So it turns out May was a pretty spectacular food month!

The Man Behind The Curtain

I have to admit I wasn’t sure what to expect or whether Michael O’Hare’s food would be my thing but I could not fault the creative flare or skill that went in to this meal. It was extraordinary and well worth a visit.

A return to Northern Ireland: Brunch at Haptik

Newtownards is definitely a much more interesting place now that Haptik is in town.  Rachel and Jonathan McBride have created a fantastic place for enjoying coffee and simple but high quality brunches and lunches.  Just look at those Baghdad eggs!

Lunch at Bull and Ram

What a place! Opened in an old butchers shop in the centre of Ballynahinch is one of the best places I’ve been in Northern Ireland for food.  Serving Meat Merchant ( JIm and Peter Hannan) Himalayan salt chamber aged beef amongst other local produce to the highest quality.  The day before we went Xanthe Clay had visited and had the finest looking langoustines I’ve ever seen (the power of twitter intelligence!) when I looked on the menu they weren’t there. I was devastated, but I asked and 5 minutes later I have my very own langoustines starter. Now that’s what I call service!! Perfectly cooked steak for main, bread and Abernethy butter on the side and the most wonderful pannacotta for pudding. Made my year!

Sara Danesin’s supper club

Mr F’s family love any excuse to go to Sara’s supper club.  I’ll never complain about that as it is always a fantastic evening of the most wonderful Italian food and great company.  Sara’s passion for food shines through in everything on the plate.

A trip to the lakes: many visits to Homeground Cafe

This place ticks all of the boxes. Great cofffee, great cake, great food and the best hash browns ever known to exist.

A 19 course lunch at L’enclume

Mr F and I love Simon Rogan’s food and we were lost for words on this visit. The food is absolutely sensational. It just gets better and better. The Herdwick lamb over charcoal was a particularly stunning dish.