They know their onions

 

The Wild Onion Cafe, Limerick (061) 440055

The Wild Onion on High Street, in the Milk market area of Limerick City is so popular on Saturday mornings that it's name is uttered in hushed tones. "The Wild Onion, you'll never get a table in there", people mutter. The owners have a bit of a Michael Caine like reputation for getting loud and boisterous with the staff and customers. It all sounded too good for words, I had to try it. Attempt No.1 was last week when I made plans with Maz, from Style Treaty, to meet for late brekkie. I made this plan just before I was invited to a party near my house which ended up rather, ahem, late. I'm a stickler for sticking to a plan, espescially when I'm the one who does the inviting. So I hauled my bleary head out of bed and down to this bustling eatery. Really, I was still asleep and though the food was being enjoyed by so many hungry heads, I could barely get through half of my French Toast, Sausage Patty and Hash Browns. I made conversation like a baboon, apologies, and left.

This morning I thought I'd try again and I had the sense to stick my head in and book a table with Ruth for 1pm, with the kids and friends. If you reserve, don't be late, it's rude to Ruth and you'll lose your slot. This time I'd had a good 11 hours kip so I started the day off like a happy baby. The sun was shining as we made our way round the market, meeting people and soaking up the great atmosphere. Son No.1 was busy tasting cheese and lamenting that all the white anchovies were sold out from the olive stand. Must go earlier next time.

Ruth squeezed us to our table in this small, and so unassuming cafe. The menu is American style breakfasts, Reubens and burgers. I chose the Eggs with hash browns and sausage patty, the small fella had a plain grilled chicken open sandwich and Son No. 1 had the same as me but with ham instead of sausage. A flask of coffee is put on the table and Ruth quickly brought us a jug of ice water with glasses, where was this so-called cranky owner, I wondered. The grub is all cooked by Bob in the diner style kitchen that's right there in front of you and is on your table before the kids get crochetty. I told them that if they misbehaved, they would have to do the dishes, Ruth backed me up on this. The old methods of parenting can sometimes be the best. The eggs were so good, how can there be such a difference in a fried egg? The patties are delicious and the fried potatoes are yummy but do need a little extra seasoning. The small fella loved his chicken but left the bread. My pal Laura is veggie so her meal had a veggie patty which she liked, a rare achievement for a cafe. Most don't even bother with a veggie option for a fry up. Given that this is hard-core brekkie there was none of that greasy after taste or yukky feeling you often get after a cook up like this. They say the cookies are great, I'll try them next time. For three of us the bill was Euro22.

I'm on a search for the best restaurant in Limerick. Best for food, service, atmosphere and overall eating experience. Please send me your suggestions.

Comments

[Sarah]

He's my Brian Val!

[Val]

Hi Brian
Thanks for a great comment, or review! The Onion is fab but I'm never hungry enough to really enjoy the huge portions, still I'll keep trying. Are you Brian and Sarah Brian?
Val

[BrianMol]

The Wild Onion. I absolutely love this place. One of Limericks' secret treasures. Some of my friends don't like it but i can't fathom how or why not. One commented, "i don't like them sausage burger things and they don't cook their diced spuds enough", my retort "those sausage burgers are bleeding yummy and as for the undercooked spuds, that's how i love diced spuds, with a little bite" The same fella's missy even said she got sick when she was there the last time - i reminded her that she didn't get sick from the food but due to the fact that she drank over a pint of o.j. with said food - crazy fool!!

They have proper condiments on the tables i.e. mustard and tobasco. Even French's Mustard, which i usually despise, works a treat here.

Go to the Wild Onion for the wholesome food but just wear suitably loose pants as you'll need the space.

P.S Am going to Market Square with Sarah from some of the above comments on Friday night. Was faultless the last time we were there with a crazy big Specials list but wasn't blown away at the same time. Here's hoping!!!

