Harvey's Restaurant Skerries

The Hill Billy

Has anyone been to Harvey's Restaurant (part of The Coast Inn) in Skerries yet?

If so, any feedback - good, bad or indifferent?
If not, I'll let you have mine on Friday.

Wishbone Ash

Hill Billy wrote: »

Has anyone been to Harvey's Restaurant (part of The Coast Inn) in Skerries yet?

If so, any feedback - good, bad or indifferent?
If not, I'll let you have mine on Friday.

Good man Billy. Mrs Wisbone Ash is looking to go but I haven't heard anything about it. I look forward to hearing your opinions.

The Hill Billy

Well WA - good news to report. Despite mixed reviews from a few people I had spoken to (OK - a few of the lads in Nealons) I'm pleased to say that we had a fantastic meal.

They've a good range of starters, reasonably priced - around €5 to €12.50.
The mains are pretty well spread too - €12.50 to €25 or so.

Mrs Billy had fish cakes to start & then confit of duck. Both were very well presented. The fish cakes were spot on in texture & flavour, & came with a basil & coriander pesto.

The duck was melt in the mouth & just dripped off the bone. Herself was highly impressed.

I had a "tower of crispy duck" on toasted brioche to start, then "turf & surf".
The starter was fantastic! Really quite the best starter I've had in a long, long time. They went a bit heavy on the coriander & chives, which were so plentiful that they were more part of the dish than just a garnish. As I like both I won't complain too much. The crisy duck was plentiful & it also came with something I can only describe as a "cucumber coulis" which was fcuking delish! (I can't wait to see Tom Doorley or Matthew Fort use that phrase. )

The surf & turf was a bit disappointing though. A couple of the prawns were a bit overdone & the steak came medium-to-well done rather than medium as requested. All the same though, it was a nice flavoursome piece of meat. But I'd question whether it was actually a sirloin as stated on the menu. The chips were out of a freezer, but good quality nonetheless.

One thing that I'll say is that whoever was plating up in the kitchen last night was an artist. I'm not one to be impressed by food presentation (just give me good food & plenty of it!), but this person was the 'Banksy' of food.

We had a wonderful bottle of wine - a St Emillion Reserve - at €26. They have a cracking wine list - from fine wines to a very good range of house reds & whites. The house wines are very reasonably priced too.

We didn't need to order dessert as the waitress must have overheard me wish Mrs Billy a happy birthday & a couple of them came over with a big slice of a chocolate mocha cake with a candle in it & sang "Happy Birthday" to her.
It was a really nice touch.

The serving staff were very professional & on the ball as regards being there just when you needed them, but not hovering at the same time. That said it was a quiet enough night & it may be a different kettle of fish on a busy Saturday (according to another review received over a pint in Nealons).

The bill came to €91 (including a coffee & a brandy). All in all, a great night was had, the food was brilliant (apart from my main which was still nice enough) & we'll definitely be back.*



* That is high praise indeed as I'm a fussy git when it comes to eating out.

wow sierra

Fair play Hill Billy. Who needs Menu pages:D:D

Was just wondering about that place myself - will definitely give it a try now!!

Wishbone Ash

Hill Billy wrote: »

Well WA - good news to report. Despite mixed reviews from a few people I had spoken to (OK - a few of the lads in Nealons) I'm pleased to say that we had a fantastic meal.

They've a good range of starters, reasonably priced - around €5 to €12.50.
The mains are pretty well spread too - €12.50 to €25 or so.

Mrs Billy had fish cakes to start & then confit of duck. Both were very well presented. The fish cakes were spot on in texture & flavour, & came with a basil & coriander pesto.

The duck was melt in the mouth & just dripped off the bone. Herself was highly impressed.

I had a "tower of crispy duck" on toasted brioche to start, then "turf & surf".
The starter was fantastic! Really quite the best starter I've had in a long, long time. They went a bit heavy on the coriander & chives, which were so plentiful that they were more part of the dish than just a garnish. As I like both I won't complain too much. The crisy duck was plentiful & it also came with something I can only describe as a "cucumber coulis" which was fcuking delish! (I can't wait to see Tom Doorley or Matthew Fort use that phrase. )

The surf & turf was a bit disappointing though. A couple of the prawns were a bit overdone & the steak came medium-to-well done rather than medium as requested. All the same though, it was a nice flavoursome piece of meat. But I'd question whether it was actually a sirloin as stated on the menu. The chips were out of a freezer, but good quality nonetheless.

One thing that I'll say is that whoever was plating up in the kitchen last night was an artist. I'm not one to be impressed by food presentation (just give me good food & plenty of it!), but this person was the 'Banksy' of food.

We had a wonderful bottle of wine - a St Emillion Reserve - at €26. They have a cracking wine list - from fine wines to a very good range of house reds & whites. The house wines are very reasonably priced too.

