafe in N4 with friendly staff and a great menu.Their breakfast menu is served all day and they also have an extensive lunch menu, all reasonably priced. My favourite dishes are the New Yorker Pancakes, the Eggs Royale or The Front Room breakfast which is your standard English fry but better!You can also get freshly squeezed orange juice and their is a separate smoothie menu.
The decor consists of mismatched furniture and numerous shelves stacked with anything from National Geographic magazines to old radios, but it works!
With staff that are always super friendly and prompt service, this cafe is definitely worth a visit.

Comfort Food

On Friday night me and my other half made our way to our favourite breakfast cafe to try their evening menu, but to our dismay they had not started their late openings for the season.But as the saying goes ‘When one door closes,another opens’.As we aimlessly ventured around Crouch End we stumbled upon RUB. A Slow Food Diner and Milk Bar located at 121 Stroud Green Road. It offers a simple menu of Caribbean-style meat, burgers, milkshakes and New York-style cheesecakes. There are also daily specials and overall is reasonably priced. I ordered the Classic Burger which came with a side of Onion Rings. While I wasn’t too happy with the cold burger bun, the Onion Rings were heavenly and my boyfriends roast beef and mash dish was delicious.I was too full for desert but next time I’m definitely going to try a ‘Hard Shake’ (milkshake with a shot or bourbon,rum or vodka).
The decor is a quite relaxed,diner feel with quirky table coverings and music inspires wall art and the staff were really friendly so I will definitely be coming back soon.
Check out their Facebook page here

Guilt Free Flapjacks

If like me, you have a killer sweet tooth than this recipe is perfect for you. I often find myself after dinner or on a lazy sunday on the couch looking for some treats and these have become just the fix. Though i cant promise that they are calorie and fat free they are definitely a better option than a second helping of cake or late night Mars bar!
The basic recipe I took from Nigella but I have substituted/added some of the ingredients

175 grams Lurpack Lightest
175 grams ‘Total Sweet’ Xylitol
1 tablespoon Agave Syrup
Half Cup of Sultanas
250 grams porridge oats

Method
Preheat oven to 150C. Lightly grease a 20cm baking tin.
In a large pan, melt together the Lurpack, sugar & syrup, while stirring. When melted, remove from the heat and stir in the porridge oats and sultanas.
Pour into tin and smooth the surface with a spoon. Bake for 35-40 mins or until the edges are brown and the surface has turned golden.
Place the tin on a wire rack. Cut into squares after 10 minutes, but leave to cool completely before removing from the tin.

This recipe should serve between 10-12

Enjoy x