HOME comforts
As they wait to open up again, hotels are offering some five-star treats and a little luxury to enjoy from the comfort of your couch
AFTER a year in a global pandemic with lockdown after lockdown, the novelty of cooking for ourselves all the time has certainly worn off. After washing those endless piles of dishes and chopping, slicing and dicing for the last 12 months, it’s fair to say we could all do with a break.
The domestic travel industry has suffered but many hotels across Ireland, mindful of the fact that we can’t travel to them, have become very innovative in finding ways to bring the five-star experience to people at home.
So this Easter why not treat yourself to a nice meal from a swanky hotel, a few signature cocktails delivered to your door or even an afternoon tea to help you feel a bit special again while supporting an industry that has been hit hard over the last year.
THE SHELBOURNE CO DUBLIN
THERE’S nothing quite like a margarita from The Shelbourne, the zingy taste of tequila and lemon juice. Now you can enjoy a drop whenever you fancy as part of The Shelbourne Home Experience.
Bar manager Sean McGoldrick and his team have created six classic cocktails to choose from — an Old Fashioned, a Margarita, a Negroni, The Duchess, Punching Above and a Pomegranate Zombie.
This month, they’ll also be adding a Petit Four Martini to the menu. The cocktail is a fine twist on an Espresso Martini and includes amaretto, oloroso sherry, Crème de Cacao, espresso coffee and maple syrup.
A bottle of Shelbourne cocktails serves two and costs €20 but for €60, you can order the Cocktails and Nibbles Box, which includes two bottles of cocktails, rosemary and Camargue sea salt cashew nuts, smoked almonds and olives. Delivery to your door costs €10 extra. Cocktails are available for collection or delivery seven days a week, just place your order by 5pm the day before. Call 01 6634500 or visit theshelbourne.com for full details on how to order .
THE CLIFF AT LYONS CO KILDARE
IF YOU wanted to create a rather wonderful culinary experience at home with a taste of Michelin-star magic, then you might want to check out The Cliff at Lyons’ home meal kits. Head chef of its restaurant, Aimsir, Jordan Bailey has curated a selection of experiences to be created and enjoyed at home. A standout meal experience is the Pantry Supper Box for €55 which includes wild Irish mushroom risotto for two, a bottle of house red wine, chocolate shortbread mix and an Aimsir coffee blend. To book now call 01 6303500.
THE MERRION, CO DUBLIN
FOR something really special and delightful, treat yourself or a loved one to the Merrion’s new Love Tea experience. Chef Paul Kelly’s Love pastries are perfectly matched with a selection of teas, delectable sandwiches, tasty scones, carrot cake, traditional Battenberg, The Merrion porter cake and a delicious lemon drizzle cake. The pastries are inspired by Kelly’s favourite flavours and include a vanilla and fresh berry sweet pastry tartlet, a milk chocolate and salted caramel mousse and a blackberry macaron filled with cassis ganache and blackberry pate de fruit.
Love Tea is priced at €35 per person or add a Merrion Rose bouquet of flowers or a bottle of Henriot Rosé Champagne for an additional €55 per item. To book call 01 603 0600.
THE K CLUB CO KILDARE
BELIEVE it or not, The K Club is not just known for golf, but for its legendary Sunday roast too. It’s pretty spectacular and is part of The K Club’s click-and-collect service which allows people to order their favourite dish from any of the K Club restaurants.
Whether you’re looking for a great Sunday roast, a special treat from K Thai or pizza from the Straffan Inn, you’ll find it all in the online portal, where you’ll find a menu to tantalise the tastebuds. To order now call 01 601 7221.
DUNBOYNE CASTLE, CO MEATH
THE four-star Dunboyne Castle has launched a click-and-collect service for its restaurant The Ivy and is open for collections from 2pm to 8pm, Thursday to Sunday. Offering a variety of delicious meals, you can either choose somethng that is ready to eat or a meal you might put the finishing touches to at home yourself — but only a few so it’s not too time-consuming. Wine can also be preordered with your meal to wash down that delicious dinner.. Call 01 801 3500 to book now.