Dinner at Belfast Malmaison

For my 1000th Tripadvisor review I decided to choose Malmaison Belfast for an early evening dinner with my family. 

I had recently been to a private cheese tasting function  in the private dining room and that was what clinched the deal. The Mal has been a firm favourite of mine in the past-my wife and I have dined, stayed and enjoyed the hospitality a few times previously.

The General Manager Tina, Restaurant Manager Paul and Chef Raymond facilitated us exceptionally well, as did the rest of the staff. A hearty thank you to you all.

Whilst we were waiting for our table we had a drink in the bar and when Paul brought us through to the dining room my two girls (8 and 4) were amazed at the decour and high ceilings-they spent a few minutes "exploring" the room! We had apple juice, orange juice, Zinfandel (wife) and Ballygowan sparkling water to drink.

We had the opportunity to order off the A La Carte menu and Paul explained the Christmas menu rolls out on the 17th!!

The kids wanted pasta and chicken goujons from the kids menu. I had the scallops and my wife had the prawn and squid tempura. The kids meals came out with our starters and we were all in awe at the presentation of the scallops -3 meaty scallops served on artichoke purée,mushroom and chestnut crumb,served in large shells with a tiny amount of mash under the shell to steady it. Suffice to say they tasted beautiful-a perfect dish. So standards were set high. The presentation of the tempura was also excellent and we loved the chilli and the hot sauce and cooling mayo. The prawns were big and juicy and the squid was perfectly cooked, the tempura batter was a bit thick and soft and not thin and crispy as my wife and I were expecting-but tasted amazing none the less. The chicken goujons were fresh and crispy batter and fries were good. Both my girls did say the tomato sauce in the pasta was a bit bland.

For the main event my wife had a vegetable (chick pea) burger with sweet potato fries and chipotle sauce (in a mini saucepan-what a lovely touch). I went for the Finnebrogue venison, mash, beets and bacon. Chef recommended it be served pink and I agreed. We also chose a side of mushrooms. Again superb presentation, the burger and chips was a big portion and my wife managed half, the other half was lunch today!! My venison was absolutely amazing, just coloured on the outside, pink and juicy inside. The beets, bacon and mash married well with it. A truly exquisite, faultless dish. As we were well and truly fed and as the girls were getting restless we called it a night, much to the chagrin of the girls who wanted ice cream!!

For my 1000th review I could not have chosen a better spot. I shall definitely be back for more!!! What will you try?? 

Thank you Malmaison Belfast.