Lucinda O'Sullivan's Ireland

About The Restaurant

I for one was more than glad to find that Eileen Dunne & Stefano Crescenzi had a branch of their brilliant L’Officina at the Kildare Outlet Centre – and I am sure I am not alone. Part of a good day’s shopping is having a bite to eat as well – or maybe even just a coffee and something sweet and delicious – and this is more than provided for in L’Officina Kildare.

This is a large branch with a great deli shop area also where you can bring home some of their great peppery olive oil, or fudge cake, or wine, or whatever you particularly love.

We always seem to hit the place twice on our visits – first for a breakfast to revive and fortify us for all that shopping. They do simple things like croissants and toast but you can have them with Asiago cheese and honey, organic Irish jam, or Parma ham. They also do great organic scrambled eggs in various varieties served with ham, or organic Italian bacon, or smoked speck or with smoked salmon. They also do Panini with Italian sausage, roasted peppers, and goats cheese or with Parma ham, Mozzarella and rocket.

It is off then for some serious shopping and when ready to drop yet again it is back to L’Officina for lunch. Pasta and risottos are great. Risotto crema dorato con zucchine is delicious Carnaroli rice with a cream of seabream and courgettes, whilst ravioli, one of my favourites is filled with Ricotta cheese and spinach with a Taleggio, walnut and sage sauce. Try the Tonnarelli pasta with clams, radicchio, pine nuts and cherry tomatoes – that is very popular with the ladies and very nice. Himself will probably love the fillet of Irish beef with brandy and pepper sauce, or they also do very nice chicken escallops with roast Italian ham, truffle oil and rosemary.

They also do lovely salads such as Insalate del Pastore which has lattuga, radicchio, William pear, walnuts, and goats cheese with Romoli extra virgin olive oil and organic Irish honey. Insalat Bomba is mixed salad with Italian tuna, cherry tomatoes, fresh Mozzarella also with extra virgin olive oil and aged Balsamic vinegar. There are are other salads mixed with swordfish, Parma ham, and chicken. At lunchtime too they do a selection of panini.

They also do gorgeous foccaccia with a variety of toppings such as Italian bacon, Taleggio cheese, and rocket, or chargrilled vegetables, or Buffalo Mozzarella or Villani Parma ham. I love their antipasti plates. There are lots of varieties such as cured beef Bresaola with rocket and Parmesan shavings dressed with extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice, or a selection of salami, Parma ham, cheese, and Italian vegetables. They also do a vegetarian platter with an Italian pate such as sundried tomatoes, pesto, artichoke, or black olives. There is a huge variety.

If desserts are your weakness, think chocolate profiteroles, or a traditional Italian chocolate cake, or Tiramisu – we all love that. They also have lovely icecreams in varying flavours. Another favourite of mine is Tuscan almond biscuits served with Vin Santo.

There is always a great buzz in L’Officina Kildare and people coming and going with big shopping bags. Also they have a great outside area for al fresco dining.

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