One important thing my dad and I share, well two things, is a love of food and particularly a love of seafood.  Any visit home will include going out for lunch or dinner somewhere and trying something new.   My dad is often telling me of somewhere he has tried on his weekly trips out for lunch with friends and so the list of places I want to try when I visit just gets longer and longer.  Somewhere that has been on the list for a while is The Poacher’s Pocket at Lisbane. So on this flying visit (literally) mum and dad took me for lunch en route to the airport. 

The main reason for wanting to come here is the pudding but more of that later…

The Poacher’s Pocket is one of a small group of restaurants that Danny Miller is involved in.  The Parson’s Nose being one that I have written about already.  Like the others in the group there is a real focus on local produce. Finnebrogue venison and local seafood make regular appearances.   As you would expect from me (and my dad) we went for seafood.  In fact dad and I chose exactly the same things! I am most definitely my father’s daughter. 

For starter we had the crab cakes.  These little cakes were so tasty. And the lightly pickled cucumber that accompanied it had a lovely sweetness. 

For main course, we chose the special: Megrim and triple cooked chips.  We both chose this as it is a fish neither of us had tried before.  I particularly liked the very light ‘batter’ that coated the fish and the fresh tomato dressing that sat beautifully on the plate. This was a really impressive dish and I would certainly choose Megrim again. 

And then came pudding… The main reason for coming here. We didn’t need the menu, we knew exactly what we wanted. Pannacotta.  My dad calls it the best pannacotta in the world and I think he’s right. It is the most deliciously creamy pannacotta I have ever had. It came with lovely minted strawberries and crushed cookies but they could have just brought a simple plain pannacotta and we would have been happy….If I had not been so full and having to get on a plane I would have ordered another. In fact typing this I now have a pannacotta craving. 

Next time I visit I will definitely be having pannacotta and I will also leave room in my suitcase for a visit to the Poacher’pantry adjacent to the restaurant and stock up on all the amazing local produce they sell!