Hotels, Highlights, and Hairspray!

So this past weekend saw a mixture of events, with a trip down to Portlaoise and a last minute dash to the hairdressers!

After a few busy weeks and some car trouble, we decided a long overdue adventure was in order. And after becoming somewhat of a hotel snob in recent years, I thought I'd just book a cheap deal and get out of dodge for a bit. After recently relishing that Hotels.com have a loyalty reward programme I had a look on their site to find a deal. What could be more satisfying than finding a bargain night away, and gaining free rooms nights at the same time! 

I found a great deal for the Maldron Hotel in Portlaoise for €58! It’s a 3 star hotel that probably is only lacking the fourth because of the location and the food. It was an hour’s drive from Dublin and we arrived at 2.30pm to check in, however our room wasn’t ready (check in was supposed to be 2pm). This was fine as we wanted to get some lunch, so we popped into their adjoining restaurant Stir. When we walked in we grabbed a seat and waited to be served before realising it must be help yourself. We looked at the menu on display by the counter and both chose the Chicken Caesar Wrap, only to be told after finally gaining the chefs attention that they only had carvery. Slightly confused I advised him that wasn’t listed on the menu – he didn’t respond (there was a gaudy sign hanging above the restaurant when we pulled up to the hotel stating ‘Carvery €8.95’, but I didn’t think this was all they would have). Starving at this point I said we would both take the roast beef. He loaded two huge portions on the plates for €8.95 each.

The food was only OK, so we finished up had a beer, watched the rugby and went to check in. We got our room quickly and went up to leave our bags. The room was basic but spotless, happy enough with our accommodation for the night we decided to go exploring. 

We drove into the town, it seemed nice enough. We stumbled across an ancient burial ridge dating back to the 17th century. The Ridge of Maryborough was formed by an esker during the Ice age, then used as a road before becoming the burial ground of Maryborough.

No matter where I go I get excited when I find a Local Newspaper hub or radio station, so it was only fitting that on our wander we found the office of the Laois Nationalist. It was closed unfortunately so I didn’t get to go in.

Along our way we also found a gorgeous cafe, Chocolate Brown they do amazing cupcakes! 

Before long it was time to head back to the hotel and we took a well earned dip in the pool before soaking in the Jacuzzi and chilling in the Steam room.

We didn’t fancy going back into town, so we just went back to Stir to try the evening menu. What can I say it went from bad to worse. Not overly hungry we shared a starter of chicken wings which were only Ok. For main I had the Italian Tagliatelle with chicken, which was pretty tasteless though edible. A chicken burger arrived for my partner instead of the supreme of chicken which was ordered and was only OK. We decided to share a Lemon Meringue pie after spying someone at the next table with one. It arrived and looked delightful. I took a bite and wasn’t quite sure what I was tasting to be honest. So to narrow it down I tasted the ‘meringue’ first, which tasted like polystyrene, The curd tasted off and the biscuit base was stale. I spent over 35 minutes trying to gain the waitresses attention, while she polished spoons in the corner. When she arrived I filled her in and they generously gave us a free round of drinks for the trouble.

After this we were both feeling ready for bed when a group of men and women – who seemed to be having a reunion of some sorts – called to us and asked us to stay for a sing-song. Having grown up with many a sing song in my aunties and uncles home I was only too delighted to stick around.

There was singing, a fiddle and a flute, funny masks and eventually some spoon playing from a championship spoon and fiddle player and their families. They were so warm and welcoming which made for a incredible evening. The hospitality in Portlaoise was amazing.

We eventually rolled into bed about 5 and had a late check out which was perfect. We rolled out of bed the next morning in search of breakfast and ended up in the Rafters Cafe in Laois shopping centre. It looked gorgeous, the soup was amazing but the Chicken, Brie and Cranberry wrap was awful. I wouldn’t be rushing back.

Last Thursday evening with the weekend looming and my roots needing some major TLC, I set about a major search for a last minute appointment to get my highlights done. SalonAddict.ie is always great for finding last minute appointments, and great deals. I found a great little salon in town, perfect for on the way home from work called CharmingHair Salon, on Burgh Quay – a full head of mesh highlights and blow-dry for €75.

A lovely girl called Monica looked after me and did a gorgeous job, absolute bargain. The front of the salon is quite cramped, but modern, while the back - where I was seated - and the toilet are very tired looking. I had to move chairs a couple of times, but other than that I couldn't fault the place! Great service, perfect location, bargain price.

