CAFE GUSTO 17.08.10
Cafe Gusto is more than just a cafe, more than just two cafes as it is found in both Washington Street and Lapps Quay.
What makes it different is its attitude, easily seen in its tweets and Facebook pages. "We are the glass half full type of people." Like that in these recessionary times.
The post Celtic Tiger era has led to a whole load of gloom but you won't see that at Gusto or its sister restaurant the Liberty Grill (also in Washington Street), both of which by the way serve top class food and drink.
I was strolling up there the other day and called into Gusto for a cup of their excellent coffee and who should I meet but Marianne, my twitter mate.
And what was she doing? Helping out a visitor to the city. Marianne and partner Denis do this as a matter of course.
Denis recently said to me that we have a great product in the city and county, lots to see and do "but it can be hard to find them if you are plonked down in the middle of it".
And that's where the friendly attitude of Denis and Marianne and their staff come in. They go out of their way to make visitors welcome and Gusto has a rack of informative booklets available.
They also use the internet to help out and are always willing to plug events that liven up the local scene as you'll have seen with their efforts on the Lee Swim and Paddy Games to mention just two.
Obviously Denis and Marianne are not the only two in town with this pro-active attitude. But we need more of them. After all, the more we pull together, the further we will go.
And the payoff? Well, have a look at this from a globe trekking LA foodwriter
http://www.glassofwin.com/?p=2508
CAFE GUSTO
Cafe Gusto - so good they built it twice, first in Washington Street (Singers Corner) and also at the Lapps Quay Boardwalk (see pic).
Called to Washington Street lunchtime today and enjoyed my snack which consisted of a hot gorgeously crispy Bocadillo, filled with a Caprese (Mozarella du Bufala, basil and plum tomato). Partner helped herself to a Focaccia Farita filled with a juicy Tuna Salad (with plum tomato, red onion, cucumber & a little mayo).
I had a large Americano while she had a medium one; both were superb. The "sandwiches" cost a fiver each and the total came to less than €15.00.
Staff were informative and friendly but the service was a little less than perfect in the sense that the coffee was served well before the eats and there was even a noticeable gap between the Focaccia and the Bocadillo.
But I would nonetheless recommend the place strongly. The food is excellent and so is the coffee. Next time though, I might have a glass of water with the meal and then get the coffee and linger! By the way, all the seating here is of the high stool variety. read more