Wine and Dine at L’Atitude.
Huge choice of excellent wines and a much expanded menu.
 |
| Beef cheek |
On an overdue visit to L’Atitude, we started with the wine, even though our main objective was to try out the expanded food menu that has grown since the most popular wine bar in town overcame one major hurdle after another to once again shine on at No. 1 Union Quay, although the Santa-red City Hall was hard to ignore outside the window!
You have scores of wines to choose by the glass. Not just by the glass: you may have a 125 ml glass, a 175, a 250 pichet or the full bottle. And then there’s another packed page on sale by the bottle only. It is also a wine shop, so if you want a bottle or two or more for home, then you’re in the right place. And if you want to know more about wine, you’re also in the right place - check out their social media for tastings and wine courses.
The Whites
2021 M&A Ardorfer Gruner Veltliner, Kamptal Austria | Gruner V. N ON TAP
2021 Judith Beck 'Weissburgunder', Burgenland, Austria | Pinot Blanc
Anyway, to the wine and our two Austrian whites to begin the evening. A few years back, on a trip through Austria we found that when we ordered wine at a bar, we were often followed to our seats by a server with water who insisted we have”water with the wine”!
Since then, we have learned much about wine and particularly about organic wine which Austria is strong on. Judith Beck of Burgenland is a renowned producer and I’m quite a fan of hers, including her Weissburgunder (Pinot Blanc), and I ordered a small glass (6.50). Refreshingly aromatic with a great mouthfeel, full bodied with exotic and citrus flavour and quite a dash of spiciness.
Austria is probably best known for its Grüner Veltliner and ours was by M&A Amdorter of the Kamptal and the small glass (6.30) was poured from the tap. No tap when we were in Austria but one evening, at a Heurige (traditional wine tavern) in the Vienna Woods, a party had been arranged and, to save time, the tavern served their Gru-Vee in beer mugs. Quite a night followed, dancing in the aisles as the folk musicians played. No Schrammelmusik at L’Attitude on our night but the Gruner was superb.
The Reds
2021 Maison Ambroise Lettre d'Eloise', Burgundy. France | Pinot Noir
2021 Angiolino Maule 'Rosso Masieri', Veneto, Italy | Meriot, Tai Rosso
Back in 2017, in St Peter’s Church (not the one in Rome but the one in Cork’s North Main Street, ), I was delighted to have the chance to chat to Bertrand Ambroise (below right) and taste his delicious Burgundy wines, an earlier vintage (named after his grand-daughter) of this among them. Organic farming is a way of life for the Ambroise family.
I have regularly had Bertrand’s wines since then and this 2021 is a gorgeous well-priced wine (5.60 for 125mls in L’Atitude).
A few years ago a Veneto Masterclass in Dublin, speakers praised the Maule family and said they were at the forefront of the natural wine movement, and not just in Italy.
In Dublin, Francesco Maule, son of the founders, called this their “basic red”. It is a blend of Merlot, Tai Rosso and a little Cabernet Sauvignon. Tai Rosso is more or less the same grape as Grenache.
I got myself a 125 glass (7 euro) the other night. This deep ruby wine has ripe red fruit and hints of spice in the aromas. It is fresh with red fruit on the palate and that spice too. Quality on the palate and on the finish as well. Really well-balanced. They make a terrific white counterpart as well (also here in L'Atitude).
The Food
 |
| One for the season! Pic from L'Atitude's Facebook |
There have been changes, (bigger and better choices) to the L’Atitude food offering. Owner Beverley explains: “Our kitchen has been going from strength to strength since we reopened in 2020, constantly improving and evolving with the seasons, under the guidance of Simone Kelly, who you’ll all know from Rocketman. And consequently, we find more and more people making L’Atitude their destination for a night out over a meal, as opposed to popping in for a quick pre-dinner aperitif or a digestif on their way home - although we still very much welcome both.”
And we were looking forward to our meal especially when we saw the expanded and varied menu. There are nibbles and you can move on from there to small and not-so-small plates.
 |
| Pickled eggs |
We started with their Pickled Egg and also Banderillas - anchovies, olives and roasted pepper, a duo that certainly woke up the taste buds. Other dishes in this category include Sliced Saucisson, Tête de Moine Cheese, Toasted Almonds, Mixed Olives, Artisan Sourdough & Glenstal Butter OR Extra Virgin Olive Oil, and an Aperitif Plate - Almonds, Olives, Pickled Grapes and Tête de Moine.
Quite a selection of fuller plates too:
Horizon Purple Sprouting Broccoli, Buffalo Ricotta, Peanut Rayu;
O'Mahony's Bavette Steak, Ballyhoura Mushrooms and Greens;
Pappardelle, Pork & Fennel Ragù;
Baked Mont D'Or, Irish Air-dried Ham, Sautéed Potatoes, Sesame Toast- for sharing (allow 30 mins);
Board of Cheeses Charcuterie or mixed, and more including organic salads.
 |
| Banderillas |
A tempting line-up of desserts included some with an appropriate wine in tandem. Our favourite was the Chocolate Piedmont Hazelnut Torte with Vanilla ice-cream. This was worth the seven euro for the amazing nuts alone!
That was us finished and well satisfied. Out into the freezing night then and glad to see a bus at the stop as we arrived in Patrick Street. We had walked down (to work up an appetite!) but there was no way we were going to walk back!
L”Attitude opening hours:
Wine Shop: Wednesday to Saturday from 1pm till late
Wine Bar: Wednesday to Saturday from 3pm till late.
Kitchen: Wednesday to Friday from 5pm. Saturday from 4pm.
Stay up to date by checking their Instagram page here.
 |
| City Hall (from L'Atitude window) |
No comments:
Post a Comment