Nenaghgal Enjoys Lunch at Homemade with Clodagh McKenna

Last week I was lucky enough to be in Arnott's on Henry Street, Dublin on the day Clodagh McKenna was launching her new sandwich selection at Homemade Express. So on my lunch break I headed up to the first floor where Homemade is located and was able to have a rare moment with Clodagh as she juggled her duties behind the counter. Wendy Kavanagh from the website My Chef at Home also joined us which was great as I follower her on Twitter - always nice to chat in person with "virtual" friends.

 The selection at Homemade Express was impressive - fresh and locally sourced ingredients filled sandwiches and salads. Even though I captured some shots free of people, there was a steady stream of people throughout the hour.

 Both Wendy and I commented on how refreshing it was to see Clodagh herself there - toasting sandwiches and serving customers. So often a brand is created and the face of the brand disappears from view - suddenly too busy or "important" to be there for the day to day stuff.  Thankfully, not in this case. Clodagh told us that she's in Homemade at least 3 days a week. On weekends she's busy at her cooking school at the Village at Lyons in Kildare.

 I had the Farmhouse sandwich which was simple but filling. It had Gubbeen cheese, honey roasted ham and a spicy apple chutney served on a hearty slices of fresh bread toasted.

 The selection of foods to take home was impressive - I pulled together a sample of the range above. From soups, salad and full meals to gorgeous homemade pesto (which Clodagh makes herself), fresh breads, olives, a selection of Irish made drinks such as apple juice, lemonades and 8 Degrees ales. All to be finished off with a fantastic selection of cakes and cupcakes - I'm partial to red-velvet myself.

 After lunch I had a cappuccino which arrived to my delight and surprise in a vintage tea cup.

 Wendy and I split a red velvet and carrot cupcake - they were gone in a flash!

Next time you are in Arnotts - and need a place to stop for lunch or a cuppa - Homemade is the ideal spot. They have the express option (choices above) but you can also sit down and pick from several hot meals, pates and salads. 

For more on Clodagh -visit her own website, Clodagh McKenna. It appears there's not much Clodagh isn't doing - she's got 3 cookbooks under her belt - a new television series called Homemade coming up, expansion beyond Ireland and much much more. And to top it all of, she was delightful company -down to earth and real. I wish her continued success!