I wondered whether I should headline this review with the word BIASED! It is difficult not to be biased when reviewing a restaurant that has provided such wonderful food so consistently over the past 28 years. I, and my extended family, have regarded White Gables...as our ‘go to’ restaurant for virtually every major family occasion (anniversaries, birthday celebrations, etc.) ever since it opened its doors all those years ago. To my mind that is the biggest tribute that you can pay any restaurant… that you go back, repeatedly, over a long period of time!
In this case it is warranted by virtue of the consistency with which it delivers, both food and service. White Gables is not a gourmet paradise but then it never pretended nor aspired to be. What it does do is serve superb quality food, prepared under the supervision of chef/proprietor Kevin Dunne who works closely with his wife Ann who oversees the service areas.
A very astute decision they made was to offer a limited menu...do less but do it better could be the motto. The food is always good and a particular feature is the eye to presentation where dishes are aesthetically attractive as well as a joy to savour.
The selection of main courses is wide-ranging with poultry, fish, and meat dishes always available. However, I have to admit my own preference, which I have been eating since it first appeared on the menu…deep-fried fillets of lemon sole. Truthfully, I cannot remember the last time that I ordered any other main course! And, I’m delighted to say that over the years I have converted several dining companions (some avowed fish haters!) to this dish! A most unusual feature of this dish, and other main courses, which has been served as long as I can remember, is the ever-present pommes dauphine (potato puffs made from a mashed potato and choux pastry mix that are then deep-fried). A lovely touch and so typical of this restaurant.
Extended family members attest to the consistent quality of the other dishes. And, a word about portion size…you won’t leave feeling hungry!
But the element of consistency is not limited to the food. Many restaurants have seen their reputation tarnished through casual or sloppy service. That is not a problem at White Gables. There are several aspects of the service that are constants, viz. the supervision by Ann herself; a team of staff who are always neat and tidy in their personal presentation; a service that is efficient and friendly without being familiar or servile.
And lest I forget it…The Wine List! Again, a limited selection, but each wine has been personally vetted by Kevin & Ann. The Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc and Argentinian Malbec (Pascal Toso) are personal family favourites.
The renowned Sunday Lunch is particularly good value and features many items from the a la carte menu. But be sure to make a reservation well in advance!
It was a good day for Moycullen and the greater Galway catchment area when Kevin & Ann opened White Gables. Over the years many restaurants have come and gone but White Gables is still standing, a testament to their philosophy and approach to running what is a very successful restaurant that consistently offers superb food, service, and value for money. Long may it continue!
The accompanying photos were taken during our most recent Sunday Lunch at White Gables on 3rd November 2019.
Paul J Scannell, Galway.More