Holidays are almost over….time to set autumn goals, keep our diary full of little “pick-me-ups”, create our wish lists, life’s simple little treasures that keep us going through those long winter evenings. Ireland is full of fabulous Michelin Star Gems. I decided this autumn my wish list of “feel goods” would include trying a few of Irelands Award winning Michelin Star Irish Establishments…..I might even put one on my Santa list!!!!
There are 16 Irish Michelin Star Restaurants, 5 in Dublin ( Patrick Guilbaud, L’Ecrivain, Chapter One, the Greenhouse, and Heron & Grey) 2 in Kilkenny (Lady Helen & Campagne), 1 in Waterford (House), 3 in Cork (Mews, Ichigo Ichie and Chestnut), 1 in Clare (Wild Honey Inn), 2 in Galway(Aniar & Laom) and 2 in Belfast (Eipic & Ox). We could easily eat our way around Ireland on the finest of foods. For now here is some insight into four to keep our palettes dulcified……
L’Ecrivain, Dublin
Founded by Sallyanne and Derry Clarke, L’ecrivain opened their doors in 1989 and was awarded their Michelin star status since 2002. Located in Dublin’s current on trend Baggot Street, L’Ecrivain deliver their menu in timelessly stylish surroundings. Their menu is full of delights with a definite French influence. Each menu item as delicious as the next. Muse-bouche, magic mushrooms! Oh yes please….sounds absolutely delectable! Derry Clarke brings together the flavours of mushroom, parmesan custard and with a kick of burnt onion crackers this is sure to feel supernatural on the palette.
Campagne, Kilkenny
This sophisticated restaurant is located in the richly historic heart of medieval Kilkenny and easily accessed under the old railway arches. Campagne was opened by Kilkenny local Garrett Byrne in 2008. With a menu that is inspired by regional France, its cuisine is also influenced by seasonal produce. If you are after mouth-watering mackerel, served with tongue tantalizing apple jelly and a cucumber ketchup, or organic Kilkenny lamp cooked to perfection this restaurant is a must!!! Campagne’s beautifully presented dinner menu has something for everyone.
Wild Honey Inn, Clare
Enjoy excellent food brought to you by prominent Chef Aidan McGrath, who won the Michelin Star in 2008 and owns Wild Honey Inn with his partner Kate Sweeney. Perfectly located on the edge of the Burren against the Wild Atlantic Way, the Michelin Star Inn, offers fine food delivered in an ambience of tradition and warmth. The beauty of the Burren is delivered through spectacular food combining a unique set of flavours in this unique environment. Aidan creates rustic dishes that reflect the starkness of the Burren in dishes full of freshness, art and local produce. Wild Honey Inn brings together land and sea in their menu which includes Lough Neagh smoked eel, wild turbot and heart-warming Irish Hereford Ribeye. If you are like me and just want to lie down after delicious food well served, Wild Honey Inn is just the place, with elegant rooms on offer with views fit for any King!
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Ichigo Ichie, Cork
Ichigo Ichie opened their doors in April 2018 and was awarded the Michelin star in 2019. Their menu pushes the boundaries of taste with Takashi Myazakis wonderfully orchestrated menu. The restaurant reflects their ethos. Ichigo Ichie with no name plate on the door and matt black paint has no window view to ensure you leave behind the outside world as you enter which adds to the magical food experience that awaits his diners. Takashi’s menu includes “Yakimono” a mix of Achill Island lamb “Sunomono” a mighty meaty king crab that will bring sunshine to your mouth. For a “once in a lifetime” everyone should experience Ichigo Ichie’s, brilliantly pieced together treasures of Japanese food delivered through the very best of seasonal Irish ingredients.
And if Santa’s helpers fails to deliver my dinner dates, well just like they say in the add, it will be a case of “because I’m worth it”.. profiter de la nourriture, bon app!!!!!