Pizza date night

It's a bit of a trek to get to Platform Pizza Bar from where I live but it's worth it even if just for views like these...

Before we got the dart from Connolly we had a quick stop at The Brew Dock on Amiens street (another GBB bar) where I had a Macivors Cider (current favourite cider) 

Got to Platform Pizza Bar a little before the time we had booked for but our table was ready. 

The staff are pleasant and the tables are well spaced but service is slow. For me that's not too much of an issue because I don't like feeling rushed. There was a decent lull between finishing our food and the table being cleared and again between courses. You don't feel like they're in a rush to get the table back either. Which is nice! 

You'll see from the photos that where we sat wasn't that bright but it makes it feel somewhat cosy. Don't forget to check out the Narnia style wardrobe entrance to the loo - actually you can't miss it! :-) 

I chose Pinot Grigio and Sean had some Wicklow Wolf Beers... 

Now to the food. We shared the meat and cheese antipasti for two. This was huge!!! Various meats, cheeses, pesto, hummus and the nicest garlic bread I've had in a very long time. 

For my main I chose their goats cheese, mozzarella, pancetta, walnut and maple syrup pizza. I asked for it without tomato sauce and there was no issue at all with my request. Pizza was huge as you'll see in the photo but it was delicious and v well cooked. The dough was just how I like it - thin and crispy with a little fluff to the crust. Yum!!!! 

Sean chose the hake fillet and a side of Mac n Cheese.

For dessert I ordered Pecan Pie. Warmed and sweet with a good amount of pecan! Oh and they serve pretty decent coffee too. 

The food is great and it's brilliant value for money. Also I judge a place on whether or not I would go back. Would I go back? Actually yes I probably would. I just don't think my jeans would appreciate it ;-)

Took the DART back in to town...

We walked to Alfie Byrne's (another GBB bar) at the Conrad Hotel where I had another Macivors Cider - really is ideal drinking on a Summer evening :-) 

This signage at the bar made us giggle...

School night out

Started off at the Liquor Rooms (http://theclarence.ie/food-drink/the-liquor-rooms/) 

I had two cocktails here while the others had beer I went for Doc's Gigglewater and French Martini… Yes I know I don't seem to be able to try anything new anytime I've come here but they're consistently good so why not??

From there we walked along the quays to Smithfield and headed to Fish Shop on Queen Street (http://fish-shop.ie/) They only have a few seats so we were unable to book and they were full when we got there. There was five of us. They took my name and said that it would be around 40 minutes for a table. Went across the road to Dice Bar (http://www.thatsitdublin.com)  for a pint or two (Which they suggest on their website - great idea!!) They've a really good selection of beers here. I went for a Dry Macivors Cider. Pretty busy for a Wednesday evening.

After about 50 minutes the lads were getting a bit restless and worried we wouldn't have time to eat before going to see Dara O'Briain at Vicar Street. Dare I say they might've been getting hangry?! Anyhow they suggested we walk to Leo Burdock's instead so I went in to cancel the table and was told they were just about to ring to say a table would be ready in 5 minutes as people were just paying their bills!!! I called them back and we waited for the table to clear and be cleaned down. 

The menu...

The place looks amazing with the exposed brick walls and the lighting... 

They guessed we were in a rush so took our order while we waited for the table to be cleared. 

I ordered the Fillet o'Fish Shop (Hake Fillet on a toasted brioche bun with fennel, apple, garlic mayo and mint) and a white wine. Three of the others ordered the haddock. 

The fish was melt in the mouth and the brioche bun was perfect. We also got chips, bread and tartare sauce for the table. 

There was a couple of chip butties had by the others lol.The staff are really nice and welcoming. The smell as you're waiting (Which isn't even that long) is AMAZING!!!It is small. Maybe they seat about 15 (at a push?) but the food is so so good and it is seriously well worth the wait for a table.

Strolled across the river then to Vicar Street for the Dara O'Briain gig. He's utterly brilliant. My cheeks (and sides) are still a little sore this morning from laughing. Will never be able to look at 50/50 bread in the same way again. One more thing… Pulled pork cheesecake anyone?