Chestnut Meets Rare for One Night Only

press release 

For One Night Only

Chestnut Meets Rare

A West Cork Collaboration as Rob Krawczyk of Restaurant Chestnut joins Meeran Manzoor at Rare at Blue Haven in Kinsale

Rob (left) and Meeran

For one night only, on April 13th, two of West Cork’s finest chefs will collaborate to create a special tasting menu.

The evening promises a unique dining experience that celebrates the best of local, seasonal ingredients with the combined creativity of both chefs. Meeran and Rob are committed to local, seasonal food, using the rich abundance of West Cork’s larder to bring their menus to

LET YOUR LOVE FLOW. VALENTINES AND GALENTINES AT THE LIMERICK STRAND HOTEL

 #Valentinepressrelease

LET YOUR LOVE FLOW BY THE BANKS OF THE RIVER SHANNON

VALENTINES AND GALENTINES AT THE LIMERICK STRAND HOTEL

Stay or dine this Valentine’s at the multi-award-winning hotel

 

 

With its breathtaking riverside setting, the 4-star Limerick Strand Hotel provides a magical backdrop for an unforgettable romantic encounter. It is the ideal destination for those wishing to embrace the beauty of life’s special moments.

FOR THE LOVERS

Stay and revel in a romantic overnight escape in one of their beautifully designed bedrooms. Indulge in a Valentine’s four-course dinner for two at the acclaimed River Room Restaurant, followed by a delightful breakfast the next morning, crafted by the most dedicated culinary team in the city.   

Spend some quality time together and take advantage of the hotel’s amazing Energize Health Centre, where couples can hit the gym or simply enjoy some laid-back leisure with a dip in one of their four pools, including a 20-metre swimming pool, hydrotherapy pool, spa Jacuzzi, Swedish sauna and poolside showers, the perfect way to relax together. Limerick itself is a pretty place to wander about. Given the hotels’ idyllic location on the banks of the River Shannon, with stunning riverside vistas and the city’s most iconic landmarks within walking distance, such as the remarkable 13th century King Johns Castle, The People’s Park, and the River Shannon Viewing Points, it is the perfect choice for couples looking to explore cultural experiences together.  Later that evening, you will experience fine food and treats, enjoying the incredible Valentine’s Dinner in the AA rosette River Room Bar & Restaurant, complete with sharing board options (imagine local artisan charcuterie boards, Doonbeg oysters, and seafood towers). On arrival, guests are greeted with a glass of bubbles to set the romantic scene, followed by a candlelit 4-course dinner specially created by talented Executive Head Chef Paddy Anslow.  Passion for their location is evident on all menus, and for more than 10 years, they have been at the forefront of the ‘farm to fork’ and traceability food evolution. Using fresh, high quality and seasonal food, partnering with local farms and dairies wherever possible, ensure that guests enjoy a taste of the nearby Wild Atlantic Way in the heart of the Golden Vale. 

After a glorious night’s sleep, you and your companion will enjoy a hearty, award-winning breakfast before departure.

The Share the Love package is available to book on Friday, 14th, Saturday, 15th or Sunday, 16th of February and includes overnight accommodation, Valentine’s inspired dinner and breakfast for two adults from €169 per person sharing.

The Valentine’s special dining experience is open to non-residents and available to book on Friday, February 14^th, Saturday, February 15^th, and Sunday, February 16^th, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The 4-course dinner and a glass of bubbles costs €50 per person. Pre-booking is advised.  

GALENTINE'S

Alternatively, have a Galantine’s adventure and book their Bridget Jones-inspired Bottomless Brunch at The River Bar and Restaurant on Sunday, 16th February, with DJ is available to book (residents and non-residents) from 1–4 pm. Expect belting tunes from the DJ from the greatest hits from the films—yes, that includes “All By Myself,” “It’s Raining Men,” and more—all to sing along with a glass in hand, in true Bridget style. The brunch menu features such tasty bites, including the classics, Eggs Benedict, limerick ham, Croom free range poached egg on English muffin, hollandaise sauce or Chicken and waffle, crispy chicken breast, fried egg chips and maple syrup, plus other tasty mains and choice of dessert with tea or coffee. It is available to book (residents and non-residents) from 1–4 pm and includes bottomless prosecco top-ups for €50 per person. The mixologists are also working on a Mr Darcy cocktail special to purchase on the day priced at €12.

