The Brasserie
Ballygarry House Hotel
AND we’re back to an old favourite.
I had a wonderful Sunday lunch in Ballygarry House Hotel back in April and I didn’t expect to call back for another review for quite some time.
But then they doggone went and refurbished the whole front of the hotel, opening their new casual dining restaurant The Brasserie in the process, with a spanking new menu to enjoy. Sure I had to go out for a look.
It’s been open for a few months now and is proving very popular with diners with a brand new menu and bright surroundings. So, giving it the requisite amount of time to settle in, I paid a visit on Friday.
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I think I saw The Brasserie at its best in the glorious weather we had yesterday afternoon. On entering I was greeted with smile from the waiter and showed to a table, where the sun, shining through a glass part of the ceiling, illuminated the area.
The large plants are also an attractive feature and the wooden floor and decor shows no expense was spared in the design. The mix of Motown and blues tracks playing in the background is also a big plus.
But what of the menu? Well the specials of the day were roast loin of pork served with a herb stuffing and cider jus (€13.95), baked fillet of salmon, spinach and pearl onion cream (€13.95) and chicken cordon bleu (€11.95).
It also has philly steak ciabatta, caesar salad and more, but some the sandwiches and healthy options looked even more interesting. Like char-grilled asparagus and feta salad with air dried tomatoes and balsamic dressed rocket leaves, or marinated Mediterranean vegetable wrap with buffalo mozzarella and tomato tapenade or, what I went for, baked goats cheese and roasted field mushrooms, infused with white truffle on toasted fennel and tomato bread (€9.95).
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I gave my order and waited. The service throughout my visit, was excellent by the way – polite and friendly, without being overbearing. The dish arrived and at first glance I thought it a bit mean.
However, on lifting the top slice of bread, I could see they didn’t spare the goat’s produce, while the mushroom spread itself wide across the entire slice of bread.
The dressing was particularly good and if I have a criticism, it’s that there should have been a little more around the plate. The cheese was delicious and worked magically with all the ingredients, including the delicious bread.
I ordered an Americano – to dissipate any remaining hunger pangs – which came with a welcome ginger cookie.
A really fine lunch then and I’ll be back soon (but not to review!).