Georgina Campbell
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There's no shortage of good food in Dunfanaghy but Tara Alcorn and her Brazilian partner Anderson Rodrigues brought something different to this popular holiday destination when they opened Casa Café and Deli in April 2021. Opening a new business is always challenging, opening in the midst of a pandemic unbelievably so - but, with its bright pop of colour, energy and sheer deliciousness, it cheered the town and hit the ground running once the door finally opened.
Located in a beautifully refurbished building on the main street (see the work they put into it on Facebook...), the colourful exterior is welcoming in a traditional way with plenty of well tended plants around the door, but inside it's modern and clean-lined with an industrial vibe and shelves displaying well chosen artisan goods and some local crafts.
Tara's parents, Derek and Susan Alcorn, run one of the area's best-loved establishments The Mill (see entry) nearby, so pride in local Donegal produce - and other quality produce - comes naturally to her and, as Anderson is an accomplished chef, it's no surprise that they have created something special at Casa.
Simple food done well is the mantra for the main dishes, and the menu - which is handily displayed on the wall so you can order as soon as you get to the till - offers eight or nine breakfast and brunch options and five or six sandwiches and salads for lunch. The focus is on local and seasonal ingredients, which Anderson treats carefully and presents with flair, creating beautiful dishes with great flavour.
Everything is delicious, but it is the temptingly displayed patisserie that makes this a unique destination - and may well have you opting for cake for breakfast! Mostly Brazilian influenced, the highlights include quindim (an egg-based upside down dessert) and pastel de nata, the famous Portuguese egg custard tart pastry dusted with cinnamon, which is also popular in former Portuguese colonies, including Brazil, but you'll also find other European classics here including exquisite macarons...
So, as takeaway is initially the name of the game, why not order some treats along with a Brazilian Root and Branch flat white or a local McDaids football special (ask about that!) and savour it on the nearby pier - where you can also enjoy a fine vew of Horn Head.
