Mother’s Day is fast approaching, and what better way to show appreciation for the most important woman in your life than by treating her to a special dining experience? This year, instead of opting for the usual flowers or chocolates, why not surprise your mother with a memorable culinary adventure at Pichet Dublin? Here’s why bringing your mother to Pichet Dublin for Mother’s Day is the perfect choice:

1. Exquisite Dining Experience:
Pichet Dublin is renowned for its exquisite dining experience, offering a blend of French and Irish cuisine with a modern twist. From delectable starters to mouthwatering mains and indulgent desserts, every dish is meticulously crafted to tantalize the taste buds and leave a lasting impression.

2. Sophisticated Ambiance:
The ambiance at Pichet Dublin is sophisticated yet inviting, providing the perfect setting for a memorable Mother’s Day celebration. Whether you’re seated in the cozy dining area or enjoying a drink at the elegant bar, you and your mother are sure to feel pampered and relaxed throughout your visit.

3. Personalized Service:
At Pichet Dublin, every guest is treated with the utmost care and attention. From the moment you step through the door, you and your mother will be greeted warmly by the attentive staff who are dedicated to ensuring that your dining experience is nothing short of exceptional.

4. Special Mother’s Day Menu:
In honor of Mother’s Day, Pichet Dublin offers a special menu featuring a curated selection of dishes designed to delight the senses. From succulent roast meats to fresh seafood and vegetarian options, there’s something to satisfy every palate and dietary preference.

5. Thoughtful Details:
At Pichet Dublin, it’s the little details that make all the difference. From the beautifully presented dishes to the carefully curated wine list and attentive service, every aspect of your dining experience is thoughtfully crafted to create a memorable occasion for you and your mother.

6. Create Lasting Memories:
Mother’s Day is a time to celebrate and cherish the special bond between mother and child. By bringing your mother to Pichet Dublin, you’re not just treating her to a delicious meal – you’re creating lasting memories that she will treasure for years to come.

7. Convenient Location:
Conveniently located in the heart of Dublin, Pichet Dublin is easily accessible from all parts of the city, making it the perfect destination for a Mother’s Day celebration.

8. Show Your Appreciation:
What better way to show your appreciation for everything your mother has done for you than by treating her to a luxurious dining experience at Pichet Dublin? It’s the perfect opportunity to express your love and gratitude in a meaningful and memorable way.

This Mother’s Day, go above and beyond the traditional gifts and surprise your mother with a culinary adventure she won’t soon forget. Treat her to an exquisite dining experience at Pichet Dublin and create memories that will last a lifetime. Book your table today and make this Mother’s Day truly special!

On Sunday, 11th February 2024, we will be joined for a very special ‘Friends of Pichet’ event with guest chef Jamie Shears.

Jamie Shears is coming to Pichet for one night only with our 6-course tasting, wine paired menu – a must for all foodies!

Jamie Shears is Executive Head Chef of The Audley, overseeing the food throughout the building. Beginning his culinary career as a chef in the British Army, Chef Jamie has worked with some of London’s leading chefs and institutions including Gordon Ramsay, Chris Galvin, Jason Atherton, 45 Jermyn St. and most recently, as Executive Chef at 45 Park Lane.

Jamie Shears is dear friend of Pichet’s Head Chef Harry Quinn from his time spent in London where they worked in the award-winning Galvin at Windows Restaurant where Jamie was the was Sous Chef and Harry was Junior Sous Chef. The pair are finally back cooking together as Jamie flies in to Dublin on Sunday, February 11th for a fabulous evening of fantastic food!

Tickets are €140

*Event Complete*

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About Pichet:

Pichet is a modern take on a classic bistro. Combining both French influence and modern Irish cuisine, it has been on the receiving end of numerous awards and Bib Gourmand’s since it’s inception in 2009.

About ‘Friends of Pichet’:

Join us as we invite guest Chefs to Pichet for a special bespoke menu for one night only. Previous guests include Anna Haugh ( Bob Ricard, Hell’s Kitchen USA), Mark Moriarty (The Greenhouse), Eric Matthews (previously Chapter One, now Kicky’s) and Andy McFadden (Glovers Alley).

