Tag Archives: Il Forno

Out To Dinner: A Delicious Italian At Fantastico Il Forno

November 19, 2016 Dermot Crean

Il Forno Woodfired Pizza

Courthouse Lane

THE Ashe Street/Courthouse Lane area has become a real food quarter of late with many new eateries and delis opening in the past year.

Italianissimo opened just last month selling authentic Italian meats and breads, Lana Asian Street Food brings a taste of the east but Il Forno started it all really a year ago.

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It’s been a huge success too with people enjoying Italian Wood Fired pizzas an Neapolitan recipes to satisfy all palates. It’s received a glowing review from a national newspaper too which is entirely justified judging by my visit a few weeks ago.

It was the night of the Ireland v New Zealand game and I joined my wife and daughter for a bite before I went off to watch history made.

It was quiet enough at about 6pm but within the next 20 minutes the place was packed. There’s a real nice atmosphere in there too and the decor which is predominantly red, cool posters and a log wall (for want of a better description) adds to the laid back feel.

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The menu, obviously, is predominantly Italian, dominated by pastas, risottos and pizzas, but there’s also steak, salmon and chicken dishes which looked delicious.

My wife and I went for the bruschetta to start, hers a tomato, mine a mushroom one. They were both excellent with plentiful toppings and beautifully seasoned.

For mains I ordered Risotto Umbra which was arborio rice with mushrooms and Italian sausage while my wife went for Pizza Olivia which was topped with chicken, mozzarella, basil pesto, onions and peppers.

My risotto was very good indeed, especially the sausage while I had a slice of pizza too which was gorgeous. The small girl in the family had nuggets and chips and scoffed the lot. We were too full for dessert.

Il Forno is a great place to go whether you’re looking for light bites, a flavoursome meal or a great night out (the upstairs doubles up as a live music and comedy venue).

The bill, including €24 bottle of wine, came to €67 and I went off, well-fed, to watch Ireland beat the All-Blacks. A good night by any standards. We’ll be back for more.

4/5

DINING OUT, Entertainment, WHAT'S ON

Top Irish Comedians To Entertain At Il Forno Christmas Party Nights

November 3, 2016 Dermot Crean

IT’S November, so it’s ok to talk about it now.

Christmas party season is not too far away and venues all over town are pulling out all the stops to attract businesses, clubs and groups of friends to their establishments.

One restaurant which decided to do something very different this year is Il Forno on Courthouse Lane, where they are bringing top comedians to entertain on three party nights next month.

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On Saturday, December 3, John Colleary of The Savage Eye and Irish Pictorial Weekly fame will appear, on Saturday, December 10 it’s the turn of Pat McDonnell who has appeared on Bridget & Eamon, The Savage Eye, Naked Camera and perhaps most famously as Eoin McLove on Father Ted.

The following Saturday (December 17) sees David McSavage make a welcome return after his sellout show at Il Forno in September. The Dublin comedian has enjoyed huge success with his RTE show The Savage Eye and is a highly-acclaimed stand-up performer.

The nights cost €49.95 and include a glass of prosecco on arrival, a three course meal and the comedy show after. Call 066-7195402 or email mike@ilforno.ie for details

Entertainment, WHAT'S ON

PHOTOS: Il Forno Continues To Deliver Top Music Acts

October 31, 2016 Dermot Crean

John and Sinead Moriarty and Padraig McElligott at the Leo O'Kelly gig at Il Forno Restaurant on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot Crean — John and Sinead Moriarty and Padraig McElligott at the Leo O’Kelly gig at Il Forno Restaurant on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot Crean

SINGER/SONGWRITER Leo O’Kelly entertained audiences at The Acoustic Room at Il Forno on Saturday night, continuing the list of top artists performing upstairs at the restaurant.

The former Tir Na nOg singer had a small but captive audience for the gig. Scroll down for photos…

Peter Bradley, Sharon O'Mahiny and Alfie Hughes at the Leo O'Kelly gig at Il Forno Restaurant on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot Crean — Peter Bradley, Sharon O’Mahony and Alfie Hughes at the Leo O’Kelly gig at Il Forno Restaurant on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot Crean

Matt and Katie Muller at the Leo O'Kelly gig at Il Forno Restaurant on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot Crean — Matt and Katie Muller at the Leo O’Kelly gig at Il Forno Restaurant on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot Crean

Singer Leo O'Kelly with Mike Moriarty of Il Forno Restaurant before the gig on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot Crean — Singer Leo O’Kelly with Mike Moriarty of Il Forno Restaurant before the gig on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot Crean

Entertainment, WHAT'S ON

Five Things To Do Around Tralee This Weekend

October 28, 2016 Dermot Crean

The weekend is upon us and it’s a long one. Yippee! Here’s a few things you can head out to in town and beyond…

Saturday

1. Go to the dogs…

Launching the Recovery Haven 'Night At The Dogs Fundraiser' were representatives from Recovery Haven, Ashe Hotel, Dairymaster, Ernie Boyles Manor Village Shops, Ballyroe Heights Hotel and Ballygarry House Hotel. Photo by Gavin O'Connor. — Launching the Recovery Haven ‘Night At The Dogs Fundraiser’ back in September.

