For the last night of our break in Co. Limerick, we had pre-planned to visit Restaurant 1826 Adare.  Owned and run by Husband and Wife team, Chef Wade Murphy, (President – Eurotoques  Ireland) and Elaine, who renovated the cottage and opened the restaurant in 2013.

We first had the pleasure of Wade’s food in 2011 when he was Executive Chef at Doonbeg Lodge, Co. Clare. To say that I have never been served such a wonderful meal at a wedding would be an understatement, and when I heard he had opened his own restaurant, it was just a matter of time before we visited.

Brown Bread was served to the table along with a menu, and this one was exceptional. Dark, not too much so, malty, sweet, but not overpowering, and a hint of Stout, and/or molasses, maybe, peppered with walnuts and, what we thought were pistachio nuts.  I think I have worked it out for another blog-post 😉 The accompanying butter, sprinkled with sea salt, was the perfect foil for the semi-sweet, malt flavours.

I know I could just ask for a recipe, but the baker-instinct in me likes to figure it out for myself.

The restaurant offers casual and hearty dining without being overwhelming. Wade’s menu reflects his use of seasonal, top quality Irish produce from County Limerick and beyond, with a nod to his classical training, with modern twists. The following is what we enjoyed on the evening of our visit.

Starter – Brown Bread Baked Scallops in the Shell, Air Dried Connemara Ham, Soft Herb Crust

 Warm Chicken Livers, Pickles, Piccalilli Aioli, Springfield Greens

 Main – Breast of Thornhill Duck, Elderflower-Poached Cherries, Pickled Carrots, Roast Duck Jus

Main (Specials)  – Fish Pie – Crab, Mussels, Scallops, Hake and Salmon, in white wine and cream sauce, topped with an egg cooked for 13 minutes at 75°C

 Citrus Créme Fraiche Brûlée, with Raspberry Sorbet

This is another restaurant to put down on your “must visit” lists, and I have no hesitation in recommending it to others, where a warm welcome, good atmosphere and great food awaits you.

Continued success to Wade, Elaine, and the Staff.  We will certainly be back, and thank you for a lovely evening.

Disclosure:  Blog-post was not requested, and written at my discretion. Bill for visit was paid for in full by me.