The K Club, The River Room Restaurant - Straffan

A grandiose shrine to the sport and leisure industry, the K Club is an ultra-luxurious edifice standing in over 500 acres of pristine grounds overlooking the River Liffey. It's just part of a resort complex that includes a spa and two championship golf courses (host to the 2006 Ryder Cup).

Fine dining takes place in The River Room Restaurant, an elegant affair overlooking the extensive landscapes gardens and the River Liffey. The dining room with lush fabrics and heavy drapes, well-laid tables and sparkling crystal chandelier, creates a suitable cosseted setting for leisurely meals in a relaxed atmosphere.

The kitchen offers a European menu with a resilient Gallic backbone, feeding the assembled company with modern dishes using locally sourced produce. Open proceedings with a risotto of Acquerello aged organic carnaroli rice with wild mushroom, parmesan tuile and micro leaves or warm goat cheese with brioche crouton, onion compote and balsamic vierge Dressing. Main courses take in pave of Atlantic cod with baby leek, lump crab, crayfish and bisque sauce or Irish sirloin steak with truffle scented mash with choron sauce. To finish there are desserts such as warm rum baba with seasonal berries and vanilla ice cream or raspberry parfait with chocolate wrap, popping candy and foam. The wine list is an awesome 600-bin slate aimed at big spenders.