Dining in Malahide: Bon Appetit

We heard a buzz about Bon Appetit a while back, and with Oliver Dunne's stance on effectively handing back his Michelin star, we were curious as to why someone would do this?! Was it the necessity to cater for it's Northside Dublin clientele?  Was the pressure too hard? Or was Dunne not fussed about the hype that surrounds a star and his philosophy was to cook just good food? But the reviews after it's handing back continued to be positive and so we were eager to try it out.


Bon Appetit is located in trendy Malahide, its a multiple storey restaurant that features a tapas bar, a brasserie- they also do Brunch, Lunch, Afternoon Tea and cooking lessons.


Maybe we chose the wrong option on the menu. I don't know. We went for the option titled 'Surprise Tasting menu'- and all we knew was that it was six courses long. As a fan of tasting menu's, I expect good cooking, exciting tastes and a flowing rhythm throughout the courses. The Amuse Bouche was lovely- foie gras in a cone with caramelised onions- the bar was set. Bravo. But it all headed South from there. Up next, was the goats cheese and beetroot starter. I'm a huge fan of goats cheese. I love it, but this was very mild- almost as if there was very little cheese within the panna cotta purée.  And it was served on a slate plate. Slate plates do not actually annoy me as much as they do some people, but because the dish was quite purée based, aside from the chunky bits of beetroot, it made it almost impossible to get everything on to a fork. Up next was the black pudding, on a bed of mushy peas topped with a poached egg and hollandaise sauce. I have poached eggs at least three times a week. Poached eggs should never be hard. Ever. I was so disappointed because it meant my food was either sitting to be serviced for ages, even though it wasn't busy at all. Or the chef didn't care. Ugh. Next was a surf and turf served with mashed potatoes, a red wine jus and a stem of broccolini. The meat was actually very good. I just would't normally pair a strong red wine jus with prawns. There were two desserts- a deconstructed vanilla cheesecake- which was ok, but again served on slate mean't the biscuit base crumbs went flying of the plate every time I took a spoonful. The cheesecake itself was quite bland. No punch or tartiness from the fruit purée. The final dessert- a coconut brownie served with coconut ice-cream topped with white chocolate wasn't surpirsing either and was quite large compared to the last dish and just didn't seem to flow from the last few dishes. I even left some which is saying something because I never EVER leave food on my plate. I really wasn't wowed. 

Value for money was fine- it was €50 for the menu- but they really couldn't charge any more then that anyway because it wasn't up to scratch with other tasting menus in Ireland. I had a glass of red wine that I asked to be paired with my food, and the waiter failed to introduce what it was. It's little things like this that usually add to a service. I've chosen to eat out instead of eat at home and I expect my meal to be of a certain standard. Our espresso's were good. Overall, it could be so much more. It was very quiet for a Saturday night- max 5 tables in use at 7.45pm, but the tapas bar above was busy. Was that what we should have opted for? The menu itself looked decent with the a la carte options- our table next to us shared a lovely beef cut that smelled divine. There meal came out exactly as I cut into my hard poached egg and I couldn't help but feel cheated...

Did we choose the wrong option? Was it just a miss that day?! I would love to hear about your experience there!

Galway; The G Hotel, Loam and Aniar

As my partner Ev is away most of the time, we decided that when he came home, we would book a few days away to Galway. We have heard amazing things about the food scene in the West- whether it's their open access to the sea's or their choice of organic rich produce, we couldn't wait to try out two raved about Michelin starred restaurants; Loam and Aniar. We also chose to stay at the G Hotel, another raved about location. So I decided to do a wee review on our experience. We will be back to Galway, but only for two of these three places....