A night at the dogs at Kingdom Greyhound Stadium in aid of Recovery Haven Cancer Support House Kerry is on Saturday.

This event promises a great night of racing combined with a Best Dressed Lady and Gent competition as well as lots for the kiddies Best Halloween Costume, face painting and bouncy Castle and music after racing.

The night will feature the final of the Kellihers Toyota Sweepstake sponsored by the Kelliher Family and is an Inver sponsored race. Tickets €10 at the door.

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2. Get out to folk…

Fans of folk music are in for a special treat when a prominent figure from the scene back in the early 1970s comes to the Tralee stage on Saturday night.

Leo O’Kelly was a member of the Irish folk duo Tír na nÓg with Sonny Condell, who, with Pentangle and Nick Drake, were considered the forebears of progressive folk.

The duo split up in 1973 with Leo turning producer, before releasing a series of solo records.

He reunited with Condell for Tír na nÓg’s first album in 42 years in 2015 with ‘The Dark Dance’ which was received enthusiastically by fans and critics.

Now he’s on his way to Courthouse Lane upstairs in The Acoustic Room at Il Forno Restaurant. Tickets are €15 and booking is essential on 066-7195402.

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3. Rock out for charity…

If folk music isn’t your thing, get in touch with your inner mosher as The Abbey Inn hosts a night of rock music for a great cause.

People are encouraged to dress up for the weekend that’s in it and help raise funds for Bru Columbanus and the Kerry Coronary Care Unit. Tickets are €10 and it’s well worth going if you’re into your decent rock music. The night begins at 9pm.

Sunday

4. Na Gaeil’s big day…again…

Andrew Barry and Jamie Lowham celebrate David Culloty's last gasp equaliser. Photo by Dermot Crean — Andrew Barry and Jamie Lowham celebrate David Culloty’s last gasp equaliser in the drawn game.

All roads lead to Killarney for the Oakpark club’s Junior Premier Club Championship Final. Na Gaeil probably should have capitalised on their numerical advantage against Glenbeigh/Glencar in the drawn game two weeks ago.

They’ll find it tough against the Mid-Kerry side so they’ll need all the support they can get in Fitzgerald Stadium. Throw-in is at 2.30pm. Should they do it, it’ll be some evening in the Killeen clubhouse.

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Monday

5. Halloween fun for the little ones…

It’s the day where kids all over town get dressed up and fill up on goodies going door to door.

Crag Cave out in Castleisland is hosting a special Halloween Fancy Dress Disco for all the little ghosts and goblins from 2pm to 5pm to get kids prepared for trick or treating later.

It costs €8 per child and you get a goodie bag and they’ll be prizes for best costumes.

Entertainment, WHAT'S ON

Acclaimed Folk Figure To Play Tralee Venue Next Weekend

October 22, 2016 Dermot Crean

FANS of folk music are in for a special treat when a prominent figure from the scene back in the early 1970s comes to the Tralee stage.

Leo O’Kelly was a member of the Irish folk duo Tír na nÓg with Sonny Condell, who, with Pentangle and Nick Drake, were considered the forebears of progressive folk.

They were championed by BBC DJ John Peel and toured with Procul Harem, The Who, Jethro Tull and Emerson Lake and Palmer.

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The duo split up in 1973 with Leo turning producer, before releasing a series of solo records.

He reunited with Condell for Tír na nÓg’s first album in 42 years in 2015 with ‘The Dark Dance’ which was received enthusiastically by fans and critics.

Now he’s on his way to Courthouse Lane next Saturday, October 29, upstairs in The Acoustic Room at Il Forno Restaurant. It should be an amazing night for lovers of great music. Tickets are €15 and booking is essential on 066-7195402. Check out one of Tír na nÓg’s songs below…

Entertainment

Republic Of Telly Comedian To Perform In Tralee This Weekend

October 11, 2016 Gavin O'Connor

A STAR of the ‘Republic of Telly’ and ‘Bridget and Eamonn’ shows is bringing his stand up show to Il Forno Restaurant on Courthouse Lane on this Saturday night at 8pm.

