Dinner Tonight! Where to go? - Restaurant & Eating Out Recommendations for NCD

BKWDR · 22-04-2015 9:32am

Headed out to Skerries to pop into Blue Bar last thursday week from Swords. Got there, and there were reserved signs on a quite a few tables, followed a couple in ahead of us who hadn't reserved a table and were seated straight away. Then when we asked the girl at the greeting desk, she hmm'd and hawed for a minute then said nothing was free but would we wait at the bar? I then asked how long a wait would it be as neither of us were drinking, to which she drops the bombshell of a a wait of about an hour and a half, with 8 (that we counted tables) that had no one sat at them.

To makes matter worse, we asked was that the norm and she just shrugged, so i said F that and we went to walk out. Gas thing was we bumped into two bikers that had been looking for a table in Stoops as we walked up were now sat at the table outside that had a reserve sign on it and getting an order taken! They hadn't reserved anything

Would i bother trekking all the way out for food that is an hour and a half wait again,.....no way

The Hill Billy · 22-04-2015 9:58am

That's poor form. I'd drop them an email at info@bluebar.ie. I know the owners & they'd certainly like to know about this.

BKWDR · 22-04-2015 11:52am

The Hill Billy wrote: »

That's poor form. I'd drop them an email at info@bluebar.ie. I know the owners & they'd certainly like to know about this.

In fairness i would but i was that put out by the lot of it, if i rang up and they offered me a few bob off a meal (not saying they would have to) i still wouldn't go all the way out there again.

The reserved signs on tables and people waiting a long time shouldn't be anything new to the owners, if what i've heard back from people i've talked to about it.

thesteve · 22-04-2015 1:00pm

BKWDR wrote: »

In fairness i would but i was that put out by the lot of it, if i rang up and they offered me a few bob off a meal (not saying they would have to) i still wouldn't go all the way out there again.

The reserved signs on tables and people waiting a long time shouldn't be anything new to the owners, if what i've heard back from people i've talked to about it.

In fairness, how do you ever expect places to change for the better or improve unless you let them know about what happened? You shouldn't do it for the sake of a few bob, it should be done so the next person that treks out there doesn't have the same bad experience.

BKWDR · 22-04-2015 1:18pm

thesteve wrote: »

In fairness, how do you ever expect places to change for the better or improve unless you let them know about what happened? You shouldn't do it for the sake of a few bob, it should be done so the next person that treks out there doesn't have the same bad experience.

No i understand fully. But to be fair and clear. This is the ongoing situation that happens in this place. I've been sat eating my dinner in the place last year and seen people being asked to wait when there are spaces available. Then in passing when i've spoken to people about my experience last Thursday week they say the same thing happens them.

I asked the girl on the day and she shrugged me off. Im now going to vote with my feet. I posted it here to make people aware about it. What am i supposed to say to them? Your priority of reserving tables and turning away people sucks? I've no notion of going back to give them another chance.

thesteve · 22-04-2015 1:23pm

BKWDR wrote: »

No i understand fully. But to be fair and clear. This is the ongoing situation that happens in this place. I've been sat eating my dinner in the place last year and seen people being asked to wait when there are spaces available. Then in passing when i've spoken to people about my experience last Thursday week they say the same thing happens them.

I asked the girl on the day and she shrugged me off. Im now going to vote with my feet. I posted it here to make people aware about it. What am i supposed to say to them? Your priority of reserving tables and turning away people sucks? I've no notion of going back to give them another chance.

Understood, it's your choice at the end of the day, especially if it's the straw that broke the camels back. It's weird though, I eat there regularly for years and over recent years have added the complication of now having a toddler and a baby to haul with us, and we've never been turned away (nor do we reserve)

pistol_75 · 22-04-2015 1:54pm

thesteve wrote: »

Understood, it's your choice at the end of the day, especially if it's the straw that broke the camels back. It's weird though, I eat there regularly for years and over recent years have added the complication of now having a toddler and a baby to haul with us, and we've never been turned away (nor do we reserve)

They have only started their reservation system recently. Up until that you just rocked up and took your chance more or less. Not sure what prompted them to change it or whether it has resulted in them doing more covers or not.