The G Hotel

I heard amazing reviews about the G, and so when Galway became our next adventure- I couldn't wait to try it. Designed by Philip Treacy, the hotel itself inside is beautiful. The tea-rooms and bar lounge play on amazing colour schemes and the bedrooms are bright and roomy. Our room was huge- with lots of rich velvets, an amazing acrylic + glass mixed table (that I wanted to rob!) and a beautiful full stone bathroom- with his and hers sinks and showers. It's supposed to be a five star, but I feel like it lacked the extra attention top hotels give. We stayed two nights including bed and breakfast for €590. So at nearly €300 a night, I expect a certain service that would be normally provided in lets say the Marker in Dublin. The G lacks that oooh la la, and personally I feel they are kept busy, because it's trendy to go for an afternoon tea and no one likes to complain.


My gripes; little or no service from checking in and out- we weren't asked one bit if we needed a hand with our luggage, if we needed a hand with reservations, if this was our first time in Galway?! Turn down service was at such an unrealistic time of 6pm. Surely every guest in the hotel is getting ready at that time for a dinner reservation or a party- ok, this idea of someone opening your bed covers for you for when you come back to your room at night does scream sheer laziness, but it's an expectation. I spent 7 days in Hotel Éclat in Beijing in August, and I was un-intrusively spoilt rotten. Breakfast each morning was chaotic. Not the breakfast itself but the sitting down process. On our first morning we waited 15 minutes to be seated. The breakfast room is too small for the size of the hotel and tables were then flowing out into the bar area. Breakfast itself was actually fine. There was the usual buffet section and also an option to order from the menu. My Eggs Benedict was actually very good. But another gripe would be the fruit section- half green watermelon?! If it's not ripe/nor in season why serve it? That's attention to detail. And my last gripe would be guests that are residents having to pay a fee just to use the pool and spa area. That's a first. In any hotel I have every stayed in. Fiercely disappointed. 

2.5/5- Huge room for improvement and I would rather take my hard-earned money elsewhere. 



Loam (loamgalway.com / Tweet @ Galway Loam)


We visited Loam on Friday. We were a bit skeptical when we first walked in- we chose an early seating for 6.30pm and the place only had a few full tables, but because the layout of the restaurant is super open and bare- it felt empty.  This was my only negative thought for the night. What followed was a tasting menu so unusual yet so entertaining- we were actually surprised at how reasonable the cost was. I chose the wine paring at €105 and Evan went for just the menu €70- add in extra drinks on top of that, the bill was under €200. Very good value for what was presented on our plate.

Our meal was seven courses long + Amuse bouche; (1) Oyster, Kohlrabi & yoghurt. (2) Monkfish liver, shiitake and seaweed. (3) Duck heart, chicory & buttermilk- I would drive three hours again just to have the duck heart. It was incredible. It melted in your mouth. I'm currently drooling. (4) Monkfish, salsify & radish. (5) Pork neck, artichoke and malt. (6) Rhubarb, horseradish and (7) Hazelnut, toasted hay- Can this ice-cream be made mainstream and put into our local store please?! No ice-cream will ever beat it. Not even Gelato on a cobbled street in Rome. Please sir could I have some more?!

Loam have gone for a raw, earthy meets industrial feel for the decor. So it won't be for everyone. But having been to few michelin eateries in Dublin and abroad, myself and Ev actually preferred this stripped down version. Gone away was the snobbery. And as we are often one of the youngest customers to step in establishments like this, we actually felt far more comfortable. So what seemed like a negative on our first few footsteps turned out to be a relaxed experience.

4/5- incredible value for money- and those duck hearts!!! 

Aniar (aniarrestaurant.com / Tweet @ Aniar Galway)


We visted Aniar on Saturday night. Ev had actually done a lot of research on where to eat in Galway and was very interested in JP McMahon's work and what he represents and we arrived with very empty bellies. And was prepared to be entertained. Aniar is super quaint. No more then 12 tables- it reminded me of a little deli that would fit right in the Mediterranean somewhere. Aniar actually has a choice on how many courses you want for your tasting experience; 6, 8, 10 or 12. We chose 10, and just like Loam, I went with the wine pairing and Ev explored the craft beer menu. 10 course tasting menu was €150 with wine pairing, and €100 without. My friends often shudder at spending that much on a meal. And especially on wine. But each glass is specifically paired with specific tastes and textures on that plate. And your not just getting a cheap glass. There were organic and biodynamic wines too. I had the most beautiful fruity glass of a Mâcon Chardonnay.

