"Real food for real people” was the original motto of Richard and Mairead Jacob’s ‘small but perfectly formed’ Idahoe Cafe, just off Patrick Street - and you could now make that real local food.
“We try to source all our primary ingredients from within a 100km radius of Idaho Cafe” they say of this place, which - bright and bubbly like the owners themselves - has been providing a restorative treat in the city centre since 2001.
The day begins with breakfast, and a very good breakfast it is too: everything from lovely hot porridge with brown sugar and cream to warm Danish pastries, muffins, or Belgian waffles with organic maple syrup and the option of crispy bacon.
You can choose from this menu until noon, when they ease into lunch, with tasty little numbers like a house special of gratinated potato gnocchi with smoky bacon & sage or, equally typical of the treats in store, crispy duck, spring onion and Irish brie quesadillas or shepherdess's pie (using organic beef).
But best of all perhaps, as baking is a speciality, are the 'Sweet Fix' temptations which are just ideal for that quick morning coffee or afternoon tea break - the coeliac-friendly 'orange almond' cake has a loyal following, and there's a wide of range hot and cold drinks, including 'Hippy' specialist teas.
Dishes which are vegetarian, or can be adapted for vegetarians, are highlighted on the menu at this great little place.
Great service, and great value too: full marks.
