Those on the hunt for a fresh cafe have found their match in Cali Kitchen, which opened its doors in the Royal Marine Hotel last year. Cali Kitchen offers the promise of fresh, California style cooking in the heart of Dún Laoghaire, and the team certainly delivers.
Husband and wife team, Caitriona and Steve, the duo behind Cali Kitchen, initially set out on a path that saw the reverse of their current business: they moved to California with the intention of opening an Irish-style cafe, based on Steve’s experience at Ballymaloe back in 2016. But Ireland called them home, and the couple moved back and saw that their dream in a new light.
Why start a new cafe in Dún Laoghaire?
When we caught up with Steve back in early March, he told us that our seaside town is the perfect place to run a cafe like theirs. The town has a diverse demographic that was crying out for a casual spot in town offering a focus on food provenance: the team behind the menu go out of their way to hunt down the best Irish meat and produce, taking their veg from Ballinasloe, pork from The Whole Hog, and picking up their poultry in Enniscorthy.
It was a pleasure to meet the husband and wife team behind #DunLaoghaireTown's new @thecalikitchen , drop in and try their delicious farm to table dishes. pic.twitter.com/1OpUi6npgZ
— Dún Laoghaire Town (@DunLaoghaireTn) September 26, 2019
Cali Kitchen also orders its coffee from 3FE, one of the best roasters in Ireland and another team committed to producing a product that’s equitable for farmers.
Who loves Cali Kitchen?
According to Steve, the answer is anyone who has an appreciation for good food and quality ingredients — no matter your diet or lifestyle. Cali Kitchen offers vegan and vegetarian options, but they have a flexitarian focus. Prior to COVID 19 each day a diverse group of town residents walked through the doors for a cup of coffee and a chat or a bite of lunch that leaves them feeling reinvigorated.
“Give us a try, our products and dishes really stand out against the [cafe] norm.” Steve
During lockdown, Cali Kitchen became home to the NeighbourFood Market and continued serving up its fresh food via click and collect. As of publication, you can still pop in for a takeaway cuppa or one of their amazing boxes.
Dine-in service will start again in July. We can’t wait!
For more information see https://www.thecalikitchen.ie/
