West End Winner

West End Winner In Killarney Town

Amuse Bouche

Enjoyed a terrific meal at Killarney’s West End House Restaurant at the weekend. It was superb from start to finish, well cooked and well presented food and top notch service from the moment we walked in to this comfortable place.

Buns in a sack!

A tasty Amuse Bouche, featuring Duck Confit, was followed by two tremendous, somewhat unusual starters. Mine was a delicious delight, packed with flavours and textures: Quail - spiced breast, confit sweet potato, quail eggs, merguez, salted grapes and avocado (12.95). And much the same could be said about CL’s which was Rabbit - Ballotine, black pudding, pickled carrot and broad bean  (11.95).

Rabbit (top) and quail starters

They had quite a list of mains but we each picked from the specials and they were special, each every enjoyable indeed. One was Brill with Asparagus, artichoke, baby peppers  Beetroot purée (28.50) while the other was Seared duck breast, chermoula, pak choi, spiced lentil,  jus (29.50). Yum on the double here.

Brill

And there was still room for desserts. One was a Crème Brulée with a difference: Kahlua (a coffee-flavored rum-based liqueur) and Espresso Crème Brulée served with a Coffee Macaron while CL’s was also quite prefect: Apple - Tart Tatin, Vanilla Bean ice cream, salt butter fudge, whiskey caramel sauce. Each came in at  €7.50.

Duck

The West End re-opened last year after large scale renovations and the team have got their act together pretty quickly. Not alone is the cooking and presentation top class but the portion sizes are really well judged and you can enjoy your three courses without feeling bloated at the end. Must say also that their potatoes and vegetables, that come in the side  dishes, are also cooked to perfection. Besides, it is a lovely place with some five dining rooms in all, and a very friendly front of house team. Didn't meet anyone at the back but they too obviously know their stuff. Very Highly Recommended.

Apple

• West End House Restaurant
  58 New Street,
• Killarney

Phone	(064) 663 2271
Email	info@westendhouse.com
Website	http://westendhouse.com Tue - Sat: 6.00 pm - 9:30 pm

Yum!

Treyvaud’s, a Killarney Gem

Treyvaud’s, a Killarney Gem

Treyvaud’s is a gem among Kerry restaurants, a friendly place, noted for its fantastic game night. Paul is the friendly face of Treyvaud’s, starring in numerous food videos on You Tube  (in one, he takes a chain saw to a deer carcase!) and also the author of a book about the business. Paul and brother Mark run the High Street restaurant that is open for both lunch and dinner.

Walked in the last Saturday at lunch-time and thought we’d be on our own, the main reason being that at least half the town were up the country supporting the local football team. But Paul was expecting them back that evening as bookings were strong. And, as it turned out, numbers at lunch also picked up.

Chowder

There were three of us, including one local who likes the place and says she never has any fear of recommending it. And as we went through the meal, we could see why.

The two ladies started with the soup (5.95) while I choose the Chowder (7.50). This was described as Fresh Seafood Chowder with a melody of shrimp, mussels, and salmon served with homemade bread By the time I reached the end of the deep bowl, I was singing the praises of this gorgeous “melody”.

The Lunch Menu is divided in various sections, including Nibbles, Sambos, Mark’s Specials and Tasty Salads. Treyvaud’s Fish Cakes (with wholegrain mustard and garlic Aioli) lurked among the Nibbles and were promptly seized upon by the two ladies and that meant I had two happy diners alongside me.

I was really tempted by the four dishes under Mark’s Specials and eventually picked the first: Treyvaud’s Homemade pie with Mashed Potato. Some beautiful meat here under a perfect cover of spud, quantity and quality combined to make yet another happy customer.

We had started with some very tasty breads and finished off the very enjoyable meal with excellent coffees.
So, if you ever find yourself wandering around Killarney looking for food, I can certainly recommend Treyvauds.

62 High Street
Killarney, Co Kerry
Phone (064) 663 3062
Email info@treyvaudsrestaurant.com
Website http://www.treyvaudsrestaurant.com
Mon: 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Tue - Thu: 12:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Fri - Sat: 12:00 pm - 10:30 pm
Sun: 12:00 pm - 10:00 pm

The Strawberry Field

The Strawberry Field

Sneem

On the road from Sneem (Co. Kerry) to Moll’s Gap, there is a place called A Strawberry Field  where you will find Pancake Cottage, which is open all year round. The views from the garden are splendid but not so last Saturday as the rain was coming and going.

