Spicy Piri-Piri Buddy Burger and BLT Chicken Cruncher from A&W

Have I told you that we stopped eating from most American fast-food chains? Because of that decision, we always default to Tim Hortons and A&W, which is what happened this evening.

Spicy Piri-Piri Beef Buddy Burger from A&W
A perfectly seasoned 1.6 oz grass-fed beef patty, topped with spicy piri-piri sauce, layers of crisp whole-leaf lettuce, sliced tomato and red onion, all sandwiches between a freshly toasted bun.

For dinner, we stopped by A&W for burgers. I went for the Spicy Piri-Piri Buddy Beef Burger, and it was glorious. The subtle spice from the piri-piri sauce balanced with the juicy beef is great.

BLT Chicken Cruncher from A&W
Juicy, crunchtastic chicken with bacon, layers of crisp lettuce, sliced tomato and our mayo, all sandwiches between a perfectly toasted brioche-style bun

Hubby went for the BLT Chicken Cruncher, and the combo of bacon and crispy chicken is great.

Of course, I enjoyed my meal with A&W root beer and our usual sides of sweet potato fries and onion rings.

Below is a list of menu items we've tried from A&W for future reference:

Breakfast

• All Canadian Special
• Bacon & Egger
• Classic Bacon & Eggs
• Pancakes with Syrup
• Sausage & Egger

Burgers

• Baby Burger
• Cheddar Bacon Uncle Burger
• Mama Burger
• Mozza Burger
• Spicy Piri-Piri Buddy Burger
• Teen Burger

Sides

• KitKat Turnover (limited time)
• Onion Rings
• Poutine
• Russet Thick-Cut Fries
• Sweet Potato Fries with Chipotle Mayonnaise
• Whistle Dog

Chicken

• BLT Chicken Cruncher
• Chicken Nuggets (limited time)
• Chicken Strips
• Chubby Chicken Cruncher
• Masala Veggie Burger
• Nashville Hot Chicken Cruncher

Pad Thai from Khao Thai by Legato

For our company-paid Thai lunch, we decided to try something new and had Khao Thai by Legato deliver instead of going to our usual spot at Club Kitchen.

Pad Thai from Khao Thai by Legato
Rice noodles with Tamarindo sauce, eggs, topped with raw beans sprouts, ground peanuts, and lime

I played it safe with the pad thai, and it was delicious. There were plenty of rice noodles coated in a sweet and savory sauce, and it was topped with tofu and vegetables.

Combo B and Mandu from Royal Seoul House Restaurant

Barbecue. We've finally settled on the celebration theme for our October anniversary, and it's BBQ. Today, we went to nearby Royal Seoul House Restaurant for our usual Korean BBQ set to celebrate.

Deep Fried Pork Dumplings next to the ban chan that came with our Combo B set 

Marinated Beef Short Rib from Royal Seoul House Restaurant

Spicy Pork, Marinated Chicken, and Marinated Beef as part of Combo B in Royal Seoul House Restaurant

Doenjang-jjigae from Royal Seoul House Restaurant

It's great, as expected. I love grilling meat and eating it with all the side dishes, from the rice to the kimchi. They even included a tofu soup in the set now. More importantly, I'm with my love, sharing this meal. Thank you, Lord.

Dark Hot Chocolate and Ham & Cheese Croissant from Blenz

Happy Sunday! Hubby is volunteering at church, so I decided to have a date with myself by grabbing a light early lunch at Blenz. I ordered their dark hot chocolate and ham & cheese croissant.

Dark Hot Chocolate and Ham & Cheese Croissant

I love how smooth the hot chocolate is, which is a perfect contrast to the savory and flaky ham & cheese croissant.

For future me, below is a list of drinks and foods we've tried from Blenz:

Drinks

Blue Latte Caramel Sundae Chocochillo Coco-Ube Chillo Cranberry Dark Hot Chocolate Eggnog Latte Gingerbread Latte Hazelnut Crisp Hot Chocolate Holly Jolly Pistachio Lemon Shaken Iced Tea London Fog Latte Pumpkin Spice Latte Matchachillo Matcha White Hot Chocolate Mochachillo Sticky Toffee Twinkle Thai Iced Tea Toffee Nut Latte Wintermint Cream Cold Brew

Food

Bacon English Muffin Beef Roll Beignets Breakfast Bagel Butter Chicken Wrap Chicken Sun-Dried Pesto Wrap Chocolate Brownie Dacaron: Double Chocolate Dacaron: Japanese Matcha Dream Dacaron: Tahitian Vanilla Bean Just Cakes: Eggless Red Velvet Cake in a Jar Lemon Poppyseed Muffin Lumberjack Breakfast Wrap Nanaimo Bar Tiramisu Tuna Sandwich Turkey & Bacon Sandwich

Tuna Tataki Roll from Masa Japanese Restaurant

Happy Thursday! For dinner tonight, I'm feeling way too lazy to cook, so we stopped by the nearby Masa Japanese Restaurant instead. I got their vegetarian bento box, which is so filling and satisfying.

