Memorable dishes from 2024
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| Clams at Farol |
Ethnic
Portuguese
Farol Tapas in Sunday’s Well. Their Ameijoas a Farol – succulent clams bathed in a fragrant garlic-white wine sauce with a touch of heat – were simply exquisite.
Thai.
BAHT, an authentic Thai Dining Experience In Carlow. Check it here.
Italian. Da Mirco’s. Try the Maccheroni Ragu Di Salsiccia, a fantastic dish of homemade macaroni served in an Italian sausage and rosemary ragu, topped with a mix of bread crumbs and grated parmesan.
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| Cod at Greene's |
Fish
Lobster at The Cornstore: Terrific appetiser of Mini Lobster Rolls with buttered brioche and the Atlantic Lobster.
Glenmar Scallops at Greene’s, served cold, with a lively and lovely Coriander and Lime Sauce, Chilli, Kohlrabi, and Crispy Quinoa
Cod, also at Greene’s: Cod (fish of the day), perfectly cooked and accompanied by Peperonata, Samphire, and Parsley Butter.
Trout Double at La Cote Wexford: starter - The Gravlax of Sea Trout with Goatsbridge Trout Caviar, Herb Potato, and French Mustard was a revelation
Oysters at Moran’s Oyster Cottage, Kilcolgan, Co. Galway. Local Oysters Three ways!
Crab at Jacques. Castletownbere Crab Salad, adorned with Strawberries, Balsamic, and Black Pepper.
Hake at The Lodge (Myrtleville). Hake with Zaatar. Zaatar, a Levantine culinary herb or family of herbs, is also the name of a spice mixture. It is hugely versatile at the table, as we found in the popular venue when it was used to “crust” a delicious piece of Hake.
Prawn Cocktail at the Garryvoe Hotel. Their famous Dublin Bay Prawn Cocktail, Crisp Gem Lettuce, Sauce Marie Rose® & Homemade Brown Bread”.
Chowder at Greene’s. Ballycotton Fresh and Smoked Fish, Mussels, Clams, and Pana Bread (. Rich and creamy, the flavour was outstanding.
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| Lamb at Monks Lane |
Lamb
Lamb Slowcooked at Monks Lane. Lamb slow-cooked Spanish-style lamb (was a revelation. The menu description, mentioning "herb potatoes" and "flaked almonds," didn't quite do it justice. This was a rich, flavourful stew packed with tender lamb, a medley of fresh vegetables, and a scattering of almonds that added a delightful textural contrast. It was so good
Slow Cooked Braised Lamb Shank at Farmgate Lismore — the meat falls off the bone, bathed in a fragrant rosemary lamb jus, accompanied by creamy spring onion champ and a vibrant carrot and swede purée.
Slow Cooked Lamb Shoulder at the MET Bar & Restaurant - McCarthy’s, boasting melt-in-your-mouth lamb complemented by pickled watermelon rind, roasted squash & beets, and a delightful surprise – Channa masala chickpeas.
The Glass Curtain Rack of Lamb, crushed artichoke, pistachio, glazed lamb belly and celeriac. Another superb dish from an accomplished kitchen.
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| Ichigo Ichie |
Duck
Ichigo Ichie’s Skeaghanore Duck with Hay Leek, grilled scallion, leaves, Sansho salt and an unexpected garnish of potato with Nori that went down very well.
Pasta
Pasta Salsicca e Fiarelli at Bramley Lodge. The salsicca is Italian sausage and there were also wilted greens, pancetta and saffron. Excellent.
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| Misunderstood Heron |
Food Trucks & Market Stalls
Stall - Kay’s English Market - The popular Fish Box includes Panko Crumbed Haddock, Fish Cake, Smoked Salmon Croquettes, Fried Potatoes, Salad, and Dip. Tasty stuff!
Food Trucks - Misunderstood Heron (Connemara) - Pork - Achiote (a natural orange-red condiment) + Orange Pork + Rice + Charred Red Pepper + Salsa
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| View from Killeen House, Killarney |
Best Hotel Breakfast.
At Rozzers at Killeen House, Killarney. Look out for the fish offering every morning! More here.
Top Brunch
At On The Pig’s Back in Douglas: Oeufs Pochés à la Bretonne. Oh la la!
Top Quiche
At Proby’s Kitchen. The lunchtime quiche featured Warm Leek, feta and Cavolo Nero with seasonal leaves.
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| Nadur Deli. |
Best Pastry
The pistachio white chocolate and blueberry at Nadur Deli.
Outstanding Curry
The Lodge (Myrtleville) - the comforting warmth of a North Indian-style Baigan Aloo Tanatar (eggplant, potatoes, and tomatoes) simmered in a symphony of curry spices. Add in a side of rice, and enjoy!
Steak
Looking for steak? Head to MacCurtain Street, Food Street of the Year in Cork.
The Glass Curtain offers a porterhouse steak, with bone marrow jus, for sharing.
Next door, Thompsons have quite a variety of aged steaks via Kanturk butcher Jack McCarthy, complete with some superb sauces and sides.
Just up the street, Greene’s offers a little theatrical touch as their steaks are served on the stone, always an eye-catcher and also a palate pleaser.
Burger
Wagyu at Thompsons. McCarthy’s Wagyu is not among the steak offerings but has a starring role in this Burger, along with shredded lettuce, homemade pickles, Coolea Cheddar, and roasted garlic aioli. Not to mention chunky house fries.
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| Mullicháin Café, Carlow |
Pie
Gallaghers claim the original Beef and Beamish Pie (Beamish stout, braised beef and root vegetables, topped with a crispy puff pastry). It has been on their menu since they opened. They serve it with fries or mashed potatoes. I chose the mash, which worked very well. They also do a superb fish pie!
Soup
French Onion Soup at Market Lane - French Onion Soup has been featured at Market Lane since 2009. The current version, featuring Coolea cheese and sourdough croutons, is one of the best yet and is a fantastic starter.
Hidden Gem
Mullicháin Café, Carlow. Nestled along the picturesque River Barrow in St. Mullins, Co. Carlow, the Mullicháin Café is a charming oasis that offers a delightful blend of history, cuisine, and natural beauty. Oh yes, good food too!
