Katie-Ann M.
Yelp
On a grey Dublin day, when the rain is coming down in sheets, out of the gloom a flash of vibrant cheerful pale blue catches your eye. That flash is La Maison, a sleek new French bistro on Castle Market Street, the successor to the popular Maison de Gourmet.
We tumbled into the restaurant at noon on a very wet Tuesday, dripping and bedraggled, and were instantly soothed by the calm, chic interior where belle époque posters bedeck the walls and strains of soft, ever so French music are there to be heard. Having been seated by a friendly, efficient waitress, we opted for the €18.50 two-course lunch menu.
To sample the full spectrum of the delights on offer my companions decided on a starter and main course, while I went the route of a main course and dessert. A delicate tomato and mozzarella salad, complete with fresh basil and drizzled with light oil was a hit, proving that simplicity works, with quality ingredients speaking for themselves. The smooth pumpkin and smoked bacon soup accompanied by rustic slices of toast served on a wooden chopping board was hearty and delicious.
Wild mushroom risotto, pan-seared John Dory and roast wood pigeon for mains continued the formula of simple, light and utterly mouth-watering food. Dessert was Café Liegeois, a sort of affogato meets milkshake - espresso melded with sweet vanilla ice cream. The only misfire came when my friend ordered the Tarte du jour, strawberry on this occasion. Sadly, this was clearly the tart of several previous jours as well and on whole it tasted distinctly of the inside of a fridge.
A little haven of French sophistication in the centre of town, the only problem with La Maison is finding someone obliging enough to take you there!