Since 2014 Ballymaloe Cookery School graduate Elaine McKeon has been wowing the lucky locals and delighting visitors to this characterful little town with her super café and bakery, and - together with a friendly atmosphere and great service - deliciously simple cooking of carefully sourced local and artisan Irish produce is the secret to her succcess.
Nothing but the best ingredients will do in this kitchen, as can be seen on the proudly presented supplier list which includes highly respected producers like Castlemine Farm in Co Roscommon (outdoor reared pork, bacon, sausages, and hams ), Ronan Byrne aka The Friendly Farmer in Athenry, Co Galway (free range chicken), Gannons of Carrick-on-Shannon (organic eggs), Aran Islands Goats Cheese from Inis Mor, Kilbeggan Organic Porridge Oats, from Westmeath, Croghans Organic Gardens in Co Leitrim (salad leaves, herbs and seasonal vegetables) and many more - including delicious local honey from nearby Mill Lane Beekeeping.
Open for breakfast, brunch, lunch and in-between bites every day except Sunday, Sweet Geranium is especially popular for its terrific breakfasts - notably the 'Full Leitrim' which includes the local potato speciality boxty, along with all the other traditional components of the breakfast plate - and even the beans are home cooked. Other variations include a 'Breakfast Toastie' made with home baked bread and a Veggie Breakfast, while the Brunch menu (available all day) focuses mainly on classic egg dishes like Eggs Bendict and variations.
Lunchtime brings homemade soup and a range of speciality sandwiches as well as 'Bigger Bites' including warm salads, burgers and steak sandwiches (at about €11.50 a steak sandwich is the most expensive item on this very kindly-priced menu). And, leaving the best until last perhaps, there are temptations galore at the counter, where all the homebaked goodies are on display for dessert ,or a treat to enjoy with your tea or coffee - or to take home.
The drinks menu follows the same pattern, with Art of Coffee in Carrick-on-Shannon delivering weekly and all chocolate used for baking and drinks is from the wonderful Aine Hand Made Chocolate in Co Cavan. There's a nice choice of other drinks too - as well as freshly squeezed orange juice and other non alcoholic options, you can have a glass of wine with your lunch (sourced by Le Caveau of Kilkenny) and the local Carrig Brewing Company supply craft beer.
So, all round, Sweet Geranium Café is well worth seeking out - it's a real gem.
