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Restaurant Review - Chocolat
ANY mothers trying to get their children to eat their greens should head to Chocolat.
Broccoli, that most reviled of vegetables, is brought to a new level in the O'Connell Street restaurant. It's funny starting a restaurant review on a side order but the steamed broccoli with toasted almonds would convert even the most ardent carnivore. Scrumptuous.
When Chocolat first hit the restaurant scene it was like a breath of fresh air. The interior is modern, cool and cutting edge – no expense was spared in the kit out.
As a nation we got used to dining out when the Celtic Tiger had teeth so now to save money, many people looking for value switch to early bird menus. And Chocolat does a superb one from 5 to 7pm for €15.50 but now from Monday to Sunday, from 7pm to close, you can choose any starter, main course and dessert from the a la carte menu for just €19.50. That really is hard to beat. I can remember paying €30 for just a main course not so long ago.
Located beside Imasa, when we entered at 8.30pm on a Thursday evening there was a pleasant buzz upstairs and we were greeted by a smiling girl behind the bar.
We were escorted downstairs and it feels like you're entering a restaurant in Tokyo, Los Angeles or Paris. The large room was busy with large and small groups but there is plenty of space between tables to ensure you don't have to talk in hushed tones.
An Australian waiter (my apologies if you're from New Zealand) was friendly and efficient and judging by some of the looks he was getting from the ladies he could be part of the attraction of Chocolat!
Chocolat is part of the Jasmine Palace group which includes Z-WE-TON, Wokking, Coco Restaurant and, of course, the Jasmine Palace. So with that kind of experience you know the food is going to be good.
"Our menu was composed with the intent of fusing the subtlety of European gastronomy, the richness of Mediterranean ingredients and the intensity of Asian spices," reads its website – www.chocolatrestaurant.ie – and they're not lying.
"Mouthwatering," said my companion as we read the menu. There were nine starters and it was hard to decide between grilled tiger prawns with garlic aioli or the wasabi sirloin – tender Hereford prime sirloin with wasabi dressing. I plumped for the steak and it was plump and juicy. Six or seven pieces of steak accompanied with the fiery dressing and slices of apple. Superb. Our waiter swooped in to check if it was cooked medium rare as I ordered. A nice touch.
My dining companion chose the goats cheese and walnut crostini with a tangy fresh herb pesto which she loved. Onto mains and again, from an extensive and original selection, it was hard to choose. I went for Chinatown roasted duck in rhubarb jus served with today's vegetables – the lovely broccoli and green beans. The skin was crispy and the meat tender and delicious. You choose a side order of your choice and my singapore fried noodles accompanied my duck perfectly.
She had baked Mediterranean sea bass with sauted vegetables which was sublime and again a very generous portion. Her side was the amazing broccoli and toasted almonds which she was loathe to share!
Despite my waistline's disapproval I went for a vanilla crme brle that made the satisfying crunch sound when you break through the glaze. Ice cream also went down a treat. Topped off by a perfectly chilled bottle of Pinot Grigio with a subtle hint of pear, we left happy and contented knowing we would return very soon.
Reservations: 061-609709, or email info@chocolatrestaurant.ie
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Wednesday 08 February 2012
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