Delicious Britain & Ireland: 2005
When you take your tongue out sightseeing in Britain or Ireland, what are its favorite taste treats? (Or does it just want to go back home?)
Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice
One of minor pleasures of traveling to the UK, is the ability to buy freshly squeezed OJ at places like Marks & Spencer. Sadly fresh squeezed juice has been all but otlawed in most places in the US :(
Michael Schneider
ny USA Mon 12/05/2005
Blue Zone rocks!
Awsome pizzas and a great wine list by the glass awaited us at this newish establishment in Dingle (which btw anyone headed for good old Eire must go visit!)
A blues band was playing a medley of John Lee Hooker & JJ Cale stuff. Atmospheric place: we had a the oriental duck pizza and the green street special which has pesto, zucchinis, swiss chard and our favorite cheese, a smoked gouda. We were the last to leave and we'll be back in these parts sooner than later.
J & M Feingold
San Francisco, CA USA Fri 12/02/2005
I take it back
On the third of August this year I gave a recomendation to the Prince of Wales on the corner of Drury Lane and Great Queen Street in London. I've been eating there on a regular basis for many years. That has come to an end. The new owner has finally hit rock bottom. I won't eat the food anymore at any price. The range of beers is still very good but the food is utter rubbish and reinforces all the old stereotypes about British food.
Al Bishop
Nottingham, UK Mon 10/31/2005
Yummy Dublin
The last part of our trip to Ireland was spent in Dublin and we were really happy with all the places we ate. Johnny Rockets was a fun place, definitely American influenced, The Bad Ass Cafe which is known primarily for it's pizza serves a good steak. Our favorite was Poco Loco, a Mexican place near the Temple Bar area--if you like Mexican you won't be disappointed. My favorite part was helping a couple of Irish women who'd never had Mexican before figure out what refried beans were!
Flo
PA USA Sun 10/30/2005
London Theatre District Restaurants
We just got back from a week in London. Our greatest find was BaliBali at 150 Shaftsbury Ave, just down the street from The Palace Theatre where we saw The Woman In White (fabulous!). We'd already done Indian food three times (Mela is right next door and is wonderful) and had never had Indonesian food so thought we'd give it a try. What a treat! We had the "rijstaffel" (Dutch for rice table) which was a selection of six wonderful dishes served with rice. Food was fresh and deliciosly prepared, wait staff was courteous and helpful and restaurant had a nice ambience. If we'd eatten there earlier in our stay we absolutely would have gone back for a second meal. Price for two with a glass of wine & a beer was 35 pounds, which seemed to be the going rate for all our dinners in London except for our meal at Rules which was just over 100 pounds.
Also in this same area at 45 Wardour St (corner of Shaftsbury)was Chez Biagio Victor which had French and Italian food. We'd just spent a week in Paris and so opted for the Italian and everything was delicious.
Faith
Los Angeles, CA USA Fri 10/28/2005
Rick Steves' Ireland tour
Two of our meals during the trip merit special recognition. Our meals
at the Stone House Restaurant, on the Slea Head loop road were
exceptional. My Duck L'Orange was a dish to die for, the best duck that
I've ever tasted!!
We had another great meal (on our own) at the Trattoria Magnetti
Restaurant in Galway. Our main course was Penne with Pistachio Pesto. It
was exceptional. We had a nice discussion with both the cook & owner.
The owner is half Irish and half Sicilian. Judging from the quality of
the food , this must be a good mix. The restaurant isn't listed in
Rick's book. I highly recommend you add it to your listings."
Bob
Olympia, WA USA Mon 10/24/2005
Edinburgh and Inverness eats
We loved the following restaurants in Edinburgh and Inverness.For Edinburgh try Hanedan 41-42 West Preston St.and Mclaughlins Restaurant at 34 West Preston Rd.These are off Dalkeith Road.
When in Inverness dont miss the lovely Zanzibar Restaurant First Floor 38 Eastgate,Inverness.
Jan Moore
Ocala, Florida USA Mon 10/24/2005
York restaurant: Viceroy of India
Rick's challenge, "If you have yet to eat Indian, this is the place to do it" was, as usual, right on. We don't get excited about chicken and curry in Indian restaurants, but tried it anyway. Confessed this to the host, and he recommended a wonderful set of dishes. You'll love it.
Don Karpen
Talent, OR USA Wed 10/19/2005
Ruthin, North Wales' best eatery
Nick's "On The Hill" restaurant is a winner - excellent food for surprisingly low prices. Try the Rack of Lamb (Local favorite). Choose between the Creme Broulais or Apple and Blackberry Crumble (I'm drooling again). Reserve early. His phone was constantly ringing with requests.
Don Karpen
Talent, OR USA Wed 10/19/2005
Dalkeith Rd Area, Edinbraugh
The New Bell Pub's early (before 1845) special is great (page 361, Great Britain 2005). Excellent food, great service.
Don Karpen
Talent, OR USA Wed 10/19/2005
The Blue Zone Dingle
Went with friends here and I hated it. no Irish atmosphere. The only good thing was you could drink wine until 1.30 am. Was this legal I dont know
Lucy
New York, ny USA Wed 10/19/2005
Dingle rocks!
We got married in Scotland last week (in Edinburgh) and were going to spend our -brief- honeymoon in the west of Ireland. We thought we'd visit Dingle for a day or two and ended up staying the entire week. Great people, an abundance of Celtic history, too many pubs to count and (we think) an automated dolphin to boot! But the real reason we stayed is that we found a great B&B (Heaton's) on the waterfront and fabulous places to hang about and eat: Out of the Blue is highly recommended, fish only and worth the money; the Charthouse where we had a wonderful meal; Lord Baker for a great steak and our fav: we ended up going to the Blue Zone every night as it is a really cool place to loiter and sip wine, eat a pizza -try the "clear conscience" which is sauteed aubergines (eggplant), blue cheese, leeks, walnuts- and listen to jazz. Nice people run it and they have live music two nights a week. We're going back there next year.
Drew & Geri Sontag
Buffalo, NY USA Tue 10/04/2005
Dunderry Lodge
We had some terrific food while touring around Ireland recently. Some of the places have deservedly been mentioned on this site, such as Out of the Blue in Dingle and Leo Burdock's in Dublin. However, one other restaurant needs to be mentioned: Dunderry Lodge in Dunderry, Robinstown, just northeast of Trim in County Meath. Our wonderful hostess at the Crannmor Guest House, Anne O'Regan, suggested it shortly after our arrival, and we are grateful that she did. The Dunderry is civilized without being pretentious, and the menu consists of standards done extremely well. The presentation of our tender lamb shanks napped with red wine mushroom sauce accompanied by sides of assorted fresh vegetables was gorgeous. They offer a weekday special, but even the Saturday full-price meal is a good value considering the quality of the food. Arrive a bit early, grab a comfy sofa in the living-room-like lounge, and look over the menu. If your experience is like ours, you will have a wonderful dinner.
