This week, there's news of yet another Irish distillery shining on the world stage, as well as a new food truck arrival in Bray, Co Wicklow (complete with fresh coconuts!).
Plus, if you were one of the many who stopped by The Sea Hare Café pop up in Connemara last year, you'll be happy to hear you can now enjoy a little piece of it at home. And Frank & Honest coffee has just launched a new drinks range too. Read on for all the info.
Winning ways
Donegal’s Sliabh Liag Distillers scooped up a bundle of awards at the recent San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Its Legendary Dark Silkie Irish Whiskey took home a double gold medal and was named the Best Irish Blended Whiskey. An Dúlamán Irish Maritime Gin was also awarded a gold medal. Speaking about the wins, James Doherty, one of the distillery’s directors said, “We are having fun capturing the sweet smoky flavours of the whiskeys produced in Donegal in years gone by. It’s great to see the depth and diversity of Irish whiskey being celebrated.” sliabhliagdistillers.com
Cold brew to go
Frank and Honest has just launched a range of coffee-based drinks in cans and there are three varieties available. The Cold Brew is made with Colombian arabica coffee and has chocolate and caramel notes, the Nitro Mocha is also made with Colombian arabica coffee, blended with rich chocolate and fresh milk, while the Nitro Oat Latte, as you might guess, teams oats with the house blend arabica coffee for a dairy-free latte. The cans are RRP €3 each and are available in SuperValu and Centra stores nationwide. frankandhonest.ie.
Perfect pairing
Following on from last year’s success, Iceland has teamed up with Barratt confectionery one again for a range of perfectly summery ice lollies inspired by classic sweets. And it's a pure nostalgia-fest. If you were a child of the '80s you’ll no doubt recognise the shapes and flavours in the range, which features the likes of Wham Bars, cola bottles, foam bananas and even sherbet fountains (pictured above).
Priced at €2.50 per pack (with four or six lollies in each), there are eight varieties available in all 27 Iceland stores nationwide. iceland.ie
Totally tropical
There’s a new arrival in Bray Co Wicklow - Little King has set up its new curry truck and coco shack on the seafront. Located in The Martello opposite Bray bandstand, it's serving up East Asian-inspired curries, handmade dumplings and fresh coconuts. The young coconuts are cracked open right in front of customers and when you’re finished drinking your fresh coconut water, you can eat the inside of the coconut too. Or opt for the signature Little King FroYo for dessert instead. The shack is open Thursdays and Fridays from 1pm and Saturday and Sundays from 12pm. littlekingbray.ie
New arrival
The team behind The Sea Hare Café pop up café in Cleggan, Connemara has launched its own tamarind sauce. The sauce was a popular accompaniment to a range of dishes served at the café last summer and now it’s available to buy from over 80 independent food retailers throughout the country. (RRP €6.50 and there’s a full list of stockists on theseahare.ie). Sinead Foyle and Philippa Duff, owners of the café, are planning to open The Sea Hare in The Pier Bar in June for outdoor dining again this year. Keep an eye on the café’s social media for further info on opening dates and times – @theseahare.ie on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