My 10 course meal + Amuse bouche- Ev chose some other options for his; (1)mussel, scurvy grass, roe. (2)apple, leek and cucumber.(3)dexter, oyster and gooseberry- I have never had dexter before and it was served as a tartare (I think!) and the taste was incredible. (4)scallop, artichoke and rye. (5)pork belly, swede and egg. (6) venison, cabbage and damson.(7)tea sorbet- so beautiful on the palate. (8)cod, celeriac and cavolo nero- I'm a huge fan of celeriac and this was my favourite savoury plate of the night. (9)seabuckthorn, treacle and nori and (10)cheese, chutney and rye crisp. The presentation of the desserts were outstanding- they were almost too pretty to eat. I say almost..because let's be honest here, no one is getting in the way of my sweet tooth.

A special mention to the waiting staff that night. They complemented the night so well. Not over the top at all, super natural and explained everything really well and made valuable suggestions- especially an Austrian gentleman whose name I unfortunately did not catch.  Kudos.

4/5- fantastic service, creative pairings; seabuckthorn, treacle and nori anyone?! beautiful wine.



Have you been to Galway? What have you enjoyed? Any gems if we were to return?

V-Day/ Give a hug day

My post last year on V-day was one of my more successful ones- it seems my more honest and close to the heart pieces tend to be more enjoyed by readers then posts about items we will likely never be able to afford!

And I'm going to celebrate a year to this day of more honest writing and cement the looming v-day, or as I like to call it- 'Give a hug day'. My boyfriend is just returning home from working abroad and I can't wait to squeeze the life out of him with a huge hug. And the one I will get in return will be what I've waited for weeks- a feeling of being safe! He spends at least half the year on the other side of the world- so when we have our time together, it's letting each other know that we care and love one another that matters.

In a world full of grief, negativity, angst and hate- I really hope we all have at least one person we can turn to when needed. I hate the idea of someone not having someone in their time of need. So take a moment and think of everyone you have interacted with the last while- did they seem a bit off? Maybe they weren't being rude! Maybe there was something troubling them. A little 'are you ok?' can go along way. A cup of tea. A bar of chocolate. A hug!

As I get older (I swear i'm not as old as I nag!),  I've come across more mental health problems in people close to me. Maybe it's not actually an increase, but more that I'm mindful and aware of people with problems mentally. My dad recently lost his uncle to suicide and I can't bare to imagine the emptiness he must have felt. It saddens me that some people still have no one to talk to. That they have no hope.

So, this week I'm encouraging myself to hug and be hugged by anyone I interact with (where humanely and appropriately possible!), ask a few more people are they ok?! and work wise- I want to develop a Worry Box for my students where they can leave the worries in a box incase they don't feel comfortable telling them.

I'd love to know more ideas about being mindful of others? Please share...


Happy Thursday and in advance- Give a Hug Day! Mine is going to be spent getting my nails done with Ev- tres romantic right lol!

February Ponders + Wishlist

I sort of dread February's- it's birthday month and being the impossible goal setter, every year I get older, I build up this sense of dread and vast feeling of anxiety! I hate that I'm not where I want to be at my age. I'm totally forward thinking, but the finish line seems so far away...

I really hoped for more control at the age of 26 going on 27. I always read about these successful ladies- doing it all, all so young... (and with a smile!) and fret as to why I am not achieving like these beautiful ladies. Have I taken too much on? Have I set my ambitions too high? My parents always taught me that what ever I want in life, I have to go out and work my bum for it. But sitting in my parents house in the converted attic, with a nasty bout of teenage skin and on the second season of Chicago Fire, I'm having a real sorry for myself moment! 

