The Ambassadrice and I , having seen the photo of the Double Dexter Burger at Shelbourne Social, decided to treat ourselves to a birthday evening out between our two May birth dates. Last Wednesday evening, after our days work, we met there in the hope the food photography and hype lived up to it's name. Oh it did ! On arrival my little foodie heart fluttered as I spotted none other than the man himself Dylan Mc Grath sitting inside the door...oh boy he is manly ! We were seated in the booth next to him ( somewhat distracting) but my mind was taken by one of my favourite odours...leather ! The tables were covered in leather, the chairs leather and the aprons hanging on the torsos of the waiting staff were suspended and bound by leather...my nostrils celebrated the unmistakable smell of hide ...Rrrrr! We settled down and relished every moment of what followed, the understated yet excellent service, the scallop, duck and sweet potato purée starter and the excellent Portugese red. This was only the warm up though ...the Dexter Burger with truffle mayonnaise appeared in front of us and we literally gasped. It was enticing, sexy and masculine ( a little like our Hungarian waiter). Cooked to perfection, just as we had requested, it was a meat masterpiece and we enjoyed every bite. The rosemary fries were a perfect simple accompaniment...it needed nothing else. It was certainly worth the wait. We then paused, partly in reverence but also because we were a little full ...we happily chatted on and enjoyed the vino until we were ready to share a dessert...sticky toffee pudding, with caramelised pecans, poached pear and vanilla ice cream with an extra jug of toffee sauce on the side...so help me God ! It was exquisite, unctuous, moreish and heavenly in equal measures. Licking our lips we headed upstairs for the after dinner cocktail, included in our Taste voucher, and I lamented the fact that I would have loved an Espresso Martini, except that it might keep me awake...a Decaf Espresso Martini appeared in front of me....fan-flippin-tastic !! The Ambassadrice and I decided it was one of our favourite dining experiences due, of course, to the food , but actually, equally, due to the welcome and the service. Bravo !
My second foodie experience of the week was more important. A friend of mine is currently caring for her husband as he undergoes treatment and surgery for cancer.I have known her a long time but even I am astounded by her strength, courage and resilience. She has worked tirelessly to keep their boat and crew afloat and has not complained. Yesterday her youngest made her first communion, in the midst of this very hard journey and she delivered again. To everyone's delight her husband made it to the church ceremony and when he came home and rested, she hosted both families to a home prepared feast, accepting only minimal help. Those of us lucky to be their friends joined them later and stood in awe in front of a dessert table of home made Rocky Road,Apple Tart and Chocolate Orange Cheesecake. Over tea and cake we celebrated her success, her daughters happiness and her husband joining us when he was able. She always made beautiful cakes for family events but yesterday surpassed herself. She created by hand a cake which drew gasps of admiration and delight. The communion girl was just beautiful even down to the crochet bag and parasol and tiny pearls. To achieve this cake at any time is a triumph but to produce it during such a time of adversity is a credit to her determination and shows the strength of love she has for her family . I salute you and am in awe of you .
On easy days food brings a smile and a satisfaction but on dark days it shows love and brings comfort, feeding more than just mouths.
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