Our first night in Dublin and the Republic of Ireland brought us around the
corner from our hotel to ONE PICO just of St. Stephen's Green where Chef Eamon
O'Reilly has been introducing fine food using fresh Irish ingredients, which is
indeed the story of much of our journey.
We were not thrilled with the cold White, Wheat & Onion/Thyme; there
was no amuse.
Samuel ordered the Foie Gras Parfait with Apricot which came wrapped in a
white ring of clarified butter, which was odd, but it was super tasty with
toasted sourdough. He decided it was not his cup of tea and I offered him my
Langoustine Risotto with Roast Langoustines, Sorrell and truffle. He would have
no seafood, so I offered again after I devoured the amazing langoustines on top
and he tasted and agreed. Will & I polished off his pate which was sublime.
Will had the Grilled Rare Tuna with Black Sesame and Wasabi Aioli which was
about the size of two tuna sashimi pieces! We enjoyed a superb light red
Merecurey 1er Cru 2013 "Les Champs Martins" from Domaine Juillot and the
sommelier said he would even offer a 1/2 bottle (only served in fulls) and
charge us only half if we wanted more. In the end he kindly poured about 65%
which was very generous.
Sam gobbled up his Fillet of Rare Beef with Cheek Croquette, Girolles &
Roast Shallot and Will loved his Turbot with Cauliflower Puree, Lobster
Canneloni and Caulfilower Beignet. My Loin of Rabbit with Squash Puree, Crisp
Egg Yolk and Hazelnut Pancetta was a dream come true. The loin was wrapped in
the pancetta and the egg yolk was battered and fried so you could cut it and
ooze and then munch. WOW!
Warm Chocolate Pudding with Lavender Ice Cream was Sam's finale, while I
adored the Blackberry Souffle with Roast Almond Ice Cream. Will had a Lemon
Possett with Raspberry Sorbet.
Chocolate truffles on chocolate mousse finished off the meal.
In the end a fine night for our first in southern Ireland.
