5 warming takeaway bowls for a spring lunch outdoors (and where to eat them)
You can’t beat a hot lunch.
Especially when the Irish spring weather tends to veer more Baltic than balmy.
In fact, if you want to enjoy all the benefits of eating al fresco, you’ll be needing a warming dish to keep your hands toasty while you fill your tummy.
Being outside in nature can help reduce stress and boost your mood, while the fresh air is good for the lungs and can help improve digestion and circulation. When you eat outside in the sunlight, you may even top up your vitamin D levels, which can help improve bone health and boost your immune system.
Pick up something hot and tasty and find yourself a perch in the park or by the river for a scenic spring lunch.
Here are five delish dishes and a scenic spot to devour each one:
1. Brunch in a box from Gusto
Location: Washington Street
Where to eat: Stroll around the corner to Bishop Lucey Park and take a seat on the bench near the swan fountain.
Make the most of a sunny morning with a brekkie-for-lunch outdoors. At Gusto on Washington Street you can choose your favourites from the list to go. Ours is the East Ferry free-range eggs, avocado, rustic potatoes, Iberico chorizo, pancetta, and spinach with extra virgin olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, chilli flakes, and sourdough toast.
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2. Gnocchi to go
Location: Sicilian Delights, Magazine Road, and Marina Market
Where to eat: The grounds of UCC offer plenty of quiet spots for a quick picnic. At The Marina, head for the Atlantic Pond.
Can’t decide between potatoes or pasta? Gnocchi is the best of both worlds. If you want to try an authentic version of the deliciously carb-laden delicacy, head for Sicilian Delights on Magazine Road and at The Marina Market in Ballintemple. Their gnocchi is served drenched in rich tomato sauce and oozing cheese or dressed in fresh basil pesto. They also do an exceptional Pasta Amatriciana (pictured in the main image above).
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3. Something spicy from Sonny’s Deli
Location: Albert Road, Cork City
Where to eat: You’ll find seating and a cool view of The Elysian in Shalom Park at Monerea Terrace.
If you’re lucky enough to be passing Sonny’s Deli before lunch and the Aloo Chaat is on the specials menu, nab yourself a portion. One of our favourites from this iconic Cork spot, the dish involves spicy Kashmiri potatoes topped with yoghurt, green chutney, tamarind and date chutney, and finished with a sprinkle of “Chaat Masala” spice.
FYI, their Salt Beef Reuben is supremely portable too.
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4. Pasta by the sea
Location: Clonakilty and Kinsale
Where to eat: Bring a blanket and sit on the grass in Clonakilty’s pretty square or find a perch on the wall facing the harbour in Kinsale.
In Naples, the Genovese is a ritual. Italian food truck I Monsu prepare their version with top-quality meat, lots of onions, carrots, and spices. You’ll find them dishing out heaping trays of their mouthwatering pasta every Friday at the Clonakilty Market and every Wednesday at the Kinsale Farmer’s Market.
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5. The Mexican Chorizo Basket at O’Flynn’s
Location: Winthrop Street, Cork City
Where to eat: Nab a table right outside – you don’t want to walk too far.
This is one we’ll be saving for the end of the week, but when it comes to treat-yourself midday meals the O’Flynn’s Mexican Chorizo Meat Basket is truly a thing of beauty.
You choose from Mexican Chorizo, Pulled Pork or Sausage and your meaty main comes topped with potato, fried onions, gherkins and a choice of sauce. Outrageously delicious.
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