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Introduction

French cuisine is renowned worldwide for its exquisite flavors, meticulous cooking techniques, and the artistry involved in creating each dish. From the humble bistro to Michelin-starred restaurants, French cooking has left an indelible mark on the culinary landscape. In this article, we will explore the rich flavors, cooking styles, and essential ingredients commonly found in French cuisine and discuss how it has influenced global gastronomy. Whether you’re an avid food enthusiast or a traveler seeking an authentic dining experience, there’s something extraordinary to discover in the realm of French gastronomy.

The Essence of French Cuisine

French cuisine is characterized by its emphasis on fresh, high-quality ingredients and the art of balancing flavors. From the fragrant herbs of Provence to the rich butters of Normandy, each region boasts its own distinct culinary heritage. The use of herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, and parsley, infuses dishes with unique aromas that awaken the senses.

The Influence of Regional Cuisine

French cuisine is not monolithic; rather, it is a tapestry of regional specialties. Provencal dishes often incorporate olive oil, tomatoes, and garlic, while Normandy is celebrated for its dairy products, particularly butter and cream. Alsace is known for its hearty dishes, such as choucroute garnie, a delicious sauerkraut stew with various meats.

The Art of Sauces

Sauces are the crowning glory of French cuisine, adding depth and complexity to dishes. Classic sauces like béchamel, hollandaise, and velouté form the foundation of many recipes. Additionally, France gave the world the “mother sauces,” a set of foundational sauces from which countless variations are derived.

The Culinary Influences of French Cuisine

French cooking has had an immense impact on global gastronomy, shaping the way we approach food and dining. The concept of “haute cuisine” originated in France, emphasizing precision, elegance, and artistic presentation. This approach has influenced chefs worldwide to elevate their craft to an art form.

The Birth of Nouvelle Cuisine

In the 1960s, a new movement called “Nouvelle Cuisine” emerged in France, advocating for lighter, more innovative dishes that celebrated the natural flavors of ingredients. This culinary philosophy spread across the globe, sparking a new era of creative cooking that focused on simplicity and purity.

French Techniques in Modern Cuisine

French cooking techniques, such as sous-vide, sautéing, and flambé, have become staples in modern kitchens. Chefs from different cultures integrate these techniques into their recipes, blending tradition with innovation to create exciting and memorable dishes.

What to Try at a French Restaurant

When dining at a French restaurant, there are certain dishes and experiences that one must not miss for an authentic taste of France.

Grilled Courgette, Burrata, Yellow Peach, Spiced Pistachio, Bitter Leaves

Indulge in the delightful combination of flavours and textures offered by this appetiser, showcasing the freshness of ingredients and French culinary finesse.

Chargrilled Lamb Saddle, Roast Potato, Goat Cheese, Roscoff Onion, Anchoiade, BBQ Baby Gem

This main course epitomises the harmony of flavours in French cuisine, combining tender lamb, creamy goat cheese, and the richness of roasted potatoes.

Parmesan Gnocchi, Hispi Cabbage, Smoked Potato Sauce, Hen of The Woods, Dill

Savour the delightful blend of flavours and textures in this dish, where pillowy parmesan gnocchi meets the earthiness of mushrooms and the aromatic touch of dill.

A Culinary Gem in Dublin

French cuisine is a celebration of flavors, techniques, and culinary artistry. From regional specialties to world-renowned dishes, French cooking continues to inspire and influence the global gastronomic landscape. When dining at a French restaurant, savor the rich history and culture on your plate, as each dish tells a story of passion, creativity, and centuries-old traditions.

For an exceptional French dining experience in Dublin, look no further than Pichet. This Michelin starred, and renowned restaurant captures the essence of French cuisine with a modern twist, using locally-sourced ingredients to create delectable masterpieces. Pichet’s commitment to culinary excellence and its celebration of French traditions make it a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike. Check out Pichet’s menus here for lunch, or dinner and book a table online today.

Tell us how you started out on your culinary journey?