J. Smith
USA Mon 10/03/2005
Llandovery Wales--Great Meditteranean
We had a fabulous dinner at The Olive Tree on the High Street in Llandovery. It was our best meal on our entire trip, and we had some wonderful food elsewhere, as well.
Moderately priced, beautiful decor, attentive server.
Climb the hill and see Llandovery Castle and the view of the town while you're there. Also, the stunning statue of Llewellyn Ap Gruffydd.
Patricia
Dallas, TX USA Sun 10/02/2005
Dublin Dining
I highly recommend The Shack in the Temple Bar neighborhood. We hade veal and corned beef. Everything was wonderful. It was more expensive than average, but this was our "special" Dublin dinner. We ate cheaper on other nights. The atmosphere is terrific and the service was attentive and friendly (the Irish as so warm!).
Another great thing to try is a Boxty. I think it's mentioned in Rick's Ireland book. It's a potato flour pancake stuffed with meat and vegies. It's alot like a French crepe. Very good!
John Carroll
Seattle, WA USA Sat 10/01/2005
Edinburgh and London
I highly recommend The Witchery by the Castle in Edinburgh, Scotland. Throughout our two week trip, my husband and I ate as cheap as we could so that we could splurge on a dinner here.
The Witchery is located at the top of the Royal Mile, right at the base of Edinburgh Castle. It is a beautiful restaurant. You have the option of dining in the "Secret Garden" or the lower dining room. We booked for the lower dining room because outdoor dining would have been chilly at that time of year. We booked before we even left the States and confirmed our booking once we hit Scotland.
The Witchery is not only good for a delicious meal. It is also chock full of history. It is said that witches were burnt right up the hill in front of the castle and that the restaurant itself is a meeting site for the Hellfire Club, as well as being haunted by those scorched witches. :)
The Witchery is also a B&B but the prices are not for the faint of heart. We were content with a meal here.
The wine list is a leather bound novel, but we didn't make it past page one. My husband got a white and I got a red. We ordered appetizers, a main entree and dessert/coffee. A wonderful and memorable meal. It cost us about $150 American but two years later we are still reminiscing about it. It was romantic and delicious and a splurge we would never make at home. A real treat. Being our "delayed honeymoon" we didn't mind a splurge. And frankly, I was getting tired of "pub grub."
Also, we found a fabulous (but inexpensive) Italian restaurant just around the corner from the British Museum in London. We went there twice during our stay. The staff was friendly and the food was divine. La Prezzo was the name if memory serves me. Excellent food.
Shelly
Frederick, MD USA Fri 09/30/2005
Dining in Kinsale Ireland
Enjoyed the food at Le Bistro, Main Street, Kinsale. This is a contemporary open setting in warm tones, serving delicious food of an Asian-French influence. Service was very good also.
Joan
Lomita, CA USA Fri 09/23/2005
Blue Zone
We found a brilliant place in Dingle, west of Ireland. My maternal great-grandmother was born there and judging by the kind of food they ate then I guess it's been a long haul from bacon & cabbage to the Oriental duck pizza at the aply named Blue Zone Jazz & Pizza Wine Bar. Yes folks, you can dine on such titbits and sip exotic Argentinian merlot in Dingle these days while listening to the latest Brazilian jazz numbers in a lowlit, hugely atmospheric environment. And we thought we had it all in Chicago!
JT Flint
Chicago, Ill. USA Sat 09/17/2005
London--Victoria area
If you are staying at the Cherry Court or Georgian House hotels, the closest good food is the Blue Jade, a very nice Thai restaurant at 44 Hugh St. Only a little more expensive than the pubs.
Brooke Jennings
Salt Lake City, Utah USA Thu 09/15/2005
Dining in London's theatre district
I would heartily recommend Rules Restaurant in London located on Maiden Lane near Covent Garden. It is London's oldest restaurant and has wonderful food, not to mention the Old English decor. I've been to London twice and have eaten there both times. They specialize in game from their hunting preserve in the English countryside. Also raise their own beef and it is great. When I ate there in July this year, I had the Sticky date and toffee pudding for dessert....to die for! Can't wait to go back to eat there on my next trip!
Sue
Centralia, Illinois USA Tue 09/13/2005
Moreton-in-Marsh Pub Dining
When in Moreton in Marsh my wife and I would like to recommend dining at Inn on the Marsh. The staff were most helpful and the food delicious. We usually like to try different eating establishments, but the service was so good and the food so great that we ate there twice in three days.
Carter Rogers
Tempe, AZ USA Tue 09/13/2005
Product information
The truth about British food
Toad in the hole does not have any toad in it.
Cornish Pasties do not always come from Cornwall but Melton Mowbray pork pies must come from the Melton area.
Yorkshire pudding does not originate from Yorkshire and it isn't served as a pudding.
A bread roll goes by many names including cob, bap and bun. Depending on what it is called will give you a very accurate indication of what part of the country you are standing in.
Scotch eggs don't originate in Scotland, Chinease Gooseberries don't come from China and Spanish omelettes don't originate in Spain.
Swedes are vegetables not Vikings
Mincemeat comes in a vegetarian option.
Beef olives have nothing to do with olives, beef tomatoes are in fact 100% tomato.
Cock 'a leeky soup is not what you're thinking.
Mulligatawny soup contains no Mulligans or any other person of an ethnic Irish ancestry.
Packets of doughnuts are not marked 'warning this product may contain nuts'
Christmas pudding can be purchased all year round.
Summer pudding can be eaten all year round.
Jugged hare is not served or cooked in a jug and is normally a rabbit.
Scotch Woodcock is neither Scottish or made with Woodcock.
Al Bishop
Nottingham, U Tue 09/13/2005
Food in England
I studied abroad in Brighton, England for three weeks, and was amazed at the amount of Italian restaurants there! All of the Italian food was excellent. I ate at a place called Fat Leo's twice, which was in the Lanes in downtown Brighton. They had deals where you could get 2 or 3 courses for under 10 pounds. All of the pub food was also very good, you can never go wrong with fish and chips. We ate at a great place called Harry Ramsey's- a chain that had the best fish and chips. In London, about a block from Victoria station in Belgravia, we ate at a noodle place called Jenny Lo's. They had many noodle dishes, including vegetarian options for about 7 pounds. If you've heard bad things about England's food, it is definetely not the case. I had wonderful meals there, and now that I'm back home, I'm craving fish and chips!
