Dublin city guide

If life were perfect, I’d be living in a penthouse apartment overlooking The Grand Canal Dock with its theater – designed by legendary architect Daniel Libeskind, also responsible for The Holocaust Museum (Berlin) and the winning design for the new World Trade Center in New York City – and square designed by the masterful minds at Martha Schwartz Partners. This public space has everything you could ever dream of. From a supermarket, to a local bakery, several restaurants, a barbershop and the theater of thought provoking and illuminating vision, to residential and office buildings of intriguing modern quality.

The area sits in a former derelict space in the Dublin docklands. Thankfully, through the efforts of investors, visionaries, and local support, the colorful and cheerful space is available for everyone to enjoy at any time of the day or night. The Grand Canal Dock can’t be missed, for it gives the visitor a true sensory experience of Dublin in the 21st century.

I suggest you go there by foot from city centre. Walk along the River Liffey on the North bank, heading east, where you will stumble upon other interesting places such as the IFSC, and the CHQ Building. Eventually, cross the bridge that’s shaped like a harp (Dublin’s newest cityscape addition) onto the south bank and continue East to let your eyes feast on the colors, angles and textures that will slowly unravel before you.

As some of you may already know, I adore cheese. One of my favorite things to accompany a gorgeous plate of cheeses is a glass (or more) of a perfectly matched wine. Olesya’s on Exchequer Street offers over a large variety of wines from all over the world, along with a limited but delicious menu. If you aren’t keen on having a full bottle, wines by the glass can also be ordered.

So what makes Olesya’s different from the lads across the road (see Damian’s piece on those guys)? Olesya’s is smaller, making it a lot easier to get your waiter’s attention during the busy night rush, and it has a view to the street! Now, what can top that lovely cheese plate, the savoury red (or white) that has been recommended, and the joy of people watching as they go about their lives? Nothing! Okay, maybe if the cheese and wine were free… nothing could really top that.

I suggest coming here for pre-dinner drinks if you are in a romantic mood, having a light snack, and heading out just in time to make your dinner reservation. Having Olesya’s open later than other wine bars 7 days a week provides a refuge for travelers from a different time zone and worshipers of Bacchus when all other wine bars seem closed for business.

Two words of advice though: Don’t come here if you’re starving and definitely not if you are in a rush!

Also check out the Live Jazz on Wednesday Nights.

My friends know I am the ultimate cheese lover. It’s never too early or too late for a few nice pieces of cheese mixed with some fresh fruit, on top of a baguette, or melted into sinfully delicious Colombian hot chocolate.

I was horrified after seeing only walls of cheddar cheese at every supermarket I entered here in Dublin. Don’t get me wrong, I like cheddar, but I thrive on the variety of flavors, textures and aromas that the world of cheese can offer. Also, I prefer quality to factory-made mystery cheeses. I was saved by the kind souls at Sheridan’s Cheesemongers.

Founded in 1995 in Galway, their approach is traditional, focusing on artisan cheeses of the highest quality produced here in Ireland and throughout Europe. Sheridan’s has the best variety of cheeses and the most knowledgeable staff I’ve encountered since arriving to Ireland; their attention to the customer is unbeatable!

I suggest going by the shop as you start your day and having one of their experts help you put together a varied selection of cheeses, some of the delicious breads and cured meats on offer, and a bottle of fine wine to compliment it all. When you feel like having a break from the sightseeing, treat yourself to an impromptu picnic!

Of course, you can find a nice selection of Irish cheddar at Sheridan’s too, but you can rest assured that it will always be better than what you can find at one of the supermarkets.

My absolute favorite Dublin restaurant for dinner is Canal Bank Café. Just about a 10 minute walk from St. Stephen’s Green, Canal Bank Café serves great quality food from an eclectic menu at reasonable prices without lacking on their attention to the customer.

If you want to be guaranteed a table you will, of course, need to make a reservation. Low-key elegance in a happy and relaxed environment is the order of the day at this cozy restaurant that is famous with the residents of nearby Ranelagh, Ballsbridge, and Leeson Street; their preferred item? Amazingly delicious and perfectly spiced chicken wings … my mouth is watering as I write this.

Last time I had the pleasure of dining at Canal Bank Café I ordered the Moules Frites, which were absolutely delicious, and my dessert, a raspberry trifle, was simply divine. Do check the restaurant’s website as their menus change; the trifle is no longer available but I cannot wait to try their Rhubarb & Ginger Crumble or their Warm Chocolate Banana Bread & Butter Pudding! Go to The Canal Bank Café, as I am certain that your time and money there will be very well spent. These guys never fail to impress.

Having grown up in the U.S. I am a sucker for brunches and a great place for brunch can be found in the heart of Portobello, here in Dublin.

Lennox Café Bistro sits in the middle of a residential street and is usually open until 5 in the afternoon, 7 days a week. Common sense would have you guessing that Lennox isn’t very successful because of the hours and location but let me assure you, come here on Saturday or a Sunday, and you will be queuing along the sidewalk, taking an order for a cup of coffee to pass the time.

The wait may be long, but it is absolutely worth every single minute. Why? Because fast and friendly service, absolutely delicious poached eggs and coffee, and anything else you wish to order, in a very fresh yet classic and quaint ambience will shape your brunch experience. Lennox is THE spot to be at if you are a local in the know when it comes to food.

I actually stopped by for quick a bite to eat… because it was a weekday, there were some tables available, and my salad? Stunning. My glass of fresh squeezed OJ? Tall, very full, and ridiculously gratifying.

Order a tea or coffee and it will be served in proper china; just another touch that gives this favorite nook of mine that certain charm.