This weekās Tuesday Goodie Bag features
Pepito
Website page HERE
Recently launched by the team behind Neillās Hill, Pepito is bringing an Iberian vibe to the Upper Newtownards Rd with its stunning Spanish-style small plates paired with a curated selection of European wines.
Read more and see video and photos here :-
And YouTube here:-
Pepitoās casual atmosphere, with its open kitchen, terracotta colour palette, and the central high sharing bench similar in style to vinotecas weāve visited in Spain, creates an authentic Mediterranean feel, and the restaurant was absolutely buzzing on the Saturday afternoon we visited.
The tapas is top notch, hardly surprising as Neillās Hillās summer tapas nights were always sell-outs!
There were so many standout dishes, that it was difficult to pick a favourite! The Pan con Tomate was topped with salted anchovies, the Roast Padron Peppers were sprinkled with smoked sea salt & a squeeze of lemon, and the Cauliflower & Three Cheese Arancini were crisp and golden, resting on a spicy tomato sauce.
A definite recommendation would be the Chestnut Mushrooms with roast garlic, earthy parsnip pureĆ© & fried quailās eggs, and the Roast Scallops with caponata, Charred Mackerel with green sauce & pickled shallots, and the Bubbling Garlic King Prawns with baguette for dipping, were all excellent. And of course, it wouldnāt be tapas without ordering a portion of spicy, garlicky Patatas Bravas!
For dessert, we were intrigued to try the Roast Banana Budino: a silky smooth custardy confection, with rich banana and caramel flavours. A must for Banoffee fans.
And the cheese selection is small, but perfectly formed. Either creamy, piquant Gorgonzola or sharp, nutty Manchego served with bread or biscuits, grapes, and chutney. Sublime simplicity!
Pepito is probably Belfastās first Vermuteria with its fine selection of vermuts, aperitivo, and slow sippers! Next time, weāll leave the car!
Flame
Website HERE
Flame Restaurant, located on Franklin Street, has a chic, elegant, dusky pink and rich green interior, and a terrific menu with an āeast meets westā twist. Thereās also a great selection of wines, spirits, premium draught beers, and cocktails.
See video, photos and our review here :-
YouTube here :-
We were recently invited to try some of the dishes on the menu, and it was great to see the restaurant buzzing on a Wednesday evening. We started with a couple of Flameās Signature cocktails, a tropical, earthy Twist Me Medley, and a Flame Old Fashioned with hints of walnut, which were accompanied by a tasty snack of Dukkah Spiced Flatbread and Beetroot Hummus.
Our starters were absolutely delicious; bubbling, spicy Tandoori Prawns with a Mint, Coriander & Peanut Dressing served with Mini Naan Breads to soak up the juices, and refreshing Crab on Toast with an Heirloom Tomato Salad, & a zingy Lemon PurƩe.
The main courses were a Pan Fried Chicken Supreme with a rich, tomatoey Chicken Thigh Ratatouille, Cavolo Nero, smoky Aubergine PurƩe, Wild Mushrooms, & Roast Potato Cigars, in a Red Wine Jus.
We also loved the Pan Fried Sea Bass served with herby Squash Gnocchi, a smooth Red Pepper PurƩe, dainty little Salmon Fish cakes, with Samphire and a Fish VeloutƩ.
All served with a House Salad with Pickled Cucumber, Heirloom Tomatoes, Salted Lemon, & a Dijon & Honey Dressing, accompanied by a bottle of silky, cherry-tastic Pierre Lamotte Pinot Noir, this was as good as it gets.
Desserts included a Christmassy Cardamom & Orange Baked (baked=proper) Cheesecake, and a wonderful selection of Irish Cheeses with Fig & Red Onion Chutney, Artisan Crackers, Celery, & Grapes, followed by a couple of āTablesideā liqueur coffees: the perfect way to finish a fabulous evening of fantastic food and service.
At Flame, thereās also a great value pre-theatre menu, and the Christmas dining options are the ideal way to summon in the spirit of Yuletide!
Glenroyal Hotel
Website HERE
See more here too :-
YouTube
Celebrating its 30th anniversary on the day we arrived, The Glenroyal in Kildare is a 4-Star hotel renowned for its traditional Irish welcome and family atmosphere.
Situated in the charming university town of Maynooth, yet within easy reach of Dublin, The Glenroyal is the perfect spot for those looking for either a city break, a countryside escape, or a combination of both.
With excellent customer service, and exceptional standards of hospitality, The Glenroyal offers customers a comfortable, stylish stay. We were in one of its spacious Executive Twin Rooms featuring a double and single bed, writing desk, tea and coffee making facilities, an LCD TV, and a lovely selection our favourite Rituals products in the bathroom.
Thereās also a recently refurbished Junior Suite, tastefully decorated in rich autumnal shades, with a super king bed, wardrobe, writing nook, fireplace, sitting area with velvet chaises longues, SMEG fridge, and an abundance of special touches including complimentary drinks and snacks, to create an elevated stay.
The food is just amazing at award-winning restaurant āThe Enclosureā in Arkle Bar by Executive Head Chef Bernard McGuane, with a superb menu showcasing the very best Irish ingredients. We also had fantastic breakfast experiences at both the hotel restaurant, and the adjacent Shoda CafĆ©.
The Glenroyal also offers exclusive packages and special offers, such as celebrating Christmas with a magical āFestive Stay,ā enjoying a culinary āDining Experienceā pairing gourmet cuisine with stylish accommodation, creating family memories with great value āFamily Dealsā, and participating in unique āExperience Packagesā with handpicked local activities for an unforgettable getaway. Thereās also a Leisure Club with pools, saunas, steam rooms, jacuzzi, hydrospa, gyms, dedicated class studios, and a cryoclinic, and there are plenty of EV charging stations on site.
Many thanks to the whole team at The Glenroyal for a wonderful stay.
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