My Birthday Dinner at Alexis

This is probably the longest I've taken to write a post and to be honest it's because I filed the photos away so comprehensively, that I couldn't find them!  For my big birthday last year, I dragged the celebrations out over about 8 weeks, starting with a joint birthday party in Wilde, and ending with our joint birthday present to ourselves, the Big Fat US Holiday (more of which still to come).  Myself and The Hubs decided to go to Alexis in Dun Laoghaire for the actual birthday meal - I had been there with a group of work colleagues and we all had a fabulous time so I knew we were in for a treat.  The day before, Patrick asked me if we fancied doing a "no-menu" dinner where the kitchen would surprise us.  The answer was a resounding yes (subject to no peppers, blue cheese or coriander, of course).

The best way to start a birthday celebration...

As it's over 6 months since the birthday meal, my mind is a little fuzzy (nothing do to with the bottle of Picpoul de Pinet which was consumed...) but I did take notes and below is a summary of what we had.  I never thought I'd see The Hubs eat sushi - I have tried and failed many times - but the plate was cleared.  In fact, every plate went back to the kitchen whiter than white.  And the cost of this exquisite meal?  Just over €100 including drinks, of which there were a considerable number.  I'm not showing you the bill in case you try to book us in to a clinic.  Suffice to say, we had a very merry time in Alexis and tottered down to the train station like Mr. and Mrs. Creosote, replete but very very happy.  If you haven't been to Alexis, you should - it's just 5 minutes walk from the DART and opens Tuesday - Sunday inclusive.

Goats Cheese Crostini with a Parmesan Crisp, Beetroot and microgreens

Home smoked Sea Trout with a potato chive cream

Loin of Wild Rabbit, Rabbit Pithvier, Petits Pois à la Française, Veal Reduction

California Roll with Lobster and Avocado

Boned and stuffed Quail, Girolles, Chantenay Carrots and Confit Quail Leg

Hake and Lobster with Brunoise Vegetables

New York Cheesecake with Honeycomb, Chocolate Mousse and Vanilla icecream