Possible one of the best kept secrets in Thurles at this time is the Mitchel House Restaurant. Proprietors of this fine establishment are Michael and Denise O’Dwyer, both veterans of the world of good food. The restaurant is tucked away in the oldest part of Thurles town, with private free car parking at the rear, (left off St. Mary’s Avenue). This quality restaurant allows the customer to enjoy excellent food in a friendly and unhurried atmosphere.
If you are a lover of good food and excellent wine, you will not want to miss this restaurants Wine Appreciation Dinner on 20th November next, hosted by Award Winning Sommelier and wine educator Pascal Playon. Pascal will guide you on a fascinating sensory experience of whites & reds. He will explore the origins of some of the restaurants most famous varieties, and suggest the foods that best complement each choice.
The menu chosen for the evening, I understand, will include Salmon, Loin of Venison, and Roasted Pork Belly ( had the latter with mixed herbs, roasted pimentos drizzled with scallion vinaigrette the other night – makes my mouth water). Award winning Head Chef Brendan Sheridan from Claridges Hotel in London will be slaving away over the hot stove as usual. (Have you tasted his warm fritters of Plum & Apple, with just the hint of ginger orange caramel. I think I could marry that man). Oh and request a little vanilla ice cream with the fritters, – yeees yum.
I think its probably best that I empty my head of all food thoughts and examine wine matters. The restaurant’s cellar, for me, boasts, some of the best and Pascal will root them out. Pascal by the way is a former winner of the Wedgewood Wine service award in 1998 and represented Ireland internationally in London. Georgina Campbell graded him Best Sommelier in Ireland in 2000, Best Wine List in 2001 and while I am name dropping, his name comes up in Gerry Ryan‘s book (RTE fame) as his favourite Sommelier.
Two of my favourite labels to be found in Michael’s cellar at Mitchel House are:
- Les Hauts du Monteillet, Vin de Pays des Collines Rhodaniennes 2006. An imaginative and very attractive wine made from a blend of white Rhone region varieties. It has a zippy nose, if you can imagine, of a mixture of apple-blossom, lilies and lemon bon bons. The palate has a silky texture , with fine, green apple acidity that marshals the flavour. It’s not unusual for a white wine to benefit from decanting and this wine does just that.
- Moscato Passito (Denominazione Di Origine Controllata), Made from the native Moscato grape dried on ‘graticci’, latter a traditional Italian rush mat. Once fermented it is aged for 12 months in oak barrels and has a deep golden colour and an intensely aromatic flavour rather like a mix of apricot and liquid Acacia honey. This Moscato Passito is perfect with mature cheeses or any dessert.
Need to score brownie points with the wife or return a favour to a good friend? Here is your chance, make a reservation to what promises to be a delicious and enjoyable event.
My advise to the customer: Best to arrive hungry.
Reservations for the Mithcel House Restaurant, Wine Appreciation Dinner on Thursday 20th November can be booked by either;
Phone: 0504-90776
or
E-Mail: mitchelhouse@eircom.net
See you there, remember November 20th. Put it in your diary.
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