Review
Renowned chef Keith Kenny of Restaurant 19 in Lucan Golf Club recently launched his new tapas menu, which we couldn’t wait to try out. We visited on a busy Friday evening with a group of 15 women, the perfect way to experience tapas. The champagne was flowing and the chat was non-stop.
There is a fabulous sweeping drive through manicured greens to the club house. As soon as you get out of the car you breathe in the fresh air and watch the golfers with caddy and clubs in tow, either on their way out for a round or on their way into the nineteenth for another kind of round.
The bar and dining room are on the first floor in a very large open area with the bar to the left, which also serves bar food and light snacks and bites. It’s open and airy with large picture windows giving you views over the course.
Keith has adapted the same policy here as in any of his restaurants, with most ingredients being sourced from the immediate area; meat comes from Collins Butchers and the fish is supplied by McAllisters, both of Lucan village.
As the food began to appear all I can say is it was very Instagram friendly, full of colour and beautifully presented. Nearly too good to eat, but of course we all tucked in. All the dishes were severed on small plates and dishes, more than enough for 15 ladies not shy around food.
First to make an appearance were the traditional patatas bravas and the prawns pil pil, then came what I can only describe as the best paella I have ever had, and I am certainly described by my friends as a paella snob, having spent a lot of time in Spain.
This was incredibly flavorsome, full of the freshest seafood available, I found myself going back on more than one occasion. The dishes just kept coming, and the more you thought you had no more space, you always found a corner for smoked cod fritters, sautéed garlic & chilli mussels, Mexican spiced, meat balls in a tomato sauce; garlic cheese bread and finally ale battered sweet chilli chicken.
As we had all sat back to chat a bit more, finish the fabulous Bollinger being served and enjoy the view as the sun had begun to set there appeared the largest platter you can imagine of scrummy dessert; toffee, strawberry & chocolate Eton mess – with a coffee it was absolutely delicious.
It was a great evening and I can imagine that as soon as people realize that this is now a new destination for eating, reservations will become a necessity so as not to be disappointed.