Edwin Sammon plays Father Gabriel in the Republic of Telly spin-off, Bridget and Eamonn, which has recently shot a second series on RTE.

The Offaly funnyman joined Republic Of Telly earlier this year and has presented a segement on the satirical show since.

Edwin Sammon, is the latest known Irish comedian to perform Il Forno recently, along with well-attended shows from David McSavage and Joe Rooney. For tickets to the event, call Il Forno on (066) 719 5402.

Entertainment, WHAT'S ON

David McSavage Is Bringing His New Show To Tralee

September 6, 2016 Gavin O'Connor

ANOTHER top Irish comedy performer is set to bring his new show to Tralee later this month.

Il Forno Italian restaurant will welcome the eccentric and very funny David McSavage and Guests on Friday September 23 to their first floor comedy venue which is growing quite a reputation for hosting great acts.

“It is with immense pleasure that we announce the amazing David McSavage and Guests to The First Floor at Il Forno,” it was announced on the restaurant’s Facebook page.

David McSavage is well known for the acclaimed and original RTE comedy sketch show The Savage Eye which lampooned almost every imaginable aspect of Irish life.

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The Dublin native is a renowned live comedy performer and doesn’t take kindly to hecklers!

Tickets are €22.50 and there will also be a full dinner menu available from 6pm-8pm with the show starting at 8pm To book call 066-7195402. Those wishing to attend are advised to book as soon as possible as the show is expected to sell-out in record time.

Here is McSavage’s take on our very own Rose of Tralee…

Entertainment

Well-Known Comedian And Singer-Songwriter To Appear At Il Forno

July 31, 2016 Gavin O'Connor

Comedian Joe Rooney and singer-songwriter John Spillane will soon perform at Il Forno.

SINCE opening its doors in October Il Forno Italian restaurant on Courthouse Lane has put an emphasis on the arts along with serving up food and could be sparking a revival in the centre of town.

On Saturday, August 6, comedian Joe Rooney will perform upstairs at the restaurant while at the end of the month (Saturday, August 27) it will be the turn of singer-songwriter, John Spillane to give an intimate performance.

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Along with those acts Il Forno have hosted Comedy and Tapas nights which have proved a hit and showcased the work of local artists.

Joe Rooney will be familiar to many as Fr Damo in Father Ted and as Timmy in Killinascully, but the Galway native has been doing stand-up for years performing in venues all over the world.

For details of tickets please click here

Cork native John Spillane is also used to playing bigger venues, but the cosiness and intimacy of the upstairs in Il Forno should suit his performance. Click here for ticket details.

The restaurant is attempting to create a night time focal point for the arts in Tralee which can only be good for the town. The seeds of this creation could well sprout a revival and new chapter for arts in the town centre and in particular Ashe Street/Courthouse Lane.

Earlier this month Ashe Street received a further shot in the arm when details of a Lana Asian Street Food restaurant were revealed. The new restaurant’s modern and cosmopolitan look will hopefully entice people to not just be passing visitors on the street.

It’s a common trend of urban areas the world over, old streets are being revamped and regenerated by people who are willing to think outside of the box.

Tralee isn’t London, Dublin or even Cork, but there is a decent amount of its citizens searching for alternative to the regular night out experience. Could Ashe Street/Courthouse Lane be the place to satisfy that demand?

Entertainment, News

PHOTOS: Comedy And Tapas Night Raises Funds For Charities At Il Forno

July 1, 2016 Dermot Crean

Zara O'Dowd, Noreen Angland, 'Bearded Man' Gary O'Dowd and Aoife Angland at the comedy night at Il Forno on Thursday. Photo by Dermot Crean — Zara O’Dowd, Noreen Angland, ‘Bearded Man’ Gary O’Dowd and Aoife Angland at the comedy night at Il Forno on Thursday. Photo by Dermot Crean

A NIGHT of comedy and tapas was held for charity on Thursday at a newly opened upstairs venue at Il Forno Restaurant.

It was the first time the upstairs space was used and a good crowd of people enjoyed the entertainment and great food.

Seamus Kelly was the entertaining MC for a night where people enjoyed performances from Graham Storey, Sir Stevo Timothy, Sinead Nora McGrath and more, while enjoying two tapas and glass of wine/beer for €25.

It was all part of a Castlemaine man’s efforts to raise awareness of suicide and mental health issues.