Tuna Tataki Roll from Masa Japanese Restaurant
Avocado, crabmeat, and cucumber roll with tuna tataki, green onion and onion on top

For sharing, we got the Tuna Tataki Roll with fresh tuna on top. I'm trying to go through the Masa Special Roll menu, but it keeps changing! It's a good dinner to support a local business.

Veggie Bento from Masa Japanese Restaurant
Avocado roll, veggie spring roll (2 pieces), deep fried veggie gyoza (2 pieces), tofu teriyaki, salad. Served with miso soup

Volcanes de Asada from Patrón Tacos & Cantina

I came back to work on Monday, and for the first team lunch, the theme was Mexican. We went with our usual spot: Patron Taco and Cantina. I got the Volcanes de Asada taco, and it was excellent.

Volcanes de Asada from Patrón Tacos & Cantina

I came to the conclusion that beef is their specialty. I should reorder everything I have tried and choose the beef as meat when possible. Once I have tried everything on their menu, this taco and the Quesabirria will be my go-to.

For future me, below is a list of menu items we have tried:

Appetizers

• Empanaditas
• Nachos (Birria)

Sopas Tradicionales

• Tortilla Soup
  

Main

• Birriaquiles
• Burrito (Chicken Tinga)
• Chilaquiles (Chorizo)
• Enchiladas (Carnitas and Garlic Mushroom)
  
• Huaraches (Garlic Mushroom)
  
• Quesabirria
• Quesadillas

Tacos

• Al Pastor
• Volcanes de Asada

 Desserts

• Churros

CF Pacific Centre Urban Eatery (food court)

CF Pacific Centre, located in the heart of downtown Vancouver, is a major retail destination, and its food court, the Urban Eatery, is a key part of the experience. This underground dining space is a bustling hub for shoppers, office workers, and tourists alike, offering a wide array of choices from well-known chains to unique local spots.

The food court is constantly evolving, with new vendors appearing and others moving on, so this list is a snapshot of the offerings as of the publication date and is subject to change.

☑️ A&W

⬜ Cazba Persian Grill

⬜ Cha House

✔️ Dairy Queen / Orange Julius

⬜ Edo Japan

☑️ Flaming Wok

✔️ Jugo Juice

☑️ New York Fries

⬜ OPA! of Greece

✔️ Subway

☑️ Taco Time

☑️ Thai Express

☑️ UMI Sushi Express

☑️ Vina Vietnamese

☑️ Chachi's (closed)

❌ Hula (closed)

☑️ Living Foods (closed)

Wonton Noodle Soup from Flaming Wok

We came back from vacation last Wednesday and unpacked, did laundry, and slept yesterday. Today is running errands day as we renew my IDs and grabbed groceries at Costco.

Fried Rice, Fried Fish, and Mixed Vegetables from Flaming Wok

In between those two, we grabbed lunch at Flaming Wok inside the Pacific Centre food court. Still needing rice and fish, I went exactly for that - fried fish and mixed vegetables on top of fried rice. Gosh! That's satisfying.

Wonton Noodle Soup from Flaming Wok

Hubby went for their wonton noodle soup because it's cold outside and we still have lingering sniffles.

Tuna Poke Bowl from Cactus Club Cafe

After a long but uneventful journey across the Atlantic and a quick dash through the Vancouver International Airport (YVR) baggage claim, we finally made it home! The first order of business was not unpacking, but rushing to freshen up because we had the best reason to combat jet lag: meeting a dear friend from the Philippines for dinner! To celebrate the reunion and our return to the West Coast, we chose Cactus Club Café, an iconic Canadian (and very much BC!) chain.

After a week immersed in comforting stews, delicious pub grub, and all the "rasher" of bacon one could eat, my body was sending a clear signal: I need fish and I need rice! The Filipino in me was craving that staple.

