Honest2Goodness
In his towering work of political science and anthropology, Seeing Like A State, James C. Scott introduces the concept of metis, which he describes as ‘a wide array of practical skills and acquired intelligence in responding to a constantly changing natural and human environment.’
If Professor Scott paid a visit to Glasnevin’s Honest2Goodness Market, he would see how Brid and Colm Carter display and practice a pitch perfect form of metis.
Brid and Colm must navigate the needs and demands of both their customers and stallholders. They must balance the weekly offering, all the while trying to innovate and, crucially, adapt and refine Colm Carter’s own offering of European wines, which are an integral element of the market itself.
They do all of these things superbly, which is why the H2G Market is such a pivotal element of Dublin’s food culture.
The array of stallholders is a blue chip selection of the best artisans from Dublin and all points north, south and west. There is fresh sourdough bread, and bean-to-bar chocolate. There is parkland venison, and fresh seafood, farm-to-fork beef and lamb and organic whole foods. It’s all here, created and orchestrated by a brilliant cast of stallholders.
And Colm’s wines offer some of the most intriguing European wines collated by any Irish importer, wines with true and honest souls.
Recent innovations at H2G have included a Neighbourfood association, and the opening of the H2G Pantry & Wine shop, on Thursdays and Fridays, so buyers can browse in quiet comfort away from the fine freneticism of the Saturday market.
H2G is metis in action, every week of the year. It’s also pure genius.
Wine enquiries: Colm at 087-9914291
Market or food enquiries: Brid at 087-6294713