From the far side
On our way through Virginia, County Cavan, we stopped off for a bite to eat in the middle of one Saturday afternoon recently without much expectation of having our hunger hankering fulfilled. But well done The Woodbine in Virginia’s Main Street which we’d at first by-passed. The shopfront was uninspiring.
Print8 November 2010
On our way through Virginia, County Cavan, we stopped off for a bite to eat in the middle of one Saturday afternoon recently without much expectation of having our hunger hankering fulfilled. But well done The Woodbine in Virginia’s Main Street which we’d at first by-passed. The shopfront was uninspiring.
However on closer inspection, the indications appeared somewhat more favourable judging by the menu outside the door which offered a variety of interesting dishes from which to choose – and we went in. Indeed it was varied to the point that one of us nearly plonked for the Balsamic Puis lentils option – something interesting and different on the menu. However in the end, I went for the Swordfish steak choice instead as it too appeared an interesting choice for such an unassuming pub. This came accompanied by a piquant little salad accompaniment. My partner had the Chicken Ceasar Salad. Remember this was outside normal dining hours in the middle of a Saturday afternoon.
Both dishes proved excellent and proved an excellent example too of how a pub can hold it’s own against restaurants in the vicinity.
The Woodbine’s food was both well-presented, excellently garnished — and by gum it was tasty too. What more could a customer ask for?
When we asked for another pot of tea it was delivered within seconds.
This is a place I’d gladly return to. More to the point, perhaps, I’m just as happy to pass on this recommendation to my friends….. OK, friend then……
Two years ago we travelled the length of France and seldom if ever did we come across food of this standard. And that’s where Irish pub food is missing out. French food for travellers has become tasteless, lacklustre and repetitive, endlessly echoing boring strips of meat and frites nearly everywhere. Little else.
In my occasional forays out of the capital, I think that good food and good service offerings should be applauded wherever I meet them and I intend to do just that via this Far Side column. Of course alongside the bouquets, brickbats will be equally effusively written-up. Congratulations then, to the culinary staff, the floor staff and the management of The Woodbine in Virginia who can take a bow. Keep it up!
Related Articles
Maynooth University to host ‘New approaches in sustainable agriculture’ workshop today →
Heineken delivers a ‘solid third quarter of balanced growth’ →
AB InBev UK and C&C Group agree new distribution changes →
Fans 0
Followers