Last week, myself and a five of my fellow food bloggers (Catherine from Runcible Spoon, Emily from From Chila Village, Lily from The Amateur Mexican Cook, Rachel from Gastronomics, and Vicky from S’Tasty) were treated to a Carlingford oyster shucking and Dublin Bay prawn preparing class at new fish restaurant Matt The Thresher over on Pembroke Street.
Our host and teacher was head chef Stephen Caviston, who talked us through all there is to know about shucking oysters and de-pooping prawns. That last phrase was not part of our curriculum but one that I’ve added for the purpose of this blog post, you understand.
Dublin Bay prawns – officially where it’s at, crustacean-wise.
After our class, we were treated to a platter of Irish seafood, as an inkling of what’s on offer at the restaurant. There are some perfect-for-after-work deals such as their bowl of mussels plus a glass of for €15 as well as four fish ‘tapas’ with a glass of wine for €20.
Our experience was made all the more delicious because of the genuinely informative class and the lovely company. Emily over on From China Village, Rachel at Gastronomics and Vicky on S’Tasty have all written more about our evening on their delectable blogs.
As our experience was rather unique, I can’t really say what Matt The Thresher would be like in a straight-up dining circumstance. The room itself is beautiful and there are plenty of Ireland’s best fish on offer, a local produce which can sometimes be bafflingly hard to find.
What I will say is that if you ever get an offer to learn how to shuck an oyster and/or prepare a prawn, don’t pass it up. Delightfully straightforward skills to learn, as long as you have the right teacher.
Thanks to all at Matt The Thresher for their hospitality, particularly Stephen Caviston for passing on some of his vast fish knowledge. And thanks to the IFBA for bringing together this particular group of food bloggers!
If you’re in the area, definitely pop in and see if it’s up your stream.
Arf. Stream. Geddit? Fish? No? Really? Okay.
Matt The Thresher
31-32 Lower Pembroke Street
Dublin 2.
Tel: (01) 676-2980
Categories: Blog Trips
April 6, 2011 at 8:33 am
Hahaha, ‘stream’, I love it, the cheesier the better for me!
Great post, you make a very good point about it being a bit of a unique experience rather than average customer meal, will be interesting to see how Lily over on The Amateur Mexican Cook got on in her return visit last night (paying punter I believe!). Thanks again for the photos, you were a lifesaver!
April 6, 2011 at 11:37 pm
You’re more than welcome Rachel, lovely to meet you on the night! Glad you liked my stream pun
April 6, 2011 at 11:17 am
Ok. So my mouth actually started watering at that last picture. Is there anything nicer than silky smoked salmon with tart zingy capers and red onion…… Thank you for a lovely post and thanks for coming along!
April 6, 2011 at 11:38 pm
You’re welcome Sinead and thanks for making it happen!