Tuna Poke Bowl from Cactus Club Cafe
Sesame ginger ocean wise ahi, jasmine rice, mango, cucumber, avocado, edamame, ginger, radish, and crispy tempura

So, instead of opting for one of their famous steaks, I went straight for the Tuna Poke Bowl. This was a great rendition of the poke, featuring fresh tuna, perfectly seasoned rice, and all the crisp, colourful toppings. It was light, vibrant, and exactly the kind of meal I needed to reset after a week of hearty travel food.

Sharing stories of our Irish adventures with a wonderful friend felt like the true, perfect end to our trip.

Grilled Cheeses from Jujo Juice

After our smooth transatlantic flight, we found ourselves with a brief two-hour layover in Calgary (YYC) before the final hop to Vancouver. With both of us still battling a lingering cough, we made a beeline for Jugo Juice, knowing they had the perfect remedies. 

Our first order of business was to stock up on wellness: a fiery Good Shot (packed with lemon, ginger, turmeric, and cayenne—pure immune system defiance!) and a fresh Orange Juice. For food, we went for the ultimate Canadian comfort food with a twist: Grilled Cheese sandwiches. They were far from basic and made for the perfect, handheld airport meal.

I chose the Chicken & Caramelized Onion Grilled Cheese, a savory delight built with chicken, spinach, mozzarella, and sweet, jammy caramelized onions. It was warm and barely satisfying.

Chicken & Caramelized Onion Grilled Cheese from Jugo Juice
Chicken, mozzarella, spinach, and caramelized onion

However, the real winner, by a delicious margin, was my husband's choice: the Turkey Cranberry Grilled Cheese. This sandwich took the familiar combination of turkey and cranberry and elevated it with a fantastic, nutty layer of pesto.

Turkey Cranberry Grilled Cheese from Jugo Juice
Turkey, provolone, cranberry sauce, and pesto

Fueled by spicy shots, fresh juice, and melty grilled cheese sandwiches, we were ready for the final leg of our journey home.

Westjet Economy Class Food from Dublin (DUB) to Calgary (YYC)

After a seamless departure from Dublin, we settled in for the long haul to Calgary, and soon enough, the dinner service arrived. We had two main options: a Chicken dish with potatoes and green beans covered in a bright, tomato-based red sauce, and a Vegetarian Pasta.

Vegetarian Option on Westjet Economy Class Food Dublin (DUB) to Calgary (YYC) 

While both were perfectly good, we both agreed that the Vegetarian Pasta was the unexpected winner! It was rich, flavourful, and a real step up, proving that sometimes the meat-free option is the way to go on a long-haul flight.

Chicken option on Westjet Economy Class from Dublin (DUB) to Calgary (YYC) 

The mains were served with the complete classic airline ensemble: a fresh side salad dressed with a tangy balsamic dressing, a warm roll with butter, a little pack of cheese and crackers, and the best part—a light and delicious chocolate mousse for dessert.

It was kind of satisfying, well-rounded meal you want when you're settling in for a long flight across the Atlantic.

Mini-Breakfast at Marqette inside Dublin Airport (DUB)

After a whirlwind trip filled with historic castles, coastal drama, and a checklist of amazing Irish food, it was time for the final act: a leisurely breakfast at Dublin Airport (DUB) before our WestJet flight back to Vancouver.

Since we were early, we bypassed the rush and settled into Marqette in Terminal 1.We both went for the ingenious Marqette Mini Breakfast, which allows you to build your own perfect plate. It was a brilliant strategy for a traveler who’s sampled nearly everything! My customized plate was pure comfort food heaven, featuring my four chosen essentials:

• Fluffy Scrambled Eggs
• Crispy Hash Brown
• A Classic Irish Sausage
• Flavourful Rashers of Bacon
• ...all served with slices of golden Toast.

Mini Breakfast from Marqette inside Dublin Airport (DUB)

It was the ideal final taste of Ireland—simple, perfectly cooked, and a reminder of the amazing quality of the ingredients we enjoyed throughout the trip.

Curry Chips from Beshoff Bros

After a day of walking through Dublin's historical timeline and soaking up ancient history at the National Museum, our energy reserves were totally depleted. It was time for dinner, and we happily abandoned any fussy planning and headed straight for a Dublin institution: Beshoff Fish and Chips, conveniently located near our hotel. This was my chance to cross off a major item from my Irish food checklist: the famous Curry Chips!