To make a reservation, call 061 421800 or hello@strandlimerick.ie 

**************************************** 

FIND ROMANCE THIS FEBRUARY

DELIGHT IN ROMANTIC EXPERIENCES AT GLENLO ABBEY HOTEL & ESTATE

Escape to Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate for an enhanced romantic experience this February.

Treat someone special to a beautiful overnight stay complete with log fires, lakeside walks around the estate, films, and thoughtful touches. Enjoy a warm welcome with a chilled bottle of champagne upon arrival. Savour a curated seasonal cocktail crafted by their expert mixologist. Relax at Glo Spa or watch a classic film in their private theatre. A romantic turndown service surprise awaits as you settle down for the night. Awaken to a seriously delicious cooked-to-order breakfast before departure.  The overnight experience with breakfast, a bottle of champagne, a cocktail, and romantic touches from € 359.

If you truly want to impress, why not extend your stay with a three-night midweek experience, including cream tea upon arrival, a canapé and drinks reception, and a talk on Glenlo's history? Begin each day with a cooked-to-order breakfast overlooking the 140-acre estate, and on the first morning, join the falconer for a Hawk Walk. Enjoy a cooking demonstration of Glenlo’s seafood chowder, followed by lunch at Palmers Bar     

        

Enjoy a matinee of “Murder on the Orient Express” followed by a candlelit dinner in the opulent surroundings of the River Room Restaurant, where the new Pullman Culinary Team, led by Head Chef Angelo Vagiotis, will showcase their skills, offering a taste of what's to come later this Spring. Spend the last day exploring Galway City and enjoy an Irish coffee demonstration in the historic Oak Cellar Bar. Conclude with a sumptuous breakfast before your departure. End the evening with dinner at Palmers. Depart on day four after another sumptuous breakfast.

 The three-night package includes two dinners, two lunches, cream tea, a canapé reception, a falconry show, a history talk, a cooking demonstration, a movie matinee, an Irish coffee demonstration, and costs from €1233.

Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate is one of Ireland's most luxurious hotels, a proud member of Ireland's Blue Book, small luxury hotels, and part of the Irish-owned and managed MHL Hotel Collection. It is just two miles from Galway City and boasts magnificent views overlooking Lough Corrib on a 138-acre estate.

 

Glenlo Abbey’s Team will be delighted to assist you with any queries by telephone at Tel Intl +353 (0) 91 519600. Or Email: stay@glenloabbey.ie. Alternatively, visit www.glenloabbeyhotel.ie for more information.

 *************************************

A Rare Romantic Getaway to Blue Haven in Kinsale

Evening starts with Moët at Rare!

 Surprise them with a romantic getaway to Ireland’s charming coastal Blue Haven Hotel in Kinsale and an intimate tasting menu at Rare Restaurant

This February, you are invited to experience a romantic escape with an unforgettable fine dining experience from award-winning Executive Chef Meeran Manzoor’s Tasting Menu at Rare at the Blue Haven Hotel in Kinsale. 

Nestled in the heart of the picturesque town of Kinsale, Blue Haven offers the ideal backdrop for couples seeking a quiet retreat with a refined dining experience inspired by Meeran’s South Indian heritage.

Known for its cobbled streets, vibrant harbour, and rich history, Kinsale is an ideal destination to explore with a loved one. Whether strolling through the town’s quaint galleries and shops, enjoying a leisurely walk, or simply relaxing at the hotel, every moment in Kinsale feels like a celebration of love.

Rare and Blue Haven Hotel promise to make the month of romance a celebration to remember with exclusive packages designed to create lasting memories. A Rare Romance Package starts at €190 per person sharing, which includes a Chef’s Tasting Menu Experience at Rare, a glass of Moët champagne, an overnight stay in either the award-winning Blue Haven Hotel or the boutique Old Bank Townhouse and breakfast the following morning. 