They have also included more tables for 2 on one side of the bar which means there is less bar space for the people that walk in off the street to wait. Sounds like it could be harder for them to manage than before.

I haven't been that impressed the last couple of times with the staff. There are a few younger faces and for what you are paying for the service is not up to scratch IMO. Nearly having to guide them on everything.

Khannie · 22-04-2015 1:58pm

thesteve wrote: »

Understood, it's your choice at the end of the day, especially if it's the straw that broke the camels back. It's weird though, I eat there regularly for years and over recent years have added the complication of now having a toddler and a baby to haul with us, and we've never been turned away (nor do we reserve)

My son and his friends went down there recently to a similar wait.

BKWDR · 22-04-2015 2:57pm

thesteve wrote: »

Understood, it's your choice at the end of the day, especially if it's the straw that broke the camels back. It's weird though, I eat there regularly for years and over recent years have added the complication of now having a toddler and a baby to haul with us, and we've never been turned away (nor do we reserve)

oddly enough, my best friend was refused a table because he had his toddler with him (think it was to do with a buggy). Now that was last year so they may have changed their policy since

yknaa · 23-04-2015 12:01pm

BKWDR wrote: »

oddly enough, my best friend was refused a table because he had his toddler with him (think it was to do with a buggy). Now that was last year so they may have changed their policy since

AFAIK, buggies were never allowed in - due to access issues - but you can park them easily in the hall adjacent to the restaurant. Find the place a bit hit and miss to be honest.

Qprmeath · 24-04-2015 8:01am

Have never understood how highly people rate Blue, very hit and miss as others have also said

kennyb3 · 28-04-2015 11:29am

Agree wings are lovely but everything else isn't worth it. Restaurant prices for pub food. Also too busy, too cramped and just not a relaxing experience to me.

Stheno · 29-04-2015 11:08pm

The oh has been determined to take me out the last few days so tonight we went to rubys

Unlike previous times we've been there, there was no wait for a table which was great.

We got seated at the very back which has booth type sofas on one side then regular chairs the other side of the table.

Regular readers of this thread will know that I'm a fussy aul flibbertggibbet and I really disliked the length of the tables they are close to three feet long in this section so an intimate evening wouldn't work and we had fellow diners in either side talking loudly to bridge the gap

Service was also very slow, ordering was quick but we waited over half an hour for our food as did the table beside us who ordered just before us.

Service was good the staff there are lovely.

And the food was great, I had the stuffed portobello mushrooms with goats cheese and parmesan, and we shared the ribs, chicken and pulled pork nap and a side of corn on the cob

It was delicious

It's owned by the same people as the schoolhouse and while I like rubys, on balance I prefer the schoolhouse however I suspect there's an element here that we've been going to schoolhouse so long that the staff there know us and greet us insight

Overall, it was enjoyable, great food, spoiled little by delays and the overly large table

sharkman · 03-05-2015 10:25am

Stheno wrote: »

The oh has been determined to take me out the last few days so tonight we went to rubys

Unlike previous times we've been there, there was no wait for a table which was great.

We got seated at the very back which has booth type sofas on one side then regular chairs the other side of the table.

Regular readers of this thread will know that I'm a fussy aul flibbertggibbet and I really disliked the length of the tables they are close to three feet long in this section so an intimate evening wouldn't work and we had fellow diners in either side talking loudly to bridge the gap

Service was also very slow, ordering was quick but we waited over half an hour for our food as did the table beside us who ordered just before us.

Service was good the staff there are lovely.

And the food was great, I had the stuffed portobello mushrooms with goats cheese and parmesan, and we shared the ribs, chicken and pulled pork nap and a side of corn on the cob

It was delicious

It's owned by the same people as the schoolhouse and while I like rubys, on balance I prefer the schoolhouse however I suspect there's an element here that we've been going to schoolhouse so long that the staff there know us and greet us insight

Overall, it was enjoyable, great food, spoiled little by delays and the overly large table

In fairness , you cant beat The Oldschoolhouse for food in Swords , was there for "tasty thursday " wife had the trio of tacos and I had the rib eye on the bone . Both execllend and great value as usual .

