Bloggers Recommend: Emma from E-D Does It

I started ‘E-D Does It’ as an outlet for all my culinary experiments and triumphs. I come from a family of foodies and enjoy nothing more than arriving home from work, settling into the kitchen and making delicious treats for others to eat. I enjoy crafts, cosmetics and style and thus decided to incorporate these into the ‘E-D Does It’ mix. Speech and language therapist by day and dedicated blogger, budding baker and food photographer by night, ‘E-D Does It’ chronicles my adventures from my pokey Drumcondra kitchen, together with my other creative exploits.

This spot is a relative newbie on my radar, but I have to say I am absolutely smitten that I stumbled upon it one Friday evening. Re-opened since March 2012, W.J Kavanagh’s is a treasure trove of unusual beers, unique spirits and carefully sourced Irish cuisine. The decor is very trendy and inviting, the staff friendly and helpful and the prices fitting for the quality of the food. The menu is mouth-watering to read and really does ‘exactly what is says on the tin’. The Steak Sandwich is out of this world, the Chicken Liver Pate was infused with remarkable flavour and was presented beautifully. Not forgetting to mention the Buttermilk Free Range Chicken, which was so fresh we feared it may fly away. Other ‘quirky’ characteristics of this charming spot include ‘Jam Jar Cocktails’ and a suitable beer recommendation for each dish. It is quite evident that a wealth of thought, love and imagination has gone into W.J Kavanagh’s inception and all the hard work has paid off – to say it is a tremendous place to eat simply wouldn’t do it justice!

I nearly consider The Gravediggers my local. It is within walking distance of my house and is a place I frequent for a number of reasons. First and foremost the staff are some of the friendliest in Ireland (and no I’m not exaggerating). They are exceptionally accommodating and friendly about everything from special dietary requirements to general foodie ‘banter’. Secondly the food is absolutely delicious, well priced and nicely presented. The Gravediggers is has a laid back, no fuss feel but yet everything about it isfantastic. Don’t expect menus on tables, do expect a large blackboard scrolled with all the daily dishes and a friendly member of staff to explain, discuss and take your order. Most definitely one of the best pints of Guinness you will get in Dublin, along with a reasonably priced wine list featuring ½ bottles too (the El Coto Rioja is a personal favourite).

The menu changes from week to week but be sure to look out for the Moroccan Dips and the Gravediggers signature Brownie for dessert. The Gravediggers has a real old school, “old man pub” charm about it, and is always bustling and ambient on a Friday or Saturday evening.

I have been to this restaurant more times than I can count. I really love the decor, atmosphere and the staff are always remarkably friendly. All round the food here is very good, there is an excellent early bird menu as well as additional promotions and offers which you can find on their website. The only advice I will give is to make sure you leave room for dessert, as the Boulevard Cafe never disappoints. What I love about this place is that when that all important time of the evening arrives, the waiter actually bring you down a plate with their whole range of desserts to have a look at. So just in case you were thinking of not having dessert, you’ll be forced to think again. The Lemon Tart is a must. I have been known to leave other restaurants to arrive here for my dessert and after dinner drink!

I have to say I’m pretty lucky in terms of where I live and the availability of delicious, reasonably priced places to eat. With two of my favourite restaurants within walking distance, and a fantastic Thai take away called ‘Diep’ I can’t really complain. That said, in these trying times I would like to see more early bird and pre-theatre menus with less restrictions available in local restaurants around Drumcondra and Glasnevin. Everyone is feeling the pinch and restaurants who don’t offer some kind of incentive for customers to choose their restaurant over another are undoubtedly doing themselves an injustice.