Nine Bean Row Books

Set up in 2021 by Kristin Jensen, a freelance editor & writer, Nine Bean Row Books has been a very welcoming addition to the foody publishing world in Dublin. Kristin believes that two things connect almost everyone - food & storytelling and her beautiful books really do serve to remind us just how much we punch above our weight here in Ireland when it comes to food culture. She has sought out and worked with Ireland's most interesting culinary talents. 

With the Blasta books series (Irish for tasty) she’s delved into areas that traditionally haven’t been represented as they don’t fit neatly into the canon of Irish food. With titles like Tacos, Hot Fat, Wok and Tapas these books take a deep dive into a genre of cooking in the hands of an expert. In other titles like Soup or United Nation of Cookies they address how universal and inclusive some particular types of food are. While these titles all have an angle, the unifying factor are delicious recipes that are easy to follow, represented in a clear and very aesthetically pleasing way. We’re really looking forward to the forthcoming titles Waste & Masarap - an exploration of Filipino cooking. 

The standalone books are not only beautiful objects to have and to read, but also express both the personality and the perspective of the restaurants featured. I love that in & for mains we are treated to a pub crawl in the middle of the book and a recipe for a hand select bowl of petit fours - made up of galaxy minstrels and jelly snakes, but this playfulness only enhances the charm of the book, and doesn’t detract from either the expertise or the passion displayed.

Bake is both an exercise in nostalgia, with tried and tested recipes for the classics of an Irish childhood, and an insight into the mind of a very able and imaginative baker, who has built on this foundation to create a whole range of modern adaptations of these classics.

The most recent book The Gathered Table, which is in aid of the Peter McVerry Trust is a veritable who’s who of the Irish Culinary world - and again filled with delicious and essentially, manageable recipes. We’re also pretty excited about the forthcoming Cafe Paradiso cookbook, which is our all time favourite restaurant in Ireland. 

Every edition they have published so far really show how this is a passion project as well as a much needed addition to Irish publishing. We’re thrilled skinny to be stocking them. 

If you’re planning to get out and about this bank holiday weekend in Dublin, we’d recommend visiting some of the excellent restaurants featured:

1. Michaels - Mount Merrion

Try the Luxury Seafood Bowl if it’s on the menu & all of the cocktails.

2. The Cupcake Bloke - Rialto 

We recommend the chocolate chip & fennel cookies. You could also check out the Circular across the road and the Happy Beer & food festival in Rascals Brewery in Inchicore if you’re up that way while you’re at it.

3. Bites by Kwanghi - Docklands

I’d go for the Miso Salmon, the Vietnamese Salad & all of the dumplings.

4. Bread 41 - Pearse Street

I love the Kimchi pancakes on the brunch menu and the burnt malt cookies - or any of the savoury baked goods on the counter.

5. Tapas de Lola - Wexford Street  

(and it’s excellent new sister La Gordita)  I love the Berenjenas

6. Picado Mexican Pantry - South Richmond Street  They have a dizzying array of chillies and hot sauces and I can never resist trying a new one every time I’m in. I particularly like the Crazy Bastard sauces, which are made by an Irish guy but are seriously hot. They do great gluten free corn tortillas too.