Both foods are local favourites, and as common as beef or cod in Ireland, and though they occasionally pop up on Irish restaurant menus neither has been widely available here to buy.

Now two major supermarket chains have recently added these elusive exotics to their stores, offering keen cooks the chance to try something new and interesting.

Superquinn has added barramundi to its fish counters while Aldi is selling frozen ostrich steaks in its 45 stores.

At the risk of being laughed at, I mention sotto voce their suitability for barbecuing, although, thankfully both will fare equally well pan fried or grilled indoors.

Lest you still need convincing to give them a try, it's worth noting the health benefits of these incredibly tasty products. Iron- and protein-rich ostrich . . . best served pink . . . is lower in fat and cholesterol than both chicken and turkey while barramundi, a sweet, meaty fish, is rich in protein and essential Omega-3 oils. If either seems too pedestrian for your exotic palate might I suggest a trip to John Downey's organic butchers in Terenure? I'm pretty sure his kangaroo, crocodile, springbok or emu steaks will set your mouth wateringf.

Whole barramundi ( 3.99/90g) and boneless fillets ( 2.67/90g) from Superquinn fish counters.

Ostrich steaks ( 5.99/400g) from Aldi.

John Downey & Son, 97 Terenure Road, Dublin 6W. T: (01) 490 9239.