In fine weather, a few tables for alfresco dining set a welcoming tone outside Michael and Mary Lowe's wine shop, Italian deli and little trattoria style restaurant.
You'll notice bottles of wine in view as you arrive and, in the shop, find the walls lined from floor to ceiling with Michael's collection of specially imported Italian wine; a table displaying speciality foods (pastas, Italian sauces etc) takes centre stage and a deli counter at the back of the shop offers charcuterie, great cheeses, olives, and other treats to take home - you'll also find some special Irish artisan products at the deli - Mossfield cheeses are stocked here, for example.
At the back, a small room is simply furnished with wooden tables and chairs and small candles, and a blackboard notice sums up the philosophy of this little place very well: "No salt or sugar added, 99% ingredients & 1% skill"!
A blackboard menu offers a small selection of dishes (some available in two sizes) including a must-try and totally delicious antipasta dish with bruschetta, sun blushed tomatoes, salami, prosciutto, red and green pesto, olives, a pair of handmade Italian cheeses and a choice of salads.
Main dishes normally include a hot special such as pizzaiola - mozzarella, aubergine, bruschetta, red pesto, regato and parmesan, and vegetarians will also enjoy the 'veggie snack' of focaccia, courgette, aubergine, pesto, red peppers, mozzarella, layered and served with fresh rocket leaves wrapped in a slice of roasted aubergine.
Tempting desserts are displayed in a glass cabinet in the wine shop where you may may choose a bottle to enjoy with your meal for a corkage fee of about €5.75 and, on bottles over €30, there is no corkage charge.
The quality of ingredients used and generous portions make for very good value, and friendly service and advice is always at hand.
Cheese & Wine night on Wednesdays, 7pm onwards.
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