Shred · 18-05-2015 6:09pm

An NCD BA for Ruby's:

https://www.facebook.com/RubysPizzaGrill/posts/1592619007675353

Flash Sale Now On
€30 gets you €50 voucher
€50 gets you €100 voucher
We have a limited amount of vouchers to go on sale starting Monday and ending Wednesday. There is no catch, you can spend your voucher on anything here in Ruby's, Steaks, Ribs, Pizzas, Cocktails and much more. You have been warned, don't miss out. Valid for use from Monday 25th May

You have to buy the vouchers in the restaurant I believe.

Stheno · 18-05-2015 6:15pm

Shred wrote: »

An NCD BA for Ruby's:

https://www.facebook.com/RubysPizzaGrill/posts/1592619007675353

Flash Sale Now On
€30 gets you €50 voucher
€50 gets you €100 voucher
We have a limited amount of vouchers to go on sale starting Monday and ending Wednesday. There is no catch, you can spend your voucher on anything here in Ruby's, Steaks, Ribs, Pizzas, Cocktails and much more. You have been warned, don't miss out. Valid for use from Monday 25th May

You have to buy the vouchers in the restaurant I believe.

Cheers!

cbreeze · 24-05-2015 3:35pm

Qprmeath wrote: »

Have never understood how highly people rate Blue, very hit and miss as others have also said

Mostly miss I'm afraid. It is disappointing that the service is poor and the attitude is as bad as the food - such a waste of a good space. I have stopped going there and so have most of the people I know.

Khannie · 28-05-2015 4:58pm

If you haven't had one yet - the "Skerries Club" sandwich at the the mill café is whopper.

Stheno · 10-06-2015 10:15pm

Some of you regulars on this thread may remember my disappointing experience in Empire over the Christmas period.

We went back tonight, we were going to Rubys but there so happened to be a pile of parking spaces on the main street so we said "let's give it a go.

I've gone from "I'm never going there again" to "meeh"

First the menu, I'd only ever seen the Sunday menu before, which is very much a cut down of the main menu.

It struck me as rather expensive compared to other places in Swords, apart from an omelette, vegetarian pasta, and the "signature steak special which is €10 (copied from Wrights)" all main courses are min. €14.50, even the burger is €14.95

It's got all the usuals, bangers and mash, fish and chips/steaks/burgers, and a few nice sounding dishes, such as barbary duck breast

I wasn't particularly hungry, so had one of the starters which is a "butchers board" of parma ham, salami, bread, chicken liver parfait, smoked corned beef, and some peculiar dish of raisins. That starter for one was priced at €12

OH had the steak special.

Second the service. It was dire the last time we were there.
It was a bit better this evening, but bare in mind the place was quiet, less than half full, it was more than ten minutes before a drinks order was taken, and we waited twenty minutes for our food after it was ordered. One of the waiters has a terribly over familiar manner, and kept referring to me as my dear, and the OH as friend

Third, the food. I ordered my butchers board with no salami as I cannot abide the sight of the stuff, all that congealed fat makes me feel ill. OH ordered his steak medium. Lo and behold I got salami but no smoked corned beef ( I was really looking forward to that), the chicken parfait which I would have expected to have a pate like texture was a bit runny, I got one slice of parma ham, and the bread which came with it was the equivalent of about half a slice of a sliced pan cut into fancy triangles, I ran out of it before I even finished the parfait, let alone the parma ham. It also came with a fig half, which was just divine.

The OHs steak looked charred, and he said it was tough. Now for him to moan about food is rare.

Which brings us back to the service. The over familiar waiter (I know I'm being picky but I hate that) who took our order cleared our plates, asked if everything was ok (no one came to check if our food was ok while we ate) and when I pointed out I'd gotten salami, said "so you did!"