Warm inside Pancake Cottage

We had earlier called to Sneem for a quick walk around, having a look at only some the many sculptures in the little town and also at the river as it rushed under the bridge. Then we took that rising road and enjoyed some decent views, despite the cloud kissing the mountain tops.

The Garden

The Strawberry Field is nearer Moll’s Gap than Sneem and is on the left hand side. We just had time for a cup of coffee (Illy) and never got to the pancakes. And that may be just as well as we’d have definitely missed our appointment in Killarney.

Pancake Cottage

The selection of toppings just goes on and on, sweet and savoury and also a kids menu. Our friend in Killarney told us she stopped there once for one and ended up eating a series, her ultimate destination never reached. It is that kind of place.

The Lakes

There is some home-baking here also, including scones and a traditional Dutch apple pie, good teas and coffees and soft drinks, including water from their own well, soup also. In addition, there is a side room that contains a little craft shop, with photos, paintings and craft products for sale.

But we resisted, promising ourselves we’d call again, and headed on to Moll’s Gap and eventually to our meeting in Killarney and a lovely lunch in Treyvaud’s. Not a bad half-day’s work!

Randall’s Court. A Star in Killarney.

Randall’s Court. A Star in Killarney.

National Park

Randall’s Court was my base for a recent two night stay in Killarney. Must say I was really impressed with this four star venue. Not just with its location but with the room, the staff, and the service all the way from check-in to check-out. There is some parking up by the hotel but there is an ample under-ground car park just off the road

Heavy duty curtain

 The room was top notch and so too were the well heated public spaces, no shortage of comfortable chairs and lounges. The dining room, split in two, is marvellous, really eye catching. And all over the hotel, there are paintings (even a mural in one part of the dining-room) and objects of old furniture that also catch the eye.

Hotel Terrace and view

Smoked salmon breakfast

Killarney is well situated to do the Ring of Kerry and is not too far away (75 minutes) from the fantastic Dingle peninsula. The hotel, just a few minutes’ walk from the town centre, is quite close to the National Park and its many lovely walks.

Comfort

 Didn’t get to eat dinner here but did enjoy a terrific meal in the Dromhall, the sister hotel next door. Breakfast though gave a good indication that quality and service are high here. You had everything needed for an excellent breakfast, hot or cold, even a mixture, and no shortage of friendly smiling people to help you ease in to the day.

Just in case!

Kayne’s Bistro at the Dromhall Hotel

Kayne’s Bistro at the Dromhall Hotel

 Called into Kayne’s Bistro at the Dromhall Hotel recently and enjoyed an excellent evening meal there. Was staying at the adjacent Randle’s Court and strolled over on a Saturday for a 7.00pm reservation and got a warm welcome. Soon we were comfortably seated and enjoying the rapport with a very friendly and helpful staff.

Started off with their €7.95 Signature Salad ((described as Fresh herb salad, sun blushed tomatoes, pine nuts (missing), crisp croutons (missing), roasted peppers)) with a Balsamic dressing and Char-grilled chicken added. Very enjoyable indeed, also quite substantial, and didn’t really notice the absence of the pine nuts and crisp croutons.

 Then onto to the Plat Principal, the Grilled Irish Prime Beef fillet (€26.95) served with champ potato, garlic butter, and crisp onion rings, and sautéed mushrooms. Not to mention a side dish of gorgeous seasonal vegetables. The steak was excellent, done to perfection and to order.

 Dessert? Well why not? Hung for a sheep as... Each cost €6.95 and the one I picked was the Lemon Tart (a lemon flavoured chilled crème anglaise on a sweet pastry base). Just the sweet job, delicious.

Had been sipping a bottle of a pleasant South African Merlot (Libertas 2010 €24.50) all the way through and finished off with a pot of green tea before heading downstairs to the bar and the music. Enjoyable evening all round in a highly recommended venue.

