Restaurants in Leitrim are very passionate about food and have some great farm produce and organic fruit and veg, as well as some incredibly talented chefs, like John Kelly, head chef of the Riverbank Restaurant. John, who trained with Neven Maguire has created a reputable restaurant where service, quality and value for money are the main focus.
During my time in Leitrim I had the pleasure of dining in the Riverbank, situated in the picturesque village of Dromahair, Co. Leitrim. The restaurant was named the best restaurant in Leitrim by the Restaurant Association of Ireland and was rated among Ireland’s ‘Top 100 Restaurants’ in The Irish Times. Much to my delight, head chef, John, knows a thing or two about catering to coeliacs, so I was well looked after during my dining experience.
GF Dressed potted Crab €9
Pickled Cucumber, Gluten Free Bread, Dressed Salad Leaves
Gluten Free Options
Nowadays a vast majority of restaurants offer gluten-free options and have gluten-free substitutes stocked in the kitchen, such as GF bread, sauces and desserts. Meat, fish, fruit, vegetables, rice and potatoes are naturally free from gluten, so the chef on duty is usually able to accommodate. The chef might have to leave a sauce or garnish out of the dish in order to insure it’s free from any gluten.
Upon ordering my meal in the Riverbank the waitress talked me through my options. She explained that the chef would be more than happy to accommodate me. I could pretty much order anything from the menu and he would alter the ingredients if necessary. I love to see organisations and individual chefs going out of their way to create delicious gluten-free meals. To start, I ordered the crab which was served with toasted gluten-free bread instead of the usual focaccia bread. My main course was customised so that a special sauce was served on the side.
The chef did his best to ensure that I got the same quality of service as other customers. The entire meal was delectable. The exciting fusion of flavours between the stir fried veg mixed with the slightly sweet and sticky gluten-free sauce was extremely enjoyable. The duck skin was crispy, sweet and glossy while the meat was succulent, perfectly cooked, and not at all greasy. Three out of four in our party opted for the duck and all agreed that it was divine. Usually no matter how stuffed I feel after the main course I always have room for a little dessert. However, on this occasion I was very disappointed with myself as I couldn’t eat another morsel, and I really wanted to sample some of the gluten-free treats. Oh well, maybe next time.
Kataifi Wrapped Peppered Goats Cheese (v) €8
Plum and Cranberry Chutney, Dressed Leaves
Chicken Strips and Dips €8.00
Sweet Chilli Sauce, Garlic Mayonnaise, Dressed Leaves
GF Tandoori Chicken €15
Red Lentil Curry, Crisp Popadom, Mint and Coriander Cream
GF Slow Roast Half Duckling €18
Stir Fried Veg, Honey and Clove Sauce
Main dishes are served with a choice of chips, vegetables, creamed potato or garlic potato. Extra sides include: chips, vegetables, creamed potato €3.50 or garlic potato €4.50.
Being restricted to a gluten-free diet doesn’t mean that you can’t eat out and sample some delicious food – if you don’t believe me ask John! The Riverbank are doing great things for people on a gluten-free diet, if you’re in Leitrim pop in and have a bite to eat.
Explore Leitrim and see what it has to offer you, for more information click here.
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This is a sponsored post; while the views expressed here were genuinely mine, consideration was paid to me by Leitrim Tourism.
