Strawberries and champagne: an infamous food and drink pairing enjoyed by lovers the world over. And with the international holiday for couples, Valentine’s Day, earlier this week, I’m sure there was plenty of champagne sipping and strawberry-in-chocolate dipping going on all around the globe.
Though individually renowned for their aphrodisiac properties, when strawberries and champagne are combined they’re believed to make a very powerful love potion. So, of course, when the boyfriend and I headed over to Ireland for a Valentine’s getaway last weekend, we thought we’d get all romantic and try…
Oysters and Guinness.
Yep, the lesser-known food and drink pairing of slimy molluscs and strong Irish stout is a “thing”. In fact, it’s so much of a thing in Dublin that most of the bars and restaurants have it on their menus. There are even special bars selling only oysters and stout. So when in Ireland with your partner for Valentine’s Day, it’s the obvious choice really. We headed to The Temple Bar for our romantic “treat”…
Sure, on first glance the bogey-looking things pictured above don’t look very appetising, let alone something that’s going to increase sexual desire. But if you read up on the science of oysters, they’re high in zinc and have a reputation for being great for boosting libido, as they contain amino acids that trigger production of sex hormones. And Guinness, well that just tastes good.
I know what you’re thinking though: Guinness and oysters is just a “poor man’s strawberries and champagne”. However, at 27€ for two pints of Guinness and six oysters, it’s hardly cheap. But that’s Temple Bar for you.
Oyster love.
Though I’ve had oysters plenty of times before, it wasn’t my suggestion to try them with Guinness… After spending the afternoon doing the Guinness Experience at the famous Storehouse, the boyfriend (who was possibly a bit drunk…) said he’d try an oyster for me.
“For me”, because he loves me that much. He’d try one of those slippery, slimy shellfish for me. I felt honoured. I felt like Rachel from Friends when Ross is about to prove his love for her by drinking the fat. It was one of those moments.
So we ordered a plate of six Dublin Bay oysters and two pints. He tried one, I ate the other five. We then proceeded to make friends in the bar and downed another couple of pints. It was a very enjoyable afternoon, but I don’t think the oysters really did much for our libidos, sorry scientists.
What (and where) else to eat in Dublin.
As well as oysters and Guinness, there are a few other things you should try when visiting the Dublin. First off, have a hearty Irish breakfast at The Merchant’s Arch:
An Irish breakfast isn’t much different to an English fry-up, with the exception of white pudding, which is similar to black pudding, but doesn’t contain any blood. Instead the sausage is filled with pork meat and fat, suet, bread and oatmeal – it’s filling and quite salty, so I’d recommend lashings of brown sauce and Guinness to wash it down.
After breakfast and a bit of sightseeing, why no head to The Boxty House for a bowl of traditional Dublin “Coddle”?
Coddle was described to me by the waiter as “an Irish stew with ham and sausage served with rye bread”, though when it arrived it was more akin to a watery broth. It was really tasty nevertheless, the perfect lunch for a cold winter’s day.
The boyfriend also had a stew: beef and Guinness, of course. This was complemented with a tasting platter of Irish stouts: Beamish, Murphy’s and guest ale Jack Smyth. See we’re not all about the Guinness.
My favourite meal of our trip to Dublin though, was from The Woolen Mills:
We opted for the Early Bird menu (served from 5-6.45pm), which gave us a starter and main course each for 24€. For starter the boyfriend went for ham hock and cheese croquettes served with a celeriac slaw, while I opted for Ortiz anchovies with potato sourdough toast.
Then came the mains, and boy were they beautiful:
I chose poached smoked haddock with crushed baby spuds and scallions, a lemon and tempura poached egg, kale and mustard sauce. It was amazing, but the portion size was huge and I couldn’t clean my plate.
The boyfriend went for a slightly less rich dish of Irish beef burger and hand-cut chips, but even that portion size was huge and he didn’t finish it all. The food was lovely though, and very reasonably priced. The service was also faultless, really friendly but not too intruding. We had a lovely Valentine’s meal at the restaurant.
*****
I’ll definitely head back to Dublin (when it’s a bit warmer), so if you’ve been to Ireland’s capital, or you live there, where would you recommend to eat next time I visit? Drop me a comment below.
We eat in loads of different places in Dublin. We do love a trip to Hard Rock as we don’t have one up North. There is another fab restaurant called The Elephant in Temple Bar, is very sought after so go easy or book. Im so glad you enjoyed your trip, its stunning on warmer days x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Just checked out The Elephant – looks good, will save my pennies for when we next go! x
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love this! Your bf looks like he’s in heaven in front of all that Guinness 😀 I’ll definitely check this place out when I’m in Dublin. White pudding sounds interesting! Black pudding is one of those foods that I wish I didn’t like. It’s so wrong but tastes so right!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hahahaha yeah he’s a fan of the pint 😛
LikeLike
This looks fab never been to Dublin…on the list of must visits 🙂 x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hope you make it there at some point soon Melanie! x
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have never been to Dublin but have always wanted to go! Looks like you guys had a great time, especially your Mr with all that Guiness haha! If we ever go I shall definitely check out some of these places as the food looks amazing *drools* xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
My mum was originally from Irlenad – those she claimed she British. Lovely food and it look like a relaxing bar. xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
What an exciting experience! I am glad you both had such a great time!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow, these are mouthwatering! In the Philippines, we called oysters “Talaba” My bestfriend likes to eat this even if it looks gross, lol!
