The Hungry Monk, The Happy Pear and Chakra
THE HUNGRY MONK
The Monk opened its doors 21 years ago this July. Pat Keown spent most of his life in the wine trade, as did his father before him. He retains a huge knowledge and love of wine. His restaurant has won numerous awards for its encyclopaedic list, chock full of bargains, and some of the most sought-after wines of the world, many of which are fully mature. It continues to be one of the most popular eateries in Greystones and has expanded to include a wine bar downstairs, run by the cheerful and efficient Nicholas Alas.
It is open seven days a week, but frequently booked out from Wednesday to Sunday. Full of families early in the evening, it gradually becomes livelier as the more mature market moves in later on. The giant burger and chips remains a firm favourite. Upstairs, where dining is more formal, Julian Keown has largely taken over from Pat. He appears to have inherited his father’s legendary wit, so you can be sure of an interesting evening.
THE HAPPY PEAR
Yummy mummies, foodies and veg-heads all flock to The Happy Pear, run by identical twins David and Stephen Flynn. The two have turned a fairly ordinary vegetable shop into a hive of frenetic activity. The Happy Pear deals with more than 20 local growers, from serious organic famers to a bevy of what the twins refer to as “old dears”, who supply the surplus from their gardens.
To the back of the shop is the smoothie bar, where sales are brisk, too. The brothers have expanded next door, where they run a vegetarian restaurant/cafe, serving excellent soups, salads, daily specials, and some of the best desserts around. How can gluten-free, dairy-free brownies taste so good?
In addition, there are regular cookery competitions, with locals invited to bring along their own efforts to be judged. At times the atmosphere could be described as cheerfully chaotic rather than ruthlessly efficient, but everything works at its own pace, with a huge amount of fun and enthusiasm.
CHAKRA
The Meridian shopping centre, just off the main street, is home to Chakra, part of the Jaipur chain of Indian restaurants. Sunil Ghai may have moved on to Ananda, in Dundrum, but Dinish Chander continues to produce some of the finest Indian cuisine. Chakra has won several awards for best ethnic restaurant.
The restaurant is perfectly proportioned, bright and spacious, welcoming and comfortable. The impeccable service, run by the unflappable Benny Jacob, is nearly worth a visit alone.
Those seeking a genuine experience should ask for a thali, a selection of different dishes to try out. However, the coriander-encrusted scallops, lamb shanks, and minced lamb with black cardamon are exquisite dishes of real complexity.