Review: Butt Millins, Naas

Butt Mullins

Naas, Co. Kildare

Butt Mullins is a deceptively large restaurant located on the Dublin side of Naas town, next to Lawlor's Hotel. There is ample parking in the square out front and it is adjacent to numerous bars, in which you can enjoy a pre or post meal drink. We decided to sample the early bird menu (3 courses for €17.95) a couple of weeks ago. It was the night before heading off on holiday and nobody was in the humour for cooking.

Upon entering the restaurant we were welcomed by the friendly host and shown to our seats towards the front of the restaurant, close to the bar. The menu is quite impressive considering the price and I've no doubts that most people's needs are catered for. For starter I decided to try the "deep fried brie with red onion marmalade and tossed leaves." It arrived exactly as described and was a pleasant dish. The brie lacked salt to bring out a bit more of its delicate flavour but I thoroughly enjoyed the marmalade and the leaves were fresh and flavourful. A solid start.

Starter: 6/10

The solidity continued into the main. "Butts house burger with onion ring, french fries and a topping of garlic mayo, cheese or bacon." It was a generous sized burger and the flavours melded together well. Again I felt that it lacked a bit of seasoning but I was happy that the meat retained plenty of moisture. Another solid dish.

Mains: 7/10 

For dessert I took the simple option; "selection of ice-cream." It was nice if a little bland but was a fine end to a very filling meal. The espresso was a little mild for my liking however.

Dessert: 6/10

The service was friendly but possibly a little too formal. I was surprised that when my mother requested chips instead of the potatoes and vegetables with her main she was told that they don't do substitutions. I understand this stance when it comes to something that is cooked into a dish but surely this should have been catered for.

Service: 6/10

Butt Mullins is a warm and cosy restaurant with plenty of chatter and laughter from surrounding tables. It is a lovely atmosphere in which to enjoy a meal. It is also fantastic value for money. The portions are generous and the food is wholesome. It may not be spectacular but what can one expect for €17.95 for 3 courses?

Ambiance: 8/10

Value for Money: 8/10

Overall: 7/10

Butt Mullins Restaurant

Popular Square,

Naas,

Co. Kildare

(045) 874252

Pete's Perfect Portion 4

Antipasti Platter from the Convent Tea Rooms, McAuley Place, Naas, Co. Kildare

On Saturday night I was mixing the sound for the wonderful duo of Luan Parle and Clive Barnes in Naas Arts and Culture Centre at McAuley Place in Naas. Halfway through the gig Tony (the events manager) stuck his head in the door with a tray of goodies for us to munch on. The bread was fresh and crusty, the salami was delicious, the olives were great but it was the slightly thicker pieces of chorizo that I enjoyed most. Probably the best I've had. All of this was washed down with a glass of red and I couldn't have been happier. Sometimes I'm hardly working at all! I haven't had lunch in the tea rooms yet but I certainly will soon.