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Tis The Season to Drink Coffee!

Following on with the theme of Christmas on our blog, we would love to point you in the direction of Brew Box Coffee - they are an Irish-owned business who are passionate about Irish and international brews and have the perfect gifts for you to give someone (or yourself!) this season.

Advent Calendar

Brew Box Coffee's advent calendar includes 25 x 50g bags of filter coffee beans originating from all over Europe. Also included with the advent calendar is one Brew Box Coffee subscription (one delivery), QR codes for each coffee included in the calendar as well as recipes for you to try at home!

This would be the perfect gift for somebody in your life who is a huge coffee fan and enjoys experimenting with their tastebuds. It is on the pricier side of Christmas gifts (€100), but we think it is a fantastic way to try a variety of different brews and find some new favourites.

Link to Advent Calendar: https://www.brewboxcoffee.ie/products/brew-box-christmas-coffee-advent-calender 🔗🎅

Selection Box

If you're looking for something slightly cheaper, Brew Box Coffee also offer a selection box, which includes 12 x 50g bags of wholebean filter coffee which all originate from Irish roasters. The selection box also includes the free subscription (one delivery), QR codes and recipes that the advent calendar includes, which we think it a brilliant offer.

The selection box would make a great Secret Santa present for somebody and you are also helping to support a local Irish business which is amazing.

Link: https://www.brewboxcoffee.ie/products/brew-box-christmas-coffee-selection-box 🔗🎅

Brew Box Coffee also offer some amazing subscription plans, where you can choose to receive 1-6 bags of coffee every 2-4 weeks from a curated menu of different roasters from around the world. Their prices start from €17.99 per month (one bag every four weeks = 13 cups of coffee) and subscriptions can also be gifted to somebody else.

Let us know if you purchase one of these gifts for somebody or if you're interested in the coffee subscription! Any day that involves coffee is a great day ☕️

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Stocking Fillers!

We told you to keep an eye as we'd be making a list of stocking filler gifts for the coming Christmas season, and we've done just that. Below is our top five gifts from our favourite suppliers to help ease the stress on you and your wallet this Christmas while also buying from local shop owners because we all love an independent business!

Number 5. VDA Coffee, Naas

VDA are one of our go to shops in Naas for coffee, especially for coffee equipment. Here is a link to a drip coffee maker for only €10 meaning you could throw in filters and a bag of coffee for about €25. Not bad for a secret santa office gift. https://www.vdacoffee.ie/product/hario-v60-coffee-dripper/

Number 4. Winelab, Clane

We love winelab!! Winelab are amazing and offer some amazing mystery wine boxes to get you trying different wines you'd never even think of. For Christmas they have an entire section of their store dedicated to gifts. Some are a little boujy and pricey but we found this 'Little Moments' pack containing a sparkling, a red and a white wine along with greeting card for only €50. This is an ideal gift for those relatives coming to visit on Christmas day. https://www.winelab.ie/products/missed-moments?variant=36932756603032

Number 3. Carton House, Maynooth

Everyone says vouchers are impersonal. Not us! A voucher can be a very thoughtful gift and can actually say you know the person more than anything. With that, we have selected a voucher for Carton House in Maynooth for our third slot. This voucher is for a two person wine experience with charcuterie board. It's €90 so it's quite mid range and would be ideal for a family member and their partner. https://www.cartonhouse.com/activities/unique-activities/wine-tasting

Number 2. P.S Coffee Roasters, Naas

We were always going to include these guys. They're our favourites and they know what they're doing. So much so, our selection from them for your stocking filler is their coffee club subscription service. Fresh bags of coffee, roasted and ground to your liking delivered to your door... or in this case, your friends or loved ones door. You can alter how many you'd like to receive so the price varies from €15-€216. Lots of room in there to choose for that special someone. https://pscoffeeroasters.com/collections/coffee-subscription

Number 1. The Nude Wine Co., Sallins/Naas

It's not all about money at Christmas so for number 1 we are leaving the choice to you. The Nude Wine co. is a fantastic business ran by a sommelier who know so much and focuses on organic and interesting wines as well as the wine makers themselves. We've linked their entire Christmas shop because we couldn't pick just one item. They have some great hampers that are really inventive and make amazing gifts. https://thenudewineco.ie/wine-category/christmas-shop/

So that's it! That is our top five gifts this year for Christmas, something to suit everyone in you life you may need to buy a gift for. Let us know if you pick anything up from the list or if you have any suggestions on things we can add to an updated list as we get closer to the big day.

