Menu of the Month

Castle Leslie

Noel McMeel's cooking has long been one of the great signature styles of contemporary Irish food, and just look at what he is cooking up at Sammy Leslie's Castle Leslie, in Glaslough, County Monaghan. The simplicity and maturity of this cooking is profound, as it's as grounded and appreciative as food can get. Food lovers who can't stand the thought of the big day should note that the castle is open for Xmas lunch...hmmm
Website: www.castleleslie.com

(NB Noel is also responsible for the preserves in the Castle Leslie Hampers - available from the site - and they are seriously to be recommended.)

Christmas Menu

Starters

Cream of Winter Sweetcorn, Cumin, Coriander Soup with Chilli Oil & Buttery Croutons

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Gateau of Thai Crab, Beetroot, Spiced Couscous, Curried Cream & Chives served with a Beetroot & Balsamic Infusion

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Warm Goats Cheese Salad with Crispy Pancetta, Deep Fried Parsley with a Herb Aioli

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Terrine of Castle Leslie Estate Venison with a Green Leaf Salad & a Harissa & Red Pepper Jelly

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Timbale of Smoked Salmon, Smoked Salmon Mousse Surrounded by layers of local Smoked Salmon served with a Ginger Crème Fraîche & a Parmesan & Black Pepper Tuile

Main Courses

Fillet of Irish Local Beef served with Dauphinoise Potatoes, Wild Mushroom, Rosemary & Thyme Jus

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Escalope of Salmon wrapped & baked in a crispy Strudel Pastry Case served with a Fennel Chutney, Whole Grain Mustard Cream

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Breast of Freshly Farmed Chicken, Saffron Risotto, Fresh Spinach, Deep Fried Parsnips, Basil Cream

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Fillet & Confit of Duck with Pickled Red Cabbage, Spiced Aubergine, Redcurrant & Aniseed Sauce

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Roast Loin of Pork filled with a Chestnut & Herb Stuffing, Caramelized Apples, Marsala Cream Sauce

Desserts

Traditional Pavlova with a Mixed Berry Compote, Strawberry & Black Pepper Ice-cream

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Steamed Chocolate Pudding, Vanilla Ice Cream, Cocoa Crème Anglaise

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Deep Fried Christmas Pudding Ice Cream, Brandy Snap Basket, Mulled Wine Syrup

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Banana Brulee, Lemon Grass Sorbet with Poached Prunes in Rum, Lime Tuile

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Baked White Chocolate & Ginger Cheesecake with a Kumquat Semi-Confit, Raspberry Coulis

£34.50