We finished with a glass of wine and a coffee, and asked for the bill. After we got the bill, I placed my card on top of it, and spent fifteen minutes trying to attract the attention of staff three times, until eventually someone took notice, and we paid up.

So overall, a definite improvement on what it was like in December, it was an incredibly relaxing environment with the booths that they have setup, but from the perspective of value for money, the level of service, and the quality of the food, as I said, meeh, far too many inconsitencies for me to bother with it, when there is so much more choice in Swords and close by (OH doesn't drink so we spread where we eat across a broad range from Howth the Malahide, to Swords, and Skerries)

Edit: I forgot some of the pretentious twaddle in there, if you order a glass of wine, you get it in a giant oversized glass (also drives me nuts) with the added nuisance of a fancy cocktail stick with a ring at the end, and a grape in the middle placed atop the glass. I mean wtf? This is like those miniature milk bottles you see lately in places. Just give me a drinkable glass of wine without the need to remove adornments!

And yes, I'm a pernickety old boot.

In other food related news, Mint Leaf was closed tonight, there appears to be a new Chinese (ANOTHER) opening on Main Street where Black Tie was, and there is a bbq place opening where the Chinese beside Peter Marks on Main Street was

Jimdagym · 21-06-2015 8:05pm

Tried to get a table in The Windmill in Skerries at 6 last night but it was booked out. Ollies was a 30 minute wait. So we went down to try Raffs. Boy, did that work out!!

Everything, and I mean everything was top notch. large wings (18) did the 4 of us perfectly and IMO they are up there with Blue Bar's. For mains, I had the Prawn Taglietelle. Full of Prawns and simply delicious. OH had the baked cod, again, lots of fish, very tasty and really light batter. The kids took an adult pizza to share and that was excellent too. Kids menu was decent but they are pizza lovers....
So we didnt mean to go there but really happy we did. I'll be going back, no question.

Stheno · 21-06-2015 9:24pm

Jimdagym wrote: »

Tried to get a table in The Windmill in Skerries at 6 last night but it was booked out. Ollies was a 30 minute wait. So we went down to try Raffs. Boy, did that work out!!

Everything, and I mean everything was top notch. large wings (18) did the 4 of us perfectly and IMO they are up there with Blue Bar's. For mains, I had the Prawn Taglietelle. Full of Prawns and simply delicious. OH had the baked cod, again, lots of fish, very tasty and really light batter. The kids took an adult pizza to share and that was excellent too. Kids menu was decent but they are pizza lovers....
So we didnt mean to go there but really happy we did. I'll be going back, no question.

Added to my list of places to try

cbreeze · 21-06-2015 9:50pm

Good choice. Way better than 'Blue'.

Pipmae · 21-06-2015 10:56pm

This is going to sound a bit mad but once I saw Raff's get into bed with Groupon I decided to avoid them.

But good to hear a good review.

I'll definitely try them next. I think Blue is TOTALLY overrated.....

kennyb3 · 22-06-2015 2:25pm

Always been a fan of Raffs.

yknaa · 23-06-2015 10:51am

kennyb3 wrote: »

Always been a fan of Raffs.

Me too. The steak on a stone for €17 (Wed-Fri) is a great deal.

PaulD77 · 25-06-2015 10:17am

We had a special guest in the steakhouse for dinner on Monday night

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11030995_802975216490272_14970714724031128_n.jpg?oh=6bc84fcb8bac3e6835dd97f6f9dce83b&oe=55EB18EE

The Hill Billy · 25-06-2015 12:35pm

Nice one Paul! He was obviously very impressed as he gave Skerries a very special mention at the gig the other night.

PaulD77 · 25-06-2015 12:39pm

He did indeed, he called us a small drinking town with a big fishing problem! Absolutely fantastic gig too. The man was flying around the stage all night at 71 years of age

Tilly · 25-06-2015 12:57pm

Ok i'll say it: Who is he?

/i have a funny feeling i should know.

The Hill Billy · 25-06-2015 5:58pm

Roger Daltry - lead singer with The Who.

