Isn’t the whole concept of brunch such a wonderfully indulgent thing? Brunch on a Sunday is even more enjoyable; for Sunday brunches make the weekend feel longer and make Mondays a little less of an infliction.
The concept of brunch is ideal. The concept of a tasting menu brunch is even better. The thoughts of being able to try lots of different tastes and textures seemed like the perfect breakfast-lunch hybrid progression. After reading about it a few months ago on Lovin’ Dublin, naturally I wanted to try it out.
At just €24 per person, we were suitably impressed at what was served up to us. We spent such a lazy afternoon there, chatting away and catching up over what seemed like hours, and feeling in no way rushed at all.
Forest Avenue is a large clean and bright space. When I say clean, I’m talking about a minimalist warehouse feel – white walls, walnut tables…an open and airy kitchen. The tables are set immaculately too, with a great deal of style and proficiency. The glasses were sparkling, the cutlery gleams from an orange cloth pouch (the table’s dash of colour) and we saw very quickly we had everything we needed – a little menu each, sugar bowl, tiny milk bottle, pepper and a little square dish of salt complete with tiny wooden spoon. A+ on the table presentation; innovative and functional without cluttering our environment or experience in any way.
We started off with wonderful little ecláirs (which were served in a little bowl of vanilla cream) and filtered coffee. The ecláirs were very light – just the right size. A nice touch to get us settled in.
Our second course was yoghurt, granola, spiced bread and prunes. When I saw prunes were in the granola, I’ll be honest – I wasn’t bowled over..I’m not a prune fan. But all the flavours blended so well and the prunes themselves were so tender, I didn’t even notice they were in there. The pumpkin seeds added a nice crunch.
The beef hash, tartar sauce and fried egg was probably my favourite dish. The presentation was cute, the taste was strong (I love strong flavours) but not overwhelming and although my dining partner found it a little salty, I thought the beef softened any brackish taste and the flavours tied together very well.
Doesn’t this look impressive? Serving food on darker plates is such a clever way to lift the dish. Another aesthetically pleasing dish at Forest Avenue, and I was pleasantly surprised by the appearance of long stem mushrooms! It’s not often that I see Enoki. I guess it’s just the little things! And it’s the little things I love about brunch. You’re out of your pajamas, being social, waited on, served amazing food and no one judges you if you have a cocktail in hand when it’s barely the afternoon.
This dish was roast chicken, cooked perfectly. Very soft meat, crispy skin and the sauce was delicious, perfect for dipping the crunchy asparagus into.
We were given a nice break to let everything settle before we were served our final dish, rhubarb and coconut cream. I loved the cream, the presentation, the sorbet and the tart flavours of the rhubarb. The cream was definitely the winner for me. It was light and colourful finish, and I felt comfortably full after brunch. I enjoyed every morsel without feeling anything was too much.
Brunch at Forest Avenue is a really cool experience, and it was made even better that particular Sunday as it was a beautifully sunny day!
Forest Avenue is quite popular – I reserved this table two weeks in advance so I would advise the same if you’re planning on making a visit. Parts of the menu change often enough so a few dishes may differ from my experience.
For more information, click here for the website. Forest Avenue is quite easy to find, and if you go on Sunday, parking in the area is free.
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