Back in January this year, I began to think about and plan, how to celebrate our 25th Wedding Anniversary, which was in August this year. We didn’t want to host a party, for various reasons, so a mini-break away somewhere special was on the cards. The Mustard Seed at Echo Lodge was suggested to me by Amee Carroll who felt sure I would really love it there. How right she was.
This beautiful house, a former convent, built in 1884, was renovated by the present owner, Mr. Dan Mullane, and, over the years, has built a reputation for fine food, generous hospitality, and a very warm welcome.
Our bright and spacious room, which was elegantly decorated with period furniture, with views over the front garden of the property.
And, so to the food. The dishes were colourful, beautifully presented, thoroughly delicious, and the talent of those who cooked them was self-evident. The following is a selection of what we enjoyed during our stay.
Starter – Hake – Tapioca, Red Pepper, Dingle Crab, Black Pudding Cigar
Starter – Toonsbridge Smoked Mozzarella, heirloom tomato salad, tomato cake, and basil ice cream
Starter – Poussin – Seared breast, terrine, poached cherries and gel, Ardsallagh Goats Cheese Custard
Main – Turbot, Beluga lentils, octopus, scallops, spinach, basil, and lobster mousseline
Main – Skeaghanore Duck breast, lavender glazed, compressed and roast peach, fennel, duck jus
On the evening of our Anniversary, we returned from a day’s sightseeing, and found a special treat awaiting us in our room.
We had the most wonderful two days at Echo Lodge, a destination to which we will certainly return, and I cannot recommend it highly enough to others. Our sincere thanks to John, Breda, Dan, and all the staff who made our stay so memorable.
Story & Photos by Colette Cunningham @ http://cakesbakesandotherbits.com/