KILLARNEY BREAK

Killarney with Lake Hotel in foreground

KILLARNEY BREAK


The Killarney Royal Hotel was the base for a recent three night stay in the Kingdom. Centrally situated, this old four star is very comfortable with a fine bar and restaurant. The room was well furnished and very spacious and the staff were friendly all through. It doesn't have a car park but there are at least four close by including one on the Lewis Road where it will cost you just €3.00 for a 24 hour stay.


We had a couple of meals included in the deal and our first evening meal was in the bar/bistro of the Royal. Enjoyed my starter of Kerry Coast Fish Croquettes with leaves. The main course was excellent: Braised Lamb Shank served on a celeriac Mash with a rich onion and Port Wine Sauce. The choice of desserts was fairly standard. I was tempted by the Strawberry and Rhubarb Crumble, augmented by some fresh fruit and cream, and it proved a fine finish to the substantial meal.

Wine was a 2009 14.5% Kleine Zalze Pinotage that cost €27.00. A smashing fruity red that went very well indeed with the main course. The following evening, we enjoyed another wine from the Kleine Zalze stable, this an excellent Chenin Blanc at €25.00.

Killarney Lake

The full restaurant was open for this meal on a busy St Patrick's Day and I started with the Deep Fried Crispy Duck Confit Spring Rolls with a seasonal salad and a sweet chilli sauce. Good light starter.


Main course was top class and somewhat lighter than the evening before, as you'd expect: Fennel Seed Seared Salmon on med style ratatouille with a basil pesto and seasonal vegetables.


The dessert, while pleasant enough, didn't really live up to the name: Orange and Cointreau Parfait with Strawberries and a strawberry coulis. Not too much sign of either orange or Cointreau.

Just to say, the seasonal veg served here were really good and that also proved to be the case when we met some friends for a meal out on the following evening. Chapter 40 was closed, due to re-open in April I think; we had been to Treyvaud’s and Gaby’s previously; we had suggestions for Bricín and the Stone Chat but neither could fit in four at the required time.

Path up Torc mountain

Weir Bridge nr Dinis Cottage

On our friends’ recommendations, we booked the Kayne’s Bistro in the Dromhall Hotel where we had enjoyed a light light lunch on one of the days and had spotted a Bridgestone sign on the door. I very much enjoyed my Sea Bass here served on potato mash and with stir fry vegetables.


Again dessert choice was fairly standard but I was happy enough with my apple tart and custard.


The wine was a Paula Sauvignon Blanc from Argentina (priced in the low 20s). Had I tasted blind, I’d have thought I was drinking a New Zealand SB. An excellent drink and good value as well.


We had the usual big choice for breakfast in the hotel and that usually set us up well for the day. But there was always time for a coffee and or a pastry. One of the places to do that in Killarney is the Lir Cafe. This busy little spot is best known for its hot chocolate which is poured in over a few mini-marshmallows. Very popular indeed. 


And no bad place either to pick up some tempting edible gifts as Lir sells a range of chocolates including their own creations.
To check out what we did and saw, click here

Costa Coffee in Killarney

COSTA COFFEE

Costa Coffee shops are springing up around Cork city but my first visit to one came in Killarney yesterday when we called to their place in the local Outlet Centre.
Comfortable seats, plus a recommendation from our local “guide” beckoned us in and I enjoyed my cup of Americano. Took a medium but it was actually quite large . It cost €2.90 and tasted very well indeed.
There is no table service here. You go to the counter and pick up your coffee and scone or whatever. If you’re not into coffee they serve a wide range of alternatives including hot chocolate, teas and infusions, iced coffees and frescato.

Check out my review of Costa Coffee - I am cork - on Qype

Julian Graves in Killarney

JULIAN GRAVES

Julian Graves is one of the outlets operating in the Killarney Outlet centre. Quite a choice here of nuts, seeds, sweets, fruits and so on. “A bit of what you fancy” as they say themselves.
Quite a choice but are you really getting a discount here? Take their Liquorice All Sorts. Regular cost in the UK is £3.99 (£2.99 on the website). In Killarney it is €4.59. Yesterday, there was a 20 per cent discount which brought it down to €3.59.
Discount or not, I was tempted and bought a 750g bag.

Check out my review of Julian Graves - I am cork - on Qype