We didn't need to order dessert as the waitress must have overheard me wish Mrs Billy a happy birthday & a couple of them came over with a big slice of a chocolate mocha cake with a candle in it & sang "Happy Birthday" to her.
It was a really nice touch.

The serving staff were very professional & on the ball as regards being there just when you needed them, but not hovering at the same time. That said it was a quiet enough night & it may be a different kettle of fish on a busy Saturday (according to another review received over a pint in Nealons).

The bill came to €91 (including a coffee & a brandy). All in all, a great night was had, the food was brilliant (apart from my main which was still nice enough) & we'll definitely be back.*



* That is high praise indeed as I'm a fussy git when it comes to eating out.

Well done Billy, that's a pretty comprehensive review!

Re steak - I always order a rare steak as I like it to moo when I stick the fork in but I find it increasingly difficult to get it. Restaurants seem to be afraid or not confident enough in their meat to do it.

I tried unsuccessfully to get a table there this weekend which is a good sign. I must try for the next few weeks. You've whetted my appetite.

The Hill Billy

My pleasure folks. I just hope that you get the same quality of grub & service when you go.

Wishbone Ash

Hill Billy wrote: »

My pleasure folks. I just hope that you get the same quality of grub & service when you go.

Myself and Mrs Wishbone Ash dined there last nightand were fairly impressed overall.

Mrs WA had the fish cakes for starter and the chicken and bacon skewer for main. I had the crispy duck and surf 'n' turf. I asked for it rare but it was more like medium but I was expecting that anyway. The sauce was fabulous but I can't remember what it was.

Apologies for not giving as much detail as Hill Billy but I don't really have that much interest in food itself - more interested in company, ambience and surroundings.

The presentation was top class and the staff were professional. The decor was fresh and modern also although they could ditch the tacky placemats.

A couple of minor gripes - the music was a bit loud (IMO) and we thought that the red wine was a couple of degrees on the cool side.

The bill was €120 approx (including two bottles of wine).

The Hill Billy

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

(including two bottles of wine).

That's the spirit!

thejem

i've eaten there 4 or 5 times now, really enjoy it, haven't had a bad experience yet, food is top quality and there is a good menu.

100gSoma

Is this recently opened as part of the Coast renovations? Was over there 3 weeks ago, jumped out of Taxi only to discover the Coast Inn was closed?! Had to walk all the way to blue then. lame. Is it temporary? being re-done?

anyone anyone, Bueller?

The Hill Billy

100gSoma wrote: »

Is this recently opened as part of the Coast renovations? Was over there 3 weeks ago, jumped out of Taxi only to discover the Coast Inn was closed?! Had to walk all the way to blue then. lame. Is it temporary? being re-done?

anyone anyone, Bueller?

Harvey's has been open for a few months now & was the first phase of the redevelopment of The Coast Inn. The lounge is still being worked on.

thejem

100gSoma wrote: »

Is this recently opened as part of the Coast renovations? Was over there 3 weeks ago, jumped out of Taxi only to discover the Coast Inn was closed?! Had to walk all the way to blue then. lame. Is it temporary? being re-done?

anyone anyone, Bueller?

Suppose to open in 2-3 weeks, totally gutted the place, took a sneak peak in last week, the conservatory is totally changed and but all reports the lounge will be too.

The Hill Billy

thejem wrote: »

Suppose to open in 2-3 weeks, totally gutted the place, took a sneak peak in last week, the conservatory is totally changed and but all reports the lounge will be too.

It is about time that they did something with it. After John Nealon Jr left the Dundalk lads did absolutely nothing to it & the place ended up like a graveyard. It was no bother getting a seat at 10:30 on a Saturday night. Quite a change from the days when there would be a queue of 30/40 bodies to get in at 9:00.

I'm surprised that it has taken Jenko so long to do it up, but fair dues to him he's certainly turned the place around & is getting a good trade again these days.

thejem

Hill Billy wrote: »

It is about time that they did something with it. After John Nealon Jr left the Dundalk lads did absolutely nothing to it & the place ended up like a graveyard. It was no bother getting a seat at 10:30 on a Saturday night. Quite a change from the days when there would be a queue of 30/40 bodies to get in at 9:00.

I'm surprised that it has taken Jenko so long to do it up, but fair dues to him he's certainly turned the place around & is getting a good trade again these days.

had to get a few quid in the bank i suppose, i hope it gets back to the days of nealon era, what a pub, thee place to be back then.

PCros

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

we thought that the red wine was a couple of degrees on the cool side.

Thats how you know we're earning too much when we give a shlt a bout the temp of red wine!:p

The Hill Billy

PCros wrote: »

Thats how you know we're earning too much when we give a shlt a bout the temp of red wine!:p

No - that's when you regularly buy a €30 bottle of wine & can't tell the difference between it & a bottle of Blue Nun.

Bluetonic

A few months in now, anyone been recently and is it still nice? Standards dropping? Getting better? Consistent?