Dizzyblonde · 25-06-2015 6:01pm

He's looking good for his age too!

Uriel. · 25-06-2015 6:13pm

Somebody mentioned previously that Mint Leaf in Swords was gone and something was to open in its place but I was passing it earlier in the week and it seemed open (menu board outside etc). Any ideas?

Received a menu for the new BBq place (beside Peter Mark) in the door the other day. Seems mainly broadly med style food. Quasi Turkish, Greek, North African etc. Any one tried it? The "BBq" label doesn't fit with the style of food, so wonder if the restaurant itself have a particular style/theme to match the label?

Stheno · 25-06-2015 6:16pm

Uriel. wrote: »

Somebody mentioned previously that Mint Leaf in Swords was gone and something was to open in its place but I was passing it earlier in the week and it seemed open (menu board outside etc). Any ideas?

Received a menu for the new BBq place (beside Peter Mark) in the door the other day. Seems mainly broadly med style food. Quasi Turkish, Greek, North African etc. Any one tried it? The "BBq" label doesn't fit with the style of food, so wonder if the restaurant itself have a particular style/theme to match the label?

That was me about mint leaf it does seem to be open again

Uriel. · 25-06-2015 8:41pm

Stheno wrote: »

That was me about mint leaf it does seem to be open again

You lied

Jimdagym · 28-06-2015 5:48pm

Out and about today and found ourselves hungry in Swords, so decided to try Essence Bistro. Got there around 3 and it was very quiet.

They have an early bird on, €20/25 for 2/3 courses.
OH and I both went for wings which were really tasty and a nice little spice to them. I wouldn't call them hot, but certainly tasty. Good portion too, about 10 in each.
For mains I had Trout, chickpeas, sundried tomatoes and spinach. All i can say is wow. It was simply stunning. Fantastic piece of trout and cooked perfectly, and the pea, tomato spinach was fantastic. OH had chicken, chestnut potatos, and broccoli, which she loved. I tasted it and it was amazing also, the chicken was so juicy.
The two kids had burger and chips. The burgers were real homemade burgers and very tasty. Kids menu gave them some ice cream too.

All in all, everyone lest there delighted. There were no prices on the kids menu so I think they must have been free with an adult, as the total bill including 6 cokes was €54. I have to say its the best value I have had in about North Dublin. Thats about a tenner more than Eddie Rockets would have cost. Will absolutely be back.

Dizzyblonde · 28-06-2015 7:22pm

Sounds reallly good, we've been meaning to try Essence for a while.

The Black Oil · 28-06-2015 9:51pm

Man O' War

The service was slooooooow to begin with. Longest wait I've ever had to put in an order. Far too long. Things improved considerably once the waitress took our orders. Very much enjoyed the food. Good weather, relaxed atmosphere.

Stheno · 28-06-2015 9:53pm

School house is closed till Thursday, we normally go there most Mondays for the Steak Sizzler which is great value and the OH really enjoys.

After a rather unpleasant encounter with the crew of the crane they have hired (they were completelyblocking the road up to Cooldriona Apartments which becomes one way halfway up, and we needed to go up there, and told us to "****ing drive around the truck" which we couldn't as it would mean we couldn't access that road) , we went in and discovered they are not serving food at the moment until Thursday, but regardless, I made a complaint to the manager about the behaviour of the crane crew and their language (they were completely blocking residents access to the Cooldriona carpark!), who in fairness immediately went out and spoke to them as we were leaving, and we went to Rubys.

It was quite pleasant, and we enjoyed it, I'd the Italian pizza (Parma ham, rocket and cherry tomatoes), OH had the burger special, burger, chips and soft drink for €10 which was great value. I couldn't finish the pizza as it was too much food, but it was delicious

Very relaxed, good music, relaxed, but attentive service, just what I needed, I'm currently commuting 130 miles round trip a day, so it was welcome

Stheno · 01-07-2015 7:57pm

Uriel. wrote: »

Somebody mentioned previously that Mint Leaf in Swords was gone and something was to open in its place but I was passing it earlier in the week and it seemed open (menu board outside etc). Any ideas?