Which leads me onto my next fabulous find, the Umberto Gianni Glam Hair back comb in a bottle! I got this in my Christmas sticking as a filler and have been dying to try it out. I brought it along on Saturday, along with my curling wand and tailcomb. I literally just curled and sprayed and this gave me a 1920’s inspired finger wave in my fringe and a curly do which lasted into Monday! I absolutely love this spray and can’t wait to use it again! €8.49 Boots

Brasserie 7, Capel Street

Brasserie 7, located in the North Inner City, on a corner between Mary's Abbey and Capel Street, opposite the Boar’s Head. 

A modern-ish Brasserie with a twist; the food can be hit or miss, it is definitely not one of Dublin’s hidden gems.

I’ve been here four times now and that’s just about all I can take. Venturing inside one evening a few years back for dinner with a friend, I was charmed by the grand piano in the centre of the room. The restaurant's decor is modern vintage chic with a slight hint of the Orient in parts - mirrors adorning the walls, alongside garish red canvas paintings.

On my return this week the place looked tired. I had purchased a biteabargain voucher for €19 which included a starter and a main for two people. The menu had changed significantly since my last visit. 

I ordered the chicken wings and the Spinach & Ricotta cheese tortellini. My friend also had the chicken wings and the Pan fried supreme of chicken which she loved. I have to admit the chicken wings were divine, but the pasta was undercooked and tasteless. The sauce was nice and it looked beautiful, but who wants to chew on undercooked pasta.

This was a stark contrast to the previous menu of Irish Goat's Cheese, Roasted Garlic & Honey Salad with Candied Walnuts & Raspberry Vinaigrette. Summer delights tossed into one bowl. It was beautiful, bursting with sweetness and evened out with the creamy coolness of the cheese. 

The Twice cooked Daube of Irish Beef, which consisted of slow cooked beef in red wine sauce, Horseradish Mash and compote of Cabbage, pancetta & rosemary had sincerely lived up to its complex description. The beef was mouth-watering and the mash and cabbage were equally as nice, but I'm not sure where the pancetta was hiding. Much less vibrantly the Butter Thyme Roasted Breast of Chicken arrived across the table, also served with Mash Potato, accompanied by Greens, and Creamy Wild Mushroom Sauce. The report was good, but more-ish.

On that occasion we didn't have a second thought about ordering another glass of wine or dessert. We decided to share two. Our choices: the Lemon Posset with Lime & Coconut Cream and the Baileys Cheesecake. They were both like a mini piece of heaven. I adore lemon desserts and cheesecake - both were delightful. Dinner for two with an enticing voucher from GrabOne (2015)for €19.90 for 2 courses and a glass of wine each, two desserts and extra wine came to €37.90.

Last time I would have definitely said they were worth a visit as they always have great deals on, great food and fabulous service but now I would say give the place a wide berth.

With the biteabargain for €19, coffee and water added on, the whole debacle came to €25.60. You get what you pay for!

Milanos, Baggott Street Lower (Bridge)

I was here last night with a pal for a bite to eat and a vino to take advantage of the lovely weather we're experiencing in Dublin!
We sat outside overlooking the canal and the atmosphere was buzzing; everyone was in a good mood under the summer sun! I had worked here about 10 years ago before it was Milanos and it was strange seeing all the changes, I have to say I preferred the previous design but Milanos is what Milanios is, great food and affordable.

We both ordered the Legarro Ameican Hot which is served with salad in the centure as a lighter choice pizza. We also got the polenta fries which were gorgeous washed down with a nice large glass of Shiraz.

The service was good, the first waiter we had was a little hyper, which I'm not a fan of when you go for a relaxing meal - they sent over a second waiter who was a little more relaxed and was really lovely to deal with.

I would highly recommend their outside dining area!

Juls

Eathos, Baggot Street

This place is a little gem in the city! There are very few places that do wholesome lunches in Dublin, but this one is exceptional. Amazing food and desserts laid out in the windows to entice you inside.

I got the Lemon Chicken with grated carrot salad. It was so fresh and tasty, full of flavour. My friend got the roast aubergine which she wasn't impressed with as it was served cold. 
The deserts in the window were too tempting to resist so we shared a Chocolate and Raspberry tart oozing with Mascarpone and white chocolate. It was on many levels the best dessert I've ever had. 

The design was cool, modern and sleek, ultimately minimalistic with a gorgeous garden area out the back. 

The only negative I would have was that when we went in first, it's not entirely obvious whether you have to go to the counter to order or be waited on; but once we got over this hiccup the service was fantastic as well, very fast turnaround.

I would highly recommend Eathos, shame it doesn't open on the weekends!

Juls

Pubs of Dublin: Searsons, Baggott Street

I wanted to share this extraordinary pub with you. Searsons is steeped in history, with patrons such as Brendan Behan, a fellow Crumlin man, and Patrick Kavanagh both famous Irish poets – is a traditional Irish pub which recently got a revamp by new owner Charlie Chawke.

