Purnell's Restaurant Birmingham, England, Uninted Kingdom

When planning our travel through the UK in October 2015 we wanted to have lunch at a Michelin starred restaurant in Birmingham. There were two choices for us we liked to pursue on this particular visit to the city: Purnell’s Restaurant or Adam’s. 

Purnell’s Restaurant was longer on our list, so we decided to reserve a table there.

 

Glynn Purnell was born in 1975 in Birmingham on a council estate, so Brummies are very proud of their “son”.

His first cooking experience was preparing meals for his siblings.

 

The building itself is unassuming and understated. Only a few signs with a big P on the wall indicate that Purnell’s Restaurant is located there.

The interior is totally different. It’s modern with a bar in the front and the dining room at the back with a colorful carpet and tapestry.

There is also a small window, allowing guests to spy on the chefs or vice versa.

When we entered we were warmly greeted, asked for our name and our coats were taken.

The table was ready and we were invited into the dining room.

 

It was already relatively full with a group of businessmen and women, couples and another small group.

The atmosphere was convivial, upscale and upbeat, all this matched the setting in harmony.

Our table had partial views into the kitchen. I sometimes had the luck to spot Glynn Purnell and his brigade.

We were asked if we would like to order some drinks before being presented with the menu.

I asked for an alcohol free cocktail and was re-assured that it was possible and no problem at all. My fiancé ordered a glass of Billcard Salmon Rose Champagne.

My mocktail was made with cranberry and pineapple juice and elderflower. It was very well balanced, not too sweet and not too bitter.

The Maître d’ commented on the Champagne and said rose was a good choice, because it had a more intense flavor.

We ordered from the three course lunch menu and had a bottle of still water with it.

The greetings from the kitchen were potato balls with curry mayonnaise from the Brummie Tapas menu.

They were tasty. The presentation was Asian inspired. The mayonnaise was served in an understated black stone dish. The potato balls were finger food. They came with two little white rolls on a white porcelain plate. We were advised by the waitress not to eat the white rolls, since they weren’t edible. We wondered what they were. We found out with the help of “magic”. Another waiter came with a pot of boiling water and dowsed the balls in it. They suddenly grew and turned into hand towels.

A fresh loaf of bread was served too. It was really delicious, one of the best we had in a longer time and again we were told by the Maître d’ that it had a good flavor.

Our first course was the Beetroot Escabeche. It was very enjoyable and colorful.

Our main meal was Brixham cod with pumpkin puree and carrots. This was one of the best fish dishes we had. It was pure melt in the mouth.

Originally we expected as dessert a macaroon, checking the online menu, but it had changed. Instead we had a chocolate banana cake with frozen yogurt. Normally I’m not a big fan of this, but this one was gooey, chocolaty with neither the banana nor the chocolate overpowering and very satisfying. The flavor was full on. The cake looked more like a tart.

As a dessert wine he ordered the Legacy of the Barossa from the Dandelion Vineyards with 30 year old Pedro Ximenez. He loved it. It was syrupy and sweet, but not cloyingly.

Later the Maître d’ had some more time to chat with us and wanted to know where we were from. He recommended we should visit Patrick Gilbaud, a two Michelin starred restaurant, or Rustic Stone by Dylan McGrath, when he heard we were from Ireland.

By now we have eaten at Rustic Stone, but not managed Patrick Gilbaud so far. We were very happy with his suggestions.

The staff is a great asset to the restaurant too, very caring, friendly, attentive and knowledgeable.

A visit to the bathrooms is unusual. You enter a totally different world. The floor is covered in jungle wall paper and there are birds tweeting in the background. There’s also a full view through a glass door to the kitchen. My fiancé was lucky and was greeted by the complete brigade.

Too soon it was time to pay and leave this memorable restaurant.

The bill came in at 120 GBP (ca. 152 Euro or ca. 170 USD).

We loved our lunch experience at Purnell’s. 

