Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud

Back in July Himself and I were gifted a voucher to Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud as a wedding present. It is Ireland’s only two star Michelin, which is located in Dublin so we were very excited to be visiting during our time at home over the holidays

We arrived early to soak up the atmosphere and weren’t disappointed. After walking through their iconic doors and checking in at reception, our coats were taken and we were lead into a blue lounge area where we were greeted by various wait staff as we sunk into luxurious armchairs

We were immediately invited to order drinks and after having all the Champagne available recited to us, I jumped at the chance to indulge in my very favourite – Veuve Clicquot Rosé! Himself ordered a beer that I’d never heard of before called 8 Degrees which he really enjoyed

While sipping on our delicious beverages, we cracked open our menus

As we were choosing what to have, the Somelier arrived with the largest Wine List I have ever seen – it was an absolute doorstop of a book!

In the end I gave up on the idea of having wine with our meal – I know it’s not what you’re meant to do – but in my mind, no wine can compare to Veuve Clicquot Rosé and himself is always happier with a beer, so we stuck with what we had!

Shortly after placing our order we were brought through to our table for the evening (each table is only given one service for the entire night – hence why you have to book so far in advance, especially if you’re looking for a Friday or a Saturday evening!)

Once we were seated (in a lovely nook type corner booth) a flurry of activity ignited. The amuse-bouche was placed in front of us, celeriac mouse with a caramelised walnut, topped with grated carrot

accompanied swiftly by delicate blue cheese puff-pasty spheres

And bread – lots and lots of bread! I chose the Sun-dried Tomato and their House Brown

While Himself chose the Black Olive and the Bacon (I loved how they were all served up as mini loaves!)

All of the above was majorly nom and there wasn’t a scrap left when our plates were collected!

Reminiscent of our time in Barcelona (and after a perfectly timed breather) our starters arrived by synchronised swimmers masquerading as wait staff!

Himself had ordered the grilled Castletownbere scallops accompanied by bacon and cabbage

And I went with croquettes of suckling pig, fried quail egg, foie gras, pancetta and red pepper mostardo

The scallops really were exquisitely done and we both remarked on how my dish looked more like a piece of art rather than a starter, but that didn’t deter me for long and I dove right in.

It was excellent, although for future reference, I’m not sure quail eggs are for me, aside from that however, it was thoroughly delicious!

After another round of drinks arrived, so too did our main course. Fillet of Irish beef and roast foie gras madeira and truffle jus for Himself

With mellow spiced Wicklow lamb basque, pepper stew, bergamot condiment, taggiasca olive jus for me

The sauces, oh the sauces – both so different – yet both so incredibly moreish, we were gutted we had no bread left to mop up the left overs…although, I’m fairly sure that that’s not entirely the best etiquette when dining in a Michelin star restaurant…!

Alongside our main courses, a petite casserole dish was brought to our table

stored inside, was the fluffiest, most cloud like dollop of mashed potatoes I have ever tasted – there was nearly an all out brawl over the last spoonful!

Next up was our palate cleanser, a beautiful sorbet surrounded by coconut milk and individual droplets of jelly, unusual, but very good

Before we knew it, it was time for dessert, however, first out to us wasn’t anything that we had ordered, our waiter brought us a pretty little dessert stand packed full of bite sized treats

We were actually given two of the pink lollipops, as our waiter wanted us to guess what was on the inside, but he said it was a “one bite only” situation (it was filled with very runny liquid so trying to split it would’ve been impossible!). I took a stab that it was passion fruit and with a winning smile, our waiter told us that it was actually Guava, followed by saying that he was very impressed at how close my answer had been…

*cue a beaming me and some eye rolling from Himself!

Everything on the stand was delectable! And so pretty ^ just look at the gold shimmer on that chocolate macaron – glorious!

Our ordered desserts arrived once we had cleared the tasty treats (which didn’t take all that long!). The Guanaja Chocolate and peanut parfait with salted caramel and popcorn ice cream was a big hit with Himself

He eagerly urged me to try a little of everything on the plate and I’m glad I did as it was super tasty.

I was very excited about my Grand Marnier Soufflé, but was definitely not prepared for the size of it – the ramekin was twice as large as a normal one – if not more!

With baited breath we both watched as my spoon sunk into the soufflé – to be honest I was expecting it to either sink instantly or pop like a balloon – I really wasn’t quite sure which!

But no, it stayed tall and proud for as long as was possible, a truly fascinating sight!

After dessert, our holding plates were returned (these had been in place when we first sat down at our table for the evening), I love that the front door is their logo, it’s on almost everything and looks so inviting!

Unbeknownst to me, my favourite part of the dining experience was about to arrive in the form of a very large and heavy, wooden box

In-house made chocolate truffles!

When the waiter turned the key, there was a satisfying click and before lifting the lid, he stood behind it so that on it’s opening, you’re hit with the incredible scent of high quality chocolate.

Two expertly made truffles are chosen for each guest and then, to truly answer my hearts desire, I was offered coffee to go with it

But not just any coffee, oh no, this coffee was the smoothest espresso I’ve ever tasted!

and coupled with those decadent truffles?! – I mean – I don’t think I uttered any coherent words to Himself until there was nothing left and even then, it was just to say – oh.my.nom!

After chatting and laughing so hard I thought my sides might split, we settled the bill and made our way back out to the reception area to collect our coats

Outfit

Coat, similar | Dress (sold out), Similar | Shoes – limited edition aqua heels, similar | Bag, similar | Gucci scarf, similar | Red Lips

The whole street was beautifully decorated with big wreaths, red bows and twinkling lights, it looked stunning and perfectly Christmassy

Not quite ready for the evening to end, we hopped in next door to The Cellar

Deep in the bowels of The Merrion Hotel, the cellar bar with it’s stone flooring and wooden bar awaits you. I sipped away on a Cosmo, which I know is no surprise to anyone who reads this blog, but Himself got all adventurous and tried a Tom Crean beer (brewed in Ireland by the Dingle Brewing Company) which he found to be pretty delicious! We basked in the loveliness of being toasty warm while the wind howled outside

After stretching out our wonderful evening well into the night, it was finally time to step back into the wintery air and head home

If you ever get the chance to experience Restaurant Patrick Guibaud’s for yourself, jump at the chance, you won’t be disappointed

and do make sure to smuggle some chocolate truffles out the door for me!

Rxx