e“When two stars collide…” Well, not really collide, but join forces as was the case at the Lady Helen restaurant in Mount Juliet when Michelin Star resident chef John Kelly and Damien Grey of the two Michelin Star restaurant, Liath in Blackrock presented up to forty diners a menu and wine pairing which was simply out of this world. Tasting menus are always popular, and wine pairings makes the occasion even more enjoyable. There’s a sense of adventure and abandon - surrendering your choice and maybe even tastes and putting all that aside to be simply delighted as you dine. Bring that to a Michelin Level and it’s a whole different experience. And then of course you have the personality of the chef - in this case two of the best. Both chefs have been recognised and awarded by Michelin for their innovative menus and culinary approach, which respects quality ingredients and their natural flavour. This was a rare opportunity to enjoy a remarkable collaboration between two of Ireland’s most creative chefs, who conceived a distinctive six-course menu for this special event which featured signature dishes from the menus of Liath and The Lady Helen, with Chef Damien bringing a taste of the city to the Mount Juliet country Estate. Guests were welcomed to a Piaff Champagne and Nespresso Martini reception where they enjoyed mingling with the Chefs and guests before being seated for dining. John, from Kilkenny and head chef at the Lady Helen for almost ten years, is at the top of his game, combining flavour and local ingredients to a standard unequalled. Damian, a proud Aussie, is patron of a restaurant that seats just 14 covers each night. Very intimate in its own right. Both talented men gave of their time willingly throughout the evening, sharing their tales from the kitchen, the origin of their ingredients, the extras. They seemed to enjoy the casual feedback, which grew ever more boisterous and forthcoming as the wine selection was enjoyed. On moving into the Lady Helen dining room,
Chef John Kelly of the Lady Helen teamed up with Chef Damien Grey from Liath to bring exquisite Michelin dining to Mount Juliet estate
Attending the Liath and Lady Helen Dining Evening at Mount Juliet Estate. From left; Naoise Nunn and Maria Schweppe from Schweppe Curtis Nunn. Photo; Mary Browne
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Attending the Liath and Lady Helen Dining Evening at Mount Juliet Estate. From left; Ger and Mags Kirwan from Goatsbridge Trout Farm. Photo; Mary Browne
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Attending the Liath and Lady Helen Dining Evening at Mount Juliet Estate. From left; Antonio, Marion, Orla and Riccardo Cavaliere of rinnucini's restaurant in Kilkenny. Photo; Mary Browne
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Attending the Liath and Lady Helen Dining Evening at Mount Juliet Estate. Esther Beirne and David Beirne Photo; Mary Browne