 

©2016

 

In-Room Art Afternoon Tea @ The Merrion, Dublin Ireland

While staying at The Merrion Hotel Dublin, Ireland in March 2016 we enjoyed in-room Art Afternoon Tea, which is based on the artworks which are exhibited throughout the hotel.

 

When ordering I was advised that different sandwiches were served than on the menu. This wasn’t a problem.

 

I asked to receive only plain scones, because my fiancé is allergic against raisins.

We ordered green tea, but if no specific tea is requested, Breakfast Tea would be served. Additionally we had two orange juices.

 

The tea arrived within the time frame, but unfortunately there were a mix of scones. We were promised we would get an additional plate with more plain ones, which was delivered promptly.

 

The setup was beautiful with three tiers and an additional plate for some of the Merrion art inspired sweet treats.

 

On the lowest level were the savories, in the middle the scones, clotted cream, butter, lemon curd and raspberry jam and on top the cakes.

 

The tea came in a silver pot; there were linens and a flower on the table, and the table was laid out with bespoke cutlery and Wedgewood porcelain.

The delicious savory items included a pea mousse, chicken, smoked salmon, cucumber and ham and cheese sandwiches and an egg brioche.

 

The sweet items were lemon bread, Porter and Battenberg cake, which were inspired by Sean Scully’s abstract paintings.

 

Another one was inspired by art hanging in one of the Drawing Rooms.

It was sumptuous, memorable and the presentation was beautiful.

 

The cost were 92 Euro (ca. 102.90 USD) for two.

 

We enjoyed the meal very much and would look forward to enjoy the Art Afternoon Tea at The Merrion Hotel again.

 

©2016

 

The Merrion Dublin, Ireland

The Merrion is located opposite the Government Buildings and on Upper Merrion Street in Dublin.

The hotel has two wings, the Main House and the Garden Wing.

During our previous stay a few years ago we had the entrance category room at the Garden Wing, which was added in the 1990's. The hotel opened in 1997.

For our stay in March 2016 we consciously chose a Deluxe King Room located at the Main House. The Main House comprises the four original Georgian buildings from the 18th century.

Lord Monck leased four plots and built houses on all of them.

He lived in Number 22. It is named after him and has neo-classical Adams style interiors, while Number 21 has rococo plaster work and a heavy staircase.

Number 24 was originally leased to Lord Antrim, but he moved after his own home was ready, and it was instead taken over by Garret Wellesley, the Earl of Mornington. The building is also known as Mornington House. The Earl of Mornington was the father of the 1st Duke of Wellington, who was born in Number 24.

Reception is located at Monck House. The hotel was already buzzing when we arrived. The bell captain welcomed us warmly and  offered to take our luggage and to bring us to the check in desk. We were travelling light, so we didn't need help with our luggage, but accepted to be brought to reception.

We had to wait a bit, because other guests were checking in. When it was our turn the formalities were quickly dealt with and we were accompanied to our room on the second floor. Unfortunately the hotel was very busy and a late checkout at 2 PM couldn't be given, but we were offered until 12.30 hours, which we took. Emma also explained we could use the spa and any other facilities even after checking out.

We were promised a beautiful room. It was true. The Deluxe Room felt newly renovated in light colors, mostly green, white, crème, beige and gold. The two floor to ceiling windows let in the sunshine and overlooked the courtyard and building site for the new garden restaurant.

After a short explanation about the features we were left alone.

The room was large and bright with a seating area, a coffee table, a throne bed with a Chinese themed throw and night stand lamps, a bench at one of the windows, a large flat screen TV, an alarm clock with IPod docking station, a built in wardrobe, luggage rack, writing desk and a credenza, containing the mini bar.

The matching Chinese theme continued on the cushions on the sofa and the upholstery of the bench. We loved the design and the softness of the material used.

The duvet, all towels and bath mats were Merrion branded.

There was a Leading Hotel of World catalogue, where The Merrion is a proud member since opening.

On the coffee table were different magazines including Vanity Fair, Image, Social & Personal, a booklet about the artwork at The Merrion and a coffee table book about artist Roderic O'Conor.

