A Culinary Journey Awaits
at Clifden's Lamplight
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| Chicken |
Clifden's Lamplight isn't just a tapas bar; it's an experience for the senses. This charming spot offers a delightful exploration of small plates from around the world, all crafted with fresh, local ingredients and a touch of seasonal magic.
Tapas for Sharing and Savoring
The heart of Lamplight lies in its
tapas. Designed for sharing and conversation, these small-plate delights are a celebration of flavour and creativity. Imagine digging into Firebox Roasted Pork Belly, bathed in a rich Pasilla and tomato sauce, balanced by the sweetness of pineapple pico de gallo and the freshness of summer peas.Seafood lovers will find their haven here as well. Dive into a pot of Mussels of The Atlantic Way, simmered in white wine and a touch of spicy Nduja sausage for a truly decadent experience. Or perhaps the Spanish Garlic Prawns, swimming in a fragrant shell bisque and boasting the sweetness of confit garlic, tempt your palate.
For a taste of the unexpected, try the Torched Mackerel Shloyaki. This dish pairs the smoky richness of the mackerel with a refreshing baby potato salad, dill emulsion, and zucchini pickle - a taste bud adventure guaranteed.
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| Lamb |
Tapas to recommend:
We stayed with the tapas for the evening. Our stand-out favourite was the 7-hour Braised Irish Ox Cheek, a true crowd-pleaser, meltingly tender and bursting with flavour thanks to the Irish champ mash, seaweed butter, and a touch of local stout gravy.
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| Beef, a favourite. |
Others for your shortlist are the Spring Chicken Schnitzel (with Charred asparagus + wild mushroom fricassee + chive oil) and the Connemara Hill Lamb Kofta (with Tabbouleh + red cabbage slaw + Labenah + Harrisa chilli sauce), both perfectly cooked and presented and the accompaniments were nicely judged.
Nibbles cost 3 to 8 euro; Tapas are mostly in the mid-teens; sharing boards from 16 euro. Look out for offers especially Sharing Board plus wine!
If the Tapas are the heart, Lamplight's soul is the wine. The team takes their wine as seriously as their food. Their curated selection boasts a focus on organic and biodynamic bottles, sourced from diverse regions worldwide.
Sommelier Ivan Preboc meticulously handpicks each offering, ensuring top quality, sustainability, and flavour profiles that perfectly complement the food. Many wines are available by the glass, carafe, or bottle, catering to all preferences. You notice quite a few from Eastern Europe, none the worse for that!
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| Duck, not a favourite on the night! Difficult to cut, even with a steakknife. |
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| Orange Sauv Blanc from Chile |
My favourite whites were the orange Sauvignon Blanc from Chile's, Curicó Valley, Chile, and the Gruner Veltliner from Slovakia. On the red side, we enjoyed the Blaufränkisch, from the Burgenland, in Austria, and the Cabernet Sauvignon by Nicolas Idiart in the Languedoc.
Some that we reluctantly left behind (and I’m just talking about by the glass) were the Nero D'Avola, (Solandia, Sicilia) and that Hungarian Riesling (by Mura from the Bussay vineyard).
A Welcoming Atmosphere
Stepping inside Lamplight, you're greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere. The restaurant boasts a long, oblong layout with comfortable two-person tables on one side and larger tables for groups on the other. The large front window bathes the immediate space in natural light, while strategically placed mirrors add depth and a touch of elegance. For a touch of fresh air, al fresco dining is also available on the street section.
A Must-Visit for Food and Wine Lovers
Whether you're a seasoned tapas enthusiast or simply seeking a delightful culinary adventure, Clifden's Lamplight is a must-visit. With its innovative tapas, delectable mains, and a world-class wine list, this restaurant promises an unforgettable dining experience.
Also on this trip:
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