Hot Flavours: Samba, Cinnamood, The Big Grill, The Tannery and more

The Domino Records of Irish cookbooks – eclectic but always of the highest quality –  Blasta publish their second tome of the year, Samba: A Celebration Of Brazilian Food on April 30.

Penned by chef and food entrepreneur Giselle Makinde, it starts by explaining how Brazilian grub is “a dance between three nations” – indigenous, Portuguese and African – and then tells you how to make dishes like Feijoada (black been stew), Escondidinho de Carne Seca (a South American twist on shepherd’s pie) and Brazilian party sweets in colourful detail.

Get 10% off by ordering direct from blastabooks.com…

Having previously sold its wares all over Europe, Cinnamood has brought its next level Scandi-style sweet rolls to Dublin’s O’Connell Street.

Along with the signature cinnamon ones, the Pecan Maple Roll with mascarpone-style cream and lots of chopped pecans are so good you may cry tears of joy.

Meanwhile, the first ten eateries have been confirmed for The Big Grill which returns to Herbert Park, D4 from August 13-16.

They are – prepare to salivate! – La Barbecue, Uncle Hon’s, Bahay x Kaldero, Hawker, From The Ashes BBQ, Hera, Hang Dai, Bah 33, Reyna and Achara.

The latter Thai restaurant, which resides on Aston Quay, wowed us recently with its Charcoal Grilled Pork Cheek with Pork Fat and Tomato Curry; Basil Chilli Aubergine; and Trout Ceviche with Green Nam Jim and Sesame Cracker.

 

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One of Ireland’s most consistently brilliant restaurants, The Tannery in Dungarvan is to close – but only after ten months of special dining events.

If Guinea Fowl with Mushroom & Smoked Ham Pie, Brown Butter Crushed Roots and Sage Sauce; Agnolotti of Hegarty Cheddar with Jerusalem Artichoke, Sprouts and Smoked Almonds; and Black Forest Choux Bun with Cherries, Chocolate and Kirsch Cream Cheese are your sort of thing, keep an eye on tannery.ie.

The good news is that their cookery school and Townhouse accommodation will continue to operate on a seasonal basis…

The Tannery

You’ll have to be quick but Aer Lingus has announced direct Dublin-Barbados flights from March 31-May 31, starting at €229 each way which is a steal.

Once you’re there, the Afro-Caribbean classics include Pudding and Souse, AKA Pickled Pork with Spicy Sweet Potato and Cou-Cou Cornmeal with Fried Flying Fish.