Review
Eco Gorey have re-opened in Gorey, much to the delight of their customers, who have been packing out the new chilled out venue. It’s a laid back vibe, kind of how some of the big name rock/fashion/whatever theme cafe bars would be like with a bit of individuality and imagination.
Eco occupies an old bank building at the top of the main Street on the right hand side as you go towards Wexford. It is a fine, imposing, granite structure, a throwback to the days when the bank was the commercial centre of the town and it makes good home for the new and improved Eco. Dave Lavelle and his partners had a smaller Eco in Gorey up to a year ago, but problems with leases and size prompted them to withdraw and wait until the premises they really wanted became available. Inside the downstairs is decorated in vibrant shades of lemon, sea green and dark red, which sounds like it shouldn’t work, but hey, it actually does. There is a mezzanine dining area, as well as tables and chairs and a raised area with booths running to the back.
The menu is eclectic. It features lots of Italian dishes, but you will also find Mexican fajitas and Thai curries. Every day there is a lunch and a dinner special, and for the most part this will be a fresh fish dish. The last couple of times we were in, the choices were grilled sole of turbot. They have a full licence and the atmosphere is friendly and has a buzz about it, even on a dark November evening.
The menu is long, and we couldn’t decide on starters but had the calamari and the tempura. The tempura is a selection of vegetables in a batter, with wasabi mayo, soya and pickled ginger to accompany. Crunchy, perfectly cooked and very delicious. The calamari was moist and tasty, and both of these dishes worked well. For the main course we shared beef fajitas and homemade chips. The fajita’s are the DIY variety, so with the makings of four we mixed and matched the fried beef with salsa, guacamole, sour cream and grated cheese. It is ages since I ate them and Eco’s are pretty good.
Dessert was again shared – the portions are big - and a homemade tiramisu was light as could be and enjoyed with some good coffee’s. Eco has made a welcome return, and there are imminent plans for a wine bar upstairs and an art house cinema. It is a great place for a nice casual dinner, and when the upstairs ifs finished, sure, you won’t have to leave at all. No doubt the wine bar will attract the female population, and then the guys are sure to follow. Dave and co. have a great spot on their hands that deserves to go from strength to strength. Friendly staff, individuality, good food and prices, and a cool wine bar - what more could you ask for?
Eco occupies an old bank building at the top of the main Street on the right hand side as you go towards Wexford. It is a fine, imposing, granite structure, a throwback to the days when the bank was the commercial centre of the town and it makes good home for the new and improved Eco. Dave Lavelle and his partners had a smaller Eco in Gorey up to a year ago, but problems with leases and size prompted them to withdraw and wait until the premises they really wanted became available. Inside the downstairs is decorated in vibrant shades of lemon, sea green and dark red, which sounds like it shouldn’t work, but hey, it actually does. There is a mezzanine dining area, as well as tables and chairs and a raised area with booths running to the back.
The menu is eclectic. It features lots of Italian dishes, but you will also find Mexican fajitas and Thai curries. Every day there is a lunch and a dinner special, and for the most part this will be a fresh fish dish. The last couple of times we were in, the choices were grilled sole of turbot. They have a full licence and the atmosphere is friendly and has a buzz about it, even on a dark November evening.
The menu is long, and we couldn’t decide on starters but had the calamari and the tempura. The tempura is a selection of vegetables in a batter, with wasabi mayo, soya and pickled ginger to accompany. Crunchy, perfectly cooked and very delicious. The calamari was moist and tasty, and both of these dishes worked well. For the main course we shared beef fajitas and homemade chips. The fajita’s are the DIY variety, so with the makings of four we mixed and matched the fried beef with salsa, guacamole, sour cream and grated cheese. It is ages since I ate them and Eco’s are pretty good.
Dessert was again shared – the portions are big - and a homemade tiramisu was light as could be and enjoyed with some good coffee’s. Eco has made a welcome return, and there are imminent plans for a wine bar upstairs and an art house cinema. It is a great place for a nice casual dinner, and when the upstairs ifs finished, sure, you won’t have to leave at all. No doubt the wine bar will attract the female population, and then the guys are sure to follow. Dave and co. have a great spot on their hands that deserves to go from strength to strength. Friendly staff, individuality, good food and prices, and a cool wine bar - what more could you ask for?