Received a menu for the new BBq place (beside Peter Mark) in the door the other day. Seems mainly broadly med style food. Quasi Turkish, Greek, North African etc. Any one tried it? The "BBq" label doesn't fit with the style of food, so wonder if the restaurant itself have a particular style/theme to match the label?

Having dinner here

Stheno · 01-07-2015 9:34pm

Stheno wrote: »

Having dinner here

So report

Twas good

It's called Cafe Debran and is very non Italian med, more turkish/Greek/Lebanese? I'm not sure, the best I can compare it to is a Lebanese place in Belfast called Byblos who kept me fed when I worked up there and lived in a hotel.

I'm not fierce familiar with that type of cuisine, so I'll just describe some of the menu and what we had.

Starters - Hummus, Falafel, Chicken Borek (chicken in filo with mushroom, garlic and cheese). Then you've brie tempura, garlic prawns, and the ever present chicken wings

Mains are all variants of charcoal grilled meats with sauces, veg, naan bread, spicy potatoes or rice.

Some examples: Shish Taouk, Charcoal Lamb/Chicken, Kafta in Garlic

We'd one of the specials which is a platter of minced beef kofta, chicken shish kebab, and two lamb chops.

I had the chicken, OH ate the rest. It was very tasty, I like food where the taste evolves if that doesn't make me sound like a pompous food critic, but one bite into a piece of the chicken and you got the charcoaly flavours, then a couple of seconds later you got the very gentle taste of the spices used.

It came with what looked like rice with herbs (I didn't eat the rice) and a filo pastry bowl of roasted veg. My word, the veg was just gorgeous. I detest overcooked veg, these were lovely and crunchy, and like the chicken had "layers of flavours" you tasted the veg first then the spices they were cooked in, they were delicious, I spent a pleasant few minutes figuring out what the spices were, there was definitely cumin in there, and I thought cardamom, but when I asked it was cumin and paprika.

The service was very good, we arrived in and were given our choice of tables as they weren't terribly busy which is logical enough given they are not open long.

If any of you remember it when it was the chinese, it looks like it's had a good makeover, it's very bright and cheerful, lovely music playing in the background as well.

We ordered the special to share as neither of us were terribly hungry given the heat, and were brought a complimentary plate of some form of flatbread (It was like a cross between naan and pitta, think naan, but not as thick as you'd get in the Indian) and a small bowl of hummus

Now my OH refuses to touch the stuff, and anytime I've eaten it apart from in Byblos in Belfast, I've thought it vile. However the bread was warm, I was hungry and it was slightly different, in that the ingredients were chickpeas, garlic, sesame seeds and lime juice) It came out with a dollop of lime juice and was just yummy, I think it's the tahini in most hummus that I've eaten that I don't like, I could have eaten it all straight from the bowl.

Staff are very friendly and courteous, service is relaxed, but prompt, and it was a very pleasant evening out.

We'll definitely be going back

Jimdagym · 01-07-2015 11:03pm

Great write up.
I'll be trying there out, thanks Stheno

Stheno · 01-07-2015 11:06pm

Jimdagym wrote: »

Great write up.
I'll be trying there out, thanks Stheno

Thanks, It's very reasonably priced too Jimdagym, forgot to mention that, and they've an offer where you get a menu with two vouchers on it for discounts on future meals.

Jimdagym · 05-07-2015 9:04pm

More food!!!! Need to put the brakes on the dining out!!!!