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Christmas is fast approaching! Keep an eye out over the next week as we'll be dropping our favourite stocking fillers that you can grab for your friends and family or that annoying office secret santa! Stay tuned.

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Sip and Savour. 🍷

Discover the perfect perfect red wine pairings for every palate. 🍽️

• Pinot Noir

The delicate flavours of Pinot Noir complement the freshness of sushi and the richness of salmon.  🍱  🍣 

Pinot Noir's medium-bodied nature pairs beautifully with a juicy grilled steak. The wine's acidity and fruitiness balance out the flavours perfectly. 🥩 

Whether it's a mushroom risotto, sautéed mushrooms, or a mushroom-based pasta, Pinot Noir's earthy undertones enhance the savoury flavours of mushrooms. 🍄 

• Cabernet Sauvignon

The rich flavours of Cabernet Sauvignon beautifully complement a juicy, grilled steak. It's a classic pairing that never disappoints!

The tannins in Cabernet Sauvignon pair wonderfully with aged cheeses like cheddar, Gouda, or Parmesan. 🧀 

Cabernet Sauvignon's boldness and dark fruit flavors go hand in hand with the richness of dark chocolate. Indulge in a decadent dessert pairing!  🍫 

• Merlot

The medium-bodied nature of Merlot pairs beautifully with pasta dishes, especially those with rich red sauces like marinara or bolognese. It's a classic and comforting combination! 🍝 

Merlot's fruity and mellow flavours complement a variety of cured meats, cheeses, and fruits on a charcuterie board. It's perfect for a relaxed and enjoyable evening! The soft tannins and dark fruit flavours of Merlot go hand in hand with the richness of dark chocolate. 🍫

Remember, these are just a few suggestions, and everyone's taste preferences may vary. It's always fun to experiment and find your own favorite wine and food pairings! Cheers! 🍷 ✨

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Sip and Savour. 🥂

Discover the perfect white wine pairings for every palate. 🍽️

• Chardonnay

This versatile white wine pairs beautifully with creamy pasta dishes, Chardonnay's buttery and rich flavours complement creamy pasta dishes like fettuccine Alfredo or carbonara. It's a match made in pasta heaven! 🍝

Chardonnay's crispness and acidity go perfectly with seafood like shrimp, scallops, or even lobster. Try it with grilled shrimp skewers or seared scallops for a taste sensation! 🍤 🦞

The fruity and oaky notes of Chardonnay beautifully enhance the flavours of roasted chicken. It's a classic pairing that never disappoints. 🍗

• Sauvignon Blanc

The zesty and citrusy flavours of Sauvignon Blanc complement the succulent taste of grilled shrimp. It's a match made in seafood paradise! 🦞

Sauvignon Blanc's vibrant acidity pairs beautifully with fresh salads, especially those with tangy dressings or ingredients like goat cheese and arugula. It adds a refreshing touch to your greens! 🥗

The herbaceous and grassy notes in Sauvignon Blanc harmonize wonderfully with the creamy and tangy flavors of goat cheese. It's a winning combination! 🧀

• Pinot Grigio

The light and crisp flavours of Pinot Grigio complement the delicate flavours of grilled shrimp. 🍤

The fresh flavours of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil in a Caprese salad harmonise beautifully with the citrusy and fruity notes of Pinot Grigio. 🥗

Pinot Grigio's clean and refreshing taste makes it a great companion for sushi. Whether you're enjoying sashimi, nigiri, or rolls, this wine will enhance the flavours. 🍱

Remember, these are just a few suggestions, and everyone's taste preferences may vary. It's always fun to experiment and find your own favorite wine and food pairings! Cheers! 🥂 ✨

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Good morning everyone! It is Sunday and the weather is not looking good today.

If you're looking for a cosy indoor spot for your morning coffee walk we would recommend P.S Coffee Roasters in Naas just around the corner from Poplar square. These guys have been around for years and they roast all of their coffee on site. They are also dog friendly and always have a nice range of pastries and vegan treats too!