Sara
Chicago, IL USA Wed 09/07/2005
Mulcahy's in Kenmare - an absolute wonderful dining experience
We ate in Mulcahy's on the recommendation of the hostess at our B&B. We were blown away by the entire experience. The restaurant itself is funky yet relaxed. Presentation of each course is amazing. The chef here obviously works wonders with playing with flavours and boy do they work! You'll get a nice surprise if you order the chowder. Even if you're on a budget holiday and if you have one night to splash out, do it here.
Christopher Blake
Bristol, UK Tue 09/06/2005
eating in London
For really great Chinese food in London, try E Capital. It is just past the gates in China Town. Small and with an attentive staff. The food is top notch. My husband and I have eaten there on several of our trips and never been disappointed.
Toni
Charlotte, NC USA Mon 09/05/2005
Conwy
We had the best fish and chips at Fisherman's in Conwy, Wales. We got them take-a-way and ate them sitting on the steps by the bay. It was amazing!
Julie
USA Wed 08/31/2005
Ayr Restaurant
Cruz Restaurant Bar in Ayr, Scotland. Good food, reasonable prices and very accomadating help. They reduced the cost of our main course as they didn't have the expected number of ribs they usually serve. Went there twice in the 3 days we were in the area.
Ann
Oxford, UK USA Mon 08/29/2005
good food in the theater district
Try Bertorelli's on Floral Street,just off Covent garden,and across from the Opera House.Good Italian food,great service.You can eat in the bar downstairs and have fewer choices or upstairs for a full meal.also try Ponti's in the piazza,sandwiches and drinks,and a nice outdoor location for eating.Just remember that you are charged VAT and service charges for the table. There is also Mark's and Spe
melissa
concord, ca USA Wed 08/17/2005
Blue Zone, Dingle
Who knew! Dingle has so many interesting places to go to it's hard to choose. When we were there ten years ago it was quite different, one or two good restaurants, a few pubs and the dolphin and that was that. Now you can dine on superb seafood (out of the blue)solid home style cooking (lord baker, global village, the goat street cafe) and our favorite, the blue zone (opposite the church, quite impressive building)We don't travel over a continent and the atlantic to eat pizzas but that's what we did three nights in a row. Try the orintal duck or the green street special (swiss chard, pesto, courgettes -zucchinis in our neck of the woods- topped with applewood cheese) or go crazy with the "meathead" calzone, a folded pizza laden with all kinds of meat, a treat. Good selection of wine, from all over the globe and great if not outstanding live music. A must for weary travelers. We'll be back in two years.
Kelly & Jared Howe
Sausalito, CA USA Thu 08/11/2005
Any recommendations for London Theater district?
Try the Prince of Wales on the corner of Drury Lane and Great Queen Street. The food is plain but good ( not outstanding, just good ) and the prices are reasonable. It does have atmosphere and a good range of beers. I eat and drink there regularly.
Al Bishop
Nottingham, UK Wed 08/03/2005
Any recommendations for London Theater district?
I'm going to be seeing a musical in September and a group of us are planning to eat out beforehand. I'm trying to find somewhere that has a good variety and isn't too ethnic (one of the members of the group is very picky, no Japanese or Indian, unfortunately). The theater we're going to is the Picadilly Theatre and the tickets are for an evening show. I'm trying to find something not too expensive, but it doesn't have to be dirt cheap either.
Thanks in advance!
Kris
MD USA Wed 08/03/2005
Wonderful Restaurant
When staying in Dingle, Ireland you MUST try Out of the Blue. It is a seafood only restaurant and they get their fresh seafood from the Dingle Bay. You must make reservations. It is located near the TI building. Enjoy!
Katie Schweigert
Robesonia, PA USA Fri 07/29/2005
London Restaurants
London is a favorite city of mine, and there are a couple of places I eat pretty much every visit - the North Sea Fish Restaurant on Leigh Street (Bloomsbury District) is always good, and the atmosphere is nice, especially when the owner is on site. Cafe Emm on Frith Street in Soho has good food and excellent deals. Recently we went to Porters English Restaurant in Covent Garden - this place has a reputation for being "touristy," and the UK Zagat guide trashed it - but we found it reasonably priced and the food fairly good (they specialize in "pot pies"). I may not recommend making a special trip just for Porters, but if you're nearby, it's a good option. I've also had some very good lunches at various museum cafeterias - the Tower of London has a wonderful cafe, as does the V&A, National Gallery and the British Museum.
Sue G.
Boston, MA USA Thu 07/28/2005
Good food
Regency Tandoori on Old Street between the Barbicon and Old Street Underground Stations was excellent and reasonably priced. Also the Hot dog stand in front of the British Museum was great.
Steve A
Canon CITY, CO USA Tue 07/26/2005
YES! There is good food in the UK!
Amazing but true..I ate the best Thai I've ever had in my life in Stratford Upon-Avon.
I was playing a gig with my band in Leeds when a native of Stratford told us about the Thai Boathouse. Intrigued (and seriously jonzing for spices of any kind), we went to the Thai Boathouse and were truly impressed.
The ambiance is amazing (imported Thai furniture, carvings, statues, etc. and plants everywhere.) and so is the food. After convincing them that we really did want it SPICY, we were not disappointed. I know Rick Steves doesn't think too much of Stratford, but if you want a leisurely day in the park in a beautiful setting and a great Thai meal.it's the only place to be. (just don't pay the arm & leg fee to overnight there)
I also had the best Indian food in Bradford. Not at all a pretty place to visit, but the food was amazing at Omar Kahn's. The jovial owner stood by and watched us eat the spiciest dishes that the kitchen dared to prepare and we ate them with glee. He invited the entire band back to stay at his house where he promised spices galore. We had to get to a gig that night, so we had to decline. We will go back and see if Omar's offer still stands.
Ask a staunch local where they would never eat a meal and go there. It tends to be the best.
beth
San Francisco, CA USA Tue 07/26/2005
Basil Fawlty in Richmond UK
Chez Lindsay restaurant in Richmond London
mentioned elsewhere in these reviews. Food is fine but service is a wonderful joke. Since the service charge is legally optional in the UK, try refusing to pay it here for a very funny performance by the head waiter. He's truly awful.
