Based in Dungarvan, county Waterford, Eunice Power is a big ambassador for the Waterford culinary scene.
What are your top three restaurants in Ireland?
This is a difficult question, but I’d have to say The Glass Curtain in Cork is right up there. I love their commitment to local food and seasonality, alongside really exquisite cooking.
St. Francis Provisions in Kinsale is another favourite. Barbara and Rebecca do such a fantastic job, but I also just love how cool the whole place is. Everything about it – from the food to the atmosphere – feels effortless. I could happily sit there for hours enjoying the food and watching them in action.
And finally, Baba’deh in Baltimore, West Cork. Ahmed takes simple, seasonal ingredients and elevates them into something really exotic.
Best coffee spots in Ireland?
I’m probably a little bit biased, but I absolutely love Cass & Co. in Dungarvan. It’s a real neighbourhood coffee shop where you’ll always bump into someone you know, have a chat and maybe pick up a few lovely ingredients while you’re there.
In summer especially, I also love heading out to Clonea Beach, where Katie Gordon has her little coffee hut. There’s something so special about grabbing a coffee first thing in the morning and taking a walk along the beach while listening to the waves. It’s a lovely way to start the day.
What county in Ireland does food the best?
Waterford, of course!
From east to west, the food offering is just incredible. In Dunmore East you’ve got the Strand Inn and East pier on the harbour. Waterford City has fantastic restaurants Union Wine Bar and Kitchen,Momo, Everett’s, Bodega, Mara and Moubt Congreve – super for breakfast.
Head over to Tramore and you’ve got The Pier Café, The Beach House, Seagull Bakery and Mezze. On the way to Dungarvan Eamo and Ro in Kilmacthomas is an absolute gem.Then on to Dungarvan, where you’ll find the Tannery ,Interlude 360 Cookhouse, Merrys Gastro Pub, The Moorings and, of course, I have to give a little mention to my own place on the quay Andchips .
Then, if you keep heading west towards Lismore, you hot to visit Sally O Bridns Farmgate . Every one of these restaurants stands on its own two feet and showcases the amazing produce we have here.
I’m also lucky enough to be involved with the Waterford Festival of Food every year, and seeing the passion of the producers, chefs and growers across the county just reinforces how special the food scene here really is.
What’s your favourite meal to make?
I love cooking for friends when I have the time to really relax and enjoy it. My favourite meal changes with the seasons because I’m a very seasonal cook. During the summer I’ll lean towards lighter dishes using whatever’s at its best, while in winter I love hearty, comforting food that fills the house with gorgeous smells.
If you’re in a time pinch at home and need to rustle up a quick dinner, what is your go-to recipe?
It really depends on what’s in the fridge, but at the moment my go-to is a really simple fresh tomato sauce. I’m lucky enough to have tomatoes growing in my greenhouse, so I grate them, gently cook them down with garlic and good olive oil, and toss the sauce through spaghetti. It’s simple, quick and lets really good ingredients shine.
What advice do you have for aspiring foodies in Ireland?
I’d encourage anyone who loves food to join a local veg box scheme. It keeps you grounded and connected to what’s actually in season, and it encourages you to be much more creative in the kitchen because you’re not always reaching for the same familiar vegetables.
I’ve just signed up for a winter veg box from Garraí Mara, and I genuinely look forward to seeing what’s in it each week. It’s a brilliant way to support local growers while learning to cook with whatever the season has to offer.
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