This week I had the pleasure of dining at the French Ambassador to Ireland’s residence where Jean-Pierre Thebault and his wife entertained the Irish travel media courtesy of Le Voyage a Nantes, who were in Dublin to promote Nantes as a destination for Irish travellers – check out #visitnantes on Twitter for more details.
As well as a discussion on the attractions available to the Irish tourist in the city this coming year, the media were treated to a simply spectacular meal of local delicacies of the region, cooked up by Michelin star chef Jean-Yves Gueho, who was flown in especially for the regal evening.
Gueho opened proceedings with oyster in a Muscadet and eel jelly, before continuing on with a salmon darne in cucumber and menthol broth. For the centrepiece, pan-seared lamb with a cress crust was the focal point, served with Nantes leeks and Chantanay carrots. The two final courses were a selection of Nantes’ cheeses, rounded off by stewed rhubarb and caramelized apple with a petit pu pastry.
The five-course extravaganza was served with a superb collection of Muscadet whites and reds with a variety of the AOC’s finest to compliment the cuisine.
A head nod must go to the always excellent Niamh Waters at Travelmedia.ie for organising the evening in Dublin 4.
See a selection of the evening’s delicacies, and the full menu and wine card, captured on iPhone6 below.
Tadhg Peavoy 