I spent over 10 years being a really strict vegetarian eventually giving it up due to stodgy vegetable lasagna and pasta bakes. At the time meat just proved more tasty, innovative and interesting. All that has changed now and the Dublin meat free scene has certainly gotten much more interesting with The Hare Cafe being just one of the fine examples that the city has to offer.
The Concrete Tiki and busy service area! I'm sure some art buff can explain the lack of concrete to me!
Located in the formal gardens at The Royal Hospital the Concrete Tiki installation provided a preparation and service space for The Hare Cafe. From here each of our raw veggie courses were served.
We started with a refreshing sparkling drink, unfortunately I didn't catch the name.
The raw food platter main course. From the bread and dips to the courgette spaghetti to the truly phenomenal miso glazed aubergine all was a delightful reminder that meat free food can be really tasty and satisfying too.
The dessert was both decadent and refreshing all at once! The juicy pineapple juxtaposed nicely the creamy lusciousness of the vanilla mascarpone. A near perfect dessert. We finished off with comforting mugs of rooibos tea with mint and chocolate.
Afterwards I had a completely virtuous feeling, the kind that can prompt you to go for a long bracing walk but which ultimately ends up in the pub because you feel you've deserved it! Brother Hubbard has a similar effect on me! I'm not sure that I'm ready to give up meat again just yet but The Hare has certainly opened my eyes, the fact that I'm still not hungry six hours after finishing my meal says a lot!
I must say I did love these novel table dressings!
It's a pity that we only got The Hare for one day this year but if you're looking for a meat free feast why not check out somewhere like Staple Food on Curved Street or Brother Hubbard have a lovely range while Blazing Salads can't be dismissed either. For more on IMMA's Summer Rising series and other events at the Concrete Tiki click here.