Pop in and let them know we sent you!

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Top 5 Local Coffee Spots in Kildare

If you are a coffee fiend like us, you will know how disappointing it is when you’re out and about and craving a caffeine kick but Google Maps tries to tell you that the closest coffee shop is a Starbucks or Costa Coffee. This happens because these multinational companies pay exquisite amounts to Google to advertise their shops at the top of your search, but what you may not know is that there is a treasure trove of incredible coffee spots in and around Kildare – you just have to find them (or, at least read this blog)!

We have compiled a list of our top 5 independent coffee shops in Kildare, outlined below. Let us know if you have tried any of these locations or if there is anywhere that we’ve missed!

5. Square – Main Street, Kildare Village

Square is a locally owned coffee shop situated on the Main Street in Kildare Village. Its owners boast an enthusiasm for locally produced coffee beans (grown in Kilcullen!) and also source their excellent range of pastries and cakes from local bakers as well. Dropping into this coffee shop is an excellent way to support a local business whilst also getting your coffee fix. It is also living proof that good coffee doesn’t need to be produced miles and miles away!

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4. Dubh – 10 George’s Street, Newbridge

Originally occupying a space across the street, Dubh moved into its new premises in 2021 and now faces the Old Market Square in Newbridge. They have revolutionised their menu with the expansion of the new premises and now offer a full food menu in addition to its well-renowned coffees. Brunch café by day and tasteful eatery by night, this is a perfect spot for readers of our blog as it combines coffee and alcohol to create a cosy, intimate atmosphere right in the heart of Newbridge. They offer extensive vegan options and often host special events on different evening’s during the week, such as game nights and live music. Be sure to check this place out and let us know what you think!

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3. Strong’s Café and Bistro – Market Square, Kildare Village

Strong’s Café is a family-owned establishment located in Market Square in Kildare Village. They brew their delicious coffees using a special blend all the way from El Salvador, which is an award-winning blend in Ireland, and they also offer a large menu of homecooked meals which cater for many different diets. They use locally-sourced ingredients for their meals and along with Square, is a fantastic way to support the local economy by visiting. Their coffee is just incredible and along with the cosy and comfortable décor of the premises, sitting there with a cup of their finest coffee and watching the world go by can make you feel miles away from where you really are. A perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of life.

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2. Bad Habits – Basin Street, Naas

If you have ever wandered along the canal in Naas and suddenly smelt an incredible aroma of roasted coffee beans, it is extremely probable that this scent is wafting from Bad Habits. Bad Habits is a sister café to Dubh (mentioned above) and is located on Basin Street in Naas. They ethically source their beans and are known for their seasonal menus and delicious selection of pastries, and the staff are always super friendly and up for a chat. It’s a great, bubbly atmosphere in this coffee shop and if you visit and enjoy their coffee, they even sell bags of the beans both instore and on their online shop! We highly recommend this spot if you are in the area and looking for a lift in mood.

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Hey, Darling – Monread South, Naas

Hey, Darling opened up in Naas in summer 2022 and quickly became a firm favourite among locals. Boasting a menu of various pastries and sweet treats, delicious, rich coffee and hot meals catered to all dietary needs, it is no surprise that this coffee place has landed at number one on our list. They are even pet-friendly, so make sure to bring your furry friends with you to avail of a “pup cup”! As a bonus, it opens at 08:30am on a Sunday, which is so rare for a coffee shop, so it is the perfect place to drop into during your morning walk, or even if you are looking to get some work done with a warm beverage at your side. 

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So there you have it - our top five coffee spots around Kildare. We told you it wasn't just Starbucks! We would love to know if you try any of these places and your opinions. We would also be excited to hear your suggestions, too! We hope this list has been helpful to not only locals trying to find their new favourite cup, but also visitors to the area who are looking to try something different whilst supporting local businesses.

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The Top Local Wine Stores in Kildare.