Wedding anniversary yesterday so we went to Jaipur in Malahide. It was our first time there, but boy, what a treat.
I had a prawn and chili paste and scallion paste for starters. It was amazing. The prawns were perfect and the paste was just superb. The OH got a tasting platter which had some fish, chicken, beef and the biggest prawn I have ever seen. I tried a piece of everything and it was all superb.
For mains I had laal maas which was a slow roast lamb curry type dish with basmati rice. Could barely get the lamb on the fork it was so tender. One of the best Indian dishes I have ever had in my life. OH had a monk-fish dish with a green, spicy curry sauce. Again, my sampling found it to be top notch. The fish was really well cooked and there was plenty of it.
Service was perfect, and we were a bit too stuffed to try a dessert.
It was a bit pricey, as with a €33 bottle of Riesling, and a €15 half bottle of Merlot the bill came to €130, but I do think it was worth it, its just a treat place and not a regular dinner out place.
One thing though, on Friday evening we could not book a table for Kajjal for Saturday night (only 6 o'clock) and the busiest Jaipur got was only about half full.

Stheno · 05-07-2015 9:39pm

Jimdagym wrote: »

More food!!!! Need to put the brakes on the dining out!!!!

Wedding anniversary yesterday so we went to Jaipur in Malahide. It was our first time there, but boy, what a treat.
I had a prawn and chili paste and scallion paste for starters. It was amazing. The prawns were perfect and the paste was just superb. The OH got a tasting platter which had some fish, chicken, beef and the biggest prawn I have ever seen. I tried a piece of everything and it was all superb.
For mains I had laal maas which was a slow roast lamb curry type dish with basmati rice. Could barely get the lamb on the fork it was so tender. One of the best Indian dishes I have ever had in my life. OH had a monk-fish dish with a green, spicy curry sauce. Again, my sampling found it to be top notch. The fish was really well cooked and there was plenty of it.
Service was perfect, and we were a bit too stuffed to try a dessert.
It was a bit pricey, as with a €33 bottle of Riesling, and a €15 half bottle of Merlot the bill came to €130, but I do think it was worth it, its just a treat place and not a regular dinner out place.
One thing though, on Friday evening we could not book a table for Kajjal for Saturday night (only 6 o'clock) and the busiest Jaipur got was only about half full.

I've always wanted to try that place, thanks for the review

Think Bon appetit might top it though for a special occasion!

Jimdagym · 05-07-2015 10:29pm

Stheno wrote: »

I've always wanted to try that place, thanks for the review

Think Bon appetit might top it though for a special occasion!

Thanks.
I agree, I'm a big fan of Bon Appetit myself, and the place is hopping since the switched gears by closing upstairs. The best meal I have ever had in my life was in the restaurant upstairs!

Dizzyblonde · 06-07-2015 1:49pm

We had a great meal in Masterson's in Swords on Saturday night, there was a large group of us and everyone was pleased with the food. We were last there a few years ago and we didn't like it at all, so it seems to have improved quite a lot

Stheno · 14-07-2015 10:05pm

Aaaahhhhh I'm like that slobbery picture of homer here minus the belly

Am working in a hotel this week, so I'd a lovely roast beef dinner (said in my best bogger accent) at lunchtime.

To top that off, the Oh who normally goes out and does man things on a Tuesday, is off away to the family home to see his dad for a few days, so he decided he'd devote some time to his beloved.

Said beloved (i.e. me) decided we'd check out Rubys Tuesdays, where there is some serious value, half price on the 14 oz steak, and same for the chicken and ribs combo.

Upon checking facebook, we also discovered they have another flash sale with a 50 euro voucher going for thirty of your finest euros, and a 100 euro voucher on sale for fifty euros.

As both my and OHs sons birthday are coming up in August this added to the incentive to go.

Arrived in close to eight, and there was a queue! (I hate queues) Didn't queue long, got told there was a twenty minute wait for a table, and asked if we could grab a drink at the bar.

Spent a pleasant twenty minutes at the bar watching the barmen doing cocktails, and trying to figure out what the cocktails were (I'm not a cocktail drinker) and perusing the menu. You may remember one of my recent reviews was the new BBQ restaurant where I raved about their hummous.

Having eaten enough to fill a farmer at lunchtime with my roast beef lunch, I decided to just have the hummous with flatbread (two types of hummous, normal hummous then one with basil and what looks like peppers), while OH gorged on the chicken and ribs combo.

Twas only gorgeous, fantastic flatbread, and really really tasty hummous, and a big serving of each, nothing I hate more than stingy bread servings with dips, was just what I wanted.