The Merrion's art collection is the largest of any hotel in Ireland and includes a few works by Roderic O'Conor.

Having frequented the hotel many times over the years we recognized most of the artwork and knew where they were located.

The 100 TV channels available were regional and international, including CNN, Bloomberg, CNBC and all Sky Sports channels.

We enjoyed watching golf tournaments from the US and Thailand on Sky Sports.

Bewley's tea and coffee making facilities were hidden in the wardrobe. The china was by Villeroy & Boch.

The mini bar was stocked with the usual soft drinks, a half bottle of Ruinart Champagne, other alcoholic beverages, The Merrion Pantry dark and milk chocolate, other snacks, sweets and some Tethra Spa products by Espa.

The mixers were 3 Euro (ca. 3.35 USD), soft drinks 3.50 Euro (ca. 3.90 USD), the Ruinart 48 Euro (ca. 53.35 USD), gin, vodka, rum and whiskey 7 Euro (ca. 7.80 USD), Hennessy 9.50 Euro (ca. 10.60 USD), Remy Martin VSOP 11 Euro (ca. 12.25 USD) and the chocolates 4 Euro (ca. 4.45 USD) each.

We took both chocolate bars. They were delicious and when mentioning it at checkout we were told The Merrion Pantry chocolate is saltier than usual, which was right. We liked the smooth, creamy texture and full flavor. Now we wished there would be more of those in the mini bar.

Classic mirrors and artwork by J.B. Yeats completed the room.

A complimentary large bottle of still water was waiting on the coffee table. It was replaced during turn down service and another two small bottles were provided additionally.

The maid offered to clean our water glasses, but we were okay.

The marble bathroom was large with a separate bathtub and shower, a sink, toilet and bidet.

It had a window, which flooded the bathroom with daylight. Blinds could be lowered, so that nobody was able to look inside. The amenities were by Asprey Purple Water and were outstanding.

The hotel offers a shoe cleaning service instead of a shoe shine. We used it and ours were clean and looking like new.

During our stay we used the 24 hour room service for Art Afternoon Tea (review to follow), dinner and breakfast.

Our dinner was smaller and we shared, because the afternoon tea had made us quite full.

It consisted of two mixed berries smoothies, McConnell's oak smoked salmon plate with red onion, capers, lemon and brown soda bread, grilled Monaghan chicken breast with champ mashed potatoes and petit pois a la Francais and a green apple parfait, transparent apple, olive oil cake and cinnamon chocolate wafer. It was all high quality, meaning superb restaurant style quality and delicious.

The bill was 84.50 Euro (ca. 95.25 USD).

The alarm clock had a great feature: The digital time display could be dimmed.

Sleeping comfort was great and getting out of bed was an issue. The wakeup call and reminder were delivered punctual and friendly. The staff double checked if we needed the reminder.

Breakfast the next morning was a Continental and Healthy choice and a cholesterol free omelette for both of us with asparagus as an additional item.

The Continental Breakfast included a choice of tea and coffee, orange juice, bakery basket, toast, jam and butter, fresh fruit salad and Glenillen yogurt.

The Healthy Breakfast included choice of tea or coffee, juice of the day, porridge with skimmed milk and mixed berries, rye bread, carrot bran muffins, Glenillen yogurt and fresh fruit salad.

The juice of the day, a multivitamin juice, was easily replaced, due to an allergy to apricot and peach.

There was a slight mistake in the bill - the omelette was charged full price, even though it should have had only a supplemental charge, when ordering a set breakfast. The mistake was easily rectified by the manager.

The correct amount was 69 Euro (ca. 77.80 USD).

After breakfast we explored the hotel a bit further incl. the beautiful manicured courtyard gardens in which one can view the beautiful "Ripples of Ulysses - James Joyce" statue/sculpture by Rowan Gillespie and then it was already time to pack and check out.

