How about a little French Style in Dublin? {Oui}!
Composed plate of whipped goat cheese, organic veg and basil oil at Hugo’s in Dublin
Author: ArtsyChowRoamer
French Style in Dublin
HUGO’S RESTAURANT IS A MUST
Because I’m a foodie, I start doing my restaurant research early when planning a new adventure. Hugo’s landed on my radar because of an emphasis on farm to table, fresh ingredients and beautiful compositions. Their plates looked unusual and artistic. Ready for a brief tour? I thought so.
I printed off menus to peruse later when I got to Dublin because I never know what I will be in the mood for and I like to have choices. So the first night in Dublin, I decided I was in the mood for a little French bistro vibe and headed over to Hugo’s. Read about why you will want it on your list!
Cozy little bistro called Hugo’s located at 6 Merrion Row in Dublin
COZY LITTLE BISTRO
Pulling up to the pretty blue exterior made me smile. Small windows above the benches were filled with wine corks. Low lights from a colorful chandelier as we walked in made it feel romantic and special.
A chalk board for the specials of the day hung on the wall behind the host stand where we were greeted warmly and swiftly shown to a nice table with a view in the front.
We were given our menus. They had no way of knowing we had already done our homework. We like to order a variety of small plates these days; gives you more opportunities to see what the kitchen is doing with their ingredients and plating.
EXCELLENT FIRST COURSE
I opted for the whipped goat’s cheese with organic beetroot, heirloom tomatoes, artichoke and basil oil pictured above. My husband opted for the creamy soup of the day while he checked out the wine list. A variety of breads still warm from the oven were brought with flavored fresh butters.
Fresh goats cheese with beet and heirloom tomatoes was delicious
Our waiter, Guillaume, had a very charming french accent and I asked for his suggestion for a white wine with dinner. His choice was excellent; a Riesling that was crisp, dry and fruity.
We chatted with the host and the waiter about our trip and where we were from. I asked if it was alright to take pictures since I write about art, food and travel and they said of course! Our first plates arrived and we knew we were going to have a fantastic dinner.
The cheese was so creamy and the veg was so fresh it was like it came out of their own garden. I am reminded again how lucky the Europeans are in the vegetables they eat as they do taste different from what we get unless you are growing your own. I ate every last bite and my husband declared the soup to be heavenly.
Wild yellowfin tuna with sesame, avocado puree, yuzu jelly and dashi at Hugo’s in Dublin
SECOND COURSE
Second course for me turned out to be seared wild yellowfin tuna with sesame, avocado puree, yuzu jelly and dashi dressing; this place can do beautiful dishes with Asian flair as well.
The fish was melt in your mouth tender and so fresh that there was no hint of fish-just like it should be! The jelly and dashi dressing together give a nice hint of sweet and savory and the avocado added the freshness needed to finish the dish off.
My husband opted for crispy seared pork belly with Jerusalem artichokes and fermented walnut on sauce. He said it was one of the best dishes he had ever had so I tried a bite and he was right.
One mouthful gave texture with the crispy fat but extremely tender meat, the lovely fresh artichokes joined by the sauce and the nuttiness of the walnuts-perfection! The suggested wine complimented every choice we made.
Crispy seared pork belly with jerusalem artichokes and fermented walnuts on sauce at Hugo’s
DESSERT CAN BE COGNAC & ESPRESSO
We were a little jet lagged and decided to just opt for a cognac and espresso for dessert. It was a lovely way to finish off the meal. I went downstairs to the loo and saw they had two more dining rooms down there with a fireplace. It looked like a wonderful place to idle away the evening in winter and the host told me it was the most requested room during the cool months.
Downstairs cozy dining and a fireplace for the cold days ahead at Hugo’s in Dublin
CONCLUSION
This was simply a wonderful dining experience of which I could offer little or no criticism. The staff were friendly to a fault even inviting us to their apartments for after dinner drinks.
The waiter was exceptionally trained and knowledgeable about wines. The atmosphere was cozy with an unhurried style and bistro flair. Don’t leave it off your list when visiting Dublin. You will have missed something special.
You might also like to read additional blogs on Ireland under Explore the World and Edible Fare. Hey don’t be a stranger! Let me hear from you on what you would like to read about! What are your favorite places and where are you going on your next big adventure? Until next time…
Cheers,
ArtsyChowRoamer
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TO MY READERS: This post was updated with info, pics and video on 5/14/2020