Perfect for sharing on a late summer afternoon, these are some of our favourite seafood platters to indulge in this weekend …
There is something wonderfully indulgent and celebratory about a seafood platter. The fact that its ideal pairing is Champagne is one of the reasons, but Champagne aside, it’s a glorious thing. Perfect for sharing on a late summer afternoon, these are some of our favourite seafood platters to indulge in this weekend.
The Shelbourne, Dublin 2
The Belvedere Terrace at The Shelbourne is a hidden oasis in the heart of the city. Sheltered from the elements, the menu on the terrace is all about sharing. There are a number of platters to choose from including cheese and charcuterie but the seafood platter is both generous and impressive. It’s billed to serve two but to my mind, it would easily feed three or even four people, and makes for an afternoon well spent. Especially when paired with a crisp glass of Chablis, or better still, something cold and fizzy. Priced at €60, the platter includes six Dublin bay prawns, a dozen Sligo mussels, whiskey cured salmon, half a dozen coastal oysters, Liscannor crab cocktail, some Guinness bread, with shallot mignonette, lemon and tabasco sauce on the side. For those feeling extra peckish, there is also an option to add half a Lambay island lobster with truffle mayo for an additional €40. www.theshelbourne.com
Sole, Dublin 2
Perhaps one of the most famous seafood spots in the city, Sole has a legion of diehard fans and perched at their marble topped seafood bar, it’s easy to understand the appeal. The menu is classically seafood based and there are two seafood towers to choose from. The standard tower (€80) includes Howth smoked Irish organic salmon, classic prawn cocktail, a selection of rock oysters with traditional accompaniments all served over crushed ice, while pan-roast Irish brown crab claws and steamed West Cork mussels with white wine and garlic cream are served hot. The pricier Captain’s Tower (€120) includes all of the above with the addition of Dublin bay prawns and grilled Irish lobster. www.sole.ie
The g hotel, Galway
In Galway, the Bubbles & Pearls Supper Club takes place at the g Hotel on Thursday September 22, just ahead of the Galway International Oyster & Seafood Festival. The evening kicks off with Champagne and seafood canapés followed by a carefully curated menu using local seafood producers such as Mary’s Fish Galway, Dooncastle Oysters in Connemara and a host of other local suppliers. Each course will be paired with a glass of Champagne Taittinger. Tickets cost €125 per person with the option to add an overnight stay from €247 per person. www.theghotel.ie
Matt The Thresher Seafood Bar and Grill, Dublin 2
Flying somewhat under the radar, Matt The Thresher is something of a dark horse – a dark horse with an amazing seafood menu that is. Open all day, every day, there are three seafood platters to choose from; Howth smoked salmon (€25) with capers, caviar and crème fraîche; The Pembroke (€40) with oysters, Irish crabmeat, smoked salmon, Dublin bay prawns and caviar; and The Fitzwilliam (€90) with oysters, whole Dublin bay prawns, crab toes, Irish crabmeat, gambas, clams, cockles and mussels. If it’s good enough for Michelle Obama… https://matts.ie/
The Brasserie at The Marker Hotel, Dublin 2
‘Bubble Claws’ certainly has a nice ring to it and the Bubble Claws menu at The Brasserie in The Marker Hotel was designed with lobster and Champagne lovers in mind. The extravaganza begins with a bottle of Ayla Champagne to accompany the starter of sea trout pastrami with Teelings whiskey and mustard crème fraîche, pickles and a chive scone followed by a platter of flamed Belderring Blue Lobster served with house cut chips, baby spinach, tomato salad and peppered crème fraiche. The feast finishes with vanilla sponge with Amaretto peaches, mascarpone cream and toasted almonds which sounds like the perfect late summer dessert. www.anantara.com/en/the-marker-dublin
Other notable seafood platters include the now legendary platter from Michaels in Mount Merrion which is crammed with top quality fish and seafood, the mixed shellfish platter at Octopussy in Howth which is fantastic value at €20 for one or €32 for two, and the shellfish platter at The Lookout in The Waterfront Hotel, Baltimore, Co Cork where everything is served cold, whole in the shell, Breton style with fresh bread and homemade mayonnaise.
