The best breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks of my life … Gráinne Mullins takes us on a food flight

Euro-Toques Young Chef of the Year 2019 Gráinne Mullins is a pastry chef whose goal is to breathe new life into old favourites, embracing local and seasonal produce. Mullins has been described by chef Michel Roux Jnr. as having “exceptional skills”.

BREAKFAST
The Comfort Diner, New York

While visiting New York with my cousins, we stumbled upon this diner in Midtown East while on the hunt for breakfast one morning. Once in the door there is the welcoming atmosphere of a typical American diner and the kind of food that puts a smile on your face. Our particular favourite was the Red Flannel Hash, but the Buttermilk Pancakes also hit the spot. Each breakfast is served with an orange juice and a coffee, because “breakfast wouldn’t be the same without them”. comfortdiner.com

LUNCH
Bread 41, Dublin

I’m always on the hunt for the perfect place for brunch or lunch, so I made it my mission to get to Bread 41 on Pearse Street as I had heard rave reviews. It did not disappoint. I ordered one of every one of their pastries to bring home but I also sat in and had the most amazing halloumi pitta bread. Their bread is made to perfection with the best ingredients and they source local and organic ingredients where possible. I recommend the cream puff. I am a rhubarb lover anyway but put it in a choux bun and it is just heaven. It’s a nice setting too, not overly fussy and just perfect for lunch. breadnation.ie

DINNER
Babel, Budapest

Babel is a restaurant that showcases the best of Hungarian food in a modern way. I had the tasting menu and every single course was as an exploration of Hungarian food culture and a culinary delight. I still relish the memory of the snack of red cabbage and sour cream, and the apple-and-beer bread with a selection of butters was an absolute delight. I was thrilled to see them get their first Michelin star this year. The decor of the city-centre restaurant is also very sleek with aplenty of artistic flair. babel-budapest.hu

DRINKS
Carry Nation, Marseille

This has to be one of my favourite spots to go for a drink. It must be pre-booked and at the time of confirmation you are given the location and also the code for the door (which changes daily). Once in the door you must climb through the entrance (I won’t ruin all the surprises) and into the speakeasy bar inspired by the prohibition period. It feels like you have travelled back to 1920 once inside. Their Mai Tai is always a hit, but go for something a bit more adventurous, such as the La Licorne, and you won’t be disappointed. carrynation.fr

Read more: Want to grow your own food at home over the next few weeks? Here’s how to get started

Read more: 8 delicious dinners that you can make with minimal ingredients

Read more: 5 of the best restaurant experiences for Dublin diners at home