The rich, warm red and gold colours combined with the light oak timbers give an inviting feel to the Rushes Restaurant. In a modern, spacious setting, The Rushes if informal yet casually sophisticated. And it is in such casual elegance that perhaps the best bowl of vegetable and barley soup in all of Europe can be found.
The Finnish chef has created a variety of delicious menu items, both a la carte (separate prices for each item) and Table dhoti (a set number of courses at a fixed price). An energetic staff (kitchen brigade) attends to every need, gives detailed descriptions of each menu item, and offers a warm smile and speedy response. Attention to detail is at a premium.
Only five years old, the restaurant hardly seems new. Rather, it gives the diner the impression of a perfectly-run, well-organized establishment of fine service and fine dining.
From an a la carte menu, the diner can choose among such starters as Warm Sligo Oysters in Shallot and Red Wine Sauce, Confit of Smoked Duck with Curried Lentils, or Vegetable and Barley Broth (scrumptious). Main meals include Flame Grilled Sirloin Steak, Pan Fried Halibut on a bed of Samfire glaze, or Wild Mushroom Risotto with fresh Parmesan. Finally, the piece de resistance is the delectable desserts, like Chocolate Fondant with vanilla cream, Orange Cake with Orange Butter Cream Filling and Grand Marnier ice cream (superb) or White Chocolate Mousse in Crispy Tuile Basket with fresh fruit.
This award-winning restaurant offers the best of everything: delicious food, elegant surroundings, gracious staff, and reasonable prices. It is a fine dining experience not soon forgotten.
Prices:
Three-course menu €35
Two-course menu €29
Main course only €23
Bottle of house wine €30
Starters €4.95-9.00
Sandwiches €8.50
Hours:
Monday thru Saturday 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Sunday 12:00 - 2:30
How to get there:
From Dublin, N4 to Carrick-on-Shannon, then north on 280 to Drumshanbo.
From Belfast, A3 to Monaghan Town, then N54 to Cavan Town. R198 to Longford Town. N4 to Carrick-on-Shannon. R280 to Drumshanbo.
Address:
Rushes Restaurant
Ramada Hotel Lough Allen
Drumshanbo, Co. Leitrim
T: 071 96 40100
Written by Joy Davis - Summer of Travel 2007