We enjoyed our one night stay very much and were impressed by the friendly and helpful staff, the detailed, luxurious Main House Deluxe King Room incl. bathroom and the excellent food.

Looking forward we would love to try also the Superior Room in the Garden Wing to experience a different room type.

©2016

Eddie Rocket's Dame Street, Dublin, Ireland

After a visit to the Gallery of Photography to see an exhibition about the 1916 Rebellion and Roger Casement we went to Eddie Rocket’s on Dame Street for a late lunch in March 2016.

We hadn’t been to Eddie Rocket’s for a longer time, since the quality had been declining. We wanted to see if it had improved again.

When entering we were greeted warmly and advised we could choose any seat we’d liked. We took a booth by the windows

The outlet is in need of renovation, because the upholstery of many benches was damaged and the interior could need overall a refresh.

Having not been settled for a minute we were already asked if we were ready to order. That was a bit too quick and then our waitress was gone for a good while. Finally we could order. From then on it went flawless.

We had two banana peanut butter milk shakes, a Skinny Beach Burger, made with a whole-wheat bun and fat reduced cheese, Southern Fried Chicken Tenders and shared a portion of Sweet Potato Fries. The portions had gotten smaller since our last visit and the shredded salad leaves didn’t appear with the chicken tenders. The quality was much better, though, and the meal delicious.

We paid 30.50 Euro (ca. 34.30 USD).

When out and about and looking for fast American inspired food, we will return to this or other outlets.

 

©2016

 

Wagamama South King Street Dublin

After our stay at The Merrion Hotel Dublin we decided to continue our great experience during our weekend in March 2016 by having lunch at Wagamama Stephens Green Shopping Center.

When we arrived the restaurant was busy as expected. There was no problem getting a table, though.

We ordered the special of the month, the Paddy’s Juice, a large bottle of Ballygowan still water and green tea, one chu chee chicken curry and one tofu salad with warm vegetables and cos lettuce.

It was delivered timely and was delicious and spicy.

There was a Japanese inspired cocktail menu, which we might pursue next time round.

Staff was efficient, but could have been slightly warmer in terms of service delivery, but they were very busy this could have influenced in how the service was delivered towards us.

The bill was 41.25 Euro (ca. 46.20 USD).

Since we visit Wagamama regularly we will go back to this outlet at some stage again.

©2016

The Birmingham Public Library, Birmingham United Kingdom

When we were the last time in Birmingham a few years ago we saw the first signs of a new public library at Centenary Square as part of the city’s redevelopment. We were impressed with the renderings and the building site. We were looking forward to see it completed.

 

The architect was Francine Houben of Mecanoo architecten, based in Delft, the Netherlands.

 

The building looks like a stack of parcels or maybe a ship with small chimney and beautiful flower decorations in black and gold.

 

When we visited the Library of Birmingham in October 2015 we were impressed and thought it was a great addition to the city and the awards it has won are well deserved.

 

The old library in Paradise Forum has closed and the Brutalism structure will be torn down.

 

The new library cost 188.8 Million GBP (ca. 244 Million Euro or ca. 267 Million USD) and took over three years to be built.

 

It is the 10^th most popular visitor attraction in the UK, the largest public library in the UK, the largest cultural space in Europe and the largest regional library in Europe.

 

The air-conditioning uses an aquifer ground source system, using and reusing cold groundwater. It makes the library more environmentally friendly due to reduced carbon dioxide emissions.

 

It is also connected to the REP, a theatre, and shares some facilities between them.

 

We enjoyed the high ceilings, modern interior and exterior, the light filled space, the Discovery Terrace on the 3^rd floor and the Secret Garden on the 7^th floor and the views from the 9^th floor Skyline viewpoint over the city are wonderful and memorable.

 

The gardens on the 3^rd and 7^th floor invited to explore, relax, take a seat on one of the benches, read a book and enjoy the views over the city.

 

Other highlights for us were the map collection and the Shakespeare Memorial Room on the 9^th floor.