LikeLike
oh wow what a set up for the food it looks amazing
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m not an oyster or guiness fan but the Irish breakfast looks lovely, the white pudding sounds really yummy x
LikeLiked by 1 person
I went to Dublin last year for a wedding. I need to visit again.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve never tried Oysters and Guinness together but it sounds like a fab combination! x
LikeLiked by 1 person
I tried Oysters years ago at a food show. The food here looks lovely the ham hock and cheese croquettes starter look yummy!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This looks like the perfect Valentines dinner. The food id divine. I have never been to Dublin
LikeLiked by 1 person
We were talking the other week about visiting Dublin, my husband loves Guiness but I am not a fan, although I would have to try it again while in Ireland. I am not sure if I could try oysters though, the food looks amazing though x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Guiness and Oysters so appeals to me!! I would love to pop over there with my other half. I love Dublin and this looks fab
LikeLiked by 1 person
I absolutely love Dublin! I actually just returned from there and can’t wait to go back again. I can’t say that I tried the oysters and Guiness combo, but I do love Temple Bar! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I absolutely adore oysters, but I’ve never heard of them being paired with Guinness! I’m definitely going to try them together though.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Where else but Dublin for ye pint of good ol’ Guinness ? The beef stew looks very filling and heartwarming!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oysters and Guinness…what an odd but great combination! The food looks incredible 🙂
LikeLike
My boyfriend is half irish and with his Dad being from Ireland we get told of lots of places we need to go and visit and drink in. I will have to speak to him and see if he has been to this place x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ok, totally random pairing but does sound like something I would like to try, obviously it must complement both elements. I also have a confession I quite like oysters. But out of all the places you diner my fave has to be the Boxty House, I love stew, especially beef. Not a bad day out x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Us oyster lovers have to stick together, there isn’t many of us 😂 x
LikeLike
I have never tried either of the products before but they sound lovely! The restaurant sounds like a great place to visit.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It all looks amazing although I’m still not sure about oysters. I want to go to The Woolen Mill though!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ohhh this looks amazing! I haven’t tried oysters or Guinness before but I’d give it a try!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve tried oysters once and didn’t like them, but I’d definitely give them another go!
LikeLike
I haven’t ever been to Dublin before but I have always wanted to go!
LikeLike
i love stuff like this, looks like you had a great time xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ahh Temple bar, brings back memories. Can’t say I know anyone brave enough to give the pairing a go though. Sorry to be blasphemous but I can’t stomach Guiness. He smoked haddock dish you had looks lovely though!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dublin is high up on my bucket list!
I can’t wait to go and try some Guinness, will definitely go to the Temple Bar too 🙂
Dani x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Having lived only an hour away from Dublin, we do miss it now that we are in England. What a lovely city! And soooo many amazing eating places 🙂 Temple Bar is definitely a must-visit spot!
xox Nadia
http://www.mielandmint.com
LikeLike
I haven’t been to Dublin, love the Guinness, but think I’d avoid the Oysters – not a fan.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think that is an interesting pairing the Guinness and the Oysters. I am not a big fan of Guinness that you can buy here in the US, but when you are in Ireland it somehow tastes different. But I prefer some of the other local craft brands in Dublin.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve heard the same about Guinness in England versus Ireland, though personally I can’t taste a difference – I really like it wherever I am 😉 x
LikeLike
Sure to try this love potion soon 😉
Not sure whether I will ever be able to try oysters… M not experimental with food..
LikeLiked by 1 person
You never know until you try them 😉 x
LikeLike
I can’t stand neither oysters nor Guinness! Maybe I’m just uncultured….
That pub looks delightful and full of character though. Was it a real local haunt?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha they are both an acquired taste, that’s for sure. Yeah, all the pubs we went in were really traditional and very Irish x
LikeLike
I haven’t been to Dublin for a long time. I love your food in Boxty house, that traditional soup looks amazing
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, the food in Boxty was really filling and hearty x
LikeLike
I haven’t been to Dublin, it seems there are many nice places to see. I like the pubs, slightly different than the ones we enjoy in UK.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I definitely recommend a trip to Dublin if you get the chance x
LikeLike
I have only visited Dublin once and of course did the Guiness tour despite not liking it and getting a soft drink instead!! I never tried oysters there either, think I will give them a miss!! I did have a few drinks in the temple bar and a few other places. It is a great city to explore.
