Restaurant Review: The Savoy, Limerick
Hubby just in the door, “how about breakfast in Savoy”? I grab the bag in lightning speed and am seated within minutes in his favourite car, his wee “Panda”, putting on the make up in the rear-view mirror so as not to delay.
Going up the stairs, we can hear the hum of conversation; the restaurant is reasonably full. The atmosphere buzzing, Vincenzo greets us with his usual aplomb and sets the tone for our morning. Christian or Vincenzo are like two sides of a coin, when either are on duty, you will be treated like royalty, or better if the current royalty is anything to go by.
The omelette is utterly delicious, Panda man orders everything in it but the salmon. Visually wonderful, expectations fully met, with crisp veg, steaming hot, full of flavour. Leave the condiments set alone, you won’t need it. Cheese dripping, the last time he had an omelette like this was in Tel Aviv/ Israel (or mine when I’m in the mood!). I had the poached eggs and rashers, perfect. All for a recession-friendly €9. What a fete of business sense. Believe it or not, the entire breakfast menu of this five star hotel is available for just €9. Compare this to the €26-odd brekkie recently encountered by Gastrogirl in the Westbury, Dublin. Ouch.
You get your Irish Times paper, fantastic food and a reminder of days gone by. Linen napkins, full table service and great attention to detail. Free WIFI if you’re addicted to iphones, etc.
The staff are quick, efficient and charming. Etyeta is looking after us today with a smile and coffee comes as if by telepathy, but again, from experience, every member of staff is exceptionally well trained. I look behind me to see Rory, one of the owners, is sweeping crumbs from under a chair. That trains the staff like exceptionally well, teaching that all hands are necessary on deck to make the customers’ voyage an exceptional experience from owners to house staff.
As a little girl, (many years ago), my Nana and I would have afternoon tea in the Shelbourne. The Savoy takes me back to how things were done back then and still today for the Shelbourne, thank goodness. Savoy has been my favourite place to eat, drink and relax since we moved to Limerick. Vincenzo eyes never stop swivelling and directing all while saying his goodbyes to us. As we were leaving, there was a small queue forming for seating. When was the last time you saw this on a Saturday or indeed mid-week in these days of recession? Enjoy!
The Savoy, Limerick 4.5/5