I really had no idea what I wanted to do when I finished school. I had always enjoyed cooking growing up and thankfully my parents had always encouraged us to cook our own dinners from a young age. I took a chance on the culinary arts course in DIT and never looked back. After doing 3 months work experience in a Michelin starred restaurant, Le Mas Candilles in the south of France I was hooked. I was blown away by the fine dining aspect and refinement and creativity in the kitchen. Once I completed my degree I applied to a tonne of Michelin starred restaurants in London. I took a job in Pollen Street Social, the flagship restaurant of Jason Atherton and spent a year here. The attention to detail, precision and standard of cooking was mind blowing and I had never seen anything like it. The rest is history.

What is the recipe to success for a great dining experience in this current climate?

There are a lot of variables out of our control. My goal at Pichet is to create and cook delicious, exciting, seasonal food within a positive atmosphere which in turn people remember and keep coming back. I’m more than confident we can do that with the talent we have in the kitchen and front of house. I couldn’t be happier to be here and it feels right at this point. It’s an added bonus to have Steve Gibson as a chef owner for advice.

Where is your favourite place to holiday in Ireland and what food do you look forward to the most when you go away?

I wouldn’t say I have one favourite place to go. If anything there is so much more of Ireland I want to visit and explore. It’s such a stunning country. Luckily my fiance is also quite a foodie so when we do go away we like to treat ourselves to one fine dining meal in the locality. Galway is always great as is Kilkenny town. We love a good Irish pub with some traditional music. Like many others I also love a good chowder and it’s not an easy thing to find. Fresh fish and chips is one of my favourite things. Smoked haddock is a treat. There’s always a list of places we have to visit and it only seems to get bigger. Belfast needs a visit for places like Ox and Deanes Epic. Also Dede at The Customs House in Baltimore, West Cork is great, Ahmet Dede’s cooking should be experienced by everyone and it is such a beautiful place. Ireland is only getting better for its food scene.

Did you find yourself cooking any wild and wonderful recipes throughout lockdown?

Sourdough was my everest during lockdown. My other half was driven insane with the flour everywhere and starters and doughs in our hotpress. I’d been meaning to try and get a handle on it but time always gets away as we all know. I bought the Tartine book by Elisabeth Prueitt and Chad Robertson and followed some of the experts on social media. It was a hugely enjoyable project for me and there is possibly nothing better than freshly baked sourdough and Irish butter. It’s one of the most beautiful things. I think the neighbours appreciated it anyway as they were often the recipients.

What is one of your go to dinner party recipes and would you like to share it with us?

I love the idea of sharing food for a dinner party. A roasted chicken with loads of herbs from the garden made into a marinade, lemon, smoked paprika, Garam masala, olive oil, butter, salt, pepper. Sounds weird but it works and it’s delicious. Alongside freshly baked breads, pesto, mozzarella or burrata, cured meats, tomato salad, roasted potatoes or potato salad, hummus, good quality olives etc. It’s not fancy food but you can’t beat it. Replace the chicken with a meat of your choice or fish.

With Autumn here and Winter creeping in do you have any seasonal ingredients that you are really looking forward to cooking with again?

Yes absolutely! Autumn-Winter we see some beautiful ingredients. Jerusalem artichokes are probably my favourite vegetable. I have a beautiful fish dish planned for those this year. Celeriac, parsnips, chanterelles, blackberries, quince, figs, cabbages, the list goes on. As a chef I get excited about any and every ingredient that’s coming into season and the challenge for us is to find a way to elevate these ingredients and showcase their flavour and characteristics. Sometimes simplicity is key.

Fivemiletown Goats Cheese Mousse, Roasted Jerusalem Artichoke, Roscoff Onion, William Pear with Pickled Walnuts.

A nice dish for the Autumn that can be served as a starter or sharing style dish.

Goats Cheese Mousse
500g Fivemiletown or any good quality soft Irish Goats Cheese
50g Honey
200ml Cream
Sea Salt and Black Pepper

1. Put the Goats cheese and honey in a mixing bowl with a paddle attachment and beat until
   smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Alternatively, you may hand beat the cheese with a spatula.
2. Whisk the cream until it reaches semi stiff peaks.
3. Gently fold the whipped cream into the goat’s cheese mix.
4. Reserve in a piping bag.

