Graduate Gourmet: Highlights from Dublin, Ireland

Miss me?? I was in Dublin, Ireland for 10 days for my association's fall conference and was unable to post while I was there. Although I was working all the time, I did snap a few photos of my dining adventures. Wanna see some highlights?

Now, of course I couldn't take pictures of everything while I was there. I am actually really sad I couldn't take pictures of our luncheon entrees at the Dublin Convention Centre because they were literally the best conference food I have ever had! Still...here are some of my fav Dublin moments:

Innocent smoothies are beyond delicious. I used to drink these all the time when I lived in the UK. Right after we landed I spotted this particular smoothie in a convenience store and had to have it! The best way to avoid jet lag? A bottle of pure fruit goodness of course!

I can't go to Ireland without some fish & chips! We were staying at the historic Shelbourne hotel, and their bar food was actually spot on. The fish was flaky and tender on the inside, and crunchy on the outside. Plus, their chips had the perfect crunch to thickness ratio.

My favorite dinner was at Ely's Restaurant and Wine bar. The next couple of photos are from the two (yes two) times that we ate there...

Organic Lamb with Mashed Potatoes and Celeriac Remoulade

Local Beef Fillet, Green Beans, and Roasted Potatoes

Lobster & Crab Ravioli

And of course, I couldn't leave Dublin without grabbing afternoon tea. The traditional tea at the Shelbourne would have cost me 35 euros (approx $50). So, after my co-worker and I did a little shopping on our day off, we popped into the M&S food court for this reasonably priced late lunch. Our total bill was 20 euros. This wasn't the best afternoon tea in the world, but it definitely hit the spot without killing my budget. Mmmmm, I already miss devonshire cream (aka clotted cream) on a nice fluffy scone...