 

The Shakespeare Memorial Room was originally created for the first Central Library in 1882 by John Henry Chamberlain. It was not on display for a long time, but the wait was worth it. The design is intricate and Elizabethan style with carvings by Mr. Barfield, marquetry and metalwork, which includes birds and flowers. The ceiling is also remarkable. We learned a lot of new things, for example that it’s not 100 % certain, that the paintings and busts we have of William Shakespeare might not be him, but a friend of his. It holds over 43.000 books and other printed material. One rare item is for example a copy of the First Folio from the early 17^th century. It makes it one of the most important collections in the world and the most important in the UK.

 

After exploring the library we went to the gift shop and had a quick look at the café.

 

When we return to Birmingham we will visit again to soak up the atmosphere and views.

 

©2016

 

The Greenhouse Dublin, Ireland - Revisited

On a weekend in March 2016 we had reserved a table at the Greenhouse, a 1* Michelin starred restaurant, the chef is Mickael Viljanen in the heart of Dublin for lunch. It was our second visit.

 

We were immediately recognized by the Maitre d’, some waiters and the sommelier.

 

Our table was nearly the same as in December 2015, but this time around we had better views into the kitchen.

 

The menu had a bit changed. We were pleased to see the Sika deer was still available.

 

Our drinks were a large bottle of still water, four van Nahmen juices, a glass of Tokaji Aszu Essencia and two praline and salted caramel Valhrona hot chocolates. The hot chocolate was served with Bailey’s honey cream, very decadent.

 

Our starters were the Royal Foie Gras with eel and Sashimi of charred mackerel with blood orange and beetroot. The mackerel was a colorful spring dish. Like during our first lunch the Foie Gras was excellent and there was no difference in standard.

 

The greeting from the chef was a goat’s cheese baguette. There was also a loaf of baguette and Glenillen butter, which was fantastic.

 

Our main courses were the Sika Deer loin with Rhubarb, bitter herbs and beetroot. Last time the ingredients were slightly different, but the quality of the dish was the same. We had chosen the three course meal for 36 Euro per person. There was an additional charge of 10 Euro for the deer, though.

 

Dessert was the passion fruit soufflé and the apple tart with caramel and ginger ice cream. The soufflé was as delicious as the first time, while the apple tart was new to us. The caramel was nicely sticky.

 

With our hot chocolate came two chocolate truffles.

 

Service was as always exemplary and the meal a delight.

 

The bill came in at slightly under 200 Euro (ca. 220 USD).

When we lingered a bit after paying, our glasses were refilled with tap water. We could have prolonged our lunch even longer if we had wanted to by getting more refills.

 

The Greenhouse comes highly recommended and we look forward to eat here again, as this restaurant combines service, setting and beautiful cuisine. 

©2016

The Lobby Lounge @ The InterContinental Dublin, Ireland

After visiting the 3rd National Classic Car Show at the RDS Simmonscourt in March 2016 we stopped at the InterContinental Hotel Dublin Lobby Lounge for our lunch.

We were lucky and the lounge wasn't too full, so we could have a table at the large floor to ceiling windows of the conservatory overlooking the garden and fountain.

The staff was friendly and overall efficient.

We ordered a large bottle of still water, two hot chocolates, one Luscious Bliss cocktail, one Chicken and Mango Salad Wrap with salad and one salmon fillet with green beans, tzaziki and Quinoa, the 70% dark molten chocolate dessert and a trio of crème brulees.

While the drinks and main courses arrived pretty quickly and were delicious, the desserts took their time.

We weren't in a rush, so it didn't matter. The wait was well worth it. The presentation was beautiful. My dessert looked like a piece of art. The cake was shaped like a Guglhupf from Austria and there were edible flowers on both plates. It was very tasty indeed.

The raspberry, chocolate and vanilla crème brulees were intense in flavor.

We received a few apologies for the delay and didn't have to pay for the desserts, which was a nice touch, but not expected.

The bill was 58.25 Euro (ca. 63.85 USD).