Roasted Artichokes
10 Jerusalem Artichokes washed well skin on
200g Unsalted butter
Thyme and Rosemary, a few sprigs
Sea Salt

1. Place the butter in a pan with the herbs and turn on a medium heat.
2. When the butter starts to foam add the artichokes to the pan and season with salt.
3. Cook on a gentle to medium heat in the butter swirling the pan every few minutes.
4. Let them cook for about 30 minutes or until the artichokes are soft in the middle.
5. When they have cooled slightly cut them in half. Reserve the butter its full of flavour.

Roasted Roscoff Onion
4 Roscoff Onions sliced lengthways skin kept on (Any good quality onions may be used)
Olive Oil
Salt
Thyme a few sprigs

1. Heat a frying pan to a medium heat and coat the bottom with the oil.
2. Season the cut side of the onions with salt and place cut side down in the pan.
3. Add the thyme and fry on a medium heat for about 20-30 minutes until just softening.
4. When the onions have cooled remove the skin and the string outer skin of the onion halves.
5. Don’t worry if the onions are nice and black on the flesh side you can gently scrape the
   charred bits.
6. Cut in half lengthwise into nice sharp pieces.

Pickled Walnuts (Available from Fallon and Byrne)
1 Jar of opies Pickled Walnuts
Good quality extras virgin Olive Oil 100ml

1. Remove the pickled walnuts from the jar and strain the juice and reserve.
2. Slice the walnuts into thin pieces horizontally using a small knife.
3. Keep them in a little of the pickle. They should be beautiful circles.
4. Whisk together half the walnut pickle juice with the olive oil and keep as your dressing.

William Pear
2 William Pears or any seasonal good quality sweet ripe pear.

5. Take an apple corer and remove the core from the pear.
6. Cut the pear in half and slice each half into nice thin pieces.
7. Do this step right before you are ready to plate so they don’t oxidise.

To Plate the dish Pipe a generous amount of goat’s cheese mousse in the centre of each
plate.
Warm the onions and artichokes in a hot oven for 5 minutes with some of the artichoke
butter.
In a circle around the mousse place wedges of onion and artichoke one after the other.
Place 5-6 pieces of sliced pear nicely between the onions and artichokes.
Place 3-4 circles of Pickled walnut wherever you wish.
Shake the dressing or whisk again and pour a little over the dish not too much as it is strong.

In a recent review by The taste Pichet was featured at the top of the list for Romantic Restaurants for dates in Dublin. While we are not surpised we are certainly delighted. Stepping away from the bhustle and bustle of the city centre into our romantic candle lit oasis of culinary delight and great service. A great testimontial in the lead up to Valentine’s Day.

It can be easy to get into the habit of rotating the same handful of french restaurants and see your date nights become more routine than romance driven. Try somewhere new together and impress the object of your affection with any of the below picks on our list of restaurants for a delicious Dublin date. Whether you’re after a candlelit dinner, a cosy and intimate spot or just casual drinks and sharing plates, these places are all guaranteed winners as romantic restaurants for a date in Dublin.

In their review The Taste said “Paris is the city of love, so it’s no doubt that a French influence will bring an air of romance to your date night. Pichet’s head chef, Harry Quinn, has curated a menu that combines both Irish and French cuisine, with a long-standing Michelin Bib Gourmand to attest to the quality. Expect elegant dishes, fine wine and a stylish bistro atmosphere that’s sure to keep you and your date hooked. Go the extra mile on the 14th with Pichet’s Valentine’s Day Set Menu, priced at €72 per person, which includes a signature Valentine’s cocktail for special measure. Opt for their delicious Venison or their Soy Glazed Salmon, but make sure you finish off with the Sticky Toffee Pudding. Pichet is always a solid choice for a romantic date in Dublin.”

Our incredible house bartender Marian has also created a special signature cocktail for night, the ‘St. Valentine’. (Rhurbarb Gin & Vodka, Crème de Cassis, Quince Syrup, Tonic, Lemon Twist).

Book your table at Pichet, Dublin’s Best French Restaurant today!

At the National Hospitality Awards 2019, the industry awards for the Irish hospitality sector, held on Monday October 7, some of the finest hospitality businesses in the country were represented at Dublin’s Shelbourne Hotel.

Pichet’s staff win Best Casual Dining at the National Hospitality Awards over other nominees, The Winding Stair, Hooked and Coppinger Row.