Monday, February 16, 2015

Sunday Brunch @ The Cellar Bar, The Merrion Hotel, Dublin, Ireland

In early February my fiancé and I went to the Sunday Brunch at the Cellar Bar, located at the Merrion Hotel. We had planned it for about two months and reserved a table.

We arrived on time and were warmly greeted by the Maître d'.

Our table was held back for us and just opposite the one we had around one and a half months ago during our lunch. The "Reserved" sign was discreetly removed before we took our seats. The difference between our two tables was the size and shape. Our most recent table was squared and larger, while the other had been round. It was a bit wobbly, though. When we mentioned it, a solution was found immediately. The member of staff was grateful we told her. It shows it's better to communicate when something isn't working before leaving dissatisfied.

The Sunday Brunch is well branded with a sign (proclaiming it's the most stylish) at the top of the stairs leading down to the Cellar Bar & Restaurant and branded "Brunch" coasters, especially created for it.

The brunch menu is published online, so we already knew what we would order and the estimated costs.

There were special brunch cocktails and mocktails available. He had an Orange Crush and myself enjoyed the Brunch Refresher. My better half likes coffee liquor, so he was pleasantly surprised, when the waitress confirmed they offered both Tia Maria and Kahlua. He had a Tia Maria. The measure was generous. My cocktail was refreshing and less sweet than his mocktail. The combination of cucumber and gin worked well.

As starter he had the Charentais Melon with Parma ham and mandarin mustard, while I had the Super Salad with pomegranate, baby spinach, feve and feta cheese. Both were delicious and light. A good beginning to our meal.

Our main courses were Brioche French Toast with berries and scrambled eggs, smoked salmon, bagel and butter.

The French Toast came without maple syrup, but it didn't hurt the dish. It allowed to focus on the berries and the eggy bread. The dish was very light and enjoyable.

The eggs were creamy and hidden under the smoked salmon. The bagel was the best I've ever had so far.

Our desserts were a Banana Caramel Sundae and Choux Buns filled with vanilla ice cream. Both looked stylish and were scrumptious, but light. We chose cafe latte and a cappuccino to accompany our desserts. They came in specifically made glasses. They were well designed, unusual shaped and prevented burning our hands by being made with two layers of glass. They are maybe better suitable for larger hands. I had to hold mine with two to get a better grip. The content was creamy and strong, just as we like it.

Our overall impressions are excellent. The food was delicious and healthy, the staff very attentive and always there when we needed them. They managed the right balance between being warm and professional.

The background music was to our liking - mostly jazz. The volume was right and didn't disturb conversations.

Other guests were a family and couples. The older children were very well behaved and the atmosphere was good, but it wasn't loud.

Having had two good experiences we can only recommend a visit to the Merrion Hotel's Cellar Restaurant and Bar, now we're looking forward to experience this venue again in our future.


©2014

Friday, February 6, 2015

Crowne Plaza Blanchardstown Dublin, Ireland

 Sorry for not updating my blog for a long time. Unfortunately I was extremely busy due to a new job. Hope the wait was worth it. :)

During November 2014 we stayed twice at the Crowne Plaza Dublin-Blanchardstown. A few years earlier we had stayed there already, but while the rooms are nice, the food quality had been low in our opinion at the time, so we didn't return until now, having read a positive review in a local newspaper about their Forchetta Italian Restaurant.

The location is good for shopping at Blanchardstown Shopping Center and upscale dining options. We recommend beside the Forchetta Restaurant in the hotel, Wagamama for Asian casual lunch or dinner.

Access is easy from the airport with the Urbus or from the city center with a number of Buses, for example 39a.The bus stops are located opposite the hotel.


The Crowne Plaza is unusual. It is inspired by nature. Two parrots are kept in a cage in the lobby and called Bubble & Squeak. It is an attraction for old and young. We enjoyed watching them for a while.

The lobby is large with the Sanctuary Bar and Forchetta Restaurant to the right and the reception to the left.

Even though we hadn't stayed for a longer time there, we were recognized on both occassions as returning guests, which was positive.

We booked an entrance category room and received the same on both occassions. The first time there was a bottle of red wine, free water and a fruit basket waiting for us, because we were just one stay away from achieving Gold status at the IHG Priority Club Rewards program and also a voucher for a free dessert at Forchetta Restaurant. The next time we only received a bottle of water. By then we were already gold members It was inconsistent and disappointing to be treated that way, especially after we've achieved Gold with IHG.

The flower theme continued in all the rooms. The silver tapestry was especially beautiful. Each room was comfortable and had different color schemes, lay outs and views.

One room was held in red, had views over the motorway and a seating area at the window. The other was kept in blue tones and had a seating area in front of the bed and views over the shopping mall.

We preferred the layout of the first room which might have been an Deluxe room on a higher floor.

On both occasions we also had dinner. Forchetta serves Italian cuisine. We enjoyed the meals including toasted bread with cod, gnocci and Panna Cotta. It was delicious and the value good.

Breakfast was a different matter and unfortunately not so high quality as the dinner was, so we had it only once.
There was a dish I liked. The breakfast potatoes are delicious.

All staff were warm and efficient.

Would we return? Maybe. If we need some additional points or take part at a promotion.

 ©2014