Stitch and Bear

A long-running Irish blog with reviews of the best restaurants in Dublin and throughout Ireland. Some wine and cocktails thrown in for good measure!

Friday, April 13, 2012

[Review] Brasserie Le Pont, Fitzwilliam Place, Dublin 2

A few weeks back, I caught a bad dose of the flu. It was the kind of flu where you're out of action for a full week, something that my tough rural West Cork genes didn't expect to happen. Even when I had recovered enough to go back to work, I was still somewhat fatigued. But a week of light eating at home meant that I had built up a bit of a limited appetite, and I was more than keen to get into a restaurant.

Brasserie Le Pont is tucked away downstairs on Fitzwilliam Place and it's got a bit of Tardis-effect going on. Despite appearing initially small, the restaurant opens up towards the rear, with doors opening onto a garden terrace. The decor is sleek and chic, decidedly on the upscale side of mid market. By the time we were seated at our tables, we were very much liking the look of Brasserie Le Pont.

A set lunch menu offers two courses for €21.95, with more extensive a la carte options. My interest was caught by the daily specials, which I ordered for both starter and main course. Baby squid stuffed with chorizo and feta with saffron risotto and fennel salad was a beauty on the plate (€7.50). I love squid tentacles and the body was plump and juicy from the stuffing. His Lyonnaise salad of frisee lettuce, poached eggs, lardons, croutons and mustard dressing was generous and spot on (€8.95). Extra bonus points were awarded for the large glass plate on which the salad was served. 
Baby squid stuffed with feta and chorizo
Frisee salad with lardons, poached egg and mustard dressing
Mains consisted of duck confit and moules frites. The confit of magret duck was served with red cabbage, roasted garlic pommel puree, fig and pearl onion puree (€15.95). The duck was perfectly cooked, the potatoes were delicious, but there was slightly too much of the overly sweet red cabbage. Overall though, this was a very well done classic French dish. I love moules frites, but I'm frequently disappointed when the sauce is weak and wishy-washy. However, that was most definitely not the case with his main course, which came with a punchy, tasty white wine and garlic sauce (€12.95).
Confit of magret duck with garlic potatoes

Owner Fiona Kelly wished to create a French brasserie which combined high quality food with affordable prices. Chef James Doyle (formerly of RhodesD7 and Gordon Ramsay at the Powerscourt Ritz-Carlton) takes the lead in the kitchen and the results are extremely impressive. His set lunch meal delivered perfectly executed French classics, while my special selections showed some real flair, particularly the baby squid starter. 

Brasserie Le Pont is a quietly classy spot. It fits nicely into the Dublin scene, offering a stylish room, stylish food at recession stylish prices. After being sick for a whole week, Brasserie Le Pont definitely helped lift my spirits.

Brasserie Le Pont, Fitzwilliam Place, Dublin 2
Tel: +353 (0)1 669 4600
URL: www.brasserielepont.ie
Twitter: @BrasserieLePont

Brasserie Le Pont on Urbanspoon
Share:

No comments

© Stitch and Bear | All rights reserved.
Blogger Template Developed by pipdig