Tripadvisor

I met a friend there last night for some dinner and drinks. I hadn’t been to Searsons since a Christmas party in 2008, so the changes were a little disorientating at first; I thought I was in the wrong place. It’s completely modernised, whilst keeping the traditional feel; it looks fantastic. The bar is situated at the front of the pub in the centre and is accessible from all sides in a U-shape. The seating area both in the bar and dining area is open and airy, yet warm. The dining area is located right beside the open kitchen, with its modern, sleek design, which is complimented by the chic red sofa seating along one wall and Cream leather chairs througout. 

We were welcomed into the heart of the dining area and the waitress couldn’t have been more attentive, making sure we had everything we required. I ordered the Linguini Arrabbiata with Chicken.

It was absolutely delicious, and flavoursome. I couldn’t resist the Terry’s Chocolate Orange Cheesecake which just melted in my mouth. It was the most luscious cheesecake I’ve ever tasted, topped off by a fresh mint chocolate icecream - heaven. My friend had the Rotisserie half Chicken which she said was "succulent". I tasted her honey carrots which were delightful.

 

As the evening wore on, the changing, coloured lighting made for some welcome ambience as we nattered the time away over a few reasonably priced, and tasty glasses of wine.

I almost forgot to mention the highlight of Searsons for me, is the piano. What a beauty; and as I stared at it in awe, I noticed that the cardboard tealight lampshade was advertising not only Sunday Jazz nights, but Saturday Piano night. HOW have I not heard of this before? I will most definitely be making a date with that piano in the next few weeks.

 #78 of 1971 best restaurants in Dublin on Tripadvisor

Monty's of Kathmandu, Temple Bar, Dublin

A little bit of Nepal appeared on a Dublin side street 18 years ago; and only surprisingly discovered by me on a random search for a staff night out. I have literally walked by this place on my way home from work a thousand times and never spotted it! It is an absolute gem in Temple bar, a place most Dubliners avoid at all costs.

I was tasked with taking some of my international colleagues for dinner in town. One of them is Muslim and so I wanted to ensure the restaurant was Halal; so I went to my trusty source tripadvisor for help. I came across Monty’s and wasn’t sure at first as I’d never heard of it; however the reviews were so outstanding that I thought we’d have to try it. It was listed #98 out of 1968 best restaurants in Dublin to visit on Tripadvisor, and has now risen to #90!

After a movie, we all wandered towards Temple bar, not quite sure what to expect or where to find it. The restaurant is well tucked into an edge Eustace Street, cornered near busy Dame Street. As we approached the doorway, I was pleasantly surprised by the many twinkling, fairy lights dancing in the window and as we stepped up into the doorway towards a red velvet curtain that cloaked the doorway, I knew we were in for something special.

We were seated right inside the door, a long table big enough for 8 was set with beautiful bronze side plates and heavy silverware, adorned with two of our colleagues already enjoying a beer.  We were seated and one of my colleagues, a bit of a wine buff, set about making a selection from lavish list.  Looking through the dinner menu was like strolling through food heaven, I adore Indian and Thai food so I never had any doubt that Nepalese cuisine would be right up my street. One of my colleagues sitting beside me was from Bangladesh and he was well acquainted with some of the dishes and he was giving me some tips, however most of his options included squid or lamb, since I eat neither I had to go it alone. I wanted to try something traditional so I opted for the Chicken Ledo Bedo, a Nepali curry served with plain rice. It was so tasty, the chicken was succulent and the curry was fragrant and light with a side of Garlic naan to mop up my plate (you can’t lick your plate in public!). There were plenty of poppadoms with chutney, mint yoghurt and chilli also while we waited on our mains. 

 

The night went down a treat with the gang and I would recommend a visit, either day or night. The atmosphere is warm, extremely friendly with excellent service and only the sound of content patrons echoing in the background; no noisy stereo pumping out crap music. It is a world away from Temple Bar.

 

Restaurant Review: Munchies

Have you ever heard the term in HR of a shit sandwich? Well anyone who's worked in a corporate environment has inevitably been dealt one at one time or another. Well today Munchies, Baggott Street, dealt me just that; and it certainly wasn't a sandwich like Mammy used to make!

Munchies are one of my favourite lunch spots! They are a franchise based around Dublin, so I’m sure there is one near you.
My number one sambo there is the Chicken Whoopie, I think they are kind of famous or something... My second is the Falafel Whoopie on a wrap which is super tasty. The best stores are down in the IFSC near where I used to work the tiny one near the Harbourmaster is the best – but a newer shop opened near Mayor square last year and it’s handy due to the fact it has seating. The owner’s daughter was even kind enough to sponsor food for our film shoot a couple of years ago – so shout out to Chloe for that! Thank you, we will forever be in your debt!

