Sligo Is Sweet

Mum and I recently decided to try and find out what Sligo had to offer in terms of sweet treats. We initially had serious notions thinking we'd be able to eat '12 Treats of Sligo' in one day but because 1) we would have had to take out a mortgage 2) we quite enjoy having teeth and 3) we felt ill about 3 desserts in, we managed about 4 or 5 before admitting defeat. However, for the purpose of the blog I will include more than that so there's a variety of goodies. If you're heading in to do some last-minute Christmas shopping in Sligo tomorrow, why not try one of these delicious offerings to get your energy back up?

1. Mint Aero Hot Chocolate, The Blind Tiger

This is a firm favourite of mine and a good way to warm up after the Christmas shopping. I think this is one of the nicest hot chocolates I've ever had - proper melted chocolate is ladled into a mug with hot milk, topped with plenty of whipped cream, crushed Mint Aero, and some more melted Mint Aero around the rim of the mug for good measure. You'll be tempted to lick the mug.

2. Peanut Butter Stack, The Swagman 

(Pic: magnumlady.com)

Again, a definite favourite. This is definitely at the top of the dessert list for me. Layers of chocolate cake, peanut butter and chocolate mousse, caramel sauce, topped with crunchy peanuts, crispy pieces and chocolate sauce, served warm with cream and ice cream. Heaven. If you haven't had this yet, go try it - you'll be blown away.

3. Baked Alaska, Eala Bhán

The desserts in Eala Bhán are really special and very reasonable for the quality and service you get. This was my first time trying Baked Alaska but it was lovely. Soft fluffy meringue on the outside with ice cream and sponge in the middle made for a very interesting treat - and mine even looked like a Christmas tree!

4. Knickerbocker Glory, Hooked

I mentioned this in my previous blog post, but it deserves a mention in this too. Meringue and brownie pieces, fruit, butterscotch chunks, ice cream, all topped off with cream, this is a proper ice cream sundae. 

5. Healthy Vegan Treats, Sweet Beat

This is a nice option for any vegans out there or just anyone who wants something slightly healthier. I've had some gorgeous desserts from Sweet Beat such as their brownies, Rice Krispie squares, and vegan Snickers cake. They're really yummy and guilt free too!

6. Toblerone Cheesecake, Le Fournil

Le Fournil are a gorgeous French bakery in Sligo who offer homemade cakes, artisan chocolates and beautiful fresh bread. Everything is quality and really special - the chocolates are fantastic. We shared a little Toblerone cheesecake which was yummy, and I loved the little chocolate gingerbread man on top! They have sweets for all tastes so do pop in. 

7. French Apple Tart, Cawley's Hotel Tubbercurry

By far the nicest apple tart I've ever had, and look at that presentation! Cawley's is a lovely spot for lunch, I think it's a hidden gem. If you're passing by Tubbercurry definitely pop in. They also do gorgeous cheesecakes and lunch.

8. Unicorn Hot Chocolate, Nook

I'm not 100% sure if Nook still do the Unicorn version of their hot chocolate, but they do amazing hot chocolates nonetheless like their winter hot chocolates in all different delicious flavours. They also have wonderful sweet breakfasts and cakes on offer. Do pop in if you're in Collooney. 

So that's just a roundup of some of the tastiest treats in Sligo - will you be indulging in any of these this Christmas time?

Tantalising Treats at Eala Bhán

You may think my job is to eat Afternoon Tea - it's not, but I wish it was!

I was recently very kindly invited along to Afternoon Tea with my mum at the gorgeous Eala Bhán restaurant and I was so excited to go. Every meal I've had in Eala Bhán has been fabulous so I knew the Afternoon Tea would be just as good. We were welcomed by Anthony, the owner, and sat at the Seamus Heaney table overlooking the beautiful river. I just love the decor in Eala Bhán with the twinkling lights and the swan adorning the walls.

The gang at Eala Bhán made sure I was well catered for as a vegetarian, and they definitely did a great job! I was served open sandwiches and bagel bites topped with the most divine egg mayonnaise, sundried tomato and goat cheese, Emmental, pesto creme fraiche and normal goat cheese. The sandwiches were so delicious and light, they paired perfectly with the ice cold Prosecco.

Next came the desserts and oh my God is all I can say. Just looking at the picture is making me drool. So beautifully presented and an amazing selection of treats. Eala Bhán team up with Le Fournil bakery in Sligo to create this medley of goodies and it's certainly a dynamic duo. I love the desserts being presented on a slate and I didn't know where to begin. We eventually decided to start on Eala Bhán's homemade chocolate mousse which was heaven in a glass, I was tempted to lick it clean it was that tasty. Also on the plate was homemade meringue, fruit, truffles, chocolate discs with freeze dried raspberries, macarons, scones, and the most amazing mini profiteroles which tasted like Ferrero Rocher. Every bite was like an explosion of flavour. We ate every last bite including Eala Bhán scones with delicious jam and cream.

What I loved about the Afternoon Tea was how delicate and light it was. It truly is a special experience and a brilliant idea if you have a birthday or other celebration coming up. Both Eala Bhán and Le Fournil are award winning establishments and it's easy to see why. There's nothing more relaxing than eating divine treats, sipping bubbly and watching the swans glide by on the river - it really is a treat. Thanks again to Anthony and all at Eala Bhán, you can check out their website here.

If you'd like to see what Eala Bhán offer in terms of their non-veggie Afternoon Tea check out my mum's blog here!