HIDDEN GEMS The Gourmet Boys

Given the current trend for six course tasting menus in many local restaurants, we’d like to present our brand new “Fantasy Six Course Tasting Menu”, championing some of the restaurants which we believe are really putting Northern Ireland on the culinary map.

Snack – Hot & Sour Beetroot Tart at Banh Boy.

We recently visited an absolutely fantastic dining gem in East Belfast. The newly opened Banh Boy in Ballyhack serves incredible Asian-inspired dishes and cocktails with separate Brunch, Evening and Bar Snack menus at “Mi Boy”, including an extensive vegan & vegetarian selection. We started our lunch with a couple of fantastic cocktails; a perfumed Lychee Martini, and a refreshingly tart Midori Sour. To accompany our drinks, we were treated to a couple of snacks; a delicious Okonomiyaki, and a delightful Hot & Sour Beetroot Tart; simply sublime; with hints of lime crema, and nori, this was the perfect amuse bouche snack.

Course 1 – House Cured Duck Prosciutto at Idyll.

The dictionary describes “IDYLL” as “an extremely happy, peaceful, or picturesque period or situation”, and that pretty much sums up our recent visit to this fantastic café on the Ormeau Road, and on Fridays and Saturdays, the restaurant is open in the evenings with an outstanding seasonal menu. We were blown away by the incredible quality, presentation and variety of all the small plates on offer. Dishes arrive when they’re ready. To begin, we ordered one of the new evening dishes, a House-Cured Duck Prosciutto with Pine Oil, Black Pepper Aioli, Rocket & Shallot Salad, & an Orange Vinaigrette, with Toasted Sourdough, which was light, fresh & delicate while delivering a subtle smokiness. Idyll ticks all the boxes, with its relaxed, informal vibe and a faultless small plates evening menu.

Course 2- Fish & Chips at Orā

Orā, on Great Victoria Street, serves tapas-influenced small plates reflecting an innovative fusion of modern and classic dishes with the focus on fresh, local produce, but above all taste. The standout plates for us were the seafood dishes. The Marinated Blackened Tempura Monkfish with pickled veg was sensational, the Garlic Fermented Chilli and Lime Mussels had a fresh citrus kick, and our favourite dish, the Orā Fish & Chips was a radical reinvention, yet still retaining all the comforting flavours of a chippy tea! Dining at Orā is a relaxed, informal experience with terrific wines and great food served in stylish surroundings.

Course 3 - Hake at Gullion

Gullion Restaurant at Killeavy offers diners a unique culinary expedition. At the launch of the new Gullion, Executive Chef Darragh Dooley created a fourcourse ‘Taste of the Estate’ menu with wine pairing, unveiling the culinary artistry that defines the Gullion kitchen. We loved the delicate, flaky Breaded Hake with Armagh Mushrooms, Beetroot, and a Buttermilk Sauce. The event was an immersive experience, a journey that transcended the ordinary, where the landscape became an integral part of the culinary symphony on our plate.

Course 4 – Mushroom Rigatoni at Marcel

Marcel on the Belmont Road serves stunningly good dishes, cocktails & wines in a warm, contemporary venue, featuring a menu with a modern French slant. Our Main courses featured some wonderful French Bistro staples; the Steak Frites was cooked perfectly pink, and there were nods to Italy and California in the delicious, crispy skinned Seabass Cioppino with squid, mussels and prawns in a lightly spiced tomato sauce, but our favourite Marcel dish was a creamy, earthy Mushroom Rigatoni. An absolute must on our Fantasy Menu.

Course 5 – Paella at Edō

One of our favourite Belfast city centre restaurants, EDŌ, serves modern sharing style dishes, and is perfect for enjoying a range of taste experiences through a flexible, award-winning menu. The Seafood Paella is an authentically Spanish dish, fragrant with saffron and packed with Monkfish, Mussels and Langoustines. There’s also an earthy Duck Liver Paella with Sweet Onions & Truffle. EDŌ: excellent food, delicious wine choices, and outstanding service.

Course 6 – Dessert at Roam.

Serving the finest local ingredients, Roam is a terrific restaurant in Belfast’s Callendar Street. With beautifully presented, delicious dishes, the menu changes with the seasons. Desserts are always a triumph; we loved the pretty little tart of Roasted Plum and Blackberry Sorbet with Oats, and the cocoa-rich 55% Chocolate with Miso Caramel, Cacao Nibs, Hazelnut and Vanilla. There’s also a fantastic Irish Cheese Plate with three great favourites: Durrus, Young Buck, & Gubbeen-more than enough for two to share. All so delicious, it’s hard to choose just one, so we had to include them all in our Fantasy Menu!

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If you have any requests for restaurant recommendations send us a message and we’ll get right back to you.

Hair

Danny Malone

This season, chic cuts are making a bold statement, offering a perfect blend of sophistication and trendiness. From the classic bob with a modern twist to the versatile lob, there’s a plethora of options to choose from. The pixie cut continues to reign supreme for those who dare to go short, exuding an edgy and confident vibe.

For those seeking a softer look, consider discussing the romantic layers that add movement and dimension to any hair length. Face-framing layers or curtain bangs are also popular choices this season, effortlessly enhancing facial features and providing a touch of elegance to your overall look.

When delving into the world of chic cuts, it’s essential to consider factors such as your face shape, hair texture, and maintenance routine. Consultation with a stylist to find a cut that not only complements your features but also fits seamlessly into your everyday lifestyle. Remember, a well-executed haircut can be a game-changer, boosting your confidence and leaving you feeling refreshed and stylish.

If you are thinking of something new why not come book in with me at Macc hair Royal Ave Belfast.

Titanic Hotel Belfast

PER PERSON WEDDING PACKAGE

In the breathtaking and historic Drawing Office One

£7 5.00 per person

Minimum numbers apply. Subject to terms and availability.

Red carpet arrival and welcome bubbles for the Wedding Couple

Tea, coffee and homemade shortbread on arrival for all guests

Hire of the room for the full day and evening

Three course dinner menu with tea/coffee and petit fours

Evening buffet of sandwiches and wraps

Non-floral centrepieces on every table

Personalised menu booklets for each table

Complimentary bedroom suite for the wedding couple on the wedding night

Menu tastings are available for the wedding couple

To add the ceremony at the hotel is an additional £500 fee.

Contact our wedding specialists on +44 (0)28 9508 2000 or weddings@titanichotelbelfast.com.