The Brehon Hotel Ticked All My Boxes
Mairead Robinson Discovers Great Bar Food and Fabulous Food Hampers
Continuing on our national search for good food at fair prices, we headed to Ireland’s premier tourist town, Killarney, so see what was on offer there. This time we wanted a relaxed lunch with a varied menu, comfortable surroundings and we did not want to be tied to the strict 12.30 to 3 time slot. We also wanted good service without the formal white table cloths. We discovered the bar at The Brehon Hotel, and this ticked all the boxes for us.
Very popular with the locals and visitors alike, The Brehon Hotel is a real gem located on the Muckross just outside the centre of the town. The hotel itself is modern and luxurious, with friendly service, space, comfort and a reputation for great food. We arrived on a Saturday afternoon and although it was busy we were able to find a comfortable corner to catch up on our news and enjoy a leisurely lunch. The menu caters for both vegetarian and celiac options as well as general preferences, and it struck us as the kind of place you could bring any of your family and friends to, and they would find something to satisfy them.
From a choice of eight starters, we chose an Antipasti Plate for me and a Caesar Salad for my friend. Both were generously portioned, and we were also given a basket of homemade breads and a jug of water immediately on arrival. Other starter choices included Crab Claws, Duck Wings and Salmon Gravalax.
While we had not appreciated how generous our starters were going to be, we had ordered from the mains menu a Steak Sandwich and Seabass, and both arrived pleasantly presented with sides of salads and chips. The steak was very succulent and the fish was moist; this was better than bar food – it was cooked with care and attention. We lingered over our meal, and enjoyed a glass of Argentine Chardonnay and French Merlot each.
There is a choice of classic desserts including ice-cream, bread and butter pudding, cheese cake and chocolate options among others. We were quite full at this stage, but we did go for an ice-cream with fruit and chocolate sauce which we shared, and I must admit was delicious!
I was very pleased to learn that they served wines by the glass and not the dreaded little quarter bottles that many bars inflict upon us! Service was friendly and attentive and we liked the way people could arrive and order just soup, a sandwich, one main plate or a full three course meal. This is what most people want in the day, great food, multiple choice, friendly service and good value. Well done to The Brehon Hotel!
We were interested to hear that with their emphasis on food, the hotel are hosting a number of foodie events in the coming months with Tom Dorley and Catherine Fulvivio on selected dates in November. These activity breaks sound like great fun for anybody who enjoys their food. Check the hotel for details.
Town and Country Hampers
Meanwhile, the issue of suitable presents as a ‘thank you’ can be a worry for some people who don’t know what to give. So, how about a food hamper? I recently discovered Town & Country Hampers (www.townandcountryhampers.ie) and I am already thinking that this is a perfect Christmas present idea. While there is a huge choice of prices and sizes, I just sampled the West Cork Hamper, which costs €60 ex VAT and contains Wine, Cheese, Smoked Salmon, Chutney, Chocolates, Fudge and Biscuits – most of which are locally produced and excellent quality Artisan foods. Now this is a great idea if you want to have a surprise delivered to a friend. For delivery details and choices, you can phone Town and Country Hampers at 021-4808101.
For the next issue, we will be moving to another corner of the country to find a food experience that is worthy of mention. Meanwhile, if you know of anywhere that stands out for quality and value, please do get in touch with us here at Senior Times.