My next choice after the IFSC would have to be Dawson Street; this little shop also has exemplary service but is a little bit far when you want to grab a quick bite, so I usually head to the one on Baggot Street. I do have to say though while the guys here seem nice enough, they always seem under fierce pressure and a little bit snotty. I have been in here several times for handiness sake, and the service leaves a lot to be desired. I hate giving places a bad review, but when you are paying for a service and it stinks...then people have the right to be warned! We’re all under pressure at work, but if I had that attitude, I know I’d be given my marching orders! It’s such a shame for Munchies though because it could be great.

The food is great though so go see Chloe in Mayor Square, where you will get your lunch with a smile!

The Green Hen Restaurant, Dublin

I along with several other food enthusiasts went for dinner here last week. I had never heard of The Green Hen, but once I knew where we were going I jumped online to check out the menu; eager to see what delights they had in store for us. Their website is classic, tasteful and easy to navigate, so within seconds I was glancing through the menu options. I clicked on the Early Bird option as I knew this was what we’d booked and was delighted to see the choices on the menu, 3 courses for €22.

 

I have walked down Exchequer Street hundreds of times and never noticed this beautiful restaurant, more the pity. I got there just on time and was pleasantly surprised by the warm reception of the staff and the chic décor. I felt a sudden sense of familiarity which reminded me of a Parisian café, nestled in a corner that I’d just happened upon. 

 The waitress led me upstairs to our table which was situated beside the bar. This space is a smaller, more intimate dining area but was perfect for our table of ten. 

The staff were so attentive and we had ordered in no time at all – I opted for the Goats Cheese & Beetroot Salad to Start, followed by the Pan Fried Fillet of Hake with white beans, Chorizo and Kale; and to Finish the most amazing dish of all, the Chocolate & Hazelnut Parfait. 

 

While I thought all the food was beautiful, I did feel the mains was lacking in Kale; apart from four tiny leaves and a few white beans there wasn’t much to accompany the Hake which was disappointing.

The Green Hen is ranked #223/ 1962 best restaurants in Dublin on Tripadvisor and I would highly recommend this restaurant if you fancy “French cuisine with an Irish Twist” (GH).

Angel Park Eatery, Deli and Restaurant

Dare I say it but the Angel Park Eatery is a little gem! It’s conveniently located near my office, so today knowing I would be working late, I took the plunge and ventured down for a hot lunch.

The interior is simple, yet tasteful with a vibrant staff and a buzzing atmosphere; a New York eatery in the heart of Dublin city, compounded by thick Dublin accents. It makes for a very warm feeling, topped with top quality wholesome food.

They had an array of hot boxes on offer including: Malaysian Chicken curry, Chicken Dippers, and Chilli Con Carne. They also had a large variety of salads and sides. I chose the Chilli Con Carne with steamed rice, mixed leaves and toasted seed & carrot salad, topped off with sour cream. It was utterly scrumptious.

I would highly recommend this little deli, located on Lower Mount Street, Dublin 2.

Chow Down!

Juls x

The Blazin' Grill

The Blazin’ Grill, Tallaght, looks like it has a lot to offer; with its contemporary design, timber cut tables and chilled out attitude. An extremely friendly atmosphere, with great service, - although a little on the slow side. It would seem to be the perfect alternative on a Sunday afternoon, to the usual carvery down the pub! The atmosphere is quite and family orientated, with 3 course set menus at €19.50 which is most friendly on the wallet and to top that off on Sunday’s kids’ meals are free (from the kids menu).

 

The Blazin' Grill

My friends had raved about the food, as they eat there all the time so I was eager to try it. However, I was a little underwhelmed. I went for their famous Blazin’ Chicken wings, which were perfectly cooked, crispy and succulent. The ‘Blazin’ sauce on the other hand was a little too sweet and not enough ‘Blaze’ as the name suggests -  a far cry from other hot wings. For my main course I chose the Roast Chicken Breast, Stuffing and Bacon – what self-deserving Dubliner doesn’t love a good Sunday roast?! Over all the meal was only OK, nothing to write home about. The meat was dry and tasteless, however the roasted carrot and turnip completely made up for that.

After that lot, I was extremely looking forward to the Raspberry "Styled" Cheesecake which came highly recommended. When it arrived at the table, I was awed by the presentation which was stunning. Sadly, it was not love at first bite! The first word that came to mind was Flubber! Had I wished, I could have easily dribbled my desert through the restaurant before I slam dunked back to the kitchen.

It’s unfortunate that for such a beautiful restaurant, it was the food that let them down. Ironic.