Lucinda's 20 Best Gourmet Detours
Tuesday 08 September 2020
With staycations very much in vogue, there has never been a better time for a destination dining adventure in Ireland, says Lucinda O’Sullivan. From the Michelin-starred to the just damn wonderful, these are the kind of places that have gourmets galloping from far and wide. And, you won’t just eat absurdly well, you’ll also be supporting some of our very best restaurants, which, like everyone else, have been hit hard by the Covid-19 crisis.
AIMSIR
They came, they saw, they conquered. Cornwall native Jordan Bailey, ex the three-star Maaemo in Oslo, and his Danish wife, Majken, came to Co Kildare to set up Aimsir at Barry O'Callaghan's Cliff at Lyons and, within six months, garnered two Michelin stars. 'Get there before they get stars and the price trebles', I said in my review. It hasn't quite trebled but it's gone from €105 to €180 for their 15-course tasting menu. Overnight packages; plus lounge 'snacks' at €18.50pp, Wed-Sat. Sunday lunch, €45.
aimsir.ie
ANANDA
The flagship of Asheesh Dewan's Jaipur group in a colourful airy penthouse in Dundrum Town Centre, where young head chef Karan Mittal is creating stunning food that should have already had Michelin sending stars in their direction. Pre-theatre and a la carte menus plus a superb tasting menu, €70, available Fri/Sat.
anandarestaurant.ie
CHAPTER ONE
Ross Lewis's long-standing Michelin-starred restaurant just gets better with time. Now opening at 5pm, Wed-Sat, with a pre-theatre menu, €45, and dinner menus, €85-€120. Chef's table also, plus lunch Fri/Sat, €45.
chapteronerestaurant.com
lucindaosullivan.com
First Published In The Sunday Independent