My life isn't really that bad! Is it? And when I think about it more, my fear of failure turns into pangs of guilt. I have lots going on for me. I'm off to Barcelona and Galway in two weeks, and I'm reasonably healthy and happy! Or at least I should be...What right have I got for having a feel sorry for me moment. And then I realised that it's ok to be having a bad day (or month in my case!). It's ok to cry in the car! And it's certainly ok to not be content with how your life is panning out. It means I am ambitious and I have a desire to want to better myself. Nothing wrong with not wanting to be complacent....

So biting the bullet, and wanting to shake off this rut, I have booked a few meals out with friends, made a reservation with the lovely ladies at Tropical Popical and created a February Wishlist...well because shopping make me happy!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Clarisonic Smart Brush (Brown Thomas)- ...heck I'm nearly 27, but my skin is currently having a teen crisis. I have recently started Microdermabrasion- but this bad boy would actually be value for money compared to all the sessions I would have to get...

Camo print joggers (Topshop)- let's be real, I'm never going to be able to afford anything of the Yeezy collection?!

Alive perspex court heels (Office)- a dupe of the Gianvito Rossi pumps that Miss Kim K always wears...

Pink appliqué triangle bra (River Island)- because this is too pretty!

This Works Deep Sleep+ Pillow spray (Beauty Bay)- I bought Ev this and he hasn't stopped raving about it plus Beauty Bay have a great deal on with the product.

Dr Lipp lip balm (Beauty Bay)- not only is my facial skin super inflamed at the moment, but my lips are dry and white- rave reviews have made we want this bad boy!

Vans Sk8-Hi (Size?)- Sunday brunch shoes...

Brooch detailed high waist belt (ASOS)- how pretty?!

Airtex stripe midi dress (Topshop)- Super flattering panelling (esp. for big hipped ladies like myself!), love the airtex material and the colour is very seductive looking.

Kusmi Jasmine tea (Amazon)- my favourite tea flavour ever.

Leopard Bikini (River Island)- Holiday prep + it's leopard! That's enough of an excuse

Saint Laurent Monogramme sac Universite (Net-a-porter)- hey a girl can dream right?! Plus isn't this the perfect size...

January Wishlist...

The bank balance may be in the red...but I see nothing wrong with a bit of virtual shopping to get you focused and working hard for what you want! Here is my January wishlist.

Happy Shopping!

ASOS Leather look Culottes (ASOS)- I love culottes, I love this colour and I love the price!

Spectrum 4 piece contour set (Beauty Bay)- Because I have tired out my current brushes + I also love the colour of these ones...thats a reason right?!

MAGNIFICENT Sock boots (Topshop)- I have these in black and all though quite pricey for a high street shoe (€120), they are sooo comfy. So of course I have to have these...

Saint Laurent card holder (Brown Thomas)- because its pretty...and I could justify it!

Lace crop top (Topshop)- how pretty is this number? Ok I wouldn't wear it by itself, but just a peak of it under a shirt is super sexy!

Bamboo print bikini (Topshop)- because that's summer motivation right there!

Handmade wool hat (Zara)- a forever growing collection of mine, perfect for in between hair wash days and I think they jazz up any jeans/tee outfit.

ABH Brow definer (Beauty Bay)- I've heard really good things about this product. Have you?

Maison Martin Margiela- Replica Lazy Sunday Morning fragrance (Brown Thomas)- smells simply divine...

Round sunglasses by Prada (Brown Thomas)- because the winter sun is just far too strong for my 

eyes...cough cough!

Black cigarette pants (River Island)- I'm off to Barcelona in February and these paired with a polo-neck and loafers is tres European right?!

Weekend J'taime tee by Sundry (ASOS)- for brunch yah?!

Leather whipstitch heel boots (River Island)- Gahhhh! Died and gone to boot heaven!

Suede leather coat (River Island)- timeless investment piece!

Pink tones animal a-line skirt (Topshop)- always partial to leopard...Pair with a sports vintage tee and ankle boots...tres chic!