Curry Chips from Beshoff Bros

Curry Chips from Beshoff Bros

It’s essentially a generous portion of crispy chips absolutely smothered in that unique, thick, gravy-like Irish curry sauce. My initial taste brought a genuine surprise—it reminded me immediately of a Japanese chicken curry base! It has that rich, mildly sweet, savoury depth that is so comforting, but without the heat of other curry styles. It was glorious, addictive, and I instantly understood why it’s a national obsession. (It even reminded me of a curry-free Poutine, thanks to the texture of the sauce!)

Seafood Select Box Meal from Beshoff Bros
Scampi, calamari, cod goujons served with potato chips

To round out the meal, we also shared a Seafood Select Box packed with tender cod, shrimp, and calamari, all perfectly battered, plus, of course, plenty more chips. We also tried their Seafood Chowder. While comforting, my palate had been spoiled by the "best" chowder earlier in the trip; this one was a tad too creamy for my liking.

Seafood Chowder from Beshoff Bros

We ended the day in a state of happy exhaustion and a glorious food coma.

Black Forest Hot Chocolate from Butlers Chocolate Café

After our fast-paced walking tour, which took us past the exteriors of some of Dublin’s most iconic landmarks—from the medieval walls of Dublin Castle to the soaring spires of St. Patrick’s Cathedral—we were ready for a treat. We headed straight for Butlers Chocolate Café. I had already experienced their famous hot chocolate during my time in Cork and knew my husband had to try it for himself.

Black Forest Hot Chocolate from Butlers Chocolate Café 

While he enjoyed his first taste of their signature hot chocolate, I decided to go for one of their seasonal specials: the Black Forest Hot Chocolate. And it was spot-on! The drink was a perfect liquid version of the classic cake, with rich, dark chocolate notes and the unmistakable, fruity essence of black cherries.

Beef and Guinness Stew from The Stag's Head

After a much-needed sleep-in following our Cliffs of Moher adventure, our first mission of the day was to grab an early lunch at a true Dublin institution: The Stag's Head. This Victorian gem, known for its stunning ornate interior, was the perfect starting point for walking around Dublin on our last day here.

We were set to enjoy two more items from our Irish food checklist, but alas, the universe had other plans! I was really looking forward to the Bacon and Cabbage, only to find out it was a weekend-only special. A little disappointing, but it's all part of the adventure!

No matter, I quickly pivoted to another pub classic: their Irish Beef Burger. It was a juicy, satisfying burger, cooked perfectly.

8oz Irish Beef Burger from The Stag's Head
Chargrilled 8oz Irish Beef Burger, smoked streaky bacon, aged Dubliner white cheddar cheese, beer batter onion ring, lettuce, beef tomato, chipotle mayo and served on a toasted brioche bun with hand cut chips

My husband, thankfully, had no menu woes and happily dug into the rich and hearty Beef and Guinness Stew. Packed with tender beef and infused with the deep, malty flavor of Guinness, it was everything you'd expect from a traditional Irish pub stew.

Beef and Guinness Stew from The Stag's Head
Tender Irish beef and seasonal vegetables served with creamy mashed potato and Guinness bread.

While I might have missed out on the Bacon and Cabbage for now, lunch at The Stag's Head was still a memorable experience.

Dubai Donut and Kinder Deluxe from The Rolling Donut

After the spicy delights of our Spice Bag and Dan Dan Noodles from Xi'An Street Food, we needed something sweet to cool things down and signal the end of a truly epic day. And what better way to do that than with a stop at The Rolling Donut? We grabbed a couple of their decadent creations to enjoy back in the comfort of our hotel room with a cup of tea.

Dubai Donut from The Rolling Donut
A delightful fusion of Middle Eastern flavours, filled with crunchy, toasted kataifi pastry & rich pistachio cream topped with our handmade ganache & sprinkled with crushed pistachios. 

A peek inside the Dubai Donut from The Rolling Donut

I chose the Dubai Donut, which offered a delightful fusion of Middle Eastern flavors, featuring crunchy kataifi pastry and rich pistachio cream inside. My husband, meanwhile, went for the Kinder Deluxe. This was all about that familiar taste of a Kinder Bueno, with a creamy filling and a white chocolate hazelnut ganache on top.