Gloria
London, UK Sun 07/24/2005
out of the blue
A bostonian, I have lived in Tralee, Co. Kerry for the last seven years and my favorite treat is to drive with my wife to Dingle and indulge in seafood and good wine. For this there are two outstanding places namely out of the blue (which gets an unfair rap a few posts below, blaming a cranky waitress) and the blue zone jazz wine bar. the latter offers great wines and live music, wonderful atmosphere and good looking girls tending the bar. The food at out of the blue is superlative, the service attentive and it's good to see a place that sticks to its guns ie they do seafood only, nothing else. The man who we think is the owner behind the counter seems a little self-absorbed but he obviously has a lot on his plate!
Roger Davies-Knight
Boston, USA Tue 07/19/2005
Dublin Dining
I would have to recommend Cruzzo in Malahide if you are looking for a good seafood restaurant in North County Dublin. Excellent food and good service and the prices reflect this! It is located right on the pier, literally right over the water. There are some amazing views.
For an affordable lunch in Dublin try Avoca, there is a cafe on the top floor and they are the epitome of good Irish food with fresh ingredients and a killer Shepard's pie.
As an Californian living 4 years in Dublin I would disagree with anyone that says Irish food is bland, you obviously weren't eating at the right place. Any dirty pub can fob off sausage and chips as a meal.
Kate
Dublin, USA Tue 07/12/2005
London dining in the crypt of St. Martin in the Field!
Best meal in London? The Crypt at St. Martin in the Field Cathedral, Trafalgar Square! My daughter (picky eater) and I ate there twice, enjoying the reasonably priced and delicious food - salads, roasts, and unbelievably delicious warm bread pudding with custard sauce. We dined by candlelight and choir music filtered down from the evening service above! We returned for a Baroque Concert one evening (reasonably priced tickets) and left enchanted. Met wonderfully friendly church volunteers and Americans attending the concert.
Nancy Daniels
Stroudsburg, PA USA Fri 07/08/2005
Taking leftovers into a Pub
We were just in London and I had the remainder of my pizza packed into a "to go" box to take back to the hotel. On the way, we decided to hit a pub for one last ale before retiring. We brought the pizza box into the pub and the bartender freaked out! He told us that we could not bring food into a public house. He relented when we promised not to open up the box and eat it there. He kept coming by our table and looking at the box, as it sat on a chair. We had no idea that this rule existed. Beware of taking your leftovers into the pubs!
Arthursmomma
Cincinnati, OH USA Wed 07/06/2005
Overrated!
I have to disagree with the comments about Out of the Blue in Dingle. The food is good but if you enjoy being treated like an inconvenience (to put it mildly) when you're out for a meal then by all means go there. We had really rude service while we were there. Very stuck up waitress who made us feel like we were in the way.Avoid it or at least make sure the waitress we met isn't working that day. There are plenty of great places to eat in Ireland where the food AND service are excellent. It annoys me to see OUT OF THE BLUE mentioned so often because we were not impressed at all.
C.Flynn
Ireland Fri 07/01/2005
London Dining
In the Victoria Station neighborhood our best meal was at the Imperial Palace Indian Restaurant. The food was delicious, the price was reasonable (for London), and the staff was very helpful, giving advice as to what our children might enjoy. It's located off of Warwick, between St. George's and Belgrave.
Melissa J.
Alpharetta, Ga USA Thu 06/30/2005
Ramore Wine Bar Portrush, Northern Irealnd
If you are spending any time in Portrush on the Antrim Coast you will not be disappointed if you dine at the Ramore Wine Bar. The food was fantastic. Once you're seated, head up to the bar area and place your order, the menu is extensive with lots of seafood. When your order is ready a server will bring it right to your table. The night I was there the place was jam-packed but for a table for 6 we only had to wait about 15-20 minutes.
If you want to try the Harbor Bistro just next to the Ramore Wine Bar you won't go wrong there either. Both restaurants use the same kitchen, but the menus are slightly different. It's the same set-up as the wine bar, place your order in the bar area and once your food is ready a server will bring it to your table.
Excellent food at either place!
Marcy
Bluffton, SC USA Wed 06/29/2005
Howth (Dublin)/ Waterford
Abbey Tavern in Howth is a wonderful dining expience just outside of Dublin. Genuine irish dancing and singing accompany a fine traditional Irisih Dinner!! I could not recommend it more.
If you tour the Waterford Crystal Factory, do NOT get stuck eating at the cafateria at the end of the tour. The few entree' choices avaialble are bland and expensive (15 Euros on average) for stew and bread. Tourist trap.
Rob Winans
Omaha, NE USA Wed 06/29/2005
Best Sticky Toffee Pudding
Baker Arms, Broadway, England (5 miles from Chipping Campden). Also the best pub food!
Audrey Ellis
Keizer, OR USA Fri 06/24/2005
Don't forget to explore the supermarket!
I usually rent a self-catering place where I can have my own kitchen, but even if I stay somewhere without a kitchen I make sure to shop at the local supermarket. Don't let your trip pass without making at least one pilgrimage to a store. It may look like home, but, my friend, the differences are in the details. Personally, I have a weakness for the custard sold in plastic containers (like yogurt) in the dairy section. It is wonderful alone, or poured all over any of the many cakey/puddingy desserts. The British have more shelf space dedicated to cakes and other sweets than we have in the US. Go figure. If you have access to a kitchen (or even "just a microwave") sample the produce. Much of it is more tasty than American -- mostly because it does not have to be shipped as far. Many of our American varieties have been bred to "travel well" at the expense of taste. Try for yourself. Another bonus is that hitting a supermarket in place of restaurant meals will cut your food budget. Enjoy. Cheers!
M. Wilson
Cambridge, MA USA Sun 06/19/2005
Ennis, Dingle, Kilkenny
Just returned from a few (too few) days in Ireland. The following restaurants are top shelf in cuisine and service:
Ennis--Knox's Restuarant;
Dingle--Lord Baker's and The Global Village;
Kilkenny--Fleva
Brad Newcomer
Dallas, Tx USA Wed 06/15/2005
Queen of Tarts, Dublin
If you don't fall in love with the adorable outside with it's red painted facade and hanging flower pots once you walk inside this tiny bakery cafe and smell the wonderful aromas from the kitchen you will be hooked. Located on Dame Street this place was perfect for a delicious scone (with raspberries the size of my thumb!) and a coffee for a little breakfast. The other menu offerings looked just as scrumcious!
Marcy Benson
Bluffton, SC USA Wed 06/15/2005
Out of The Blue, Dingle, Ireland
In my 2 week jaunt around Ireland all the meals were great, but Out of The Blue in Dingle was superb! If you are a "land lubber" find another restaurant because as the chalk board menu out front says "This is a seafood only restaurant". I highly recommend making a reservation since the seating is limited. We tried to walk in one Friday night and could not get a table, so made reservations for Sunday night and was not dissappointed.
