Here's what the owners, Anne Brennan and Glyn Schneider say about it on their website.....After 15 years’ experience in some of the most exclusive establishments in London, we decided to open our own restaurant in Ireland which we named after it’s location, Le Roc Noir. It was small but all ours and was included in the Michelin guide.
Many years in the corporate sector followed recreating the Le Roc Noir magic in one of Ireland’s famous country houses. Travelling extensively around the world we were drawn time again to the countries around the Mediterranean, not only by the climate and culture but by the cuisines and attitude towards the pleasures of the table that are so much a part of everyday life. Spain, Morocco, Turkey and Egypt have all been an inspiration and major influence on the culinary style of The Kitchen.
Now we are offering a collection of recipes discovered from our travels around the Moorish and Eastern Mediterranean, many of which are only found at the family home and not in restaurants.
Dishes which are traditional, classic, surprising and some neglected gems.
We invite you to delve into our ever-changing menu.
Here's what I had to say after my visit today.....
I have eagerly awaited the opening of The Kitchen, 2 South Quay, Drogheda for what feels like at least a year. From the first time I saw the signs calling for wait staff go up on the windows of a shell of a building. Then when it did open, for varied reasons I couldn't make it in, until now.
Friends had been and the reports back were favourable. But I really wanted to see for myself. So off I trot today for a little lunch whilst my little man was busy at footie camp. Not that he wouldn't have been welcome, as the kids drawings as you walk in the door testify, but, those of you who have children will understand the need for a meal where the conversation isn't about Spongebob, at least every now and then!
What strikes you first upon entering, apart from the very cute array of childrens' masterpieces, is the simplicity of the decor. No painting or large chandeliers adorn the walls and ceilings. Rather a beautiful french inspired aquamarine dresser serves as the bar backdrop, the pendant lights over the counter illuminate a beautiful array of what I'm assured are homemade cakes, from lemon drizzle to baklava. The dark wood tables and chairs add a nice depth and a large gold gilt mirror adorns the back wall. A lovely smatering of local produce is available to purchase, from porridge in a milk bottle! to handmade sweets.
The expanse of windows allows for plenty of light and the simple decor says 'we are confident about our food.'
I was greeted by a lovely girl who promtly cleared a dirty table for me - every other one was clean but of course I wanted the only dirty one in the restaurant! It was a window seat and I could see into the open kitchen so why wouldnt I want it? To her credit it was no problem and she had me sat in my chosen seat within a minute.
My first glance at the menu told me I was going to like this place, just as long as what was produced in the kitchen was as described on the menu. My biggest bugbear is when you get handed something that has no resemblance to the menu description!! Argh!!
So the offer is simple, there are starters like Cured Beef & Parmesan Salad with Pomegranate Molasses at a very reasonable €6.95 or for something a little smaller there is a choice of 8 Tapas with bread from €2.95 to €3.95. Babaganoush anyone?
The grill offers Honey Glazed Chicken Legs at €14.95 up to Lamb Cutlets with Mint sauce at €22.50.
Again they dont over do the offering with 6 items available in this sections. There are mains too like Sea Bass with Walnut & Pomegranate Salad at €19.95 and then an inspiring selection of Sandwiches which move away from the toasted whatever with melted cheese! Thank you for small mercys!
So as you can see the only problem we were now faced with was what to have. Luckily (for me anyway!) my dining partner had already sampled their fine fare only days ago so I got to choose. Well it was only fair, right?
So decision made, WE ordered chorizo in cider and prawns in garlic from the tapas section. We wanted to share these and it was no problem to order our next nibble after this.
When they arrived they looked delicious and the fresh bread was a perfect accompaniment. Yum. Unfortunately I was so busy commenting on the cute dishes and the delicious taste I forgot to take a picture for you, so you'll have to take my word on their presentation. The chorizo, a spanish sausage that makes me yearn for lazy days and sangria in Santa Eularia, was sweet and perfectly cooked in apple cider and onion enhancing the already smoky texture that comes from the spanish paprika traditionally used in this sausage. The garlic prawns were meaty and again perfectly cooked. The only comment made here was they were a little over enthusiastic about the parsley used, hardly a hanging offence and not an issue for me just my dining partner. I suggested that maybe considering the amount of business men lunching in The Kitchen the amount of parsley was indeed carefully considered so the movers and shakers of Drogheda town weren't heading back to offices with offensive garlic breath! (Although I'm unsure how many would be getting that up close and personal back at the office, but that's another days conversation!!)
After our tapas we had decided to share the spicy lamb kofta with chilli sauce & hummus, which was served on flatbread, as one each would have been a step too far.
To my utter delight it was delivered exactly as described on the menu! Ah the small pleasures in life...The lamb kofta was tender, succulent and full of flavour. The spicy chili was just enough to give a kick without being overpowering. All in all a great sandwich and at €4.95 it didnt break us either.So to the downside? Well, I had to search hard and to be honest it's barely worth a mention, but when we received our tapas to share we weren't given little plates off which to eat them. Minor point I know but it would have been a clear 100% other than that. So for that little indiscretion I award a whopping 98% to The Kitchen. A small sliver of the lemon drizzle cake was kidnapped and will be tried under rigourous tasting tests later this evening, a comment will be forthcoming, but I have a feeling the result will be very favourable indeed.
SERVICE: 10/10 - The friendly responses to my questions on opening hours to the unsolicited offer of more hot water for our tea really topped it off.
FOOD: 9/10 - Because we havent tasted everything yet!
AMBIENCE: 9/10 - Those pendants in the middle of the restaurant could do with being bigger and possibly orange to give a pop of colour and a little more warmth in the area. It was also was very hot, I'm not sure if that's because of the open kitchen or that we were having a rare, unseasonally warm day for Ireland.
I'm looking forward to a return visit very soon, this time to bring my girlfriends and partake of a few beverages. With The Kitchen open until 10pm Thurs - Sat I'm sure we can fit it in. My son has been asking to go and I have been informed that the 'Roast Beef last Sunday was to die for.' Believe me if you knew who said this, that is good praise indeed! Sunday lunch it is so. Booking is advised though as they can get very busy.
Do yourself a favour, if you haven't already been, visit The Kitchen and see for yourself, the fresh, innovative fare and friendly service on offer.
Would love to visit the kitchen sounds fab Aunt Syl
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