Hotel Reviews Ireland



Share SALVADOS BISTRO, KENMARE , CO. KERRY These days of dark austerity have cast a cold shadow over the restaurant industry.  But, honestly that’s not such a bad thing.  For too long the country has been plagued with boring overpriced menus, bad service, thoughtless ambiance and a real rip-off attitude from many establishments.  Something of a purge has happened in the restaurant business, and I have seen many closures over the past year.  But the interesting thing is, even though we are none of us as well off as perhaps we once were, people still like to eat out, and will find the best places that give them the experience that they want. So it is no surprise to see quite a few places around the country are thriving, even in these so called “dark recessionary days”.  The ones that are doing well are quite simply the ones that are offering creative food at very fair prices and providing an ambiance that their customers love.  Which brings me to one of my favourite ‘eateries’ in the country - Salvados Bistro in Kenmare. While not claiming to be a fine dining restaurant, Salvados provides pizzas and pastas, main dishes and the most tasty tapas you will find outside of mainland Spain.  Chef Martin and his Catalan born partner Monserrat provide food as it should be – very creative dishes which include Spanish classics and many inspired originals using local and season produce with a Iberian twist.  I almost always choose several Tapas dishes, Gambas a la Plancha; Calamari; Gampas Pil Pil; and other traditional tapas including Chorizo in red wine and  Albondigas (spicy meatballs).   The seafood soup is superb, and of course the Seafood Platter is renowned (I have a friend who will not order anything else, ever!)  Martin also has a special way with game, and venison and pheasant and partridge along with rabbit will regularly appear on the menu.  There are always special dishes on the night, depending what is in season, and there is always fabulous fish. The wine list is short but succinct and wine by the glass is very good value.  The Rioja is excellent.  The wines are well chosen to suit the food and style of the bistro, and there is nothing pretentious or out of place here at all.   And finally, after the delicious food, pleasant atmosphere and cool ambiance (great music and artwork on the walls), you will be very pleasantly surprised when you get your bill on the way out.  I honestly can’t think of a better value dining experience in this country.  It is no wonder it is always busy.  Check it out when you are in Kerry.  The locals are spoilt! SALVADOS BISTRO 064-6648300 Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites | More...