Kinder Deluxe from The Rolling Donut
A sourdough donut with a scrumptious Kinder Bueno filling topped with a creamy white chocolate hazelnut ganache and chocolate flakes

A peek inside the Kinder Deluxe from The Rolling Donut

Sharing these sweet, pillowy donuts and sipping tea in our room was the perfect, cozy conclusion to a day that had taken us from the wild Cliffs of Moher to the bustling streets of Dublin, seasoned with history, folklore, and delicious food. It was a well-deserved, sweet reward after so much exploring!

Famous Spice Bag from Xi'An Street Food

After a monumental day of touring—from the ancient stories at Bunratty, through the unique geology of The Burren, to the sheer majesty of the Cliffs of Moher—we were absolutely famished.

We headed to Xi'An Street Food, a place renowned for delivering the beloved and very Irish Spice Bag. And it did not disappoint! For those unfamiliar, a Spice Bag is essentially a generous paper bag filled with perfectly seasoned, crispy chips (fries), juicy fried chicken pieces, and often other delights like peppers and onions, all tossed in a secret, fiery, and addictive spice blend.

Spice Bag from Xi'An Street Food

Every bite was an explosion of flavor and texture: the crispy exterior of the chicken and chips, the soft interior of the potato, and that inimitable spicy kick that leaves a satisfying tingle on your tongue. It's the ultimate comfort food, deeply satisfying and utterly unique to the Irish takeaway scene.

Alongside our Spice Bag, we ordered the Dan Dan Noodles, but made the crucial choice to upgrade to their signature hand-pulled Biang Biang noodles. And honestly? They were the unexpected star of the show!

Famous Biang Biang Noodles with Stewed Beef and Dan Dan Sauce from Xi'An Street Food

These thick, wide noodles were chewy, springy, and full of texture. The amazing quality of the noodles themselves completely stole the show, standing out even more than the watered-down peanuty sauce.

If you ever find yourself in Ireland, a Spice Bag from Xi'An Street Food is a must-try!

Croissants from Eurospar

After an absolutely magnificent day exploring the dramatic beauty of the Cliffs of Moher, the ancient landscapes of The Burren, and the charming village of Kinvara (complete with its iconic Dunguaire Castle!), it was time for the long drive back to Dublin. As our final stop, we popped into Eurospar in Kinvara for some road trip snacks.

Normally, when you think "grocery store pastries," especially at the end of the day, expectations aren't exactly sky-high. However, we were in for a delightful surprise! We picked up a trio of croissants – a classic, a chocolate, and an almond.

A bag of Croissants from Eurospar in Kinvara

And honestly? They were surprisingly delicious! The plain croissant was buttery, the chocolate croissant had a good ratio of rich chocolate to pastry, and the almond croissant was perfectly sweet. Considering it was late in the day and these came from a grocery store bakery, their quality was still impressive.

Seafood Chowder and Fish & Chips at The Frantic Chef

After a morning at Bunratty Castle and learning about the Great Famine and iconic stone walls of Ireland from our guide, our tour bus pulled up to The Frantic Chef in Liscannor, County Clare—the perfect spot to refuel before the main event: the Cliffs of Moher. Being right on the Wild Atlantic Way, seafood was definitely on the menu, and we decided to dive headfirst into two Irish classics.

First up, the Homemade Seafood Chowder. Oh. My. Gosh. This wasn't just good; it was the best chowder I've had since that incredible salmon chowder at the Thunderbird Cafe in Whistler! It was rich and creamy, packed with tender, fresh seafood, each spoonful a warming hug.

Seafood Chowder from The Frantic Chef

Next, we couldn't resist the Fish & Chips. The cod was perfectly fresh and sweet, encased in a light and crispy batter. Paired with a generous serving of crispy fries, it was the ideal classic coastal treat.

Fish & Chips from The Frantic Chef

Both dishes were phenomenal—comforting, fresh, and absolutely delicious. The Frantic Chef proved to be the perfect, satisfying stop to fuel up before we headed off to witness the breathtaking majesty of the Cliffs of Moher. What a lunch!

Sausage Roll, Morning Bun, and Cheese & Onion Tart from Bread 41

Today was the big day for our Cliffs of Moher tour, which meant an early start and an even earlier check-in. But that just meant we had an excuse to hit up a Dublin culinary institution first thing: Bread 41! Despite some confusion about their Monday opening hours, we were thrilled to find their doors open at 7 AM. We chose a mix of sweet and savory bread.

