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?

Hook(ed), Line & Sinker

I'm sure most of my Sligo-based readers have heard the buzz about Hooked - Anthony Gray (of Eala Bhán)'s new restaurant in Rockwood Parade. Hooked is very different to Eala Bhán but the ethos of fresh, creative food and local producers is still there, as is the beautiful decor (a boat hanging from the ceiling and a mural made entirely of Sharpie writing and drawings!)

The excitement around Hooked isn't unwarranted - I went to check it out last week and was very impressed. Anthony focuses on quality ingredients and dishes with a creative flair. The menu includes fish and chips, gorgeous salad, the famous Joe Gray sausages, and heavenly desserts. There's something for everyone at Hooked.

I went for the skinny egg white muffins on avocado almond butter toast, which ROM came up with (so it's definitely very healthy!) and it was divine. It's quite unusual to see such a dish but it's right up my street. I'd like to recreate this myself at home!

To ensure I was getting a balanced lunch (ha) I had to share a knickerbocker glory with mum - and I'm glad I did. It was gorgeous - butterscotch pieces, brownie and meringue pieces, and smooth sweet ice cream. Swoon.

We left with full and satisfied bellies, and I swear I dreamt about the knickerbocker glory that night! I'll definitely have to go back to Hooked and try out their chocolate brownie next time - for research purposes, of course. 

Best of luck to Anthony and the team on their new venture, go try it out for yourself - you'll be Hooked.