By Eoin Higgins
22nd Sep 2017
22nd Sep 2017
Well-known Dublin ma?tre d’?Declan Maxwell?fronts the operation at one of the city’s most glamorous restaurants,?Luna?(supermisssue.com), having previously spent 16 years at the esteemed Chapter One. Here, he recalls some of his most memorable meals as a day of jet-setting fantasy dining.
Breakfast
The Wolseley, London???
What I love about large cities like London is that so many people go out for breakfast every day and not just weekend brunch. The Wolseley is buzzing every morning with business people at meetings, locals and tourists. The aroma of freshly ground coffee, baking croissants and pastries get your juices flowing. Their smoked haddock omelette, Arnold Bennett, is chock-full of flavour. As the late AA Gill put it: ?Breakfast is everything. The beginning, the first thing. It is the mouthful that is the commitment to a new day, a continuing life?.?thewolseley.com
Lunch
Balthazar, Soho, New York
New York is my favourite city in the world. The excitement of walking around people watching, shopping and anything goes. So a great stop off is Keith McNally’s Balthazar. It has been open since 1997 and, in a city that changes pace so quickly, is still packing in the crowds – a testament to its brilliance. A dozen oysters and a Bloody Mary is a great light lunch. For a more luxurious, longer midday meal, their classic confit duck with a side of pur?e potatoes and a bottle of Pouilly-Fum? makes for a decadent afternoon.?balthazarny.com
Dinner
Roscioli, Rome
It’s a delicatessen, restaurant and wine bar. The food here is very simple but the quality of the ingredients on offer is the best in Rome. Meanwhile, the wine list comprises more than 2,800 labels. Start with cold meats and buratta, followed by king prawns tartare. Then, their main course of carbonara, made with pork cheek, has to be one of my favourite dishes of all time. For the grand finale – chocolate souffl? with popcorn ice-cream; share it with someone you love and you will both be in heaven.?salumeriaroscioli.com
Drinks
Rooftop Bar,? Marker Hotel, Dublin
I know we don’t get many sunny days in Ireland but when we do, you couldn’t be anywhere better to sip on a G&T, or a cucumber and elderflower martini. The views on a clear day stretch from the mountains to the sea. If it’s a bit chilly, the lovely, attentive staff supply cosy blankets, which only add to the atmosphere. If you’re a bit peckish, chef Gareth Mullins offers a great tasting plates menu to nibble from while you chill out to the suitably slick soundtrack.?themarkerhoteldublin.com
Declan Maxwell, Luna; photograph by Eoin Higgins
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