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We've all seen the phrases. "Locally sourced." "Farm to table." "Supporting local."

In the last decade, these terms have become so common on menus that they’ve almost lost their meaning. They've become marketing buzzwords. But what does "supporting local" actually look like?

If you want a real, tangible, and delicious example, you need to visit Fika 33 in Killeshandra.

Here, "local" isn't a vague concept; it's a shopping list. It's a network of names, faces, and families. It’s a core belief that the best meals start with the best local ingredients. This commitment is precisely what makes Fika 33 not just a great café, but a true local produce café in Cavan.

When you order their famous Full Irish Breakfast, you're not just getting a plate of food. You're getting a curated tour of the region's best artisan producers.

Let’s meet the local heroes behind the Fika 33 menu.

The Sausage: Barry John Sausages
A breakfast is often judged by its sausage, and Fika 33 has chosen a champion. Barry John Sausages, based in Cavan Town, is a multi-award-winning artisan producer with a simple philosophy: use the best Irish pork, traditional recipes, and a passion for flavour.

These aren't your standard bangers. Barry John’s sausages are known for their high meat content, superb texture, and innovative flavour combinations. By featuring them on the menu, Fika 33 makes a clear statement: they are not cutting corners. They are starting with the best. This commitment to quality is what customers taste in every single bite.

The Bacon & Puddings: Mc Gurren Artisan Butchers
Next up are the rashers and the all-important black and white puddings. For this, Fika 33 turns to another local legend, Mc Gurren Artisan Butchers.

Mc Gurren’s, located just down the road in Cavan, is a traditional butcher shop that has built a stellar reputation for quality. Their artisan bacon is cured to perfection, providing that essential salty, savoury flavour that makes a Full Irish sing.

But it’s their puddings that are a true taste of tradition. Rich, oaty, and perfectly spiced, they are a world away from the bland, mass-produced versions. For a café to source its puddings from a craft butcher is a sign of deep respect for the breakfast tradition.

The Boxty: Drummully Boxty
This is the ingredient that plants Fika 33 firmly on the map of County Cavan. Including Drummully Boxty on the breakfast plate is a stroke of genius.

Boxty, the traditional Irish potato pancake, is a regional speciality, and Drummully is the most celebrated name in the game. Made in the nearby parish of Drummully, this isn't just a product; it's a piece of local heritage. It's light, fluffy, and pan-fries to a perfect golden-brown.

By including it, Fika 33 roots its menu directly in the "terroir" of the region. It’s an authentic taste of Cavan that visitors may not find anywhere else, and a comforting taste of home for locals.

Why Does Sourcing Locally Matter So Much?
This all sounds wonderful, but is it really that important? Yes. And here’s why.

1. Unbeatable Flavour and Freshness: Local produce is, by definition, fresher. It hasn't spent weeks in transit or in a central warehouse. That freshness translates directly to flavour. The eggs are richer, the meat is more flavourful, and the overall quality of the meal is higher.

2.Supporting the Local Economy: When Fika 33 buys from Barry John, Mc Gurren, and Drummully, that money stays in County Cavan. It supports other local families, creates local jobs, and contributes to a vibrant and resilient community. It’s a virtuous cycle.

3. A Story on a Plate: This approach gives the food a narrative. It's not just "a sausage"; it's a "Barry John sausage." It gives the staff something to talk about and the customers something to connect with. It builds a sense of place and pride.

4. Trust and Transparency: In an age of complex supply chains, there is immense value in knowing where your food comes from. Fika 33 operates with total transparency. They are proud of their suppliers and happy to tell you about them.

The Benchmark for a Local Produce Café in Cavan

Fika 33 is a shining example of what it means to be a "local" business. They are not just in the community; they are of the community.

This philosophy extends beyond the Full Irish. It’s in the milk from a local dairy, the fresh bread from a local baker, and the seasonal vegetables in their lunch specials.

For customers, this means you are guaranteed a high-quality, fresh, and authentic meal every time you visit. It's a dining experience that feels good and does good.

It's a model that proves you don't need a big city or a celebrity chef to create world-class food. You just need a passion for quality and a deep connection to the incredible producers in your own backyard.