Any menu available online?

thecoastinn.com or menupages.ie are showing nothing.

Very strange that both Balbriggan and Skerries now have new restaurants called Harveys, mind you the Balbriggan Harveys is pretty rough and ready.

BroomBurner

Think it was bout a month ago when we were in, was really impressed with the food. The fishcakes in particular (I don't really like fish but was feeling adventurous) were tasty. They've a really good Early Bird menu aswell, very cheap considering what ya get.

Wishbone Ash

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

we thought that the red wine was a couple of degrees on the cool side

PCros wrote: »

Thats how you know we're earning too much when we give a shlt a bout the temp of red wine!:p

I don't think I earn too much but I do have a wine cooler at home which keeps the whites cool and the reds warm. Mrs Wisbone Ash would have a much better trained palate than I but I do think it has to be 18 degrees or over - anything cooler makes it difficult to 'taste' and appreciate.

It's the same with Guinness, it has to be 'warm'. How anyone can enjoy that Extra Cold Guinness that was all the rage for a while, is beyond me!

Bluetonic wrote: »

Very strange that both Balbriggan and Skerries now have new restaurants called Harveys, mind you the Balbriggan Harveys is pretty rough and ready.

I thought it was the same company?

Bluetonic

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

I thought it was the same company?

Not at all.

blastman

Was in the Balbriggan one tonight for something to eat for the first time. The food was good (and hot!) and the service was quick and pleasant. I'd definitely go back.

Chinafoot

blastman wrote: »

Was in the Balbriggan one tonight for something to eat for the first time. The food was good (and hot!) and the service was quick and pleasant. I'd definitely go back.

+1

There was 7 of us there a about 3 weeks ago and it was lovely. Reasonably priced for the portion sizes and nobody in our party had any complaints about the food. Service was fast and very friendly.

Going to try and get the work crowd down there soon.

Chopperdog 2

+1 Again.

Harveys in Balbriggan is holding true to the excellent food and large portion sizes that have always been associated with any of Jimmy/Anthony Reilly's restaurants.

Mrs. Dog and I went there for lunch today and everything was to our satisfaction, we had a lovely meal, tasty, hot and well presented.

The Hoi Sin spring rolls were rather exceptional.
Mrs. Dog (Vegetarian) was very impressed with the relatively large choice available for her, especially when you realise that this a steakhouse and Grill.

Service was swift and the girls were very friendly.

Well done all round, we will be back.

PS They are offering a very good deal for groups coming up to Christmas, € 35 for 3 courses and a complimentary cocktail.

That could be worth investigating.

midonogh

I am going to dissent and say that I find Harveys quite disappointing.
Decor wise there is nowhere to beat it. They have obviously spent a lot of time and money fitting it out and it looks superb.

I have had dinner twice and lunch twice. My and the missus reaction was that it was barfood at restaurant prices. Dish that offended the most was the bangers and mash. The mash was lost for a bit of salt and pepper and the sausages were of the type that you get at a hot food counter. I did have the duck on the brioche that was mentioned above and although I thought it was a strange combination I did quite enjoy it. I had the steak on my first trip and found it quite tough.

I enjoyed the staff - a bit amateur, they had to be reminded to bring our wine, but they were very pleasant and friendly.

My recommendations in Skerries:
I have a young child and we like to eat a lot in Il Sorisio, the Italian above Gerrys. Food is good, view is superb and prices are great. Only downside is that it is a very big restuarant and when there are only a few people in it is a bit cavernous.

I have not been for a while, but love Pasta Pizza when it is full. Food is fine, maybe not as good as Il Soriso but the tight tables can make for a great atmosphere.

Always enjoy the food at Stoops, but on the rare occasion that we get out I can not be bothered with that hovering at the bar hoping to get a table. If only you could make a booking!!

Have only been in the Lifeboat once. Actually I had forgotten about it and thanks to the poster above for reminding me. Had a great meal in a lovely setting . Will have to go back.

Red Bank is a great dining experience, but the decor is woeful. I wonder could they move into Harveys?

Have been to the Chinese near the Tennis Court. Decor was nice, prices were fine, but disappointed with the food. Same for the Indian, although I have only had take away. I lived in London for a long time and the standard of ethic cuisine was very high, so it is a bit hard to adjust to Skerries. However I still keep buying from them. For Indians, the best by far that I have had in Ireland is Medina which is down towards Capel Street. It is the match for just about anything that I had in England.

The new place in Russell's looks interesting and I will try the next time that I am out. Anybody been?

cbreeze

I agree with midonogh's assessment of the skerries eateries. new place in russels is 'tarragon'. food good, but if you get a table in the back section the low ceiling is v claustrophobic and there is nothing to soak up the sound. Service is very amateur - staff have just done their leaving cert. Wine list is very well thought out and not a rip off for the quality of the wines on offer.