http://www.barn-restaurant.comBACK TO THE BARN
Recession beaters were out in force at The Barn last Friday night. Well, maybe not in force, since the expensive venue (on the Glanmire Road out of Mayfield) was half full or half empty – take your pick. The meal here (five course) does cost €50.00 a head. It is invariably good but is it worth fifty? Once rampant tigers, now with lighter wallets, may have be settling for less (then again it was the Jazz Weekend).
In any event, the customers that did turn up were all seated together in the one area, a sensible move. The pianist entertained and the food came at a comfortable pace. The Barn is built for comfort and ease. Service is good and there is never a rush. You can sit in the armchairs at the bar and have an aperitif (€6.20 for Campari and soda) as you go through the big menu.
A selection of tasty breads was offered as we started with a delicious tomato and basil soup. I then had a smashing Duck and Pears Salad starter while the advisor went for an excellent Pastry envelope of Mushroom and Bacon. My mains was a tasty fillet of ostrich (not something you get very often) while the other mains was a crispy duck, both served with potato and seasonal vegetables, both top class.
Then came that tempting fully laden dessert trolley. Both fell for the mille feullie. Gorgeous. And then we had a cup or two of good coffee, served with some very tasty cookies indeed.
Wines start about the €25.00 mark. Ours was a Rioja Crianza, velvety, warming. It had it all: bouquet, flavour and aftertaste, not to mention the 14%. Cost was €28.00. The bill came to €134.00. Comfortable venue. Lovely people. Good meal. If you have an occasion to celebrate or guest to entertain, The Barn (now 30 years on the go) won't let you down. But your wallet will be even lighter!
http://www.barn-restaurant.com
2 comments:
As I visit Ireland annually, especially Cork, I am keeping a list of your recommendations- thanks!
I live about 5 mins from the barn and went there for the first, and most likely last, time last year for our anniversary. While the rack of lamb I had for my main course was the nicest lamb I ever had, the other courses were of the same quality I have had in many a pub for Sunday lunch for a lot less money! The decor felt like something my nan would have approved of...back in the early 1900s. Staff were ok but not as helpful as we would have expected. A colleague in work went there recently and said she would never go there again. I won't be that harsh but the only way I would go there again is if someone else is paying because it's not worthy of my hard earned money! I'll stick to The Ivory Tower, Jacobs on The Mall, Jacques!
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