What is more girlie than a French themed evening out with the ladies? I'm not sure if it is the champagne, the the delicious cuisine or my unspoken desire to be Satine (Nicole Kidman's character in the uber-girlie/gay flick 'Moulin Rouge'), but nothing makes me feel more feminine than a dinner with my girlfriends at a cozy French Bistro!
Lucky for me the delicious restaurant The French Table, located along the bank of the Shannon at Steamboat Quay (just across from The Clarion where the constantly underwhelming San Lorenzo stood during my Uni -days) did not disappoint!
Although its been open since near the end of last summer, it is new to me as my trips to Limerick have been infrequent this past year. Additionally, as it is situated right along the river I feel this spot will have an even greater draw now that the warmer weather is nearing. It is a perfect spot for a GNI (girlie night out) or a romantic (but not overly cheesy) date!
Limerick-born Dierdre, the bistro's co-proprietor and wife to the incredibly talented French-born chef Thomas, was lovely and attentive. Each member of staff made certain that all the guests at the nearly full 25 tables were well looked after.
The restaurant itself is lovely. Paired down and sleek, yet undeniably French, the surroundings are relaxed and welcoming with out being over foofy (so maybe JUST maybe I'll be able to get my boyfriend there for a meal next trip over!) leaving the view as the decorative centerpiece. With the venetian shades down but open, a perfect mood is set and allows you to gaze out on the river, without feeling like a baboon on display at the Dublin Zoo for passersby. The light high gloss wooden floors, darker wooden accents, and white walls create an open and airy yet modern feeling that compliments the food perfectly.
My two girlfriends and I started out by sharing The Foie Gras Terrine with Red Onion Marmalade and toasted Brioche, which was to die for at 10€ and a very interesting updated take on a French classic, as well another French classic of Half a Dozen Escargot (9€) dressed in the much Irish-loved Garlic & Herb Butter. Staying with the French classics I went for the Braised Farmed Rabbit (21€) which was cooked well, had a lovely presentation but was coated in just a bit too much of the mustard & white wine cream sauce as if Chef Thomas thought the simple Irish palate could handle it better if it tasted like the basic Chicken in White Wine you can score at almost any local pub...one girlfriend kept it safe with the Confit of Duck Leg (21€) which was good, roasted with garlic and thyme and served with a yummy helping of mash, but pretty basic. However, the other grasped hold of the river theme and went for the Trio of Fish and Shellfish (26€). In a broth of fresh herbs and champagne it tasted tres French but knowing that the poisson came from popular Limerick fishmonger John Sadlier that very morning made it fíor Irish! All paired with a recommended french house white, the meal was a smash!
We skipped dessert and headed over to Aubars on Thomas Street for their champagne cocktail The Aubars Classic (o keep the girlie-franco evening going)before heading to the Laure Izibor show at Dolan's!
I do want to note that we ordered the more expensive items on the menu (as it was a celebration of having not seen each other in a while and investigative journalism at it's finest!) and that there are starters as low as 4 and 5 Euro and mains as low as 16€. Not to mention, a Dessert Plate for Two at just 14€ that I'm sure would be scrumptious along with host of beautiful wines by the bottle or glass at all price ranges!
I will admit that I was drawn to this restaurant not only by my desire to be Satine (sans the Tuberculosis!) and its lovely riverside locale but also by a profile I read of the owning couple in which they talked about using local produce, fish and meat to accommodate the local tummies and add Irish flair to french staples.
So next time you are looking for a great meal in a great spot by good people stop by The French Table, 1 Steamboat Quay, Limerick. It is open five days a week for lunch and dinner 061609274. Enjoy!
What I Wore:
