After another trip away, my mom and I returned to Dublin city from the airport, tired and hungry. On our way to a restaurant I was anxious to try out, we passed St. Andrew's Street, and I read out the menu offerings from a few boards of other eateries I have yet to try. We settled on Trocadero, of which I have heard great things and which offers a pre theatre menu for 13.95. A good choice on our part!

The long plush room is reminiscent of the Gaiety boxes, and gives the feeling that one is about to step on stage! Famous prints line the walls, and the majority of seats at the entrance seating area comprise of comfy booths. I discovered 2 more large seating areas and roomy toilets downstairs and at the back.

We were directed to a booth for 4 near the door. Our waiter was a charming country man. The hustle and bustle at the main door with the maitre'd, the regulars, the waiters and the telephones kept us amused during periods where we were not giggling or expressing taste pleasures.
From the Pre-Theatre menu, we both chose the deep fried brie. Three huge cubes of crisp crumb oozed warm cheese, and sat atop a sweet cranberry sauce, garnished with fresh basil leaves. Three hot rolls came along too and boy did they go down well; my mother and I have a weakness for hot bread. We chose a bottle of the house white, a Chilean Chardonnay (13.50) which was clean and crisp with a nice bite. We demolished our starters and eagerly awaited the main performance.

I chose the salmon fishcakes. Two large crispy cakes sat on top of some nice cabbage and were surrounded by a sweet sauce. Rather tasty! Mum's chicken fillet came with a dill sauce and was also delicious. A dish of hot buttered baby potatoes, as well as minted garden peas, and spicy pureed cauliflower finished the selection. Everything was divine, although I would have preferred the spuds 'sans beurre'. We could not finish the vegetables, and left our meal at that, although tea or coffee was included. The waiter called a taxi for my mum as she was heading to the bus station, while she paid the bill of IEP41.40. She legged it as soon as it arrived, and the lovely waiter was a pure gentleman, helped me with my coat, carried my small travel case outside and wished me well! From the telephone calls, we gathered that all weekends are fully booked up until Christmas, and I am not in the slightest but surprised!