The Quay Cottage Restaurant, which is located just at the entrance gates to Westport House, has launched its Food and Wine Feast evenings, which will take place in the restaurant over the coming months.
The first evening, which took place last Thursday, was truly a banquet for the senses, where delicious food was teamed with equally delightful wine. To top it all, special guest for the night was John Wilson, a well-known wine consultant and freelance wine journalist, who is wine correspondent for The Irish Times.
Wilson selected wines to match each course and explained the art of harmonising food and wine as each course commenced. The wines selected that night were from Bodega Luigi Bosca located in Lujan de Cuyo, Argentena.
The tasting experience started with poached seabass served with a tagliatelle of mixed vegetables highlighted with vanilla essence. A medium bodied chardonnay with a mouth-watering lively finish accompanied the starter—Finca La Linda Chardonnay 2012.
A glass of Malbec Reserva 2010 was served with seared pigeon breast with wild mushroom duxelle, artichoke puree and truffle oil.
To cleanse the palate a refreshing red wine granite was served, before having the main course of medallions of venison, boulangere potatoes, a red berry and grand marnier sauce and a butternut squash puree. A full-bodied meaty wine with lavish rich dark fruits, and subtle spicy tones was served with this—Malbec DOC Vistalba Vineyard 2008.
For cheese lovers, a taste of brie followed the main course. Again Malbec DOC Vistalba Vineyard 2008 nicely accompanied this dish.
A dark chocolate tart, with Gala 1, melded Malbec, Petit Verdot, Tannat 2009 finished off the food and wine extravaganza.
You can experience the food and wine feast for yourself as the Quay Cottage will hold such an evening every month.
The restaurant re-opened last April under the guidance of its original proprietor, Kirstin MacDonagh, and is managed by Pascale Soual. Head chef is the talented Michel Nagy.
The restaurant has a full bar and wine licence and will be open every night from Tuesday to Saturday. To make a reservation contact 098 50692.
