Wow. What a meal.
Just two weeks old, and already a well-oiled (and extremely tasty) machine. Usually when you visit a restaurant that's so new, there are lots of chinks that need ironing out, processes that need tweaking, menus that aren't quuuite spot on yet. Not so in Canteen. You could be forgiven to assume it had been there for years. The staff and management have clearly taken the best bits from their old Blackrock haunt, and added to them for the new Celbridge abode.
From beginning to end, everything about the meal was perfect.
- The piping hot just out of the oven bread and soft butter landed on the table as soon as we came in
- The exquisite amuse bouche that followed straight after
- The menu which strikes the perfect balance between modern Irish & French cuisine - not too fussy and not too plain. In fact we had a few fussy eaters on our table, and everyone without exception demolished everything put in front of them. A testiment indeed to the fresh ingrediants and clever combinations.
- The decadent truffles that completed the experience!
Now, a special mention to the star of the show. The Crème brûlée. Mother. Of. Deserts. Hands down the best crème brûlée I've ever had. The richest, most dense & velvetty caramel. Wow. I'm still thinking about it.
The interior is slick - painted in a grey and blue pallet, with massive floor to ceiling windows, minimalist lighting and contemporary art, it's got a serene feel, and manages to thread the line successfully between sophistication and quirkiness.
The staff were on point - friendly, efficient and knowledgable.
Then there's the price. If you count the bread, amuse bouche, three courses and the truffles at the end, you're essentially getting a five course meal for 38 euro. Incredible value. With wine, 55 euro. Worth every cent.
This is the type of place that Celbridge has been crying out for. They're going to do exceptionally well. More power to them. read more