Our Latest Great Place to Eat - Peploe's
Tuesday 04 December 2012
Very few restaurants have the honour of ever being recognized as an institution in Dublin society, but Peploe’s on St. Stephen’s Green achieved that status the minute it opened its doors a decade or so ago. Barry Canny is a foodie himself, he understands food, he knows what people want, but more than that he knew how to create a tremendous buzz and atmosphere, to bring the international brasserie wine bistro atmosphere to Dublin which was enjoyed in other major European cities. Le tout Dublin flocked to Peploe’s, named after the famous Scottish post Impressionist Artist, Samuel Peploe, and set in the former vaults of a Bank on St. Stephen’s Green. Along with Frederic Pelanne, who heads up the team at Peploe’s, Canny created a Wine Bistro where people can drop in for a glass of really good wine and have something small to eat, or dine as fully as they wish in the restaurant area.
The food is classically innovative, and their wine cellar is one of the largest in Ireland with an amazing range, which they import direct from Italy, France and Spain. Lunchtime appetisers will include a great French Onion Soup or Brie aux Filo with cranberries or whatever is in season. I love the warm Morteau sausage with potato salad and Tartare sauce, whilst another favourite of mine is the home cured Gravad Lax, which they serve with, dressed crab, horseradish and Brioche. Scallops ‘Au Gratin’ are another great classic treat, which you can’t get everywhere nowadays. Mains might include their famous Cottage Pie, or wonderful confit duck leg ‘Sud-Ouest’ with braised potatoes, Cepes and Pruneaux d’Agen.