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The new upstairs venue hosting the comedy night at Il Forno on Thursday. Photo by Dermot Crean

Gary O’Dowd started The Bearded Man’s Battle For Suicide Prevention earlier this year. He lost his father Maurice to suicide last year and wanted to do something positive to raise awareness.

“My aim is to promote suicide awareness as much as possible. The whole plan was to honour my father who always had some form of facial hair. When he died I said I’d grow a beard to honour him. Then I thought maybe I can do more with this and here we are tonight,” said Gary.

It’s all building up to another event in Jack Duggan’s Bar, Castlemaine on Saturday, July 16. ‘Shave or Grow’ asks the public if he should keep or shed his hairy appearance. The night will include music, DJ, spot prizes and the chance for you to nominate your friends to get waxed, it’s sure to be a good one.

Edel Hobbert of South West Counselling who run the Kerry Lifeline for Suicide Prevention was grateful to Gary for his efforts.

“We’re delighted that Gary has organised this because the funding is what matters on the ground so we can sustain and maintain our services,” said Edel on the night. Some of the proceeds also went to Console. To find out more about Gary O’Dowd’s campaign see his Facebook page here Scroll down for photos…

Tracy Smith, Carmelita Ryan and Fiona O'Connor at the comedy night at Il Forno on Thursday. Photo by Dermot Crean — Tracy Smith, Carmelita Ryan and Fiona O’Connor at the comedy night at Il Forno on Thursday. Photo by Dermot Crean

John Lynch and Brian White at the comedy night at Il Forno on Thursday. Photo by Dermot Crean

Mairead McNamara and Eileen Kennedy at the comedy night at Il Forno on Thursday. Photo by Dermot Crean

Edel and Jack Hobbert at the comedy night at Il Forno on Thursday. Photo by Dermot Crean

Ann Thompson, Aileen Byrne, Claire O'Mahony, Grainne Bell and Brian Tierney at the comedy night at Il Forno on Thursday. Photo by Dermot Crean — Ann Thompson, Aileen Byrne, Claire O’Mahony, Grainne Bell and Brian Tierney at the comedy night at Il Forno on Thursday. Photo by Dermot Crean

Andy Downes and Laura O'Connell at the comedy night at Il Forno on Thursday. Photo by Dermot Crean — Andy Downes and Laura O’Connell at the comedy night at Il Forno on Thursday. Photo by Dermot Crean

Sinead Nora McGrath, Stevo Timothy and Julie Johnson at the comedy night at Il Forno on Thursday. Photo by Dermot Crean

Business/Property, DINING OUT, Entertainment

National Newspaper Raves About Tralee Restaurant

June 28, 2016 Dermot Crean 1 Comment

Il Forno Pizza 1 — Mike Moriarty of Il Forno Woodfired Pizzeria restaurant in Courthouse Lane.

A LOCAL restaurant owner was delighted to wake up on Sunday morning to a glowing review for his business.

One of Ireland’s most popular newspapers, The Sunday World, ran a review of Il Forno Woodfired Pizzeria And Italian Restaurant in Courthouse Lane and they were impressed to say the least.

The restaurant, which opened just last October, received a 4-Star rating where the writer commended them for mastering the pizza-making skill “with aplomb and style…I think they are keepers”.

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The writer was impressed from the off; “As soon as I enter the familiar pizzeria aesthetic of Il Forno in downtown Tralee and see a guy covered in OO flour banging out fresh pizza bases, I instinctively know everything is going to be fine.”

The restaurant received high praise for the pizzas, the attention to detail with ingredients in the cooking process and the overall professional approach.

On reading the review, proprietor Mike Moriarty took to the business’ Facebook to thank staff; “Words cannot describe how proud I am of my team. Thanks to The Sunday World for such an amazing review. Thanks also to all our customers who are our partners in this incredible journey.” You can read the full review on their Facebook page here

Entertainment, News, WHAT'S ON

Fusion Of Food And Comedy Kicks Off New Concept At Il Forno

May 20, 2016 Dermot Crean

THERE’S something new on the way for diners in Tralee this summer, as a restaurant hatches plans to combine culture and cuisine in a new upstairs venue.

Il Forno Wood Fired Pizza and Italian Restaurant at Courthouse Lane hosted the first of many planned events with a night of comedy and tapas, which ended up being sold out.

Forty-five customers paid €15 for two Italian tapas dishes, a glass of wine or beer and the entertainment on the night.

Patrick J O’Shea, who has worked with Des Bishop, headlined the first event which was MC’d by Seamus Kelly of the KY Comedy Alternative. Also appearing was Sean Marshall, the ‘Chameleon Comedian’ and Stevenevets.

