Gourmet

Five Terrific Tables For Two

Although we love a lively get-together with friends and family, enjoying an informal bite to eat and a few glasses of wine, sometimes a quiet table in a sophisticated spot, with a cosy ambiance or intimate atmosphere, is just the ticket. So here are five of our favourite eateries for foodies looking for the perfect table for two.

HOLOHAN’S PANTRY

Holohan’s on University Road, Belfast’s only Irish restaurant, has a brilliant Monday Night Menu in collaboration with the Taste Atelier, Artur Fron, and we couldn’t think of anywhere more splendid to enjoy some delicious Irish food and drink.

The menu features homely dishes championing incredible local produce; to start, Pea Soup with crispy bacon lardons served with Guinness wheaten bread, Smoked Mackerel Torte with horseradish gel & dill, and Whipped Goat’s Cheese Mousse with a black pepper pastry crisp, hazelnut praline, and pickled shallots.

The appetisers were followed by a Handmade Vegan Mushroom & Truffle pie with mash and gravy, and a Holohan’s classic, Pan Boxty stuffed with a fresh seafood & dill velouté, both served with seasonal veg: comfort food at its best.

And to finish, a rich Chocolate Mousse with hazelnut & raspberry gel, and a Cheeseboard with grapes, crackers, and apple & plum chutney.

Every dish showcased the very best of Holohan’s Irish culinary fare.

LUNA, CARRICKFERGUS

Carrickfergus has incredible views across Belfast Lough, an iconic Norman Castle overlooking a marina and a fascinating history, yet it has never really been viewed as a foodie destination. However, Luna on North Street is a revelation, and is set to change people’s perceptions of Carrick, and turn it into a culinary hot spot.

This pretty little bistro, decorated in neutral tones with blue features, seascapes and nautical themes creates a relaxed atmosphere in which to enjoy dishes from a menu celebrating local ingredients and producers.

Owner Neil made some fantastic suggestions and we loved the incredible seafood dishes which he recommended; Pan Roasted Scallops with a dulse butter emulsion, samphire, & white wine cream, and Salt & Chilli Squid with a Kerala curry mayo, rocket leaves, and a drizzle of charred lime to start our meal.

The starters were accompanied by Luna Focaccia, from superb local artisanal bakery Benchmark, served with a flavourful smoked curry butter, and a fantastic homemade tomato & chilli chutney.

We continued the pescatarian theme with a stunning Fish of the Day; beautifully cooked Hake with Comber potatoes, cavolo nero, mussels, and gorgeously tangy heritage tomatoes, and a Pan Roast Salmon with potatoes, samphire, & tender stem broccoli, topped with flakes of spiced crab and a wonderful citrus & caper butter. And what a different it makes when salmon is cooked on the bone: pink, moist and delicious!

Desserts were also terrific; a decadent Coconut and Toffee Tart with honeycomb and caramel, this treacle tart-style treat is a must for Bounty & Crunchie lovers everywhere!

And now we come to the cheese course: Manchego, Honey, Apple, Crackers and……Ground Coffee!? Yes, you read that correctly, and this was a unique and utterly addictive way to enjoy this Spanish sheep’s milk cheese. The sweetness of the honey and the bitterness of the coffee beans somehow paired perfectly with the slightly salty cheese. We’re sold!

To finish, creamy, dreamy Iced Irish Coffee with Draynes Farm ice cream!

The Great Room

RESTAURANT

Lunch at The Great Room Restaurant, right at the heart of The Merchant Hotel in Belfast, is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon enjoying fine-dining culinary excellence, innovative menus using local, seasonal ingredients, an extensive, top quality wine list, and knowledgeable, attentive service.

With its original Victorian interior, glass cupola and truly remarkable chandelier, The Great Room creates a luxurious atmosphere to enjoy the outstanding dishes.

We started with some incredible drinks from Volume VII-the stunning new cocktail list. The Almond & The Chocolate were perfect aperitifs.

(We also couldn’t resist trying one or two more from the menu-they’re that good!)

To begin our lunch, we had the elegantly plated Dressed Kilkeel Crab with taramasalata, kohlrabi, & lovage emulsion, topped with rye melba toast, and the Twice Baked Coolattin Cheddar Soufflé with quince and toasted hazelnut.

Our Main Courses included John Dory on toasted fregola, with glazed fennel and smoked mussels, and from the PlantBased Menu, a golden Root Vegetable Wellington with olive oil mash & pommery mustard jus.

And of course, desserts are not to be missed; the Valrhona Chocolate Crunch with Amatika ganache & hazelnut praline was a celebration of textures and cocoa-rich flavours, and the selection of Irish & French cheeses served with seasonal chutney and crackers was the perfect way to finish a delightful lunch in The Great Room.

MILLAR’S BRASSERIE

Having recently opened its doors on University Road in Belfast, Millar’s Brasserie is another brilliant addition to the Queen’s Quarter’s food scene, and it was the perfect spot to enjoy a quiet evening meal.

With its dramatically dark interior and statement artwork, Millar’s has created