“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, both
GALLERY: Chef John Kelly of Lady Helen and Chef Damien Grey of Liath bring exquisite Michelin dining to Mount Juliet
Attending the Liath and Lady Helen Dining Evening at Mount Juliet Estate. Ryon Head and Laura Head from Champagne Piaff. Photo; Mary Browne
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Attending the Liath and Lady Helen Dining Evening at Mount Juliet Estate. From left; Paul and Maureen Dunlop from Causeway Geotech. Photo; Mary Browne
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Attending the Liath and Lady Helen Dining Evening at Mount Juliet Estate. Photo; Mary Browne
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Chef John Kelly from the Michelin star Lady Helen Restaurant at Mount Juliet Estate welcomed Chef Damien Grey founder of the two Michelin star awarded Liath Restaurant in Blackrock Dublin, to the Kilkenny Estate to guest chef for a rare culinary collaboration courtesy of Nespresso. The special dining event was sold out immediately with enquiries about bookings for Chef John’s pending visit to Liath for the Dublin dining event. Photo; Mary Browne
