A Sunday lunch with a view
Mary Jane O’Regan
They say a Sunday well spent brings a week of content and I recently took a day off cooking a roast and decided on a mini adventure.
Hopping into the car and travelling about 35 minutes to picturesque Kinsale is something I love to do all year round. The town is just so full of lovely walks and Charlesfort is a must see. On one of my recent jaunts I stopped off at The Kinsale Hotel and Spa for some Sunday lunch and I wasn’t disappointed.
I have visited the hotel on a few occasions for overnights, spa treatments and afternoon tea.
Sunday lunch was a grand affair with a pianist for the duration of lunch and a stunning view over Oysterhaven. The bistro was buzzy with a range of ages and they served lunch from 12.30 to 3pm. I had booked it for 2pm.
It is a sit down a la carte or set menu affair and not the carvery that is popular in many hotels. I think being served rather than it being a buffet adds to a sense of occasion.
I opted for three courses starting with a chicken and mushroom bouche which is a creamy mix with a crisp pastry. My dining companion had the soup and homemade bread and was delighted to enjoy a hearty start after a lengthy walk.
For the main course, I enjoyed a supreme of chicken with red wine jus and they had salmon with a pesto mash. The side orders that came with the meal were gratin potatoes (my favourite) and a vegetable medley as well as cauliflower cheese.
The portions were really generous and the food was so scrumptious. The wine list is great there also with a good selection by the glass. Desserts were delightful with ice cream and a brownie. Thankfully the brownie had nuts in it - something I think is essential to a good one!
I enjoyed the service experience there as I always do; it is attentive but not intrusive or rushed.
The hotel is just a five minute drive to Kinsale town also if you are planning a staycation in Cork. It boasts the best views in the area as the restaurant is on the first floor of the hotel property with an exquisite wrap-around balcony where you can enjoy a hot chocolate or a glass of wine. The views and sense of serenity is quite something.