Marcy Benson
Bluffton, SC USA Wed 06/15/2005
Dingle, ireland
The worst kept secret in the west of Ireland: Dingle. A tad expensive but well worth the detour from the ring of Kerry which BTW, was not all that impressive, we liked the dingle peninsula a lot better. Great atmosphere, good pubs (we're told there are over 50 of them) good seafood (we dined at Doyles and out of the Blue, both good) but the best night was in a jazz wine bar which had the most fantastic pizzas and a Gypsy band was playing mesmerizing music. We tasted 4 different wines and had what they call a "grand evening". We're coming back to this corner of the world in September.
Cathy Mills
Chicago, Ill USA Wed 06/15/2005
Dining in London
Some of my favorite places to eat when I am in London are:
The Italian Kitchen, 43 New Oxford St (close to the British Museum) www.italiankitchen.co.uk
North Sea Fish Restaurant, 7-8 Leigh St WC1, Tube: Russell Square)
Rules (Covent Garden & The Strand Area)The oldest restaurant in London going back 206 years. Posh, very British place has a wonderful Edwardian interior. The menu is inevitably meat-oriented but fish dishes are also available. Puddings are traditional: trifles, pies and an abundance of custard. Menu includes game dishes (if in season) and there is a two-course pre-theatre dinner menu.
The Criterion - Modern French(Piccadilly) 224 Piccadilly W1, Tube: Piccadilly Circus
Le Metro, 28 Basil Street (location between Harvey Nicks & Harrods)
If you are heading to Kew Gardens, I recommend this place in Richmond - Chez Lindsay: 11 Hill Rise, Richmond. French restaurant, Chez Lindsay specialises in crepes chased with dry cider, as is done in Brittany.
Pre theatre or after theatre bite in Soho - Amato on Old Compton Street for dessert and cappuccino/tea, I can't resist their window!
Sue
Stratford, CT USA Mon 06/13/2005
Delicious (?) Britain
On our recent three week trip in England and Scotland, our favorite places to eat were (first place) The Chequers Pub in Churchill, Oxfordshire, second place) The King's Head in Kirkbymoorside, Yorkshire, (third) Wilson Arms Pub in Torver, Cumbria. The New Bell Restaurant, in Edinburgh, was very good. Someone had recommended Greyfriar's Bobby Pub in Edinburgh; don't waste your time - the atmosphere was awful and the food very poor. We had a better time seeing where Greyfriar's Bobby was buried.
Julie H
Jacksonville, Fl USA Sat 06/11/2005
Great Conwy, Wales Restaurant
BTW, the great restaurant I referred to in my earlier post is Cafe Bistro. They are a short walk from Bryn B&B. They are a bit of a hidden gem, so ask for directions. Rather than nickel and dime you for every extra, they actually bring out various tid bits as a surprise, at no extra cost. The meals were terrific, and a cut above anything else we had in our 3-weeks in the UK.
Bob Southard
Middletown, PA USA Fri 06/10/2005
Dining in Ireland
2 Bright spots for dining in Ireland were Scotts on Carolina St. in Cork and Queen of Tarts in Dublin.
Scotts is a delightful dining and bar restaurant in the shopping district. Beautifully remodeled, very good food and friendly staff. They serve a light continental breakfast, lunch and superb dinners. Bar is open until 1AM.
In Dublin we fell in love with Queen of Tarts on Dame St. 2 blks east of Christchurch. The breakfast sweets selection was fantastic. Luscious fruit muffins and scones, tarts, excellent full Irish breakfast and good coffee plus lots of Irish charm. This was our favorite eatery in all of Ireland!
Rosemary
Napa, CA USA Thu 06/09/2005
Dining in Ireland
2 Bright spots for dining in Ireland were Scotts on Carolina St. in Cork and Queen of Tarts in Dublin.
Scotts is a deightful dining and bar restaurant in the shopping district. Beautifully remodeled, very good food and friendly staff. They serve a light continental breakfast, lunch and superb dinners. Bar is opened until 1AM.
In Dublin we fell in love with Queen of Tarts on Dame St. 2 blks east of Christchurch. The breakfast sweets selection was fantastic. Luscious fruit muffins and scones, tarts, excellent full Irish breakfast and good coffee plus lots of Irish charm. This was our favorite eatery in all of Ireland!
Rosemary
Napa, CA USA Thu 06/09/2005
Boring Irish cuisine
Ireland's food left us dreaming of our favorite or any Mexican food. Spice is not in the Irish vocabulary. Everywhere we went we got ham or corned beef with 3 types of potato dishes, Irish stew or Shepherd's pie. The final blow was when the "chef" put chicken gravy on the salmon! Help.
Rosemary Yull
Napa, CA USA Thu 06/09/2005
Great Conwy, Wales B&B
Alison and Nicholas Archard have been running the marvelous Bryn B&B for about a year now. They were the best hosts in our 3-week trip of in the UK, bar none. The friendliness and cheerfully-provided extra services meant a lot to us. And I won't discount the freshly baked bread and Welsh Cakes (from Alison's grandmother's recipe), fresh fruit, and all the rest in the full English breakfast either. Alison recommended a great restaurant to us as well, providing the best meal in our entire trip. Staying just outside the town walls was a great location for walking the wall or strolling the town in the evening too. I'm glad I added a third night in Conwy now. Bryn is simply a great place to stay.
Robert Southard
Middletown, PA USA Wed 06/08/2005
Great pub in Galway
Taaffees Pub in Galway is a great local joint. They have a different band playing traditional Irish music and everyone sings along. My mother (56) and I (24) went two nights in a row and made friends with the bartenders as well as some locals and other tourists. It's a great spot to grab a pint and relax!
Jill S
Los Angeles, CA USA Mon 06/06/2005
Britian-food
We stumbled upon a cheap way to catch a bite while in London last week. As we were staying at the Marriott next to the London Eye we had to change some money and the closest ATM was across the street at St.Thomas hospital. We walked thru to the cafeteria and found lots of items to choose from. I had a large slice of pizza and a bottle of coke for 3 pounds. They had chicken,tacos,salads and you could order a whole pizza to go. It was not gourmet food,but very reasonable and cafeteria style so no waiting.