Guests can upgrade the experience with a box of artisanal chocolates from local Kinsale chocolatier Koko, a bottle of Moët or a bottle of exclusive Blue Haven Sauvignon Blanc, along with a bespoke floral bouquet from local florist Daisy Chain- all of which are arranged for you by your concierge prior to arrival.

Reservations are now open for the Rare Romantic Getaway at Rare and Blue Haven Hotel, available Thursday to Saturday throughout the month of February. To ensure availability, guests are encouraged to book early. 

For more information or to make a reservation, please visit  www.rare1784.ie or call 021 4772 209.

Keep up to date with the latest news by following Rare Kinsale on social at @rarekinsale

Rare at The Blue Haven is located in The Blue Haven Collection, Pearse Street, Kinsale, Co Cork, P17 NA72. 

Take a Rare Escape to Blue Haven in Kinsale for an Unforgettable New Year’s Eve Celebration

Take a Rare Escape to Blue Haven in Kinsale for an Unforgettable New Year’s Eve Celebration

 

Welcome 2025 in style with Rare at The Blue Haven in Kinsale. Enjoy a carefully curated NYE Tasting Menu and a luxurious glass of Moët Champagne.

Start the New Year in the most delicious way with an unforgettable fine dining experience from award-winning Executive Chef Meeran Manzoor’s Tasting Menu at Rare, Blue Haven in Kinsale.

Rare at Blue Haven is situated at the very start of the Wild Atlantic Way and is the perfect backdrop to bid farewell to 2024. Welcome the New Year with a glass of Moët Champagne before starting an exciting culinary journey. Indulge in an exclusive fine dining experience with a carefully curated Tasting Menu influenced by Chef Meeran’s own Tamil Nadu heritage. Each dish is made with the very best ingredients from local producers and artisan suppliers.

Guests may wish to complement their New Year's Eve Tasting Menu experience at Rare with an overnight stay in the award-winning  Blue Haven Hotel, starting from €503 for 2 people, including dinner on NYE, a glass of Moët champagne and breakfast the following morning. 

Alternatively, guests may choose to stay at the award-winning luxury boutique Old Bank Townhouse with rates starting from €533 for 2 people including dinner on NYE, a glass of Moët champagne and breakfast the following morning. 

A dining-only option which includes dinner on NYE and a glass of Moët Champagne starts at €130 per person.

Booking is essential for this special evening can be made online at www.rare1784.ie or by calling 021 4772 209.

Keep up to date with the latest news by following Rare Kinsale on social at @rarekinsale

Rare at The Blue Haven is located in The Blue Haven Collection, Pearse Street, Kinsale, Co Cork, P17 NA72. 

Kinsale’s Rare at The Blue Haven Earns Coveted Spot 

in the Michelin Guide - Great Britain & Ireland

Rare at The Blue Haven in Kinsale announced this week as one of three Irish additions to The Michelin Guide - Great Britain & Ireland. 

The Michelin Guide distinctions – Stars, Green Stars and Bib Gourmands – are revealed at the annual Michelin Guide Ceremony held each year in a culinary star-studded event held in February. However, the inspectors add restaurants “worthy of recommendation in the Great Britain & Ireland selection” to the guide year-round. This month saw the inclusion of Rare restaurant in Kinsale. 

Described by Michelin as “understated and engaging,” the guide highlights Rare’s rustic-chic dining room and open kitchen, offering a personal touch with chefs delivering dishes to the table. Inspired by the South Indian flavours of Tamil Nadu, Executive Head Chef Meeran Manzoor incorporates bold ingredients like chilli, coconut, tamarind, and date, all paired with West Cork’s finest local produce.

Executive Head Chef Meeran Manzoor (above) is thrilled by the recognition and said: “The team and I are overjoyed to be added to the Michelin Guide. Each tasting menu reflects our creativity and passion, and we’re honoured to be acknowledged in this way.”

In Rare at The Blue Haven, diners can enjoy an intimate, fine-dining tasting menu experience featuring seasonal, locally sourced ingredients with delicate flavours influenced by chef Meeran’s Tamil Nadu heritage. Diners may add a specially curated wine pairing to complement the experience.  

Rare joins other notable November additions from Ireland, including Landline Restaurant in Kerry and Matsukawa Restaurant in Dublin.