Having visited now the Seasons Restaurant for brunch and the Lobby Lounge for lunch we will return to both and at some stage stay at the InterContinental.

©2016

Spring Brunch @ The Seasons Restaurant, InterContinental Dublin, Ireland

On a Saturday in February 2016 we debated where we should go for lunch or brunch on Sunday. We were open for a new experience and thought we should up our game a bit, so we sent an e-mail to the InterContinental’s Seasons Restaurant and checked if we could have a table the next day. An hour later we had our confirmation.

We hadn't visited the Intercontinental Dublin since it changed from the Four Seasons a year before. We wanted to give the new management time to develop their own concept.

Most of the rooms and all public spaces are renovated now.

When we arrived we enjoyed the new contemporary lobby.

When walking towards the Seasons Restaurant we noticed the gift shop had closed for good, but a spa shop had opened at a different location instead. They sell ESpa products for ladies and gentlemen.

Some of the artwork was still the same, while new pieces have been added.

We were warmly welcomed by the Maître d'. and brought to our table. He was very proud of the new Spring Brunch, which had started only a week earlier and did show us the appetizer buffet.  We were the first ones to arrive and it looked very beautiful. There was also an egg station.

We liked the new design. It was lavish and brighter than during previous visits. Some features were still the same, like the lampshades and the mirrors, but the carpet, wallpaper and chandeliers were new. The dining room was also more intimate.

The buffet was small, but the quality of the ingredients very high and lots of the produce was from Ireland. The smoked salmon came from the Hanlon Smokehouse in Dublin, the crabs are from Dinish Island, the oysters from the Hearty Family in Dungarvan, the butter is handmade in Castlebar and the Arbutus Bread is from County Cork.

We chose the Greek Salad, the smoked salmon, grilled vegetables and the bread and butter.

There was also a Caesar Salad Station, which we had already encountered at the Intercontinental in Sao Paulo.

We asked for the chef, because we both wanted an egg white omelette with onion, spring onion, tomato and peppers.

The main course was served a la carte. Our choice was the pan fried line caught wild sea bass with pea and tarragon puree, confit golden beetroot, purple potatoes and lemon butter sauce and the collection of seasonal vegetables with creamed celeriac, purple potatoes, roasted squash, citrus courgette ribbons, braised fennel and pickled silver onions.

Other choices were striploin of beef, spaghetti alla Carbonara, Bouillabaisse, braised pork cheeks and the Intercontinental beef burger.

The dessert was a selection made by the pastry chef and was presented as if we were having afternoon tea. It included chocolate mousse, an éclair, opera and strawberry cake, two types of meringue (one in a mini ice cream cone with lemon sauce and one filled with cream and topped with berries), a fruit tartlet and fruit salad.

Our drinks were two bottles of still Intercontinental branded water, one Luscious Dream (alcoholic cocktail with Mozart White Chocolate Liquor), one Tropical Storm, non-alcoholic, and two green tea. 

The cost of the brunch was 45 Euro (ca. 49 USD) per person and included the water and tea. The water wasn't mentioned in the inclusions, so we expected to pay for it.

The meal was excellent and one of the best and memorable brunches we had so far.

Standouts were the bread and smoked salmon. Our main courses were very well presented and his seasonal vegetables looked similar to a dish from the Zirbelstube in Stuttgart, where we had lunch and dinner in September 2015. It was maybe less detailed, but the flavor was excellent.

We loved the desserts too. They were very luxurious and tasty. We split them up according to our preference and let the other one try. Some we couldn't share, because they were too small. Since we have similar tastes it was a bit difficult to decide who should get what.

Staff was attentive and eager to please.

Other guests arrived later. Most of them celebrated an occasion, like birthdays. There were a few families with smaller children. They were well behaved and the atmosphere was good, but not too loud.

Our bill came in at 110.25 Euro (ca. 120 USD).

We will return in the future to have an outstanding Sunday Brunch here again in Dublin at the InterContinental.

©2016