Julie Bartz
Shawano, WI USA Wed 06/01/2005
Dinner in London
My fianc? and I took the tube over a few stops to Farringdon Road to dine at The Quality Chop House. They have a sign etched in windows of their restaurant that say, "progressive catering for working class people." I assume they mean, people with somewhat middle-class standards who have been to France once or twice who appreciate a decent cut of meat but don't get worked up over wasabi kind of food. My kind of people. (but less puritan attitudes I hope)We made reservations (because a few reviews I had read suggested it) but it wasn't terribly busy or full when we arrived. In fact it was a touch quiet which is fine with me. We sat down on rather narrow benches (thankfully they were padded) and initially I felt as if I was sitting on the left-over kneelers from my parish church. It took a moment or two to find the right position to feel comfortable. I must say this is one of the few draw-backs of the place. You can't exactly slouch or relax properly and I feel that a good bit of slouching is always good in a restaurant. (there are stools with backs to sit on in the bar if you would prefer eating there) If you can look past that minor quibble you should be alright. The very pretty server gave us menus, asked us if we would like some water (sparkling or still) and went to get us some bread. I looked over the menu and was disappointed they didn't have the salmon with scrambled eggs (I had read about) at the moment. I have a real weakness for that dish, especially if it has caviar. But back to looking over the menu I knew that my fianc? that I guessed he woulud start with the escargot (?5.25 for six or ?10.50 for 12 snails) and then he would want the grilled 28 day matured prime Scottish rump steak with chips. (?14.50) I have a bit of a knack for always guessing what people will choose from a menu even before they order. I chose the duck and chicken liver p?te with apple jelly and toasted bread. (?5.75) I also chose the rump steak. I adore something like this cooked medium rare and there is just enough juice to mop it up with the chips. It is divine.
We noshed on bread (which was crusty on the outside and buttery on the inside) and cheerful bottle of Ch?teau de Campuget Costi?res de N?mes Rh?ne France 2002 (?14.50) while waiting for our starters. The place began to fill up a bit and there were all sorts of people. A teenaged boy and his parents, two young couples enjoying shepard's pie, some French men behind my fianc? who were keen on the prawn and avocado cocktail and the goat cheese salad. Our first course arrived and the scent of the escargot and garlic was strong. The p?te was a thick healthy slab and equally delicate and strong. I dove in with glee. I wasn't all that wild about the apple jelly. This is a dish that works better with a sweet onion compote in my experience because the sweetness isn't so strong and definite. It is more subtle. The pate has a sweetness all its own so there is no reason to have it up against something else so similar. Andrew made approving noises about the snails and said the garlic was very strong and flavorful. He had a bit of extra butter and garlic leftover so he mopped it up with the bread. It merely whets the appetite for more lovely things. Our steaks arrived and our expectations were satisfied. Juicy, cooked just right and not too big or too small. It was just enough to leave one feeling a bit drunk on flavor and the wine in general. Once we finished our steaks we felt it wouldn't hurt to look at the dessert menu. I jumped on the creme brulee and Andrew went with the lemon sorbet (that is one of his favorite things) The lemon sorbet was extremely tart and slightly pulpy which was kind of fun. It was like frozen lemonade. It wasn't a clean and tidy sorbet but it left one feeling refreshed. The creme brulee was quite nice. Not as good as anything I had in Paris but definitely better than anything I have had in Seattle. So one must travel East to eat good creme brulee. I will make a note of that for the future. We polished off the last of the wine, paid the bill, thanked the server for all the good work and managed to accidentally walk past our underground stop. But we made it back, caught the tube back to the hotel.
The Quality Chop house has a website www.qualitychophouse.co.uk with all their information so definitely take a look. They are open Sundays which I like (I found it a bit difficult initially to find a restaurant open on Sundays for dinner which surprised me) and they also have vegetarian options like the tomato, Roquefort, and gruyere tart with mixed leaves (?5.75) and vegetable sides like salads, potatoes, spinach and they are also open for breakfast. I definitely want to eat there again in the future.
Genevieve
Seattle, Wa USA Fri 05/27/2005
Blue Zone
The best pizza on either side of the Atlantic (according to us) is to be found in Dingle, west of Ireland in a wine bar right opposite the church. We had the holy choice (what else!) and the oriental duck: awesome dough, the tomato sauce was just right, very tasty, and the toppings mouth watering. They serve good wines by the glass and some beer by the bottle. The place is quite atmospheric, with some live music most nights. Bummer, they don't take AMEX but other cards are ok.....
Sandra Dudley
Boise, Idaho USA Tue 05/24/2005
Sticky toffee pudding
The very best sticky toffee pudding at Trenchers in Whitby England.
Carol Thomson
Orlando, FL USA Tue 05/24/2005
Glasgow Pub
I just returned from a trip to the UK. Throughout the area I found the best dark beer to be John Smith. If you travel to Glasgow, Scotland, be sure to try Tennents. It's a back door style pub on Bryes Road in the Hill Head area of town. In addition, they make their own Tennets Beer right there in Glasgow.
Angie
Spokane, WA USA Tue 05/24/2005
Veggie food
Grassroots Cafe in Glasgow has really lovely vegetarian food. It's just off Woodlands Rd. Picking up food from the deli is significantly cheaper then eating in the friendly cafe. The veggie burgers are divine as are the carrot cake and the uber bars (made with Green & Blacks chocolate).
Wasdale, England Mon 05/23/2005
Seafood in Dingle
Just back from Ireland and I would like to highly recommend "Out of the Blue." It is a seafood only restaurant located opposite the pier in Dingle.As a retired chef there are very few restaurants that I will eat two meals in on the same day but this is one.I had the seafood chowder,sauteed squid on greens and the mussels in wine and garlic sauce. All excellent. Reservations are a must in the evening and recommended at lunch time.
Pat
Wichita, KS. USA Sun 05/22/2005
Gili Gulu for sushi
For conveyor belt sushi in London, go to Gili Gulu (Monmouth St., near Charing Cross/Covent Garden). My friends that live in the area swear by it, and when I visited 3 years ago it was some of the best sushi I've ever had. It was flat-rate - at the time, ?13 for all you could eat (though everyone at the table had to get the same). There was a cheaper option, with so many plates or bowls of noodles, but I don't remember the price. The all-you-can eat is definitely worth the price - one of the best meals I had while there.
Kris
Baltimore, MD USA Tue 05/10/2005
2 for 1 pub meals
On a recent trip we found a great deal at a pub near the Holborn tube stop. The pub is Penderel's Oak at 283-287 High Holborn. It's less than a 10 minute walk from the Holborn tube stop. After 2:00pm on weekdays and all day on weekends they offer 2 for 1 meals from their main menu. We had some very good pasta and lasagna. The pub also has a non smoking area.
