Tuesday, August 17, 2010

RetroVino Wines at Rustic Stone

After a year long haitus after the demise of his Michelin starred restaurant Mint, chef Dylan McGrath opens his new restaurant Rustic Stone, on Dublin's Georges St next week (Tuesday 24th August).

Dylan's previous restaurant, Mint, was hailed as one of the most exciting places to eat in the country. It received many accolades, among them; a Michelin star, Food and Wine best chef and best wine list, hotel and a catering gold award for excellence. It was the only restaurant, besides Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud, to receive 2 stars in Georgina Campbell’s guide.

Dylan has been working extremely hard over the last few months with his new team creating an original concept that maintains his own distinctive innovative style and creativity, but at a price that is affordable and accessible to everyone. “At Rustic Stone our philosophy is simple”, said Dylan, “we source the best seasonal ingredients available, apply simple techniques to extract the best flavour and at the same time we give the customer the information they require to add nutrition and structure to their diet”.

Rustic Stone is a new casual dining, contemporary restaurant which will deliver on the flavours Dylan is so passionate about but without the formality he previously would have been associated with.

"My new "rustic" idea will add some real nutritional goodness to everyday dining", said Dylan, " In today's health conscience society so many of us try to be careful with what we eat which sparked the initiative in me to try to create a fresh, new menu which combines amazing flavours with nutritious food", he said.

Rustic Stone is also adopting an old Spanish technique which is still quite new in Ireland. Customers will be served their meat or fish dishes on a hot volcanic stone which they cook themselves. This method adds an element of theatre to the meal yet at the same time adds to customer preference allowing them to have their dish cooked exactly how they like it.

Also on the menu is a list of salads and dressings carefully chosen by Dylan which is left to the customers to add and mix themselves. Along with these salads will be a choice of new and unique side orders which are packed full of flavour. Dylan is particularly excited with his new range of sugar free cocktails and desserts which he has created specifically for Rustic Stone.

Best of all, Italian wines from the RetroVino portfolio will be available at Rustic Stone.  There will be also a handfull of well sourced French and Portuguese wines.  Look out for Pieve de Pitti "Cerretello" and "Aprilante" as well as a sumptuous Salice Salentino "Maiana" from Leone de Castris in Puglia. 

Rustic Stone is located on 17 South Great Georges Street and will officially open to the public on Tuesday the 24th of August. The restaurant will open for lunch from 12pm to 2:30pm and for dinner from 5:30pm to 11pm. For more information you can visit www.rusticstone.ie