Ooh la la in Douglas

On the Pigs Back has been an institution for many years in the English Market and later in Douglas at the back of St Patrick’s Woollen Mills. The stand in the market and the café in Douglas have stood the test of time and its founder, Isabelle Sheridan is well known in food circles, having brought delicious French delicatessen to Ireland while always supporting Irish producers.

I had the pleasure of working with Isabelle at the first Irish-French Food Festival a few years back and saw Isabelle’s drive and hard work first hand.

Now she’s gone and done it again with the first Cork Potters Exhibition and Food & Craft Fair. Working with the Society of Cork Potters, the event is opening on Friday 11 November from 6pm – 8.30pm with the exhibition running until 14 January 2023.

This is just in time for Christmas (with Halloween over, we can now freely speak of it) to find that special gift. Also, keep Sunday 27 November free as the annual Blarney Handmade Christmas Craft Fair is happening again in the Blarney Golf Resort and I’d love to see you there.

Staying with On the Pigs Back – another new event is happening on Saturday 12 November where chefs Paul Sigler and Ciaran Looney collaborate with musicians Sean Looney and Louise Kelleher to bring guests a delight of taste and sound.

The style of the evening concentrates on the American South with a delectable eight-course meal that promises soul food at its best. The best news indeed is the price of just €40 (and there’s even a student discount available).

I have been to the café in Douglas a few times and always loved the food – I am not the only one as the café was voted best café in this year’s YesChef! Restaurant Awards. The deli part of the café offers award winning pâtés, terrines and a wide selection of delicious cheeses as well as a great range of wines to take home.

The café itself is quirky with hand-crafted tables and chairs, wooden boards and beautiful ceramics.

The food is focused on seasons with taste that makes you want more. The menu reads French with an Irish accent, using Irish produce where possible.

I particularly love the attention to detail in adding little surprises where you least expect them – this is what makes the food so utterly tasty. The atmosphere during the day is that of a warm and welcoming neighbourhood café while events in the evening have a bit of a romantic feel to it with candle-lit tables adding a bit of hygge during this darker and colder season.

I am torn to which event I should commit to – both sound amazing and tasty and I might see you there. Bookings can be done via their website www.onthepigsback.com.