November is the time to enjoy dining out before Christmas set menus arrive, while you can still get a reservation! Here are five to try this month …
Forêt, Sussex Terrace, Dublin 4
The newest member of the Forest Avenue family, Forêt in Dublin 4 is a classic French style bistro above O’Brien’s pub on Sussex Terrace. There is Bayonne ham, egg mayonnaise with celeriac rémoulade, chicken liver parfait with fig chutney and the dish that made Noble Rot restaurant in London famous (food-wise), Chicken au Vin Jaune with riz à la paysanne. It’s a slightly different take on the British version that’s smaller in portion size and easier on the wallet but, given the pedigree, it’s no less delicious. The dining room is both polished and relaxed, with gleaming wood floors and cabinetry, and leather banquette seating. www.foret.ie
Library Street, Dublin 2
A recent Instagram post from Peng Loh, part owner of the Unlisted Collection (which includes Terre, Castlemartyr and Sheen Falls, among others), whet my appetite to book a reservation at Library Street. The restaurant where ‘everything is meant to be shared’ is a low-key favourite and the recent special of a reverse seared, salt encrusted bone-in rib-eye steak from Wicklow pasture-fed beef caught my attention. There are also oysters, langoustines or chargrilled pork if a hunk of beef is not your thing. It’s an energetic, convivial space, perfect for dinner for two or a night out with friends. And yes, you do have to share. Sadly! www.librarystreet.ie
Kaizen, Dublin 15
I will admit to being a fan of the old Ming Court in Blanchardstown in Dublin, which was a staple of the Chinese community in the area for many years. Recently, the premises welcomed a new restaurant, Kaizen, from the same team that brought us Ka Shing in the city centre. A shiny new look is paired with a shiny new Hong Kong dim sum menu, which is expansive to say the least. Of course, there are plenty of other dishes to choose from, including a very good Szechuan spiced chicken, but it really is all about the dim sum. A very reasonably priced lunch menu makes visiting easy on the pocket, too. www.kaizenrestaurant.ie
The Merrion Hotel, Dublin 2
While most of us might not celebrate Thanksgiving here in Ireland I, for one, am open to celebrating any occasion that encourages feasting, whether you celebrate the holiday or not. I strongly suggest that you take the opportunity to visit either The Garden Room or The Cellar Bar at The Merrion and indulge in a Thanksgiving feast curated by head chef Ed Cooney. Available from the 26th – 30th of November, gorge on roast turkey, New Orleans gumbo, and pecan pie along with other tasty titbits. Sure to banish any negative connotations, however briefly. www.merrionhotel.com
Andhra Bhavan, Abbey Street, Dublin 1
With a shiny new outpost on Dublin’s Abbey Street to add to the original Marlborough Street location, Andhra Bhavan appears to be going from strength to strength. The expansive menu is filled with Southern Indian delicacies including a choice of dosa, chatt, thallis, biryanis and, of course, a selection of different curries, perfect for pre-turkey season snacking. Go for breakfast, lunch or dinner. What’s more, they offer a catering service, too. www.andhrabhavan.ie
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