Morning Bun from Bread 41

The Morning Bun is a perfect, slightly sweet start. It was flaky, delicate, and utterly delicious – a fantastic pastry to wake up the taste buds.

Sausage Roll from Bread 41

The Sausage Roll is a hearty, savory classic. The pastry was golden and crisp, encasing a well-seasoned, satisfying filling.

Cheese & Onion Tart from Bread 41

The Cheese and Onion Tart is a comforting and flavorful choice, with a rich, savory filling that hit all the right notes for an early morning treat.

Breakfast Tea from Bread 41

To wash it all down, I opted for a classic Breakfast Tea (because when in Ireland...), while my husband enjoyed a creamy Latte. Grabbing breakfast from Bread 41 felt like a true Dublin experience – a proper artisan start to a day.

Yoi Soul Ramen from Yoi Izakaya

After a long and mindblowingly impressive tour of Trinity College and seeing the Book of Kells, I was completely wiped and just wanted to head back to the hotel to rest. However, my husband insisted that a good dinner was a better idea, and he was absolutely right. Instead of our planned Sunday roast, we opted for Japanese ramen from Yoi Izakaya, located near our hotel.

The atmosphere was cozy, and the hot soup was exactly what I needed. I ordered the Chicken Shoryu Ramen, and it was incredibly comforting. The chicken broth base, for me, is the ultimate "get-well" food — soothing and restorative. Coming from Vancouver, with its many excellent ramen spots, I have high standards, and this was an okay ramen.

Chicken Shoryu Ramen from Yoi Izakaya
Roasted marinated miso chicken fillets, oyster mushroom, bean sprouts, seasoned eggs, fish cake, black fungus, fried onion, and coriander. Served with shoryu chicken broth

My husband went for the Yoi Soul Ramen. It had the same chicken broth base as mine but was packed with a hearty mix of chicken, pork cha shu, and even shrimp. He noted that his broth tasted less "soy sauce-y" than mine, making for a distinctly different yet equally satisfying bowl.

Yoi Soul Ramen from Yoi Izakaya
Pork charshu, chicken fillets, king prawn, crispy tofu, bean sprouts, seasoned eggs, fish cake, blank fungus, fried onion, soy bamboo shoots, nori seaweed, spring onion and coriander. Served with chicken shoryu broth. 

The hot, savory soup was just what I needed, and after a much-needed two-hour nap back in the hotel, I was already feeling a bit better. A perfect, comforting end to a busy Sunday!

Irish Chicken Fillet Roll from Dunnes Stores

After our coffee break at Vice, we finished our shopping run, picking up some fun souvenirs from the ever-present Carroll’s Irish Gifts. Then, it was time for lunch, and we knew exactly where to go: the deli counter at Dunnes Stores! This stop was all about ticking off two major Irish food classics:

The Chicken Fillet Roll: I went for the traditionalist’s choice: Plain Chicken Fillet with mayo and butter, topped with cheese and stuffing (as recommended by my colleague). The combination of the tender chicken, creamy spreads, and savory stuffing in a soft roll is an absolute masterpiece of convenience food. It’s easy to see why this sandwich is an Irish institution!

Chicken Fillet Roll from Dunnes Stores

The Large Sausage Roll: We also grabbed one of their large, classic Sausage Rolls. Piping hot, with flaky pastry hugging a thick, well-seasoned pork filling.

Sausage Roll from Dunnes Stores

To wash it all down, we grabbed their freshly squeezed orange juice. After a day of exploring and with a bit of a sore throat, that chilled, vibrant, and tart juice was incredibly refreshing and the perfect palate cleanser after all that savory goodness.

It was a fantastic, simple, and very Irish way to refuel before our next stop: Trinity College.

Award-Winning Irish Coffee from Vice Coffee

After breakfast, we started our official Sunday with mass at the beautiful Pro-Cathedral. Following that, I enjoyed a little essential Dublin retail therapy! I managed to snag a great belt from Penneys (the Irish name for Primark) and then found a truly beautiful, traditional scarf from Aran Sweater Market, which will be a perfect souvenir.

All that walking definitely deserved a break, so we made a return trip to Vice Coffee. My husband finally got to properly savor the Irish Coffee, a must-try on his list, while I indulged in a pastry.

Fancy Frankie Irish Coffee from Vice Coffee
Award winning Irish coffee with Teeling small batch, espresso, demarara, and spiced orange cream

I ordered their Lemon Bar, and it was exactly what I needed! It was a brilliant balance of flavors: wonderfully tart from the fresh lemon and perfectly sweet from the sugar base. After all the rich savory foods, that citrus zing was absolutely perfect.

