Watching the sunset over Westport town is a feast for the senses especially when enjoying the sight from the panoramic views from the award winning Knockranny House Hotel’s La Fougère restaurant, while sampling its fine gourmet menu.
The stunning view and the ambient oasis of calm in the dining room, even though diners were dotted around the room, led to a wonderful relaxing evening, the perfect atmosphere to enjoy sumptuous cuisine, attentive service, and an extensive wine list which was on offer.
Choosing from the á la carte menu, table d'hote menu, or a taster menu, my colleagues and I made a selection from the extensive varied menus, which all use fresh local produce, as prepared by head chef Seamus Commons who was recently awarded with the accolade of Best Chef in Connaught by Food & Wine Magazine.
Following some delicious apéritifs, starters of ham hock ballotine accompanied with celeriac remoulade, pear and red wine purée with cider raisins and grilled balsamic vinegar, and herb marinated swordfish with a deconstructed Niçoise salad were served. The wonderful presentation of the food made it almost a shame to spoil the aesthetic look, however our palates soon couldn’t resist ravishing the dishes which embodied beautiful flavours, with the perfect combination of ingredients in each dish.
The ample main courses of grilled sirloin of Irish beef, turnip puree, pomme fondant, shitake and sweet onion paste with red wine jus and pan seared halibut, celeriac puree, salsify, baby fennel, vanilla and lemongrass, were cooked to perfection. The beef was tender and the turnip puree on which the beef rested was mouthwatering. The halibut was a generous size and simply melted in the mouth.
Even though we were more than satisfied after the main course, room for dessert was kept so we could enjoy a sumptuous chocolate brownie mousse, morello cherries with vanilla ice cream and a peanut parfait, caramel sauce, toffee and rum soaked raisin ice cream, which was accompanied with tea and coffee, and we of course over indulged with some petits fours.
We thoroughly enjoyed an evening of superior food, fine service, a pleasant atmosphere and an unrivalled view and if you want to enjoy such an evening contact Knockranny House Hotel, Westport on 098 28600; [email protected]; www.khh.ie
