Whether you’re visiting Belfast or a local resident seeking super food in the city centre, then I’d suggest you look no further than the #IrishFlight menu which has recently launched at the traditional surroundings of The Cloth Ear in Waring Street (part of the Merchant Hotel). The affordable menu, which pairs three small plates of the finest local produce matched with three iconic Irish tipples, costs just £15 per person and features the finest of Irish ingredients.
Created by head chef Ian McAdam in partnership with the flavour gurus from GUINNESS, Roe & Co. and Hop House 13, ‘The Irish Flight’ has been designed specifically for those who struggle to decide what to choose and invariably end up with food envy when plates arrive at the table. ‘The Irish Flight’ consists of three small plates each perfectly matched with carefully selected premium beers and whiskey which enhances the character and flavours of the food:
PAIRED WITH GUINNESS
Salted smoked oxtail potato croquettes
The rich beefy taste of the oxtail is an excellent match for the rich roast character of the iconic stout.
Vegetarian Option: Chilli and olive arancini
With salty olives and smoked Scamorza cheese from Toons Bridge Dairy in Co. Cork, this dish pairs perfectly with the smooth malty texture of Guinness.
PAIRED WITH HOP HOUSE 13 LAGER
Mini brisket burger
Made from 100% pure Irish beef from Country Armagh, topped with mature cheddar from Fivemiletown Creamery. The rich flavours perfectly complement the refreshing, aromatic extracts of Hop House 13.
Vegetarian Option: Tomato, basil and roast pepper bruschetta
The fresh crispiness of the Belfast-baked sourdough base pairs exceptionally with the sweet fruity aroma of this favourite tipple.
PAIRED WITH ROE & CO. BLENDED IRISH WHISKEY
Scotch Egg
Created with sausage meat and Cavanagh Free Range Eggs from Enniskillen, this luxurious mini bite pairs deliciously with the soft spice and warm hints of vanilla from Roe & Co.
Vegetarian Option: Panko crusted avocado
Light avocado with smoked paprika and Achill Island Sea Salt from Co. Mayo, matches superbly with the creamy textured notes of vanilla in Roe & Co.
Seeking a unique way to present ‘The Irish Flight’, this quintessential Irish bar partnered with John Piekaar, a designer and craftsman from Co. Down to create unique handmade wooden serving boards.
Head Chef Ian McAdam said: “We are lucky to have phenomenal local produce in this part of the world and I feel a personal responsibility to champion that. For the authentically Irish flavour combinations in ‘The Irish Flight’ we use only highest quality produce from Moira, Enniskillen and Hillsborough to name just a few. This is an offering that we feel will be appreciated by local food enthusiasts and appeal to the many visitors of our city who would like the opportunity to experience the best of Irish produce. Open to international influences but inspired by local ingredients, ‘The Irish Flight’ offers a modern interpretation of an Irish menu. We look forward to indulging our customers in this special collection of great tasting food paired with premium beers and Irish whiskey.”
Speaking at the official launch event held last night, Jorge Lopes, Diageo Northern Ireland Country Director said, “We’re seeing record numbers of visitors arriving into Northern Ireland and only recently Lonely Planet named Belfast as one of the top travel destinations for 2018. This exciting new menu from The Cloth Ear offers visitors the chance to taste quality Irish produce at its best – the true taste of Ireland. We are confident that GUINNESS, much loved and known as the taste of home, coupled with the crisp and full-flavour taste of Hop House 13 Lager and the warming notes found in Roe & Co. Blended Irish Whiskey are the perfect match for this new menu. Chef McAdam has worked hard to create a selection of beautiful mini plates that will really tantalise the taste buds and compliment the rich character and flavours found in our drinks.”
This new dish compliments The Cloth Ear’s ever-expanding food offering following the recent launch of ‘The Vegan Supper Club’, another speciality menu consisting of three course vegan selection paired with a choice of vegan wine or beer.
‘The Irish Flight’ costing £15, is now available from 12noon until 8:45pm Monday-Saturday and 12:30pm until 8:45pm on a Sunday.