Here at Twist and Grind, we would like to promote some of our local wine bars located here in the heart of Kildare. We have made a list of our favourite wine bars below:

• Ely Wine Store - Covent Lane, Maynooth

Ely wine store is a wine store located in Maynooth, Co. Kildare. They offer a wide range of curated wines by many different producers and from various regions including; Tuscany in Italy, and Bordeaux  in France. They offer a daily lunch menu filled with light snacks to complement your choice of wine, while dinner is served from Wednesday - Sunday. Ely wine store offers  a wine tasting experience for those who want to explore their palette with an introduction to wine. This experience covers the basics of wine, including their grape varieties and regions. 

They also offer a level up wine tasting evening that expands your wine knowledge and tasting abilities. Discover the theory of matching food with your wine to enhance the flavours. 

• Stone Haven Restaurant - Mill Street, Maynooth

The Stone Haven Restaurant is a stylish and relaxing dining environment that is an ideal setting for a special occasion. They offer an extensive wine list that can also be enjoyed in their recently added beer garden that is a hotspot during the summer months. The outdoor area has a lively atmosphere that is perfect for you social energisers. They serve superb modern food and are known for their professional and friendly service. The wine offers elegance and some enjoyment with your meal, and they have a lot of international wines to choose from, including Australian, Argentina and France. 

• Las Rada Wine & Tapas Bar - New Row, Naas

Las Rada Wine & Tapas Bar is Tapas-style dining that involves sharing small plates of tapas and enjoying the variety of flavours. It's a fun and social way to enjoy a meal, with each plate offering a variety of delicious bites and enjoying the company of loved ones. It's a carefree and whimsical way of eating, meant for those who want to savour the moment. Pairing wine with tapas complements the dish, you will learn what combinations you enjoy the most by experimenting with the wines you like. The seafood tapas is incredible with a light and crisp white wine!

• Nest Wine and Coffee - Roseville House, Main Street, Celbridge 

Nest wine and coffee offer a variety of seasonal wines that are available on tap as well as your daily boost of caffeine in a delicious cup of coffee. They offer fresh pastries and a delightful assortment of cured meats, cheeses and crackers on a charcuterie board complementing the fruity and earthy notes of the wines. Nest wine and coffee have won best wine experience in Kildare at the Irish Restaurants Awards in March after only 6 successful months in business. 

If you're someone looking to explore your palette with wine, or want to learn about the production of wine, or simply looking to experience a fun night out. We highly recommend partaking in a wine tasting evening event. The experience is a great opportunity to discover a wide variety of wine while also expanding your knowledge on wine, getting to explore different flavours and receiving an insight on what food you can pair the wine with. The following establishments offer an amazing experience of a wine tasting event.

• Carton House Hotel - Carton Demensne, Maynooth

• K Club - Straffan

• The Nude Wine Co - Osbertown, Naas 

🍷 Life is too short to drink bad wine 🍷

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Coffee is essential ☕️ Wine is deserved 🍷

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Introduction!

Twist and Grind is a social newsletter that aims to highlight coffee shops and wine bars that are noteworthy in the Kildare area and beyond. It is made up of three hospitality workers who all have a passion for wine, coffee or both and feel strongly about identifying the best independent businesses that are creating something unique and wonderful.

Your twist and grind team:

Travis- Has spent 7 years in high end hospitality between five star hotels gaining a WSET level two wine certification along the way. Most notably though, spent time in a Michelin starred restaurant and worked very closely with the sommelier there and assisted with wine pairings. This is where his passion and knowledge for wine grew.

Jessica- Has moved between different roles within the hospitality industry and outside of it. Her focus has always been customer based and providing the best service for every customer. She has a natural passion for coffee and wine and is eager to learn more in both areas while.

Sarah- Has worked in Newbridge silverware for multiple years, progressing to an Assistant manager role. Within this role Sarah has been up close and personal with the coffee aspects of the business. Sourcing fairtrade coffees and implementing new processes and techniques, Sarah is always on the cutting edge of the coffee industry and knows everything there is about roasting, brewing and serving.

Combined, the three of us hope to bring you as much of our knowledge as possible while pointing you in the right direction for your next date night at a wine bar, or catch up coffee with your friends. Where to avoid, where is a must go and the all important these days, what prices are changing.

We will also be bringing you lists of the best wine bars and best coffee shops while also highlighting new openers and any other news within the industry we can get our hands on!

Join us for our journey and find your next local hangout along the way.