Affordable Luxury at one of, it not Belfast's best hotel!
Last week myself and the family went to Malmaison in Belfast, once an old seedhouse it has been transformed into a stylish and sleek hotel, with a somewhat nautical twist.
We went on a Sunday, in my opinion the best day to go, the offered set menu which has just had a revamp, allows for a tasting experience, which for me is like no other in Belfast! Sunday Brunch at The Mal starts off which a visit to the chef's table, here you can ask the chef questions regarding the delights on offer, there really is something here for everyone!
Set out like a luxurious buffet the Chef's table offers you the chance to try a plethora of culinary treats including; an array of cold and cured meats, a vast selection of house baked breads, numerous salad options and whatever else is available (I have been about 6 or 7 times and the dishes change each time!)
After my trip to the Chef's table I indulged in some soup, mushroom s
oup, and it was delightful! The soup was smooth but there was still the texture of the mushroom there, it was very very tasty and was accompanied by some brioche bread, with the most amazing crust, I know that sounds a bit silly but the crust was so tasty!
Next up was the main course, the main event! The new menu allowed for a wide choice including The Mal Burger, Roast Chicken or Roast Beef or Fish of the Day. If you prefered something a little lighter there is the option of Egg's Benedict, or Moules.
https://www.malmaison.com/media/1473293/belfast-a-la-carte-menu.pdf
(A wee link to the menu for anyone that wants a look, I read menus more than books)
I opted for the Beef, medium rare - the photo looks really rare if I'm honest but there was the option to go well done if that's what you're in to, for me I have to go medium rare! The beef was so tender, it was like cutting through butter and it came with a selection of seasonal veg - honey glazed carrots (these were superb), roasted parsnips, green beans and roast potatoes! As always I requested extra jus/gravy to pour straight into my Yorkshire pudding, and this was no Aunt Betsy's pudding, this was probably the best Yorkshire pudding I have ever had!!!
After the main came dessert and again an array of options were available, from Creme Brulee to Apple Crumble there were about 6 choices available, (Carol - The mum-in-law, loves a wee fruit cocktail and the staff were happy to sort that out, which was nice). Last time I was here I got the Mal Sundae and I was devastated that it didn't make the new menu :(
I decided to get the Mal Hot Chocolate instead! Hazelnut and Honeycomb ice cream served in a cup with homemade marshmallows, fresh cream and it comes with some hot chocolate sauce which you pour over yourself. I was still emotionally weak at the lack of the Mal Sundae but this perked me up, tasty yet not too heavy but most definitely moreish!
Here comes another photo, but we do eat with our eyes! Enjoy this one.
I opened this blog/review with the tag line 'Affordable Luxury' and here I will explain why.
This is most definitely a dining experience, set in an iconic hotel in Belfast, the Brassiere is elegant, its ceilings are high and the staff are fantastic, helpful and not invasive!
Affordable? Four courses and a great atmosphere and all for only £21.95 each! A useful wee tip is to check Groupon regularly as they often offer Sunday Lunch at the Mal for a special price of £29.95 for two, which also includes a glass of prosecco. Honestly for the level of food available here and the setting you dine in this is just a super, super price!!! BFB's Best Moment: We were out celebrating Laurie's Birthday and the staff brought this out just after our dessert! What a lovely touch...I'll def be back for my birthday!
Overall a great day, full of great grub and great people! I will most definitely be returning to Malmaison in the near future, hopefully on a Sunday for some lovely Brunch!
