Review: Kai Cafe + Restaurant, Galway

Kai Cafe + Restaurant

Galway City

It's only happened twice before that I've walked around a city and thought "this could be my home." The first, somewhat surprisingly, was while walking around Cork City a few years ago, to be fair this could have had more to do with the company, a new love can sometimes have that effect on a man but the city still retains a special place in my heart. The second time, somewhat unsurprisingly, was while walking around the streets of beautiful Florence. Everything about the city appealed to me and Ali and myself had actually planned on moving there until reality kicked in and stomped all over our romantic dream. Unexpectedly Galway had a similar effect on me. The narrow, pedestrianised streets instantly appealed while the seemingly liberal nature of the city re-enforced the point but it was of course the food that really swung it. The city has a great food scene and Kai plays a big part in it.

"Where good food lives," never was a tagline more apt. Kai is a bright and airy cafe located on Sea Road in Galway's city centre. Ali and I met our good friend Finn there for lunch on a bright August day. The large sky light along with the plethora of concrete give the impression of dining outside, a nice touch in a country where actually eating outside could become a nightmare very quickly. There are no printed menus, a good squint at the blackboard above the kitchen hatch is required to see what today's produce has inspired Jessica Murphy to create. I went for the Connemarra wild smoked mackerel, green bean mimosa, steves greens, brown soda and mint with cucumber. It was magnificent. Everything on the plate was perfectly seasoned and complimented each other perfectly. The mackerel was warm and just smokey enough without overpowering everything else.

After the main, a trip to the dessert table is necessary. There you will find a great choice of homemade tarts and cakes, all triggering an insuppressible drool. I decided on the Pecan Pie. I'm often left disappointed by pecan pies. Too much caramel not enough nut is my usual complaint but I had no such problems here. It was delicious, the perfect pecan. We finished our lunch with an excellent coffee before heading into the city, happy and full.

Kai is one of the many food gems in Galway's crown. It's bright and airy with friendly staff and great food. You may be able to find cheaper options but I guarantee they won't taste as good. 

Lunch Ratings:

Food: 9/10
Service: 9/10
Ambiance: 9/10
Selection: 9/10
Value for Money: 8/10

Overall: 9/10 Highly Recommended


Kai Cafe + Restaurant
Sea Road,
Galway City.
091 526003

Marie Louise Tea Rooms

Marie Louise Tea Rooms

Howth, Co. Dublin

On Thursday, sensing some nice weather, Ali and I took a spin to Howth for some fish and chips and a walk along the pier. After doing both and with the rain beginning to fall the want of a coffee and cake came upon us.

Marie Louise Tea Rooms are beautiful, with a vintage feel and friendly staff. The tea and coffee are both excellent but it's the carrot cake that forced me to write this! It was magnificent. The moist cake was topped with a thin layer of butter icing and a scattering of walnuts that complimented the flavour perfectly. It wasn't too sweet, as carrot cake's can often be and the portion size was generous. The perfect cake? Possibly so. 

I was delighted to see some training in action also. Our waiter was clearly quite new and the other staff guided him well while explaining everything as they went along. Great to see.

Review: Brooks Café Bistro, Carlow

Brooks Café Bistro

Carlow Town

A couple of weeks ago, after a morning trip to Carlow Town, Ali and myself decided to sample the wares of Brooks Café Bistro on Tullow Street. Brooks forms part of the Dinn Rí complex which, aswel as housing a couple of bars, is also home to The Tower venue and The Foundry night club. The Café is quite large but still retains a cosy and warm feel. We found the staff very welcoming upon arrival and the service was excellent throughout. 

For lunch both of us ordered the same thing; The Open Sandwich with Myler's smoked salmon & fresh poached salmon with a lemon & herb mayo. It was beautiful. I'm not normally a fan of smoked salmon sandwiches but this was delicious. The fresh salmon and mayo lightened the dish immensely and although it was very filling, it never felt too heavy. Although we hadn't planned on having a dessert we couldn't resist after the great sandwich. Unfortunately my brownie, nor Ali's carrot cake, really achieved the same heights as the savoury offerings. Although they tasted good, both were quite dry and disappointing. My double espresso also left a bit to be desired as it tasted more like an americano, too watery and weak.

Overall we had a very enjoyable lunch at Brooks. The sandwiches were excellent and although the desserts let it down a little, it wouldn't stop me from returning.

Lunch Ratings

Food: 6.5/10 (Savoury 8, Dessert 5)
Service: 8/10
Ambiance: 8/10
Selection: 7/10
Value for Money: 8/10

Overall: 7.5/10 Recommended

Brooks Café Bistro
Dinn Rí
Tullow Street
Carlow.
059 9133111