If you are taking a walk in the War Memorial Gardens, would like a rummage in Mac's Salvage yard, or are visiting the nearby section of Phoenix Park, then Storyboard is worth a visit.
Located in a new residential building in Islandbridge, it is a bright and airy café with a homely ambience created by jars of fermented vegetables displayed on shelves along with bags of coffee and cookbooks. And, far from being an ornamental extra, the fermented vegetables have a place in most of the savoury dishes prepared by chef Laura Caulwell (formerly of one of Dubli's most popular brunch destinations, The Fumbally).
All of the food at this understandably popular neighbourhood café is made fresh to order with good quality Irish ingredients - including some from famous producers such as McNally Family Farm and Gubbeen - and there is an interesting mix of dishes on the menu. Vegetables of all types play a starring role on the handwritten menus, with sausage, black pudding or bacon added to sourdough sandwiches and topped with eggs.
And the wholesomeness extends to a selection of house-made sweet treats too, such as a caramel miso flapjack and a wedge of honeycomb dipped in dark chocolate.
Quality drinks are a highlight and there is a delicious selection of house-made soft drinks - the ginger fizz is peppery and the sweetness is perfectly balanced, while a kombucha is equally successful and lovely seasonal cordials are served with still water over ice.
Locally roasted 3fe coffee is expertly brewed by the baristas - the milk is smooth and heated perfectly and the espresso is dark and strong, so Storyboard is a popular venue for take-way as well as in-house coffees.
