When you walk into a restaurant on a wet Wednesday night in the middle of winter and the place is hopping, you know it's a good sign. Now a decade in business, Zucchini's is obviously a firm favourite in the town.
It's owned by local couple Fiona and Paul McCullagh, Fiona looks after the front of house and Paul is head chef. Tucked away above a shopping centre that you have to wend your way through a housing estate to get to, the McCullaghs have created a warm, inviting, lively space decorated in rich purples and reds, along with a small bar.
The main menu covers a wide range - starters, salads, sizzlers, noodles, fresh egg pastas, fish and meat - and the food punches above its weight. You'll find dishes like chargrilled chicken supreme with smoked pancetta, green beans, celeriac puree and tarragon jus or an oven-baked salmon fillet served with a creamy prawn bisque and vegetables Parisienne on the main menu.
You get the feeling that Paul is pushing the boat out a bit more with the specials. Look for dishes such as Silverhill duck with a black pudding cigar and sweet potato puree, honey-glazed pork belly or a marinated rump of lamb with an herb crust. The presentation is done with real flair too, elevating this above the usual casual bistro fare.
For dessert try one of their homemade ice creams, which might include flavours like white chocolate and raspberry, lemon curd or Oreo. Or splurge on a Snickers peanut butter parfait with homemade honeycomb and Belgian chocolate.
Interestingly, several wines are offered in a variety of measures (small glass, regular glass, a 375ml or 500ml carafe or a full bottle), which is a nice touch. A local craft beer, Brú, is also available, as is a range of cocktails.
With locally sourced ingredients, good cooking, friendly staff and even a takeaway service for many of the items on their menu, Zucchini's promises to continue to be a local favourite for some time to come.
