Adare is blessed with more than its share of hotels and eating establishments, and Tony Schwarz’s White Sage Restaurant, has added an exciting dimension since the spring of 2008.
Ably assisted front of house by his wife Bobby, Tony demonstrates all the expertise one would expect from a chef of his pedigree; he has trained and worked in some of the country’s leading restaurants and hotels, including a six year stint as head chef in Dan Mullane’s Mustard Seed in nearby Ballingarry.
The cooking is the primary focus here but without pretension, a mood sustained in the delightful cottagy surroundings: plain white stone walls hung with colourful seascapes and woodland scenes, light green woodwork, cushioned banquettes, sugan chairs, varnished wood tables, creating a bright, cheerful atmosphere.
The main room, with bar and dispense counter, looks out through glass doors onto an open-air patio with tables and umbrellas, and there are two small dining rooms to the front of the cottage.
The regularly changing menu keeps a close eye on what is seasonal and fresh: salads come from Springfield House garden in nearby Dromcollogher and there is always something wild like local pigeon and preserves of seasonal berries.
The best chefs display their talent in subtlety rather than flashy concoctions, and so it is here in deft touches: gently piquant piccalilli with pressed ham terrine; the crispest melba toast and homemade breads; sweetcorn puree as an accompaniment to organic salmon; tender, slow-cooked daube of beef with oysters bacon and Guinness; yogurt and cream cheese ice cream.
This is modern Irish cooking with a dash of individuality at very reasonable prices; the Early Bird three course menu (5.30 to 7pm) particularly good value for €30.00, two courses € 25.50
Service is competent and pleasantly relaxed.
Seats 58 (private room, 10; outdoors, 24). D Tue-Sat (& Sun bank hol w/ends) 5.30-10pm. Children welcome (high chair). 2/3 course early bird D €27.50/32 Tue-Fri 5.30-9.30pm, Sat 5.30-6.45pm. House wine from €19.50. SC 10% on groups 6+. Closed Sun (except Bank Hol weekends) & Mon; Good Fri, 24-26 Dec, last 2 weeks Jan. Amex, MasterCard, Visa, Laser.
