Red Earth in Mullingar which opened last November, is already according, to owner Jackie Collins, “making waves in the local culinary world establishing itself as the Avoca of the Midlands”. And, on the whole it’s definitely something a little bit different with its extensive menu, good wine list, and adorable outdoor seating area that is a fusion of continental al fresco dining in a paved Irish garden setting. It’s also got the added attraction of outdoor heated ‘pods’ that have all the luxury of a private outdoor eating experience under a roof.
Arriving for dinner, the menu includes starters such as goats cheese and beetroot bruschetta with watercress salad and balsamic syrup (€6.95 ); pan-fried scallops, butter beans, and basil puree served with frissé salad and roasted red pepper aioli (€11.95 ); and roast quail, carrot and parsnip puree, and puy lentil served with red wine jus (€9.95 ).
The main course choices include char-grilled 10oz fillet of beef, dauphinoise potato, haricot beans, chestnut puree, and Béarnaise sauce (€26.95 ); crispy duck legs, steamed baby pak choi, crispy leaks, star anise, honey and hoisin sauce (€1.95 ); and tagliatelle carbonara with wild mushrooms, baby spinach, chillies, basil pesto, and parmesan shavings (€13.95 ). All such courses are served with tossed salad and fries.
The dessert menu includes chocolate pudding served with organic coconut ice cream (€7.95 ); Pavlova with medley of exotic fruits, Chantilly cream, and raspberry coulis (€7.95 ); Tiramisu served with raspberry coulis and coconut ice cream (€7.95 ).
The wine list is extensive, offering a range of wines from around the world including recommendations such as Hungerford Hill Chardonnay (€22.75 ) and Terras Gauda O Roscal (€42 ) on the whites, and Côtes du Rhône Olivier Ravoire (€26 ) and Veramonte Pinot Noir (€29 ) on the reds.
Overall, a really enjoyable culinary experience that’s particularly memorable if you happen to book one of the outdoor seating pods that allow you to enjoy outdoor cuisine free from the threat of rain.
In related news, Red Earth’s new deli opens this weekend serving a selection of lasagnes, quiches, and sushi that owner Jackie Collins acknowledges “is just what Mullingar has been crying out for and something that will suit a number of tastes”.
Red Earth at Zone A, Mullingar Business Park in Mullingar is open from 9.30am until 6pm Monday to Thursday, from 9.30am until 11pm Friday and Saturday, and from noon until 6pm on Sunday. A takeaway menu is also available from 5pm until 9pm on Friday and Saturday, and from noon until 5pm on Sunday. For further details contact (044 ) 9390370.