[Sarah]

Lor, I didn't mention La Piccola or La Cucina as I thought they went without saying!!! La Pic is actually my folks fave restaurant; we've been going there for literally decades on b-days, wedding anniversaries & special occassions. I had my 21st there! They do the best sole on the bone around. Azur came a close second the first time I had it there but the second time it was half the size (price was also reduced)... Boo!!! I said maybe he didn't get the best fish today and Dad said "Alfredo wouldn't have accepted it, he would have just crossed it off the menu for the night"

[Val]

Hi Lorraine
I haven't tried the burger. Slice of bread eh? Sounds a bit dodgy. La Cucina? Can't say I know it...Why are you never there when I am? Shame on me I still haven't been to La Piccola but I have suggested it to the powers on high
Val

[lorraine@italianfoodies]

Hi Val. Your post gave me the final push to get into the Wild Onion at long last after Marion's very high recommendations!! We had the burgers, really enjoyed them, not too gone on the old slice of bread though - I do like like lots of carbs with me burger. I'd agree on the hash browns, mine were a little hard. It has a great buzz and lots of character, have to go back for breakfast!! I second the Market Square, really nice couple who own it, ask for Ronan tell him I sent you;)!!Azur was great the first 2 times I went and pretty awful the last time but it could have been a different chef, I'll give it another go! My lord you are missing the 2 most important eating establishments in Limerick - La Piccola Italia and some greasy Italian take-away in Castletroy called La Cucina;)

[Val]

Thanks for the info ladies
Sarah you are def ready for your own blog. And you have lots of good on-the-ground Limerick info, and I KNOW you make your own jam, where's mine? Here's some suggested blog names TAKE meAWAY, or better still, The EARLY BIRD!
What you think?
Val

[Maz]

Val, Azur is on O'Connel St it's a kind of french bistro style. It's nice, I had a lovely steak there but I know Lorraine had some mediocre experiences there. It's where La Romana used to be!!

[Sarah]

Azur is on O'Connell St a few doors down from Luigi Malones. The first few times I went there, I was blown away by the food but I think they were under pressure to lower the prices so they did but they also reduced the portion sizes!
There's also a few good take aways.... Chilli kebabish on Ellen St if you're looking for a greasey kebab made from real meat after the pub. Also, if you like falafel, there's the Cedar house on John St (down from Donkey Fords). I need to start my own blog as I spend so much time commenting on other blogs!

[Val]

Hi Sarah
Thanks for a great comment. I'm already a regular at Conlon's for my shepherd's pie, he does the best mince, and always sells me just enough spuds too. I'm going to the Market Square next week and have tried lots of the places on your list, but not all. I'll work through it. Where is Azur?
Val

[Sarah]

Hi Val,
Just to put the name to the face; I'm the wan that met you with Laura in the market on Saturday morning before you went for your brunch...
Lots of nice places in Limerick - Safe Cafe, The Hunt Museum, Aubars, The Market Square (for a treat), Brulees (for a treat), Cahills on Wickham Street for a morning cappucino, The Grove on Cecil Street (weekdays only), Azur (bit expensive for dinner but lunch is a good show) & The Sandwich Shop. Moll Darbys is the next place on my list to try and I've heard nothing but good stories since the latest chef took over.
You mentioned Rene Cusacks in a previous post but I'd like to mention Sadliers on Roches St. That's where I go for my Friday fish fix and they really know their stuff. They also do the best duck & chicken breasts and will have pheasant from November (they're fishmongers & game dealers you see). If you're looking for a proper butcher shop, Ray Conlon on Catherine St is great (tell him the lady with the lamb shanks sent you) as are the girls in the butcher shop on Little Catherine St. Sorry for such a long reply... Btw, I love the chicken casserole recipe & I know exactly when I'm going to cook it!

[Laura]

My child is still traumatised about having to do the dishes! Mmmm veggie patty...

[Maz]

Firstly, you were fine last week, the conversation was excellent and you did a fine job of eating my coleslaw!!!!

Secondly, I think you've really summed up the WO there. I'm getting hungry reading about the hash browns......damn them for needing a break and closing sunday!!!