Some Things We Ate This Week

As part of our research in to where to eat the best pancakes on Pancake Tuesday, I took one for the team and headed to Laine My Love for their salted caramel and Nutella special. They were really good, and the only problem is having to wait a year for the next opportunity to eat them - Helen

More applause-worthy pancake Tuesday action at As One on City Quay, where two monstrous pancakes were stuffed with Velvet Cloud Sheep's yoghurt and blueberries, and topped with stewed rhubarb, more blueberries and more yoghurt. An exceptional way to start the day, but by the end I was defeated and couldn't finish it - Lisa

Another colourful breakfast at Gertrude trying out their new porridge (because you know we love porridge). Blood orange segments and syrup, whipped yogurt and hazelnut praline equals a total winner - Helen

We’re always on the look-out for dog-friendly cafes so stopped in The Orange Goat in Ballsbridge. It’s a big spot with indoor and outdoor seating and was filled with families and players from the nearby hockey club. We had the breakfast bun (sausage, bacon, fried egg on brioche) and toast that was roughly 2 inches thick. Perfect. Coffee is from Cloud Picker.

A working lunch at Grove Road Café was just what was needed on a dull Dublin day. They recommended the avo/feta toast with 'extra crispy' bacon, and now we're recommending it. The benchmark for how all bacon should be served - Lisa

Lunch in Little Mike’s where we love everything, except the lighting. Starter of squid and chorizo risotto was hearty with just the right amount of paprika kick, and our main was a surf ‘n’ turf platter for three. Salt and butter in quantity - the best way to spend a Sunday - Helen

A quick stop in Paella Bar & Co. left us lusting after their chicken croquetas which were perfect ly crispy on the outside and oozingly soft on the inside (we won't mention the sad salad on the side). The menu said they came with aioli, they didn't. We asked for it, and they didn't need it. Plus this might be the most garlicky aioli in the city so proceed with caution unless you're alone and plan on staying like that for the rest of the day - Lisa

Mid-week dinner at a very busy Variety Jones. While the chef’s choice menu meant I had to forego my beloved cacio e pepe, I did get my cheesy fix in the form of salt-baked celeriac, lardo, grilled cabbage, with a cheddar mousse, served with sourdough for moppage. It was my dish of the night - Helen