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Il Forno Comedy 2 — Comedian Patrick J O’Shea with Seamus Kelly and Mike Moriarty.

“It’s a fantastic deal, you’re getting your tapas, glass of wine or beer – which is matched to your choice of tapas – and the comedy entertainment,” said Seamus. “I don’t think anyone in Kerry is offering this type of alternative night out,” he added.

Mike Moriarty of Il Forno said it’s the first in a series of events which will be launched at the opening of their new upstairs space next month.

“It will be called ‘The First Floor’ and it will have a cultural element to it,” he said. “We aim to have something different every week, whether it be comedy, spoken word, musicians etc. We’re putting in a projector for film screenings and we can host art installations there. People can come and enjoy their meal or tapas with wine and a bottle of beer and relax,” he added.

The initial plan is to hold cultural events on a Thursday night, but it could be extended to Fridays depending on demand. The opening of the new space is scheduled for June 2, when there will be another night of comedy. Check their Facebook page closer to the date for more details.

Business/Property, DINING OUT, Entertainment, Health&Fitness, Lifestyle

PHOTOS: Il Forno And Victory Fitness Launch Light Options Menu

March 3, 2016 Dermot Crean

IF you’re heading out for a meal and wondering where you can get really delicious food without ruining your fitness programme, then a Tralee restaurant has just launched something special.

Having opened in October last year on Courthouse Lane, Il Forno Restaurant has been bringing a real taste of Italy to the town with its amazing wood-fired pizza and delicious dishes from its Italian chefs.

Now Il Forno’s Michael Moriarty and his wife Ruth have teamed up with Victory Fitness of Tralee to devise a separate light options menu designed specifically for people who are in training and want to stay fit.

Nutritionist, Sarah Donohue from the gym has helped devise the menu and taste is one thing that isn’t sacrificed thanks the amazing chefs at Il Forno.

They held a tasting night for the new menu on Monday night for gym members and it was a huge hit. Also, if you’re a member of Victory Fitness you get a 10% discount on the special menu.

It’s just the latest development from Mike and Ruth whose passion for Italian food led them to source an authentic wood-fired oven from Florence to get that real taste of Italian pizza.

Shannon O'Sullivan, Leanne Greensmyth, Sarah Lynch and Bobby Lynch at the launch of the Il Forno healthy eating menu in association with Victory Fitness, on Monday night. Photo by Dermot Crean — Shannon O’Sullivan, Leanne Greensmyth, Sarah Lynch and Bobby Lynch at the launch of the Il Forno healthy eating menu in association with Victory Fitness, on Monday night. Photo by Dermot Crean

They also have a mother and son, Marguerite and Marco, working in the restaurant, cooking to the highest of Italian standards, using traditional Neapolitan recipes for the dough to give something special to Tralee pizza lovers.

If pizza doesn’t do it for you, Marguerite and Marco have a comprehensive menu to include salads, pastas and risottos, mains like salmon, chicken and steaks with an Italian flavour of course.

The stylish and inviting restaurant makes everything, from starters to desserts, in-house using the best of ingredients. They also make their own gluten-free pizzas and to offer vegan cheese for people with dietary requirements.

Their hard work has also been recognised as it’s recently been nominated in four categories of the Irish Restaurant Awards.

There are plans for expansion in the pipeline too and a space upstairs will open later this spring which will seat up to 70 people, available for parties, special occasions and cinema nights. It’s all very exciting in a restaurant that is doing something exciting and different in town. (see the light menu here) Scroll down for photos…

traleetoday.ie

Tag Archives: Il Forno

Out To Dinner: A Delicious Italian At Fantastico Il Forno

Il Forno Woodfired Pizza

Courthouse Lane

4/5

Top Irish Comedians To Entertain At Il Forno Christmas Party Nights

PHOTOS: Il Forno Continues To Deliver Top Music Acts

Five Things To Do Around Tralee This Weekend

The weekend is upon us and it’s a long one. Yippee! Here’s a few things you can head out to in town and beyond…

Saturday

Sunday

Monday

Acclaimed Folk Figure To Play Tralee Venue Next Weekend

Republic Of Telly Comedian To Perform In Tralee This Weekend

David McSavage Is Bringing His New Show To Tralee

Well-Known Comedian And Singer-Songwriter To Appear At Il Forno

PHOTOS: Comedy And Tapas Night Raises Funds For Charities At Il Forno

National Newspaper Raves About Tralee Restaurant

Fusion Of Food And Comedy Kicks Off New Concept At Il Forno

PHOTOS: Il Forno And Victory Fitness Launch Light Options Menu

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