9 of Char’s Favourite Bits This Week
Words: Shamim de Brún
Images: Instagram
Words: Shamim de Brún
Images: Instagram
Char is here with a brand new weekly pillar of just our favourite bits. From Soup Storms to Sticks, and Tayto Takeovers here’s a roundup of bits we’re loving this week:
No Collabs, Just Domination
This Sunday, January 28 Row Wines is getting a serious stick-up. Not the criminal kind, and not up the arse. It’s a full-blown takeover featuring a five-course tasting menu inspired by Japanese skewer culture. Sticks are one of the most unique pop-ups in Dublin at the moment. Jonny Boyle and Kate O’Donohoe pop up only in select locations and serve a seven-course menu entirely composed of things that can be served on sticks.
Boyle, who has worked as a chef, creative director and DJ in Dublin, describes Sticks as “inspired by Japanese skewer culture – yakitori, kushiyaki, kushikatsu – but not exclusively Japanese”. He and O’Donohoe have opened their concept to global influences, concentrating on delivering “flavour bombs on a stick”. Ghostboy will be spinning tunes, and it’s a ‘Records You Will Want to Own’ set, so be ready to say ‘I love this song’ on repeat. The pop-up is €70, and you can get your tickets here. It’s gonna be 🔥.
Weathering the Broth
2024 came in like a storm, literally. Cold snaps, Storm Isha – the weather’s been throwing punches. But we’ve been finding personal solace and satisfaction in the one thing that makes everything better: soup.
Soup is the OG comfort food, and you can literally map your life through it. Whether it’s a cosy bowl during a big chill, a hearty stew for the hustle, or a warm broth to cure a cold – soup’s got your back. What’s not to love?
At Bless Up
Tallaght’s breaking brunch rules, and we’re here for it. Bless Up’s Bottomless Brunch has just launched and it kicks off fashionably late at 16:00.
Think: modern Pan-African and Caribbean cuisine with a side of innovation? Even if their idea of brunch is a bit wonky, we respect the hustle. Expect delicious bites, endless mimosas, and vibes that’ll keep you grooving mimosa in hand.
Spirits & Sensations
Hi-Spirits, Char’s favourite wine club, is hitting it out of the park atm. They announced an immersive tasting featuring five dynamic African and Caribbean alcohol brands. It’s not just about the spirits; there’s a cultural showcase with local artists and the musical vibes of NeuBrí. Pre-Valentine’s Day plans?
Grab your tickets and bring your lovers, friends, or that random person you met down the shops. Just get involved.
At Rosslyn in London
London’s not just calling; it’s shouting for Cloud Picker! Rosslyn, the Aussie café meets Irish pub that is known locally as one of the best places to grab a cuppa in Merry Olde London, is this week serving a taste of Cloud Picker’s Tegu AB from Kenya. The melding of a meticulous Aussie café and an Irish pub might sound jarring, but such was the concept behind Rosslyn, with founders James Hennebry and Mat Russell drawing on their respective heritages to create one of London’s best micro-chains.
The Irish angle was one of convivial spirit rather than ribald boozing. The duo first met working at Caravan, transposing their formative days there into a buzzy, composed corner site at Mansion House, where they continue to serve an illustrious menu of international beans, which now include Cloud Picker’s. Catch Sibeal and Andrew at Rosslyn Coffee today for a bean bonanza!
At Hawksmoor
Hold onto your crisp packets – Mr Tayto’s crashing Hawksmoor with a limited-edition ham hock and four-cheese toastie. We love a toastie, we love a Tayto crisp sandwich, and Hawksmoor isn’t so bad herself. Plus, if you’ve not been in since they rid the place of the overbearing stench of adolescence and Abercrombie and Fitch perfume, then you should make the jaunt. It’s well worth a punt just for a gawk at the building. But also, who doesn’t love a cheesy toastie?
Sure, cheese and onion crisps on a toastie aren’t revolutionary. But Tayto sambos at a Steakhouse? That’s a snackocalypse worth having a go on! Find this little ditty at Hawksmoor’s bar until March’s end. So walk in and let Tayto be your spirit guide.
At Galway Bay Bars
We love the give-it-a-go energy being served up in the form of Galway Bay Brewing’s Try-January. Until January 31 anyone can snag any core range beer for a fiver on Fridays. With Guinney hitting at a €6.50 average, this is a helluva deal atm. The deal includes Full Sail IPA, Slow Lives Helles Lager, Ostara Dry Stout, Althea Hazy SIPA, Bay Ale Red Ale.
Hit up The Black Sheep, Against The Grain, The Beer Temple, Brewdock, or Bar Rua in Dublin to give it a go. Might even catch us there.
Because Yum
What do you get when you’re not sandwich-hungry but you’re not in sweet treat mode yet? Why a savoury pastry, of course. Bread 41 has ya covered, and TBH, we’re a lot-tle obsessed with this bad boy. Their new savoury Danish is a game-changer – croissant pastry, creamy Béchamel, spicy veggie Nduja, and feta cheese. It’s everything a girlie could want, topped with micro herbs and more crumbly feta. We can wait to get it in our bellies!
A Revelation
Proper Order’s not just a coffee spot; it’s a Dublin legend. And guess what? PO 2.0 is on the horizon! Niall, the coffee maestro, announced a new and improved space coming later this year on Instagram on Saturday, and we couldn’t be more stoked to see it.
More seating, a better coffee bar – it’s like the coffee gods heard our prayers. We love the lads, we love what they do and we love that there is more to look forward to.
That’s it for this week’s wild ride of culinary chaos. Stay cunty, stay hungry, and keep riding.