Keep up to date with the latest news by following Rare at Blue Haven on social at @rarekinsale.

Bookings can be made online at www.rare1784.ie, by calling 021 477 2209 or emailing bookings@bluehavenkinsale.com 

press release

An Evening Of Moët & Chandon Champagnes Paired With Culinary Delights From Rare At Blue Haven, Kinsale

An Evening Of Moët & Chandon Champagnes 

Paired With Culinary Delights From Rare At Blue Haven, Kinsale

Julie Dupouy Sommelier

Experience an extraordinary night at Rare at Blue Haven in Kinsale as Executive Head Chef Meeran Manzoor teams up with renowned sommelier Julie Dupouy for an exclusive celebration of exquisite flavours and the finest champagnes.

On Friday 11th October, the venue will unveil a

An Evening of Moët & Chandon Champagnes Perfectly Paired with Dishes from Rare at Blue Haven in Kinsale

 An Evening of Moët & Chandon Champagnes Perfectly Paired with Dishes from Rare at Blue Haven in Kinsale 

Meeran Manzoor of Rare at Blue Haven restaurant in Kinsale and sommelier Julie Dupouy will host a very special evening of exquisitely paired food to the champagnes of Moët & Chandon. 

On Friday, 13th of October guests of Rare Restaurant in Kinsale will experience an exclusive night of a seasonal five-course tasting menu prepared by Meeran Manzoor and his kitchen team, plus learn about the intricacies of champagne and how each of the five Moët & Chandon champagnes were chosen to pair with each dish. 

Julie Dupouy is one of the world's best sommeliers having previously worked with two-Michelin-starred Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud and Chapter One. Julie has been awarded the Best Sommelier in Ireland no less than four times and was a bronze medalist at the ASI World Sommelier Championship, where she represented Ireland and the Irish Guild of Sommeliers.

Julie said, “I am thrilled to co-host a champagne dinner at Rare Restaurant in Kinsale this Autumn. Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy five different champagnes from the House of Moët & Chandon paired with a menu specially curated for this occasion to complement each champagne. I am looking forward to sharing some stories and sharing my passion for champagne with all attendees”. 

Executive Head Chef, Meeran Manzoor,  has selected local, seasonal ingredients to complement Moët & Chandon’s unique champagne style which is distinguished by its bright fruitiness, seductive palate, and elegant maturity. 

Meeran says “ The flavour profiles of each dish are unique and inspired by rural cuisines of Tamil Nadu which are very original to its roots but cooked in modern gastronomic techniques using hyper-local ingredients. It’s going to be an exciting event.”

The price per person for the 5-course tasting menu and champagne pairings is €165.  The evening has a very limited capacity and guests are advised to book early. For bookings email bookings@bluehavenkinsale.com 

Keep up to date with the latest news by following Rare Kinsale on social at @rarekinsale

press release

John Torode’s Ireland visits Kinsale. See it on RTE2 this Friday

John Torode’s Ireland visits Kinsale 

See it on RTE2 this Friday

Meeran, Head Chef at Kinsale's Rare, and John (right)

John Torode's Ireland, a TV show which documents the Masterchef star, restaurateur, and cookbook author’s culinary journey around Ireland, lands in Kinsale this Friday on RTÉ 2. 

Featuring a number of Kinsale food and hospitality businesses John gets an insight into some of Kinsale’s favourite food heroes including a trip to Fishy Fishy, Kokos, Rare Restaurant, Kinsale Mead and Sams Bar. 

During his visit to Rare Restaurant, he chatted with Head Chef Meeran Manzoor and General Manager Ciaran Fitzgerald about what makes Rare unique. 

John also sampled one of the signature dishes at Rare and learned about the local produce in Ireland’s ‘Silicon Valley’ of food produce, West Cork. 

Meeran said “It was such an honour and pleasure cooking for John. He has a genuine interest and curiosity about the locality. We were very proud to show him what we do in Rare.”

 The show will be aired on Friday 14th at 8:30 pm on RTÉ 2.