Julie Penman
Augusta, GA USA Sat 04/30/2005
Yo! Sushi London - not good
We had seen the Yo! Sushi restaurant in London on one of Rick's London episodes. It looks really cool on the video as the plates of sushi go around on a conveyor belt and it seems like what they would have in Japan. When we asked how to find it at the London Tourist Board, the girl kind of gave us a look and told us how to get there, but said "You should really go to Wagamama instead." However, Rick recommended it on the show, so we went. Have to say he was "off" on this recommendation. Normally his advice is really good, but in this case...perhaps they have gone downhill since he went. The food was not fresh, there was not a good selection, and it was overpriced. Now, I'm a regular sushi and sashimi eater, and I'm used to it being an expensive habit, and yes, this is London so it's expensive anyway...and that would have been Ok if the food had been good. But it really wasn't - next time I'm going to Wagamama - sorry Rick.
Jane
FL USA Fri 04/29/2005
Even though Martini's in Bath is recommended, I had a very mediocre meal there.
Carol
Seattle, USA Sat 04/23/2005
Hotel Ceilidh-Do in Edinburgh has very good food at reasonable prices plus free Internet access if you dine there. It's also a B&B. I stayed a block away at Aonach Mor.
Carol
Seattle, USA Sat 04/23/2005
Daisy Taylor's in York is a good place for tea, and it's much cheaper than the big name places like Betty's. It doesn't have a fancy ambience, but I found it pleasant and quiet. It's near The Shambles.
Carol
Seattle, USA Sat 04/23/2005
Pataka in Edinburgh - within walking distance of Rick's recommended B&Bs - good Indian food and has a wonderful Mackintosh interior, if you're into that sort of thing. I think it's a replica, but it's a darned good one. I thought it was superior to the *real* Mackintosh interior at the Willow Tea Room in Glasgow.
Carol
Seattle, USA Sat 04/23/2005
Best restaurant in my 2 week tour of England and Scotland was Cafe Concerto in York. Excellent roasted vegies and dessert.
Carol
Seattle, USA Sat 04/23/2005
Dingle Blues!
If in Dingle (west of Ireland) stick to the color blue! We had the best sea-food at a small, unassuming place called Out of the Blue. Fantastic meal followed by a visit to the Blue Zone which is a jazz wine bar (and they do killer pizzas as well as sushi) great live music in a brilliant, atmospheric, low-lit venue. Well worth a detour if traveling around county Kerry.
Sandra Begley
Cleveland, OHIO USA Tue 04/19/2005
Great Italian in Scottish capital
When in Edinburgh try "La Rusticana" on Hanover street in the New Town. Great Italian food and the friendliest staff of all time. The calzone is especially good and the chats with assorted waiters and bartenders can't be topped.
drew
bothell, WA USA Tue 04/12/2005
Good Eats in London
London is a culinary adventure for any discriminating palate. While in London, I found three eateries in Bayswater (near Notting Hill) that served great food at really affordable prices. I really loved the rich and spicy Indian food at Standard Tandoori on Westbourne Grove. Great Chinese fare can be found at Royal China on Queensway--their roasted duck was divine and melted in our mouths! Finally, there is a tiny restaurant called Cous Cous right across the street from Whiteley's Shopping Centre. Cous Cous serves yummy Moroccan food in very authentic surroundings. It is dark and cozy and the proprietor is friendly and helpful. He spent a lot of time with us, describing each dish in detail. The food was not disappointing. It was delicious and beautifully presented.
The entire Bayswater area is filled with good and varied eating establishments. One can find places that serve good and inexpensive Italian, Chinese, Thai, Indian, Japanese, Spanish, Vegetarian, Jamaican, Moroccan foods. The pub grub in the area is great too!
Pat D
Sacramento, CA USA Fri 04/01/2005
the River God cafe Galway
We were looking forward to eat at the Rivergod cafe in Galway (we were there two years ago and had a knockout meal) but it happens to be closed forever. Apparently a guy named Louis Laforest who is Canadian took it over around Christmas time and could not run it properly so he flew back to his native Quebec leaving quite a few disgruntled people and bills behind. We were told that he is now wanted by the FBI. Goes to show that some chef can't handle the heat!
James Foley
Akron, Ohio USA Mon 03/28/2005
FOOD IN LONDON
JUST OUTSIDE THE IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM IS A PUB CALLED THE THREE STAGS.THE FOOD WAS WONDERFUL BUT THE FRIENDLINESS OF THE STAFF WAS EXCELLENT. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT. FOOD SERVICE ENDED AT 18:00 BUT OUR HOST GOT US FOOD ANYWAY.
JEFFERY HOLCOMB
KANNAPOLIS, NC USA Fri 03/25/2005
UK food suggestions
Spent the last 7 months living in England and travelling Europe. I'll share my most notables:
Meg
Philadelphia, Pa USA Sat 03/19/2005
Non-smoking dining
For us non-smokers with severe smoke allergies, finding a London restaurant or pub that was smoke-free was a tremendous challenge. We succeeded with The Globe, at 43-47 Marylebone Road, at the corner of Marylebone and Baker, right across the street from the Baker Street Tube station. The first floor is for smoking, but they have a second floor that is completely smoke-free. It was such a relief to enjoy a good meal without risking an asthma attack. The staff is very friendly, and the food is reasonably priced and quite tasty. Of course, many London pubs and restaurants simply don't have the luxury of that extra space to devote to non-smokers, so this pub was a real jewel!
We also found non-smoking tables that were sufficiently distanced from the smoking sections in La Taverne de Maitre Kanter in Caen, France (www.tavernes-maitre-kanter.com) and in Courtpaille, with many locations in France (www.courtpaille.com.) We visited the one in Bourg-en-Bresse. This restaurant is very family-oriented, much like Ryan's or Perkins. Both have good variety on their menus. Food and service were good.
Rick, here's a suggestion: how about adding a webpage with links to non-smoking establishments in Europe? Travelers, we need your help! Thanks!
Sharon Steele-Smith
Roswell, GA USA Sat 03/05/2005
the Blue Zone
The wine bar described below is in fact the Blue Zone Jazz & Pizza Wine Bar, the best thing that's happened to Dingle. We have been living here for the past three years and this place is a godsend! Dingle is the cutting edge of Ireland.
Chuck Sanderson
Chicago, Ill USA Wed 03/02/2005
Eats in London near Victoria and in York
My wife and I just returned from a week in London. Near Victoria Station we were really impressed with the Jugged Hare pub. It more than lives up to Rick's description for food, and the staff there is great. Try the Fullers ESB. We ate the best calzones we've ever had at Il Posto. Il Posto is on your left a short distance down Vauxhall Bridge Road as you come from Victoria. Food was great, prices were reasonable, and their hustling staff were outstanding. I thought the Keg O' Nails was the best local pub close to Victoria for an evening beer-great beer and nice folks. If you go to York, try the Mason's Arms on Fishergate not far from Clifford's Tower. It has the best pub grub-particularly vegetables-I've ever had in Britain.
