On the last Sunday before Christmas, the sky was blue and the sun was shining, so Mr. FFID and I decided to go for a long walk to Farmleigh. As we reached Smithfield we were discussing food options on our way and thought we'd stop in L. Mulligan Grocer in Stoneybatter to grab a quick bite to eat.
One thing I love about Ireland is the cosiness of a pub on a winter's afternoon when it's freezing outside. When we entered the pub I knew straight away we'd never want to leave. L. Mulligan Grocer looks like a traditional Irish pub and with just a few days before Christmas it was exactly what we needed.
A very smiley young waitress brought us the menus, I love that they're presented in books, such a nice touch.
On the menu you'll find seasonal and local products sourced from some of the best Irish food producers, it's pub food brought to another level. They also have a vast range of Irish craft beers, imported beers and whiskey.
They had a '12 beers of Christmas' menu and of course a Belgian beer called 'Père Noël' (Santa Claus in French) which seemed like the best choice for me.
My starter was definitely a winner: a delectable Christmas Scotch egg (€6.50). The pork stuffing with pistachio and cranberry was generous and tasty and the egg just a little gooey. The dish came with a cranberry salad and a smashing plum relish that tasted like Christmas in a cute little jar.
Mr. FFID went for the black pudding starter (€7.50) which was comfort food on a plate. The piece of Mc Carthy's black pudding was plated with a soft apple and red onion boxty, goat cheese, beetroot puree and plums.
I'm a sucker for moules frites (mussels with fries) cooked in a white wine and garlic sauce. I think the portion of chunky chips was a bit too small in comparison to the portion of mussels as I finished eating them when my pot was still very full. It was fresh and delicious though and I very much enjoyed the dish.
Chips and Hoegaarden mayonnaise are a perfect combination!
Mr. FFID's main was the venison burger on top of a boxty with very mild Fivemiletown Goats’ Cheese and beetroot relish (€17). The burger was succulent and full of flavour, he loved it but unfortunately the boulangere potatoes served with it were not great at all, the spuds were oily and soggy, which was a real pity.
We would have loved to have room for an indulgent dessert but we were full at that stage.
Mr. FFID ordered a coffee which was very good quality and well presented on a wooden board, with an egg timer and an adorable little milk bottle.
During the meal, the rain started pouring outside and it got very dark, so naturally we cancelled our long walk and the pub was the perfect place to be, we were both secretly happy that the weather was awful and we heartily enjoyed our late lunch in L. Mulligan Grocer.
It felt so Christmassy where we were sitting...
This was our little table in our comfy corner.
Nollaig Shona Duit! Joyeux Noël!
18 Stoneybatter
Dublin 7
http://www.lmulligangrocer.com/
Open 4pm weekdays, 12.30pm weekends.
Food hours: Dinner Monday to Friday from 5pm.
Food all day weekends (including Bank Holidays) from 12.30pm
This is an independent review, I paid for my meal.