Keep up to date with the latest news by following Rare Kinsale on social at @rarekinsale

A new South Indian influence and an interior uplift allow for an ever-evolving dining experience at Rare Restaurant in Kinsale

 

Wonderful Tasting Menu in Rare with chefs Meeran and Chad showcasing the Autumn bounty of Cork and Kerry

Wonderful Tasting Menu in Rare with chefs Meeran and Chad showcasing the Autumn bounty of Cork and Kerry

Teamwork. Concentration from chefs Meeran (right) and Chad (centre)

An rud is annamh is iontach!

Thought I might start with an old Irish proverb: what’s rare is wonderful.

And Kinsale’s Rare 1784 was certainly wonderful last Thursday night when Head Chef Meeran Manzoor and guest Chef Chad Byrne (Brehon Hotel) served up a six course festival of local food in one of the most comfortable dining rooms around.

Lots of nationalities involved in the kitchen and out front, including Rebel Cork and the Kingdom, plus a Rare crew that has people from India and Brazil and from places in between.

Chad, also well known for The Hungry Donkey food truck, brought a treasure trove of goodies from Kerry to the Blue Haven’s premier restaurant, including some of the finest cured and dried meats from Olivier in Dingle, Eileen’s black pudding from Annascaul, the famous Ardfert spuds, Wilma’s cheese, Venison from Beaufort, Wild Sloes and Cromane mussels.

Meeran, of course, has his finger on the pulse of all that’s best in Cork, particularly the growers and fishermen in and around Kinsale, and also adds a well judged touch of his native India. Both chefs and their crew were visible through a large window to the kitchen. They didn’t stay there, coming out regularly to detail the dishes and have a conversation or two with the tables.

And it wasn’t just in the kitchen that Rare excelled. The front of house team, led by restaurant manager Charlie, were busy but that didn’t mean they couldn’t have the odd chat with you. They came to the tables with big smiles, informal but on the ball, you never had to ask for water (or something stronger!).

Cheese, black pudding, potato

Quite a wine list! We started with two engaging whites. One was Carallan Albarino, a fine example of the wine of Rias Baixas,  quite pronounced on both the nose and fruity palate, excellent with the lighter dishes. The zesty Diez Siglos Verdejo, vibrant and intense, from Rueda (the home of the grape), paired well also with the earlier plates.

Love my BoJo

Later we moved on to two stunning reds. Gamay is always on my radar and I plumped for the organic Les Pépites Gneiss, fresh, fruity and nicely spicy. Big thumbs up for that and the same from the other side where CL renewed acquaintance with the multi-grape aromatic, fruity and intense (perfect with venison) Quinta do Judeu.

The dining started with the Organic Kerry Wild Meat Board (by Olivier), all kinds of tastes and textures (that soft goat chorizo!) and all superb. Then on to Jamie’s Oyster from nearby Oysterhaven, beautifully presented and accompanied by Alexander’s Jelly and a Ginger Beer Foam. Jamie’s oysters never disappoint and here the jelly and the foam enhanced it.

Scallop, Sole

And the plates just kept getting better. Eileen’s Annascaul Black Pudding made a huge tasty contribution as it combined with the renowned Ardsallagh Goats Cheese on an Ardfert potato skin!

Up next came the fish, a  two part perfectly cooked wonder with Union Hall Sole and Scallop in a Vol-au-Vent with a little Yuzu in the bisque. Chef Chad: “..really tasty dish of bang in season gear”.

Venison

Chocolate

For me the star course of the superb meal came with the Beaufort venison: Sika Deer, Cromane Mussels and Roasted Celeriac. The deer had been roasted for six to seven hours and was beautifully flavoured. The sloe jus was just amazing, a great fit with the meat. And that meat was as tender as can be, yielding easily to the blade of our  “chopper” knife!

A wee pause then before dessert came and that too was rather special: Chocolate, Salted Caramel and Kulfi. Meeran’s dark chocolate walnut cremeux was enhanced by Achill seasalt and Szechuan caramel and crunchy bits. Kulfi is a no-churn Indian ice cream. And there was also an Indian twist to the Petit Four that came in a mini-treasure chest!

Petit Fours

Quite a wonderful meal and occasion in Rare and there’s a promise of more. So do keep an eye on their socials!

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RareKinsale 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RareKinsale

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rarekinsale/