Cliff House Hotel

My sisters and I sent our parents to the Cliff House Hotel last year for a present and when they returned from their Waterford adventure, they didn't stop raving about the place. Me and Ev are foodies and instead of spending our wages in the pub every weekend, we like to save up and take part in culinary experiences ( we've been to Nevin's MacNean House twice, l'Ecrivain and are slowly working our way around the tasting menus in Ireland!)- it was my anniversary present to him- a night away in the hotel, with a couples massage in the Well Spa and the Tasting menu in the one star Michelin House Restaurant .

This was my first time in Waterford. The drive down is beautiful (it was roughly about a 2.5 hour journey, but that was because we couldn't resist a stop in Avoca on the way for a Coconut Cappuccino!) and you really get to see Ireland, the landscape and it's mighty fine greenery.  I think I often take it for granted. 

{ have you tried the Cappuccino made with coconut milk from Avoca? It's amazing. No need to add sugar and it's so creamy...I live about 40 minutes away from my nearest Avoca, which is maybe a good thing because these things could be seriously addictive...)

{ok I added a filter, but seriously, check out the sky...}

We arrived early afternoon and once we checked in, a lovely gentleman knocked on our door with Prosecco to soak up while looking at the view. Tweet them before hand...you never know, you might get a surprise! That's what's so spectacular about the hotel...each room is positioned right in front of the sea, you are literally snuggled into a cliff and if you open the windows you can hear the waves crashing below...pure bliss! We went for a standard room, but it's huge...the bathroom has heated tiled floor, there is a nespresso machine in the room and my room had a pink and tartan theme going on throughout it! There was also a heavenly turndown service that we discovered coming back from dinner that night that I probably didn't appreciate as much as I should have (hey I had one too many...!)- lavender pillow bags on the bed and peaceful music set. Bliss!

{tweet @cliffhousehotel}

We had a very quick lunch in the bar restaurant on our arrival(which was yum!) and went to straight to the Well Spa afterwards for our treatments. 90 minutes of pure heaven. I often get spa treatments, but this was the first time being in the same room as Ev whilst getting one- I thought I was going to burst into a fit of giggles!!!  The couples room is beautiful and actually has a view of the sea...We checked out the sauna room, the pool and the outdoor jacuzzi (which I loved because it was freezing and raining outside yet I was toasty!) once we had gathered enough energy from the relaxation room....hey life's tough right?!Check out the Couples Spa menu here!

Our Tasting Menu, curated by Martijn Kajuiter, who focuses on Irish produce, was at 8pm. Having done a few now, we have learn't a few tricks- don't leave a huge gap between foods that day. People often leave hours between meal time thinking they will be stuffed- not at all. The experience goes over three hours and you never feel uncomfortable!! Check out the wine list before hand. Generally, wine prices tend to be a lot more then your average restaurant, so make sure you budget for this. But you are not at an average restaurant. The wines have been tried, tested and specifically picked. I chose an amazing half bottle of Mas de Daumas Gassac, Samuel Guibert 2013 and haven't stopped talking about it...Do some research before hand (Ev actually likes the surprise element on the day....but I love getting to know new tastes that i'll be experiencing!). Tasting menus for me are like a gourmet cabaret show- it's an event, so be prepared to be entertained. 

Dinner was top notch. Served on the most amazing dining set by Pordamsa- the copper cutlery are to die for!!!


We had for our Amuse Bouche; a cheese and onion froth, beetroot macaroons served with goats cheese and a celeriac mousse. 

What we had for our starters we had West Cork Scallop with jerusalem Artichoke, Ham & Sea Spinach, Dungarvan Rock Oyster with Seaweed, Cucumber & Curry and Duck Foie Gras with Milk, Mushroom, Black Olive & Cracker;

What we had for mains; Atlantic Halibut served with Cauliflower, Hazelnut & Piccalilli Ice Cream, Helvick Cod served with Oxtail, Razorclam, Crosnes & Saffron and Irish Rose Veal served with a Winter Casserole, Tarragon & Maple Smoke

Dessert; Organic Chocolate 65% - Coffee, Olive Oil, Gold & Sea Salt, Seabuckthorn- Rice, Cream & Hops and Parfait “Nougatine”  served with Hisbiscus ,Apple and Popcorn.