The OH reverted to childhood gorging on the chicken and ribs, and to my shame, I'd to ask for extra napkins to clean up his mess, and send him to the bathroom when he emerged post-gorge, covered hand and mouth in sauce.

Lovely service throughout as well, both of us are out the wall with work at the moment, so it was a really welcome experience.

We decided to buy two of the hundred euro vouchers which will cover both birthdays, and the lady on the front desk was incredibly patient when I asked about food for the Ohs "allergic to everything" daughter, so that's sorted.

It's a special deal on a Tuesday, but for a very large portion of hummous, a half roast chicken, slab of ribs, coleslaw, fries, and a side of corn, with a coke, three glasses of wine, and a coffee, our bill came to 38.50.

I was gobsmacked, really becoming a fan of this place.

Stheno · 21-07-2015 11:19pm

So. The New Old Boro

Oh was out on his manly pursuits thing tonight, so I persuaded him when he came back that it would be a good idea to check it out.

So down we went but just for a drink (two in my case)

Parked on main st. and walked up

Lovely beer garden out the front, but there appears to be no smoking area whatsoever.

Got in, anyone who's been before will remember the giant circular bar that dominated.

Wetherspoons have made much better use of the space, it's divided into "rooms" and the bar is right at the back when you come in.

It was fairly jammers, expected slow service, but we were literally five seconds at the bar before we'd someone looking for our order. Glass of Merlot, and a glass of Coke, €5.75, I almost asked if they were sure.

Found a nice seat (on a seating basis, I would estimate this is now the largest bar in Swords, given the work they have done with the space) and sat down to study the menus.

These guys are going to present a serious challenge to food providers/bars in Swords

As a direct comparison, Rubys do a chicken/ribs combo most days for about 25 euro, down to 13.95 euro on a Tuesday.

These guys do the same with more sides, every day with a soft drink for 12 euro, or 14 with an alcoholic drink. They also serve until 11pm every night when it comes to food, this drives me bats a lot in Swords as I travel a lot with work and the 9pm deadline that seems to be de facto drives me nuts

I liked the layout of the place, the service, and the food choice although I didn't eat.

I think their main challenge will be who their core clientele will be, if they get that right, it will be a great addition

I can see myself happily spending a Saturday afternoon perusing the papers and eating brunch in the beer garden there. Nicely laid out, plenty of relaxing space, good service on opening day.

neris · 22-07-2015 8:46am

Stheno wrote: »

So. Nicely laid out, plenty of relaxing space, good service on opening day.

there were threads here on their 2 places southside when they opened and alot of giving out about how poor the service was and lack of beers, they must have learned from those 2.

BKWDR · 23-07-2015 11:31am

Went to the Old Borough yesterday, only open 24 hours at this stage.

Went by on the way to the Carnegie Court for dinner (which by the by was 110% delish). Old Borough was very busy (5pm) with a lot of families eating and groups drinking, obviously ppl having a nose like we were. Pint of Tuborg and a glass of red wine, 6.75 ...say whatttt! We stopped and had two drinks, and looked at the menus, very reasonable. I took pictures of them to text to friends but suffice to say it is great value. I don't know the quality as i didnt order food but if its anythign like in the UK it will be perfect for what it is.

When we were there the till system and card system went down and a few ppl complained but as i said to the girl working the bar that was getting complained at, you can't be perfect after only being open 24 hours. Lively crowd was gathering and off we went for dinner down in swords. The real kicker was, after leaving our dinner and walking up the road for a 'nightcap' we picked empire and by the time we went to go in we just said feck it and decided to go up to Wetherspoons, why spend 12/13e when we can spend 6or 7. No brainer.

Also the food to 11 is great, i've also been annoyed at the 9pm shut off at eating in swords.

Interesting to see how they are doing when the initial hype wears off but i think its a great addition to swords. Not to mention the 20/30 local ppl we saw working in the place!!

Dinner Tonight! Where to go? - Restaurant & Eating Out Recommendations for NCD

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