Archives for “Shopping” tag

Builders and developers are almost as reviled in Ireland these days as bankers and politicians. The exception – until a recent tax scandal – was a colourful character called Mick Wallace (now an Independent politician also), who was responsible for developing Bloom’s Lane back in the early Noughties.

A lover of Italian culture, Wallace’s ambition was to bring a slice of the continental lifestyle, with good food and wine at affordable prices, to Dublin at a time when prices elsewhere were soaring.

It is an attractive walkway which links the Millennium Bridge with Strand Street and Upper Abbey Street and is lined with restaurants, cafes and a few shops. There is a cluster of Italian restaurants at one end, hence it is generally referred to locally as the “Italian Quarter.”

Whether this area can still be said to offer better value for money than elsewhere in the city is debatable. The Italian fare on offer tends to be decent and reliable rather than exciting or inventive. Nevertheless, it is a very pleasant option for al fresco dining or a simple glass of wine. Bloom’s Lane is also one of Dublin’s prime people-watching locations on a sunny day, forming a perfect runway for the city’s beautiful people – usually foreigners.

Incidentally, the picture above is of a mural to be found at the heart of Bloom’s Lane. Featuring a collection of random individuals chosen by the local artist responsible for the work, it is a clever and amusing take on the Last Supper.

Founded in 1981, Asia Market Ltd. is the place to go to for any of us living here that needs a hard-to-find ingredient for that special dish.

I recommend you stop here on any given day (preferably in the morning) so that you can be a witness to the fast-paced and multicultural shopping experience that many don’t often see while traveling.

Asia Market is also the place where many of Dublin’s great restaurant kitchens gather some of their key ingredients. Who knows? Maybe the next time you are in, you might bump into one of the wonderful Dublin chefs that like to shop here before their start to a very busy day!

FYI: Book your “What’s Inside Asia Market?” today! It’s FREE, you get a behind the scenes look, and get tips on making the most out of staple Asian ingredients next time you try your luck in the kitchen. See their Facebook page for more info.

Many people that have watched the movie Chocolat with Juliette Binoche, often dream of having such a little shop in their city, town, or neighbourhood… a place where they can go into and be greeted by an honest smile from someone who understands what chocolate invokes once the first bite is taken.

Dubliners now have such a place. Although it is not found in a remote town in France like in the film, Cocoa Atelier definitely creates that space of serenity, warmth and intimacy within that many city dwellers & chocoholics crave.

Inside Cocoa Atelier you will find a multitude of truffles in all sorts of flavour combinations sitting before you, with columns of chocolate Florentines, jars and bottles oozing chocolatey deliciousness adorning the walls, and almost endless rows of macaroons waiting to be picked.

The place is a temple to the art of all things chocolate. Everything you see on display is produced in the downstairs kitchen using the best quality ingredients to make Cocoa Atelier an experience to be had while in Dublin. My favourites so far are the salted caramels & the white chocolate and pistachio Florentines.

Another thing to highlight at Cocoa Atelier is the modern and soothing ambiance within the shop where chocolate is the pièce de résistance, all divinely enhanced by the always smiling shop staff. Cocoa Atelier is probably the type of shop Brioche’s character would have started had she had the city and the 21st century at her disposal.

I roll my eyes at the kitschy souvenir shops that Dublin is invaded with. Not only do they “pollute” the lovely Georgian canvas of the city, but some even dare to blast obnoxious adverts on deals: “buy a pair of socks, get the 2nd pair free!” I just hang my head in disgust. I’m the kind of traveller that likes to gather more authentic, quality pieces that will be functional at home. This is when Avoca comes into the scene.

Tourists often walk by it and might even take a peek inside the store, but I never see them experiencing the place! Avoca is popular with the locals, of course; it’s almost a thing of national pride for some too!

Founded in 1723, Avoca is an institution when it comes to hand-woven goodies. Not only are they amazing at it, their restaurant on the top floor has some delish items for a cool brunch, and the deli in the basement’s perfect for a quick, yet cosy, pick me up — their food and crumbles are to die for!!! The guys have their own loft in the 3rd level, but you must walk through the coolest kid’s area first.

What’s the best part? Taking that lovely throw, or cute scarf home to someone special and making them feel like you really cared enough to find something for them unique and authentically Irish without the kitsch factor attached to it. To me, this is where tradition meets cool.

I like to explore the latest designers and artists of any city I happen to visit. Often, you find these by chance as I did when I first moved to Dublin; in all honesty, this spot won my heart & seal of approval from the moment I walked in. The Loft Market on the top floor of Powerscourt Centre is quite the chic spot!

Not only are you able to see talent all around you, but you can also meet the designers and artists in person, often while they are hard at work on their latest projects. You are welcomed to browse, admire, touch, and experience the items on display. Of course, you can purchase your favourite creation to take home as well!

One of my favourite vendors to frequent is the team from Aliquo with classy and whimsical pieces to suit all sorts. The feeling you get from purchasing a unique item from the designer or artist him or herself cannot compare to any other shopping experience felt in the ordinary world.

Thanks to The Loft Market, you are not only participating in a more intimate exchange of goods with the young creative minds of the city, but you are also supporting the local economy and promoting its artistic minds where ever you may go to next!

If you have time for it, I suggest stopping by closer to noon on Fridays, as this is less crowded time and vendors have more time to chat with you.