I dined as part of a group of 12 in Fado last week. I have eaten in Fado many times before and have never been disappointed - this visit was no exception.
Fado is located at the side of the Mansion House in Dawson Street in a beautifully restored dining room with elevated areas at each side and a beautiful trompe d'oeil paint effect. The waiters are smartly dressed, courteous and very efficient and the tables are nicely laid with linen napery, good sized wine glasses, designer condiment sets and silverware. We were presented with a selection of small bread rolls (baked on the premises) accompanied by salted butter and tapenade for those who like their olives (not me!). As I was driving, I had no wine but instead had a glass of Kir Royale together with a large quantity of still Ballygowan.

Starters in Fado range in price from €6 to €13 and from the range of choices varying from soup to salad, I chose monkfish which was gilded with red caviar and a rocket salad. My table companion who is a very plain eater normally orders pate - as none was available, he chose the terrine of pork with bacon and cabbage garnish. I warned him that terrine is normally very rustic in appearance but he went ahead with his decision nonetheless. My
monkfish was delicious - four pieces of perfectly cooked fish which I enjoyed. My companion was not so fortunate with his terrine - not impressed with the rough appearance and texture, he decided to donate it to me & confiscate my monkfish! I did rather well out of the exchange - the terrine was well seasoned and tasty and I got to taste two starters instead of one!

The list of main courses was extensive - from sea bass to duck priced between €22-€30. I decided to be a carnivore & opt for the fillet of beef served on a garlic mash (as did Mr. Picky beside me). Not a morsel was shared with anybody because this beef was far too good. It was served medium as requested, was tender & needed very little assistance from a knife to cut it. The garlic mash was fluffy, light & not overpowering. We also had a side order of very crunchy green beans which is just how I like them.

After a long interval, we felt sufficiently rejuvenated to order dessert which included a bitter lemon tart, passion fruit cheesecake and our choice, a bitter chocolate tart with Jaffa Cake ice-cream. I was feeling very generous & shared this with my companions - they also found it to be divine. A very good cappucino rounded off the evening & I made my way home felling
very full and very satisfied.

I will definitely pay Fado yet another return visit.