Brett
Cohutta, GA USA Tue 03/01/2005
Dingle: the best kept secret in Ireland
My girlfriend and I had the best "lost" weekend in Dingle (which is nestled in the west of Ireland near Killarney) We were actually on our way to Killarney for a bit of R&R following a big drinking and shopping week in Dublin when we arrived in dingle at sunset after missing a turn, and it turned out that we were in fact very lucky to have ended up there. Let me explain. We checked into a small hotel and were immediately told to go to Green street where all the action was. It turned out that all the action was right opposite the local church. We got into this ancient looking pub with weird Hollywood style stars outside on the footpath. Some of the names were totally unknown to us and that was part of the fun. Inside it looks like a shoe shop cum bar cum living room with an assortment of local loonies that would make the Boston south side proud. The place is called Dick Macks and it rocks. Some local loudmouth instructed us that there was a famous rock band drinking up a storm, it turned out to be members of Snow Patrol which are a cool band. It's hard to drink guiness without following it with waht they call a short: a shot of whiskey or brandy or whatever you fancy. So we got into the spirit of things pretty quick.
An hour later we needed food and the now loveable loudmouth told us to refuel upstairs, eat a pizza and resume drinking later. My girlfriend has a passion for pizza but we didn't know it was going to be the best pizzas we ate. Bang in the middle of nowhere we found the most amazing place. It's a low-lit wine bar with eastern/western theme running through it and it has jazz played every night and they serve the best pizzas bar none. I had their oriental duck which was unbelievable and she had the green street special which she described as simply awesome. We ended up having a few different glasses of wine and sat on comfortable sofas and listened to the music. Then I asked the guy behind the bar if he has any Coltrane, and without missing a beat he pointed to the speakers and as if by magic A love supreme came on, our very favorite and were so blown away by that we almost cried. Dingle is a very cool and special place and we can't wait to go back there.
Freddy S Wardor
Boston, Ma USA Mon 02/28/2005
Belgravia
Ebury Wine Bar & Restaurant, directly next to the Lime Tree Hotel in Belgravia, London, is a great place to have a quiet romantic dinner. I can't recommend the restaurant or the wait staff enough. A little pricey, but if you want to splurge and treat a loved one to a special dinner, go ahead, indulge yourself. I found the food to be delicious and the wine wonderful. Great atmosphere and friendly people.
Shannon Dew
Phenix City, AL USA Fri 02/18/2005
York eats and drinks
We're currently in the middle of a 2 week stay in York with our family here and thought we'd pass along some of the fabulous restaurants and pubs we've discovered. One of the true joys of York is the vast amount of cask ale available in the local pubs. Stay away from John Smith's Bitter as it seems to be the Budweiser of Britain. In York, turn down Marygate directly off Bootham (there's an old tower from the wall on the corner) and try the Minster Inn on your right as you walk down Marygate. It's a small pub with 3 main rooms. You can tell this is a pub for locals, but I've yet to find anyone to be unfriendly. They have a rotating selection of fine cask ales for your sampling. Step up and have a pint of St. George's, Suddenby's, Acorn, Simpson's, etc. Most of these come from breweries near or in York and they are all wonderful. For above average pub food, try the Masons Arms on Fishergate, very close to Clifford's Tower. Pass the Tower and Castle and hang a left onto Fishergate...you'll happen upon the Masons Arms as you turn the bend in the road, just on the other side of the road. It may be tricky to cross, so find a good crosswalk as it's a busy road.
For good pizza in York, try Tuscany, just off St. Helen's Square near the Minster. For a late night kebob as you return from the pubs, stop off at LA Bodrum on Bootham, just across from the Jackson's grocers. Try the Doner or Lamb Shish Kebob for some great food. For Indian, try Tandoori Night which is also on Bootham.
Another pub that is quite nice is the Black Swan on Stonebow. This is a very old pub and you can catch a live jazz jam session there on Sunday nights. Be forewarned though, a lot of pubs in York don't have a license to serve beer after 10PM it seems. Only a few, more modern, trendy pubs have the 12AM license. Near the Shambles and the Market is the Eboracum or Roman Bathhouse pub...good stuff, saw some decent live music over a pint there.
For eats on the cheap, swing by a Boots' or Marks & Spencer or Sbar and pickup a sandwich and water. Try the interesting sandwich combinations such as Prawn Mayonnaise, etc.
All in all, there are several great places to eat and drink great beer in York. This is by far my favorite city in England to spend a relaxing couple of weeks. Stop by the Minster Inn, have a pint or 3 and head back by LA Bodrum for a kebob. I highly recommend staying in the St. Peter's Grove area along Bootham. You're within walking distance of City Centre and all restaurants and bus stops.
Shannon Dew
Phenix City, AL USA Fri 02/18/2005
Brown Bread mix and Tea
Odlums brown bread mix and Barry's Gold Label tea are 2 things I always bring home from Ireland. It is cheapest to buy the tea and bread mix at a grocery store such as Superquinn or Dunnes, but you can also pick up both items at the Duty Free in the airports.
Julie
Ellicott City, MD USA Thu 02/03/2005
the Rivergod cafe, Galway
We were in Ireland for our honeymoon and found many delights. Dublin is a great city but we found Galway and the Conemara region well worth it. We had the best time in the isolated west and found the Rivergod cafe in Galway. What a treat it was! If you happen to be anywhere near Galway it's well worth a visit. Also the pubs there are really something. Try the Quays, Nocton's, the blue note, there are dozens of great places.
Jay Roos
ca USA Thu 02/03/2005
Great meals in Ireland
The Smugglers Inn near the Giants Causeway in Bushmills, Northern Ireland is wonderful. Their steak and Guiness pie and their fried scampi were the best meals we had during our entire trip! Also, for fish and chips you must try the historic Leo Burdocks in Dublin- near the Jury's Inn across from Christchurch Cathedral.
Julie
Ellicott City, Md USA Mon 01/31/2005
24 hour eating
Just spent Christmas and New Year's, holiday in London. While I was warned the city shuts down for the holidays, (not true, the city was jumping with toursits)I discovered a great little resturant on the busy intersection of Oxford, Tottenham, and Charing Cross Road. It's called Cafe Laguna Ltd, 146 Charing Cross Road, WC2H 0LB. You can eat in or take away, and the food is served fast and hot. At various times I ate the lamb kebabs, pizza, and salads. The best part is that they are open 24 hours, seven days a week! I didn't try the breakfast but I'm sure it's just a good.
acme
in USA Mon 01/03/2005