Restaurant 23 @ The Balmoral - Warrenpoint

Currently the 'hot ticket' in Warrenpoint, this venture is from seasoned Irish restaurateurs Raymond and Andrea McArdle. It's situated in the seafront boutique Balmoral Hotel in Warrenpoint (often dubbed the 'Gateway to the Mourne Mountains'). Raymond decided he wanted to become a Chef from a young age and set out a plan to work for the best this country could produce. Spending Comis Chef learning with Paul Rankin he then moved on to work with Michael Deane for seven years progressing through the ranks to become Head Chef at Deane's Belfast. Raymond had a vital role not only running a successful restaurant but in helping gain a Michelin Star and three AA Rosettes at this time. Raymond has now returned home to his roots as Head Chef and Restaurant Director of Restaurant 23 at Balmoral, Warrenpoint.

The racy line-up of starters might include baked tandoori chicken wings with mint natural yoghurt while mains could range invitingly from grilled spiced chicken kebabs with Asian noodles, curry oil & soy dressing to crisp local cod with lemon & pepper crumb, rooster potato wedges & peas à la Française. To finish there are clever desserts such as a trio of Valrhona chocolate mousse, ice cream & opera gateau or passion fruit cheesecake with raspberry sorbet & passion fruit curd.