A new “Era” of fine dining sharing plates has arrived with Gemma Austin’s latest restaurant success. Alongside Head Chef, Jean Fox, this amazing new concept stays true to Gemma’s “Peculiar Tea” values; big flavours, local produce, and the best people. So we were thrilled to have been recently invited to find out for ourselves why Era has become such a hit.
Situated in the pretty courtyard of Hinch Distillery, Era’s menu features produce sourced from across the island of Ireland, championing local farmers and independent growers, and Era’s bar is stocked with over 70% Irish Gins, Whiskeys, Spirits, Beers and Ciders, including many local independent brewers.
We started our lunch with a vegetarian version of the Taco, replacing the Pork Belly with Fried Egg & Avocado. These delicious little tortilla snacks were zingy with Pineapple Salsa, Koji Kewpie, and sprinkled with Sesame Seeds. The freshly made Ravioli, stuffed with Spiced Pumpkin, and served with Goat’s Cheese, Chilli, & Pumpkin Seeds was an autumnal treat, and the Ninth Wave Gin Cured Salmon, with Tonic & Cucumber on Lavosh Crackers was light and refreshing.
We then ordered a dish of earthy Wild Mushrooms on Sourdough, rich with the flavours of Garlic Thyme & Truffle, a plate of golden Battered Haddock drizzled with Curry Aioli, sprinkled with Vinegar Powder & Capers, and one of our favourite dishes of the day, a perfectly charred and tender BBQ Hispi Cabbage with Bacon Jam & Parmesan Purée: a revelation which is not to be missed!
And of course it would be a sin to leave Era without sampling one of Gemma’s incredible patisserie creations; the Special of the Day, “Coffee Bean”, was a delightful mocha celebration of Espresso Mousse, Candied Walnuts, Hazelnut Praline, & Coffee Cremeux in a chocolate shell, with Salted Caramel Ice-cream. Simply Sensational.
It was a joy to catch up with Gemma and the fantastic team at Era: Smaller Plates, Bigger Taste.
Era website and link to book HERE
Some of their Suppliers
Ineburn – Hillsborough Co. Lisburn
The Daily Apron, Lisburn, Co. Antrim Keenan Seafood – Belfast, Co. Antrim
Lisdergan – Fintona, Co. Tyrone
Draynes Farm – Lisburn, Co. Antrim
Conway Farm, Co. Armagh
Ewings Seafood – Belfast, Co. Antrim
Wild Irish Foragers – Co. Offaly
Tim’s Table, Co. Limerick Tom & Ollie’s, Co. Antrim
Long Meadow Cider, Co. Armagh Shortcross, Crossgar, Co. Down
Copeland, Co. Down
Young Buck, Co. Down
Templegall, Co. Cork
Cais Na Tire, Co. Tipperary
