Dublin – Great Food and Drinks

Written By: Gail Clifford | Published By: Play Stay Eat | November 27, 2021

https://playstayeat.com/dublin-eat/

Stories and photos by Gail Clifford (unless otherwise indicated)

The 5-Star Merrion Hotel

Art Tea at the 5-star Merrion Hotel is a sumptuous delight. From the sandwiches to the cakes and scones, the clotted cream, raspberry jam and yummy lemon curd, each was carefully balanced by our choice of teas from black and woodsy (the Pu Erh tastes like it’s good for you) to white with silver tips that “smells like a bride.”

Famous pastry chef Paul Kelley reaches new heights with his careful reproduction of art work featured within this hotel to his designs – from Brandenburg to macaron. 

The Merrion fulfils their mission statement “Excellence in art of service” as assistant manager Zina truly embodies the excellent attention to detail and personal service we crave when we travel.

The piece de resistance? Reproductions in three parts of artwork chosen for the day. White chocolate and rose whose pillars remind one of Beauty and the Beast, Trinity Chocolate combines the best flavors and colors in one confection, and the green apple macaroon, with an edible no parking sign, show the humor infused in the desserts is almost as good as the infusion of tea that dances across the palate.

The Merrion provides access to a full service restaurant, Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud, with two Michelin stars. It’s contemporary Irish cuisine with French inspiration combined with impeccable service creates an unforgettable experience. The menu changes seasonally based on the freshest produce and protein available. They take pride in sourcing from the very best farmers, growers and fishermen and are passionate about sourcing locally. It’s one of the things that makes Dublin a “smart city.”

address: Merrion Street Upper, Dublin 2

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The Ivy of Dawson Street

The Ivy of Dawson Street, located just north of St. Stephen’s Green, has a menu that covers everything from Irish classics to continental cuisine. Locally inspired dishes, like Dublin Bay prawns and Dungarvan oysters, remain popular with those who love shellfish, while meat-lovers find steak tartare with Dubliner whiskey, and chicken Milanese. Ideally situated to feast before or after a show, The Ivy’s art deco décor is sure to make you smile.

The Ivy of Dawson Street, located just north of St. Stephen’s Green, has a menu that covers everything from Irish classics to continental cuisine. Locally inspired dishes, like Dublin Bay prawns and Dungarvan oysters, remain popular with those who love shellfish, while meat-lovers find steak tartare with Dubliner whiskey, and chicken Milanese. Ideally situated to feast before or after a show, The Ivy’s art deco décor is sure to make you smile.

The restaurant’s floor-to-ceiling vibrant art deco add to the glamour where casual chic to business dress is expected.

With so many menu options, I wasn’t certain if I’d care for a salad with chicken or a salmon dish. The server patiently weighed the merits of each with me. With his help, we found excellent dishes, from starts to dessert, that pleased our palates.

Some of our favorites include:

• The truffle arancini, crisp little fried Arborio rice balls with a light taste of truffle and parmesan cheese. It’s a strong vegetarian dish. 
• Roast Salmon Fillet with smoked almonds and an herb sauce on the side with broccoli (I substituted green beans) grilled to my specifications, presented beautifully and utterly delicious.
• The sweet potato Kerelan Curry, exactly the right consistency, spiced a little past medium, as requested, that tickled my daughter’s taste buds in exactly the right way.
• The Chocolate Bombe, a well-known favorite (many guests make reservations solely for the pomp & circumstance of this chocolate covered honeycomb ice cream dessert’s ceremony). The server pours a hot salted caramel sauce over the hard-crusted chocolate bombe forcing a rapid melt, revealing a vanilla ice cream and honeycomb center (set your phones to video in advance).  While honeycomb ice cream is not commonly found in the United States, it is quite popular in New Zealand and Australia.

At my daughter’s suggestion, I made a special trip to the ladies’ room. The stair art is impressive. The four private floral powder rooms off the lounge area including five tufted seats before three paneled mirrors create an ambiance of sumptuous elegance.

According to the general manager, Executive Chef Nick Lentini, works diligently to present a high-quality product and is “all about the quality and consistency” meeting with his suppliers weekly.

Address: 13-17 Dawson Street, Dublin 2

The River Bar

For excellent bar food, try The River Bar in Dublin 2, just south of the River Liffey. Ask your server for best picks or choose your own. Go for the burger or a Guinness pie, or the server favored club sandwich. Their crispy bacon potato skins are delicious, surpisingly served with a sweet chili sauce.  The meringue dessert with cream goes really well with the chocolate brownie. You’re unlikely to go home hungry.

Address: 1 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2