Balfes @ The Westbury Dublin, Ireland

Before travelling by long distance bus to Belfast we had breakfast at Balfes, located at the Westbury Hotel, Dublin, Ireland and formerly known as Cafe Novo.

Normally we are frequently going there for the weekend brunch, so breakfast during the week was a new experience for us.

During brunch the whole restaurant is accessible, not so when having breakfast during the week. Only the bar section was open to the public. This was the only thing I disliked. The bar was busy due to some job interviews taking place and other guests. All the low tables were occupied. It left us only high ones and meant sitting on a bench or bar stool. It was a bit uncomfortable for me and the tables are slightly too small.

There was another difference. The portion sizes were much larger at breakfast than it is during brunch.

The service was as always attentive and we were recognized as regulars.

We ordered two Chai Lattes, two Orange, carrot and ginger juices, Eggs Benedict, an omelette with smoked salmon and oat pancakes sweetened with agave syrup. The food was delivered timely and was delicious. The oat pancakes were especially interesting and filling.

The bill came in at 45 Euro (ca. 56.20 USD).

In the future we will return either for breakfast or brunch.

©2014

Easter Cocoa Atelier Afternoon Tea, The Gallery @ The Westbury Dublin, Ireland

he day after checking out from the Westbury Hotel we returned for the Easter Cocoa Atelier Afternoon Tea.

Cocoa Atelier is famous for its outstanding and award winning chocolates and macaroons. They have also a small shop in Drury Street opposite Blazing Salads, selling the above stated goods and a very excellent range of their ice creams, sorbets and Alain Milliat juices, nectars and jams. It's a real treasure trove for gourmets. The produce isn't cheap, but the quality and flavors speak for it.

Try definitely the Coffee Ice Cream. In my opinion it's one of the best we had in a longer time or the delicious macaroons. The meringue is so fragile, even a light touch of the finger can make a dent.

During Easter there was also a large Easter Chocolate Egg of the company on display at the hotel.

Our host found our reservation immediately and brought us to our table. We were seated near the fire place on a comfortable sofa.

We were handed the menu and chose our favorite tea - Granny's Garden. I had an orange juice, while my better half had a special Easter cocktail, the Toblerone.

The beverages arrived first, followed by the sandwiches. The savory selection was the same as we had at the Traditional Afternoon Tea. The ham sandwich seemed to have changed slightly, because it was more flavorful. They were served in a black hat box and delicious.

Soon afterwards the scones, jam and clotted cream arrived. The scones were warm. Two were plain, the others were with raisins.

We couldn't wait for the highlight - the sweets. There were different types of cakes and macaroons. The small cakes were presented in a black hat box and placed on a "lawn". They were elaborately decorated with even smaller details, like flowers, lady birds or bees. Some items were the same, but most were only once available. It made sharing a bit difficult, so we halved each delightful piece.

Maybe it would be better to have from each available cake a second one, like it is with a Traditional Afternoon Tea.

Our bill arrived, but unfortunately there was a small mistake, but it was rectified immediately and we received a big apology. The corrected amount was slightly under 90 Euro (ca. 119 USD).

We enjoyed the two hours very much. The tea was rare, beautifully and unusual presented as well as delicious.

The staff was very attentive. Beside the glitch with the bill the experience was flawless.

We are going to return definitely to the Gallery and the Westbury.

 

©2013