Solacious Snacks & Where to Find them: Part I
In no particular order did I compile this list, as ranking these side by side would be impossible. You'll notice in the title it says Part I, when I was putting this list together I started daydreaming which led to an extensive, borderline obsessive list that I had to split into multiple parts. I have included the specific restaurants/ locations when possible, and brief descriptions of all the solacious snacks.
Fullerton: Classic Moules Marinieres
Sailor style Strangford Rope Mussels served with Homemade Irish Wheaten Bread
Fullerton Arms Pub (Ballintoy, Ireland)
Alright, technically I lied. This is the best meal I've ever had and will always rank #1. I could have happily drowned in this dish. The broth featured Strangford Rope Mussels which are local to the Ballintoy/ Ballycastle area in Northern Ireland. I believe the broth was made using either Guinness or local Bushmills whiskey, but I cannot remember which one, and this has caused me years of frustration. Either way this dish is easily the most delicious meal I've had, and has provided me with countless blissful memories.
Also for Game of Thrones fans, this inn is located near the Dark Hedges (King's Road). You can visit the Dark Hedges, but many of the trees were sadly blown down during Storm Gertrude. The Fullerton arms, and several other pubs around the country decided to preserve the trees, by crafting them into doors. Each door has a different theme and they can be found scattered around Ireland. Sounds like a pub tour to me...
** This photo of the mussels was borrowed directly from the Fullerton Arms webpage. Go check it out!
Apple, Rhubarb & Custard Cornish Pasty
The Cornish Bakery (Newquay, England)
During my last trip to England, I found it necessary to enjoy a Cornish Pasty. I adore rhubarb, so I had to try the Apple, Rhubarb & Custard. My mouth still waters thinking about it. Cornwall is famous for creating the Cornish Pasty. French Pasty's have been around since the 13th century, however in the 1700's, pasty's became a staple in Cornwall, specifically for working class families and those in mining. As Cornwall grew and Cornish families emigrated, the Cornish Pasty became famous around the world.
What makes a Cornish Pasty Cornish?
The Pasty has to be sealed on it's side in a crimped fashion
All the ingredients must be raw during assembly, and everything is cooked together.
The Pasty is produced West Of The River Tamar
There are two more stipulations regarding ingredient ratios, but those apply to classic Pasty's made with beef, potato, and swede.
In 2011, Cornish Pasty's became protected, giving them the status of Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) in Europe. In order to be sold as a Cornish Pasty, it must meet the above criteria.
More Info here: https://www.philleighway.co.uk/the-history-of-the-cornish-pasty/
Also the photo below is thanks to this site.

Tunnocks Tea Cakes
Soft marshmallow on a biscuit base fully coated in real milk chocolate.
Anywhere in the UK, but my first cakes were in Inverness, Scotland
My sister Hannah and I traveled to Scotland for the first time in 2018. In Edinburgh we decided to take a tour with a route through the highlands, and then onto Inverness. This is by far my favorite tour ever, shout out to Paul who changed my sister and I's lives. He did not stick to the planned agenda, instead he added several secret spots along the way. I highly recommend visiting The Hermitage in Perthshire Forest if you ever go to Scotland.
Here is the link for the Wee Red Bus Tours: https://www.heartofscotlandtours.co.uk/
When we arrived in Inverness we were left to our own devices. After arriving I made Hannah try whiskey for the first time, which she described as tasting like "dust". In the morning we were given breakfast as part of the tour, and were introduced to several Scottish foods, but obviously the star was Tunnocks Tea Cakes. I cannot overstate the absolute euphoria you experience while eating these. The stiff chocolate exterior, the gooey marshmallow and classic biscuit center... I buy at least 36 Tunnocks Tea Cakes everytime I visit the UK and finish them in days. My obsession with these cakes has translated into my everyday life. My sister and I have matching Tunnocks Tea Cake hats, and I have several pieces of art featuring them in various forms.
The journey to the Tea Cake began in 1890, with the opening of Thomas Tunnocks first bakery. After several generations worked in the bakery and slow expansion, the Tea Cake was created by Boyd Tunnock in 1956.
** Second photo thanks to Pinterest
Carbonnade Flamande, Flemish beef & beer stew
Brasserie De La Senne, (Brussels, Belgium)
It was frigidly cold when I visited Brussels in November 2022. After a long day of walking in the rain with an atrocious jacket (see Trial by Fire blog post), I was in desperate need of some hot food. I stumbled into this massive restaurant absolutely soaked and desperate for warmth. I ordered a beer and managed to drink a miniscule amount, sadly I'm still not a beer person, and had the pleasure of indulging in Carbonnade Flamande.
This Flemish stew is specific to Belgium and made with beef, loads of onions, and a classic beer broth. The word Carbonnade originates from the miners who used to enjoy this stew; originally they used to grill their meat over hot coals before making this tasty delicacy. If you enjoy a surplus of choices for beer and some tasty stew in the rain, I highly recommend Brasserie De La Senne.
** Sadly I did not get a picture of the stew, as it did not photograph well, but enjoy pictures from the inside of the restaurant.
Crofter's Pie:
Pulled lamb topped with haggis mash with seasonal greens and roast carrots
**Awarded gold at the British Pie Awards
The Last Drop Pub (Edinburgh, Scotland)
First off, I love the name and morbidity of this pub. The Last Drop is located in Edinburgh’s historic Grassmarket. Directly outside the pub was where the gallows were located in the 18th century. Crowds gathered regularly during this time to watch public executions, and many criminals sentenced to death enjoyed their last meal at the Last Drop Pub. Thus the name Last Drop Pub comes as a nod to the last hanging that took place just outside in 1864.
Now onto the pie! This dish is a classic. Sort of similar to a shepards pie, the top layer consisted of haggis and mashed potatoes coated in a layer of gooey cheese. Beneath that was a layer of lamb, peas, and carrots. Can you even get more Scottish?
Surprisingly I enjoyed the haggis. During my first visit I left feeling unsure about it, but really enjoyed it as an addition this time around. I will not go on to describe haggis, as it may ruin this delicacy for some of you. I highly recommend trying haggis, especially in this pie, before making any judgements. The pie also paired nicely with whiskey so for those of you looking for a traditional Scottish meal, try this one.
** First photo courtesy of their website.
Part II:
I think Solacious Snacks & Where to Find them will end up being 3 parts. I intend to post one with all the wonderful foods from the Christmas Markets in Germany, and another with a few English and Spanish tidbits. Let me know what food interests you the most and which ones you'd like to try!
Those tea cakes! I bought them at an international store a few weeks ago and finished them all that night.