We’d a bit of an anniversary at the weekend. Yes, you’ve guessed it, we’re the quintessential Irish couple who hooked up on Paddy’s night. He treated me to a late supper in the Lobster Pot and the rest, as they say, is history (that’s a funny joke if you’re from Limerick, if you’re not, The Lobster Pot is a fast food joint, frequented by drunkards, famous for garlic & cheese chips & battered sausages). So back to the anniversary, we decided to treat ourselves to dinner in the bright and airy Cherry Tree restaurant on the Ballina side of Killaloe and treat ourselves we did. If one was to pick holes, it could be said that the service was a little slow but to be fair, we weren’t being ignored; the friendly waitresses continually re-assured us that they were coming to take our orders, coming with food, coming with the bill, everything was on its way. It was somewhat funny, slightly endearing and marginally irritating. We got over it as the food more than compensated for it. I’m not going to properly explain what was on the menu as I just can’t. I can break it down as best I can but just can’t explain every component in detail – it was one of those top meals that you could safely say, hand on heart, ‘I couldn’t have done better’! The bouche was a white wine & ham soup which was more like a foam (we noticed a lot of foam on our plates as the night went on) and it came with a selection of fresh homemade breads; lovely. I ordered scallops to start and himself ordered the quail. Both came out on rectangular plates in three pieces (everything’s in threes there, should have been called The Cherry Three – snigger). I’m not sure what sauces and accompaniments were with either, all I know is that both dishes were an utter joy to eat and we were left dying to see the next offering. A kiwi & vanilla sorbet was then delivered. I couldn’t get any vanilla but the kiwi flavour came off a treat and set us up nicely for the main. I ordered halibut with razor shell clams and rack of lamb for the other half. The lamb was ordered medium rare which was cooked as ordered and was unbelievably tender with the tiniest amount of fat attached. The halibut was divine and I was sure to point out to the waitress who collected our bare naked plates that we didn’t enjoy the food – I think she got the joke. Dessert, ah dessert was just a piece of chocolate heaven. It was the richest, most well executed chocolate fondant I’ve ever tasted. It came with a tiny scoop of hazelnut ice cream and pomegranate coulis. The coulis was ok, it was more like a juice and raspberry would have been better for sure. Himself had something with pistachios, I didn’t really notice as I was busy ogling the deliciousness that sat oozing in front of me. We ordered peppermint teas which came with hand-made chocolate truffles, jeez, would it ever end. The chocolates were just sinful and at that juncture, we were left safe in the knowledge that we had made complete pigs of ourselves! With a half bottle of Fleurie, the bill came to €123 but they also do an excellent set menu for €48. It was expensive but the quality of the food was of mammoth proportions. I believe the chef proprieter has worked in many well respected establishments, Le Gavroche and Fortnum & Mason to name a few. The Cherry Tree is definitely worth a visit for a special occasion and I’m sure we’ll be back.
Congratulations Sarah. Sounds heavenly. Kiwi sorbet sounds so cool.
Posted by: Deborah | March 19, 2008 at 02:42 PM
Sounds fantastic, have put it on my list of places to go when we're down in May.
Posted by: Rachel@fairycakeheaven | March 19, 2008 at 08:26 PM
that place sounds great sarah, congrats on the anniversary.
rachel, you've so many places on your list now that you might need to stay for the week!!
Posted by: Maz@styletreaty | March 20, 2008 at 10:42 AM
Congratulations, sounds delicious!
Posted by: Lisa | March 20, 2008 at 03:18 PM
Hey Sarah haven't been to the CT in a while, had a couple of mixed experiences there like all restaurants really so must go back again!! It could do with a little re-vamp I think, I hate that purple colour, fabulous setting though!! Congrats on the anniversary:)
Posted by: lorraine@italianfoodies | March 20, 2008 at 10:21 PM
Yeah, the decor is a tad modern alright. The food was superb though!
Posted by: Sarah | March 21, 2008 at 08:48 AM
Congrats! It's been a while since I've been there, but I loved it...
Posted by: Kieran | March 21, 2008 at 06:17 PM