LikeLiked by 1 person
No way, you went to the Guinness Storehouse and only had a soft drink haha! Sacrilege. You’re right though, Dublin is a wicked city to explore x
LikeLike
You lost me at oysters…and got won me back at breakfast haha – Not the biggest oyster fan here but having gained an incredible amount of Irish friends and hearing non-stop about the food during my travels I would to hop over to Dublin just to have a Guinness and food tour (coma alert) I actually would love to sit in a pub and eat the ‘coddle’ especially on a winters night 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was really hearty, winter food, I won’t lie! I do like oysters though 😉 x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha this is such a fun list, and informative at the same time. Absolutely loved the pictures here. Ireland is a dream destination for me, let’s see when I plan a trip. Your post is definitely making me want to buy my tickets right away. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s pretty easy to get to Ireland from the UK – I’m going again in November, though this time to the west coast x
LikeLike
Ah that’s an interesting combination- oysters and Guiness, I would never have imagined the two coming together as a meal! Haha it’s sweet of your boyfriend to agree to try the slimy oysters ‘for you’ 😀 I’ve been trying for ages to get my husband to at least taste seafood and he just makes this disgusting face on smelling it that I never have the heart to push him to taste it. Lol. I’ve never been to Dublin but when I do, it’ll be an interesting thing to try! Thanks for sharing 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah, it’s not a pairing I would have put together either, but somehow it just works! It was very sweet of Steve to try oysters for me, but as we’re no longer together they can;t be that much of a “love potion” haha! x
LikeLike
All the food pictures look amazing!! I’m inclined to agree with not getting the whole libido and oysters thing haha
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah, it’s just weird isn’t it?! Slimy gross looking oysters, not much of a turn on haha! x
LikeLike
Downing all those awesome dishes with Guinness…great great experience it must have been
LikeLike
Although I haven’t tried Guinness, I think I’ll be giving the Oysters a miss and stick to strawberries & champagne. They just don’t seem very appetising to me. The Coddle sounds lovely though. Something I will have to try if we travel to Ireland in the future.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hahaha you’re not the first person to say that Danielle, don’t worry! x
LikeLike
I have never been to Ireland but desperately want to visit. Shall bookmark this for when we finally do as the food looks amazing
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hope you manage to get there soon Kara – it’s so easy! I’m off again in a couple of weeks actually, though this time visiting a friend in Bundoran x
LikeLike
I have never tried oysters – I am really funny about food textures!! The food looks awesome though, I have never been to Dublin. Kaz
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah, they’re a bit of an acquired taste, I won’t lie. The texture isn’t something that bothers me though x
LikeLike
Oh man, I loved going to the Temple Bar when I lived in Dublin!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s fab isn’t it – a little touristy, but worth it! x
LikeLike
That breakfast looks divine, I am a huge breakfast fan! The temple bar looks lovely too 🙂 x
LikeLiked by 1 person
There’s definitely something about a good fried breakfast isn’t there 😉 x
LikeLike
This place looks amazing. It screams comfort food to me, and in this fall weather, looks like a must! Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Precisely – all the yummy comfort food when the weather is bleak and miserable, it’s the only way to cheer yourself up hehe x
LikeLike
Oh I love Dublin so much, and have been in The Temple Bar. Guinness seems to go with everything in Dublin doesn’t it. I don’t think I could try it with oysters though, I really don’t like them.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Guinness definitely goes with most thinks – Guinness and chocolate cake is a firm favourite of mine 😉 And don’t worry about the oysters, just means more for me 😉 x
LikeLike
I’ve never been to Ireland but I hope to visit very soon. Thanks for the recomendations. Looks like you had a fab time. Xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
We did, thank you Yerka! x
LikeLike
It looks and sounds like had a fantastic time! All of the food looks delicious, I would love the chance to visit and try some of it myself some day! I have to admit though I have never tried Guinness or an Oyster! xx
LikeLike
I’d love to visit Dublin, so many wonderful bars and restaurants available
LikeLike
That food all looks so delicious! I don’t mind a pint of Guinness but I’m not a fan of oysters unfortunately!
LikeLike
During my last visit to Dublin we stuck to only pubs and eateries we knew of, thanks for this list of recommendations.
LikeLike
We had loads of amazing food when we visited Dublin, definitely time to go back and try some more!
LikeLike
Dublin is one of my favourite places to visit. So many amazing places to eat as well x
LikeLike
Dublin looks a nice place to visit for foodies. You surely had a fabulous time there.
LikeLike
I’m certainly not one for oysters buy my husband would love this! I’d rather have the Irish breakfast!
LikeLike
Looks like you enjoyed a lovely meal – we ate in the Guiness Storehouse when we visited and the food was delicious there too
LikeLike