Review
Interlude restaurant in Dungarvan was the dream of chef Susan Denn for many years before opening their doors in October of 1998. Located on Davitt's Quay overlooking the harbour in Dungarvan, it is set slightly back off the main thoroughfare, but is easily recognisable with its granite facade facade and al fresco dining area to the front.
Once inside there is a heavy velvet drape and then into a large open space with tiled floors and natural wooden hand carved chairs, tables and sculptures. The setting is surprisingly contemporary, and stainless steel and dark woods add to the theme. We visited on Sunday afternoon and the restaurant was full, even out of season, which is a true testimony to what they are doing here and the reputation that has built over the years.
In October 2012 Susan decided to expand further onto the waterfront with Interlude Too, which is a more casual setting laid out in a cafe/deli style with large lime green chairs contrasting the grey background and panoramic windows capturing the view makes it the ideal spot to take a break and watch the world pass by.
Susan's aim is to deliver quality fresh local produce which is handled simply and with minimum of fuss. This shouts out through their menu which is broken down simply into wraps, melts & salads; organic greens; surf; turf; Interlude Italian and Interlude beag, while daily specials are displayed on the boards. Other options on the menu were Knockalara ewes cheese and chickpea salad, Helvick mussels – an iteration of Moules Frittes with local craft beer instead of win, a choice of different burgers, or nachos and thin based pizza.
With prices ranging between €8.95 for a choice of wraps to €15.95 for a steak sandwich it would be hard to spend too much and have eaten really well here. Both my husband and daughter started with the soup of the day here which was celeriac and hazelnut cream served with warm homemade breads and then himself went on to have the special of lamb shank while Keisha had the seafood special of hake goujons with salmon bon bons. I ordered one of my favourite dishes, Thai style fishcakes.
The lamb was succulent and served on a bed of ragout with creamy mash. The hake goujons with salmon bon bons were so fresh and cooked to perfection. Two plump fish cakes came my direction and I was happy to discover they were more fish than potato. They were absolutely wonderful, and the flavours of lemon grass and coriander that came through were really punchy. A little jar of lime mayonnaise and a herb salad which was dressed with lemon juice finished the dish, not to mention the chunkiest if chunky wedges. the basket of the biggest wedges you have ever laid eyes on and I was set to go.
We were spoiled for choice on dessert with seven choices on the menu including banoffee, crepes or an Irish coffee meringue all priced at €4.95, plus another couple of daily specials on display including orange drizzle cake, blueberry and almond flan or a flourless pistachio and lime. We decided to share the Irish coffee meringue which was served as a roulade with vanilla ice cream and an espresso shot on the side, and it was big enough to share between three.
Interlude is the ideal location for a catch up over morning coffee; a delicious afternoon tea & cake; tasty lunch; family celebration or a special dinner date so make sure to visit next time you are in the sunny south east