Lemon Bar from Vice Coffee

It was a great afternoon of culture, comfort, and a little bit of indulgence.

Full Irish Breakfast and Ham & Cheese Toastie from Jay Kay's Cafe

Even with a sore throat making me feel a bit under the weather, we weren't going to miss out on one of my husband's food quests: a true Full Irish Breakfast. We made our way to Jay Kay's Cafe, a local spot that came highly recommended.

While our hotel's buffet has all the elements of a Full Irish, the difference here was immediately clear. My husband's plate was a masterpiece of flavor, with two savory pork sausages and two crispy bacon rashers. The golden fried egg was perfectly cooked, and the crispy baby potatoes were a delightful change from the usual hash browns. The plate was rounded out with a side of sweet beans, earthy fried mushrooms, a juicy grilled tomato, and some toasted sourdough bread with tangy Ballymaloe relish.

Jay's Full Irish Breakfast from Jay Kay's Cafe
Two pork sausages, black and white pudding, two bacon, fried egg, crispy baby potatoes, beans fried mushrooms, grilled tomato, and sourdough toast with Ballymaloe relish

The real standouts, however, were the black and white puddings. Unlike the gritty versions we'd tried, these were incredibly smooth and flavorful, with a wonderful, almost creamy texture.

For my breakfast, I opted for something more soothing: a ham and cheese toastie. This was a super-flattened sandwich with sweet honey and mustard-glazed ham and melted cheddar cheese on toasted bloomer bread. The tangy Ballymaloe relish was a fantastic addition, offering another beautiful depth of flavor.

Ham & Cheese Toastie from Jay Kay's Cafe
Home-baked honey and mustard glazed ham and cheddar cheese

To help combat our sore throats, we both happily ordered a Turmeric Shot. This potent little mix of organic turmeric root, ginger, apple, and cracked black pepper was just the thing we needed to start the day.

Turmeric Shot from Jay Kay's Cafe
Organic turmeric root, ginger, apple, and cracked black pepper

Despite not feeling 100%, this breakfast was a true highlight — a combination of classic Irish comfort food and a much-needed wellness boost.

Irish Stew and Boxty Platter from Gallagher's Boxty House

After a day exploring the ancient wonders of Brú na Bóinne valley and the Newgrange mound, our appetites were ready for a hearty Dublin dinner. Our initial plan was The Brazen Head, but after my fantastic experience on the food tour, we pivoted to Gallagher's Boxty House.

My husband had three key food requests for this trip: an authentic Irish stew, a proper Irish coffee, and a full Irish breakfast. For dinner, he opted for the very same Irish stew I had sampled last Friday during my food tour. It was exactly what he was hoping for: deeply savory, comforting, and packed with tender meat and vegetables.

Gallaghers Irish Stew from Gallagher's Boxty House
Lamb stew, root vegetables, potatoes, barley, and selection of bread

Meanwhile, I decided to dive headfirst into their namesake with the Gallagher's Boxty Platter. This was an incredible journey through all things boxty! The platter featured:

• Boxty Fries: While normal fries are good, these were on another level entirely. They boasted an incredibly crispy exterior with an almost unbelievably fluffy interior, a perfect potato experience.
• St Tola Goats Cheese on Boxty Loaves: The soft, tangy goat cheese paired beautifully with the tender boxty loaves.
• Pico de gallo on Boxty Loaves: This combination was interesting, though perhaps not my favorite of the bunch.
• Boxty Pancake topped with Bacon Lardons and Blue Cheese Sauce: Decadent! This was a tad too oily, but the richness of the bacon and the creamy, pungent blue cheese sauce was absolutely amazing and satisfying.
• Honey & Chilli Glazed Boxty Dumplings: These little boxty "gnocchi" were a delightful surprise. With a hint of spice and a tarty kick from the glaze, they acted as a fantastic palate cleanser amidst all the rich flavors.

Gallagher's Boxty Platter from Gallagher's Boxty House
Boxty fries, St Tolas goats cheese on boxty loaves, boxty pancake topped with bacon lardons and bluue cheese, and honey & chili glazed boxty dumplings 

The Boxty Platter was an adventurous and delicious way to explore such a versatile Irish staple. It was a perfect end to our Saturday!