I literally rolled out of the restaurant and went straight the bar. The bartender made this most amazing Spiced Ginger Mojito- served in a giant jam jar (the thing was the size of my head!)- what I loved most about the drink was they they used the Old Jamaican ginger beer, which not a lot of bars stock and pubs never have it, so it was a proper treat!

Breakfast the next morning was simply delicious. The view of the bay, fruit plates and yoghurt to start, a three-tiered stand of bakery items, and then a choice of hot foods. We were full till the late afternoon. The weather in Ireland has been particularly bad this year, so we didn't take a walk up the cliffs (though the hotel has an entire wall dedicated to Hunter wellies should you have forgotten yours....) and so we took a walk instead on the beach as the tide was out and it was super fresh out.

{how cute are these Hunter wellies? Such a good idea....}

We said that if we were to come back, it would be for two nights, so we could spend more of the day exploring and walking and taking in the views...Ireland can be so incredibly beautiful when there is a pocket of blue sky on show...

PRICING:

ACCOMODATION b+b + TASTING MENU PACKAGE €530

COUPLES RETREAT €240

DRINKS IN HOUSE RESTAURANT (1/2 bottle of wine + 3 craft beers) €77

Please also take into account tipping, travel to and from, drinks in the bar afterwards and early lunch we had at the bar restaurant.

Bettering me...

I received two e-mails on what did I actually put on my vision board, I don't think it was purely to be nosey, but more so for ideas on what they could do for their own...

Again, writing it down and having it on display makes it so much more real then just in your head. Some readers might think I'm being too open or that it shouldn't be public knowledge...each to their own.

I actually split my board into four sections; Mind, Body, Work and Wants- The mind and body being really important factors to me (but I also think the most difficult...!). SOME of my focuses this year will be;

1. Letting go- I find it hard to move on from the past. I have now decided that should I have a problem, I will deal with it within 3 days- if nothing can be resolved- move on!

2. Be ruthless- specifically work wise- I have shaped my business to be SO family friendly and affordable that it now has an impact on me financially. I hate saying no to people and always want to help people out. I come from a big family so I understand pressures people faced. Sometimes its ok to say no and sometimes you can't help everyone. The meaning of being Ruthless- it to having or showing no compassion or pity for others. I'm not saying that I'm going to be a selfish pig...but being overly compassionate towards others, can often lead you to being ruthless towards yourself....

3. Food-prep- I love food, more then most things in life and I eat a lot! I also spend a huge amount on food- I am most definitely not one of these girls that can forget to eat for the day...So weekly shopping in Aldi or Lidl and cooking for the week on my quiet day (Sunday!) will help me prepare for the week. Emptying my purse with just enough to get me a tea or coffee will help too!

4. Avoid moaning- I am the biggest whinge bag you will meet! I worked for 54 day straight before Christmas and actually didn't stop telling everybody about it. How embarrassing?! It became so natural I didn't even think about it when I was saying it. The rest of the world probably work longer amounts of time straight. Shut-up moaning Yas! I do actually enjoy what I get to do every day!

5. Saving for a home for Ev and I- I am 26 still living at home and the perks of a full fridge and Sky Sports are dwindling. I want to start my future with my partner. I want my own space.

6. Fixing my skin- having come off the pill about 15 months ago after being on it for nearly 9 years, I have developed clogged skin, I want youthful skin, that glows and isn't tired looking. Diet and stress are important factors in fixing this too! It isn't all about spending money on fancy products and getting treatments...but I definitely won't say no to a spa gift...

7. Walk more- I love walking and coupled with the fact that I spend on average 20 hours driving a week- I NEED to stretch my legs out! Some of my favourite places to go are Howth, Kileen Castle and Dalgan park.


I'd love the hear what you have put down- mail me at yasminaaniss@gmail.com if your not comfortable leaving a comment...


Hope you are all having a lovely weekend, xxx