There is something about the area around Grand Canal that I really love. Every time I head to see something in the Bord Gáis Theatre I always say to myself, I must come down here more often. My pal Sharyn was having a hens night in town and as I’m part of the bridal party (yes we are very progressive these days) I was tasked with finding a brunch spot for myself, herself and her chief bridesmaid Nicola on a Sunday morning. We were staying in the Marker Hotel (fabulous) the night before so of course Charlotte Quay popped into my head.
Prosecco
For anyone who hasn’t heard of it, that’s okay I’m going to tell you now. It’s the newest kid on the block taking up the ground floor space of the Millennium Tower. Apparently there were some former restaurant occupants who didn’t last too long. Let’s hope that the fortunes of Charlotte Quay are much more favorable as they deserve it.
It’s a gorgeous space split between bar and restaurant with plenty of outside seats to soak up the views. I booked in advance for the three of us and it was all very good impressions from the start. Quick response, a warm welcome and a thank you for choosing us. Can’t ask for better than that. We secured a gorgeous booth in the corner with glass windows running either side of us and I even got a bit of a view of the busy and efficient kitchen serving the bustling restaurant. It was a 1.30 booking and we were all sorts of hung over after a night of indulgence. We actually didn’t even know if we could stomach food. We were only seated a few minutes before we were greeted with glasses of chilled prosecco and funnily enough, the hair of the dog does actually help.
She Sells Sea Shells Cocktail
Our waitress was incredibly helpful when the bride to be basically said ‘please order for me I’m too hung over’ and she ran through the options that might suit the level of hangover. See its touches like that which will immediately endear me to a restaurant. I ordered a She Sells Sea Shells (try saying that when you order your second one) cocktail €10 as a backup to my prosecco, because, well because I could. A delight of a brunch option it was a combination of passion fruit, lemon juice, pink peppercorn syrup and prosecco. For the less liquid brunch option I went with the fish finger dog €12. Crisp batter encasing plump perfectly cooked fish, resting on a toasted hot dog bun and served with crushed peas, tartare sauce and rocket. It was simple and sublime.
Fish Fingers !!!
Nicola (bridesmaid) went for the shakshouka €12. A skillet of baked eggs with tomato, pepper, cumin, feta, saffron and some gorgeous char-grilled sourdough. Now that was a proper help my hangover mop it up with bread kinda dish. Perfect.
Baked Eggs
Sharyn (bride to be), on the advice of our wonderful waitress went for the gambas €14. Chilli and garlic prawns served on char grilled sourdough. Sure just look at it. What a champion of a dish and it was devoured eagerly by herself.
The folks at Charlotte Quay are serving up great food and I know I’ll be back for more of it. Brunch was a fun affair just as it should be. The music was loud enough to create that wonderful post boozing the night before happy space without giving you a headache. They are also setting a perfectly placed bar in terms of efficient and friendly service. There was no rushing us out the door. The water glasses were always topped up and the engagement was always the right mix of professional and fun. Charlotte Quay I applaud you for looking after three weary brunchers (is that even a word?) so incredibly well. We loved it, so thank you.
Gambas Pil Pil