Coastal Entertaining: Seaside Feasts with Big Flavour

Vintage charm, Irish seafood, and sunshine-friendly recipes.

I’m in the middle of filming a new TV show at the moment, which means long days, lots of moving parts, and in the depths of recipe number 36, I start fantasising about a slower pace- dinners that are more about flavour than fuss, and meals where the prep can be done ahead so all that’s left to do is sit down, pour a drink and eat- minus the cameras.

Wood-Fired Fennel Salmon with Roasted Veg and Lemon Aioli

This week’s recipes are the kind of food I find myself craving at the end of a busy stint. The Wood-Fired Fennel Salmon with Roasted Veg and Lemon Aioli is all about layering flavour- salmon rubbed in a citrusy fennel salt, golden veg blistered from the heat, and a punchy homemade aioli that pulls it all together. Even if you’re not cooking outdoors, this is the kind of dish that brings that feeling with it.

Kinsale Lobster Roll

The Kinsale Lobster Roll is indulgent, sure, but in a casual way. Soft brioche, crisp cucumber, tender lobster lightly dressed in mayo- it’s the kind of thing you eat standing up at the counter, or sitting outside with a cold beer in the last of summer sun.

Whole Roast Brill with Brown Butter, Capers and Potatoes

And the Whole Roast Brill with Brown Butter, Capers and Potatoes is one of those dishes that feels like summer on a plate- clean flavours, just enough richness, and nothing to hide behind. It’s simple food, done well, and that’s often what I end up circling back to, especially when time is tight.

These are the kinds of meals I’m looking forward to make the most of the summer. No overthinking, just good ingredients, cooked with care and shared with whoever happens to be around.

Photography Credit: Donal Skehan & Tara Fisher

Food Styling Credit: Charlotte O’Connell