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The Art of Sharing – Dublin’s Most Delicious Dishes á Deux

Buried in the barrage of food photos that make up my Instagram feed, I recently scrolled upon a meme that made me giggle, “there is no ‘we’ in ‘food”. I know plenty of people who’s soul this saying would speak to but greedy as I can be, I can’t concur with this statement – for me sharing delicious food with someone is the perfect way to eat, mutual gratification guaranteed.

My palate has a short attention span, so I have perpetual fear of ‘every bite the same’ dishes. A great way of avoiding mealtime monotony is to do it tapas-style but there is also something so abundant and indulgent about dishes specifically designed to feed two hungry mouths. Plus, eating this way eliminates the possibility of dreaded food envy, thus keeping everyone happy. But be warned, with the decadent dishes below the chances of a fight for the last bite are exceedingly high – these are delicacies worth declaring a (fork) war for.

BUTCHER GRILL

As far as I’m concerned, the only words sexier than ‘Cote de Boeuf’ in steak parlance are ‘bone-in’. While there is some debate as to whether grilling meat on the bone actually enhances flavour, there is something so perfectly primal about gnawing on a charred beef bone. The T-bone is the ultimate cut for a duo debating fillet or striploin – you deserve to have it all. The best place to fight over one of these babies? Butcher Grill in Ranelagh. A 30oz T-Bone (€90) expertly enrobed in flames by Chef Atish Bhuruth is nothing short of nirvana for carnivores.

Butcher Grill Tbone

TASTE AT RUSTIC

Taste at Rustic, one of Dublin’s most unique eateries in concept, offers a selection of Steaming Pots of Rich Flavoured Stock which are all available sharing-style. Think a healthier, Japanese-Style fondue, with umami-rich broth bubbling away between you to cook your choice of protein. Dunked in a luscious ginger-rich broth enhanced with rendered Wagyu beef fat, Beef Sukiyaki (€58) is the perfect way to slurp away happily together, safe in the knowledge that the fear of dribbling is mutual.

Rustic taste food shots.Photo: Tony Gavin 5/6/2015

KLAW

If you prefer your shared bounty to resemble a treasure trove of delights from the sea, Klaw is definitely the place to be. Marvel at the overflowing mound of snow crab, prawns, lobster and oysters on ice with Klaw’s Seafood Platter(€45). Get yourself a bib, embrace Klaw’s tagline ‘Shuck and Suck’, negotiate over the prized lobster claw and be willing to get very hands-on indeed.

klaw

FADE STREET SOCIAL

With most of their menu based around the concept of breaking bread and sharing food with loved ones, Fade Street Social’s modern takes on traditional classics offer a comforting taste of real Irish cuisine. The humble lamb is elevated to new heights here with Irish Stew for two featuring potato mousse, lamb fillet and crusty bread with hazelnut butter to mop up the umami-rich braising liquor. Continuing the theme of luscious lamb dishes, you can also get a Lamb T-Bone (€60) for two.

Fade Street Social Stew

LUNA

Luna is the perfect venue to share a delicious dish, cosied up in a luxe leather booth. Their Ossobuco (€80) is the ultimate meltingly seductive Italian dish and will have you savouring each and every mouth-watering bite. Served with soft polenta, burnt onions and citrus sauce it has overindulgence written all over it, but then again, in Luna, everything does. Expect to be willing to sell your grandmother for the last bite of this behemoth.

SMS Luna

777

777 is known for mind-blowing margaritas and the finest Mexican food the city has to offer. Forget homemade fajita night and get down to George’s Street where you can get a little animalistic and assemble your own Half Pig’s Head Carnitas(€40) – think delicious melting pork cheek with all the crispy crackling you could ever want. If the other white meat isn’t your thing, you can also split a Barbacoa Lamb Shoulder(€50) with your partner in crime, safe in the knowledge that you will leave very satisfied.

777

THE PORTHOUSE

Jamon Iberico is the gold standard of charcuterie, or Chachineria in Spain, with its sweet yellow fat mingling with rich depth of flavour unrivaled by cured meats from other regions. Jamon Bellota is produced from Black Iberian Pigs, the only breed which naturally seek out and consume only acorns giving it a uniquely delicious flavour. The best place to sample a selection board piled high with Spain’s finest export is definitely the Porthouse, where you can share a perfectly curated board of pata negra beauties for €14.

Jamon Bellota

ASADOR

Rounding out what has already been a juicy and meaty affair, ASADOR offers a fantastic flame grilled feast of a BBQ Meat Platter(€60) which means you don’t have to compromise on your favourite – they’re all there waiting to be devoured. Wild Boar, Argentinian prized Picanha steak, BBQ Chicken and Lamb T-Bone make this offering the answer to the prayers of the indecisive carnivore. This platter is bound to get you both feeling a bit primal.

ASADOR-Cote de Boeuf

WHITEFRIAR GRILL

One of those people who never orders a dessert but proceeds to steal half of your dining companion’s when it arrives? Whitefriar Grill has the answer with the ultimate share-friendly dessert – decadent Chocolate Fondue(€9). Having to share means you will manage to resist the urge to dunk your face straight into the melting pot and settle on dipping peanut butter fudge and marshmallows instead. I defy you to find someone who would say no to this dessert.

Chocolate Fondue

ARTICLE BY DARINA COFFEY

Darina CoffeyGrowing up with the name Darina, I was constantly asked if I could cook like my namesake. With that (and greed) as the ultimate motivators, I quickly realised that home-baked goods make excellent bribes and an obsession was born! With bachelor’s and master’s degrees in law I undertook a PhD, but a preference for cookbooks to textbooks persisted. As a (self-confessed!) demon in the kitchen, I am the only person to have contested both Masterchef and the Great Irish Bake off, which fuelled my desire to set my focus on food in a serious way. Working with The Taste allows me to satiate this craving and marries my food fascination with my love of writing and ranting. Follow me as I share my food adventures and hopefully inspire others to indulge their passion for cooking and food in the process!

Darina Coffey Darina Coffey

 

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