Pichet Dublin, Ireland

During a Mid-October weekend we were out and about, taking part at the Open House Dublin 2015, organized by the Irish Architecture Foundation.

After seeing an exhibition about accommodation and a tour of the Fumbally Exchange, 5 Dame Lane, Dublin 2, we were hungry and tried our luck at Pichet, which we had for a longer time on our radar, but hadn’t tried it yet so far, for late lunch. The bistro is under direction by Headchef Stephen Gibson. We were lucky and after a short wait at the bar area of the bistro we were brought to our table.

Our jackets were taken from us before we were brought to the main dining room, by the friendly and efficent staff.

We were seated at a window table. The restaurant was full. There was a good atmosphere, but it was sometimes very loud, people overall were in a good mood.

The interior felt like being in the South of France.

Our drinks were water delivered in a carafe and a glass of Alois Kracher dessert wine.

We chose the lunch menu. He had the three course, while I had a two course.

We both started with smoked Haddock Beignets, pickled cucumber and smoked paprika. It looked understated, was generous sized and delicious.

His main course was roasted chicken breast with pumpkin risotto and mine was the Veal Bolognaise with gnocchi and Ricotta.

My dish was colorful, but didn’t remind me of a typical Bolognaise. The veal was cubed, melt in the mouth and served in a rich tomato sauce. It was more like a stew and I loved it.

The chicken was a bit of a departure of what he would normally eat. He isn’t too fond of risotto or pumpkin. In this case the autumn dish was just right. The pumpkin was soft and not fibrous. He said it was very well done and he liked the textures and flavors.

We shared our dessert, a peanut butter parfait with milk chocolate ice cream. It was delicious, light and offered a beautiful balance and lightness.

The Alois Kracher dessert wine was dry with fruity notes. It was matching perfect to the parfait.

Even if the service was very busy, they still had time for a quick chat and were attentive at all times.

Our lunch came in at 52.95 Euro, ca. 60.10 USD.

We would return to Pichet, which holds a Michelin Bib Gourmand and 2 AA Rosettes for culinary excellence. It’s very well worth spending an hour or longer, savoring French cuisine.

©2015  

Restaurant Le Mystique Bruges, Belgium

Le Mystique is one of the best restaurants in Belgium, from our experience and has two red forks by Michelin, which considers Le Mystique a very pleasant experience. The ingredients are organic and from the Flanders region.

Executive chef Koenraad Steenkiste is responsible for all the culinary delights coming out of the kitchen, while Brecht takes care of the front of the house.

We were very lucky to enjoy dinner there at a very short notice.

We were guests of the Hotel Heritage (see also review), where the Le Mystique is located at.

Our table was at one of the windows. The restaurant is classic furnished with ceiling murals and beautiful decorated doors dating back to 1869.

We had had a long day, starting at 3 am, due to our travels, so we didn't want to have alcohol. We ordered a large bottle of still water. It was Le Mystique branded, and we liked it.

The menu offered an a la carte choice or two set menus. One was a taste of Belgium, the other the summer menu.

A la carte included three starters, three main courses and three desserts.

The two set menus were 45 Euro (ca. 60 USD) for a three course or 60 Euro (ca. 80 USD) with wine pairing, a four course 60 Euro (ca. 80 USD) and 80 Euro (ca. 106.50 USD) respectively.


A la carte appetizers started from 21 Euro (ca. 28 USD) up to 24 Euro (ca. 37.40 USD), mains were 30 Euro (ca. 40 USD) and desserts 12 Euro (ca. 16 USD) each.

A goose liver pate macaroon was served as amouse bouche. It was delicious and interesting that sweet and savory was working so well.

Next we had Artisan cured "Brasvar" ham with Cavaillon, rocket salad and tarragon sorbet. The sorbet was the perfect palate cleanser. We both loved the combination. It was savory and sweet with melon coulis and goose liver pate.

Our main courses were beef steak black and blue with gravy (Belgian style), vegetables and horse radish mash and Hake with black ink tagliatelle, mussels, Mediterranean vegetables and yuzu sauce.

The steak did melt in the mouth and the flavors were all well balanced.

My dish was very colorful and light. The tagliatelle and the yuzu sauce came in their own little china. The vegetables were served in a stack and everything was very delicious.

Our dessert was Eton Mess of summer fruits and berries, homemade vanilla ice cream from "Planifolia Sumatra". It was deconstructed and the apricot was really fantastic. There was also crushed strawberry meringue, which added crunch to the softness of the fruits, berries and ice cream. So far this was the best Eton Mess ever.

We spent two hours at Le Mystique and had a great time. In fact it flew by.

We thought the timing between courses was perfect and the service provided was great. It was non intrusive and always there, when we needed them.

The memories of the excellent flavors and textures are going to stay very long in our memory.

The bill came in at 96.50 Euro (ca. 129 USD). Booking ahead is highly recommended, like, when staying in the Hotel Heritage, Relais & Chateaux, in which Le Mystique is located, this combination is a fantastic treat. The breakfast @ 24 Euros per person with Champagne included is also served here each morning. A splendid experience.

Would we return? Anytime.

©2013