If you suspect that the cities and tourism hotspots may have bagged all the best eating experiences in Ireland, just take a trip to Tipperary Town and have a meal at Prime 74 Restaurant.
It's right in the town centre in a handsome two-storey building that was once the famous American Hotel - it had a romantic history, involving gold dust of all things, so be sure to ask about it when you visit.
Today it's a bright and welcoming place, and makes a fine setting for Martin Lovell's smartly appointed restaurant. A classically trained chef who is, in his own words, 'passionate about using the very best local and seasonal produce', Martin clearly takes pride in providing regulars and visitors alike with a warm welcome and well priced menus that showcase the best in season - and his suppliers, including many from Co Tipperary, are warmly credited.
Fine dining is the very pleasing speciality in the evening - and the menus offered include a tempting early dinner that gives outstanding value, as well as a terrific à la carte - but during the day Martin offers a very appealing informal light bites and lunch menu that gives the same great cooking in a more relaxed style.
The tone is set at breakfast, when you might enjoy something like Crushed avocado with free-range poached eggs, award winning sausages and sourdough bread - a deliciously modern take on the traditional which, together with a chat with the friendly servers, should set you up for the day.
Whatever is offered, it's done with style - and offers value for money too. At lunchtime, for example, a seasonal soup and some appealing salads are offered in two sizes, and the Prime Picnic is a speciality - a Roast Irish chicken, rocket and wholegrain mustard sandwich, a cup of soup and a sweet treat, all for a tenner. There are super mains for the very hungry (fish and vegetarian dishes included, but remember this is meat country), and no matter what time you call in there will be specials look out for too.
Then the more ambitious evening menus allow Martin to flex his culinary muscles a little with starters such as a Terrine of corn fed chicken and Inch House black pudding, or Salt baked organic beetroot with crispy Ardsallagh goats cheese, roast red pepper purée, candied pecans & balsamic dressing... Mains include superb steaks of course - who could resist Irish Hereford Beef (10oz Sirloin or 10oz Rib Eye) with baked Portobello mushroom, crispy onion rings, beef dripping chips, salsa verde & peppercorn cream? Roast breast of Skeaghanore duck is another popular choice, or maybe pan fried Cod with Gubbeen chorizo.
Delicious desserts to finish on too (lemon meringue pie with raspberry sorbet, perhaps) and a good wine list to accompany - as well the excellent local beer, White Gypsy.
The staff are great and dietary requirements are catered for - like everything else at this quietly confident restaurant there's no big fuss, but symbols are given on the menu.
All round this is a very balanced place, where the offering is carefully considered to change throughout the day and provide the best at all times.
The perfect neighbourhood restaurant.
