LaCucina

On 7th July, in our continuing request to establish the definitive guide to eating out in County Louth, the S.R.'s headed south west to Smarmor- a few miles out from Ardee. LaCucina is situated in the courtyard of Smarmor Castle, which in turn is situated in a lovely rural spot. The sun was shining as we walked through the courtyard to what was once stables or tack rooms and which had been converted to an Italian restaurant. The pretty surroundings confirmed my anticipation of a good evening as LaCucina had come well recommended. Alas this happy mood was not to last.

We had booked (unusually) so when we arrived and were left stranded, it was a little upsetting. No seats, drinks, menus or apologies were offered as we stood and watched empty tables been given to people who arrived after us.

While this was not the best start, all of the S.R. gang are professionals and we quickly put this bad impression out of our minds when we were (eventually) seated. Perhaps due to its popularity that Sunday evening or perhaps due to a physiological problem, the seating was arranged for maximum capacity rather than for the enjoyment, privacy or comfort of the diners. It was arranged like a school room refectory and had the acoustics of the school room refectory as well. It was also cold. Despite these drawbacks, we maintained our high spirits.

I had garlic mushrooms for starters. They were slow to come but were delicious. Simply cooked in garlic butter but very tasty. I also tasted some of Gonzales' garlic bread. It was the nicest I have ever had. Again very simple- some garlic butter on really heavenly pizza type bread. Doesn't sound much but was really tasty and greed inspiring. (They do take out pizzas and if you are in the vicinity of Smarmor - get one.

At this point I have to talk about the service. It was the worst I have ever come across. Firstly the waitresses were pretty horrible. They were sullen, surly, inefficient and clearly indicated that they better things to do than wait tables. Not one pleasant word or smile was squeezed out of them the whole evening. Here is an example; Rapheala asked for water (probably twice) and eventually a jug was plonked on the table. She then had to get the attention of the girl and asked for a glass. She came back and plonked out one glass! So we had to ask for glasses for the rest of us. In due course, they were thrown at us. I don't know how many times we had to ask for more water. I can't remember if we ever got it!. And the temperature was getting colder!

So after waiting maybe 10 minutes plus to be seated and perhaps another 15 minutes plus for our starter to arrive, we were estimated it might be another 20 minutes for the main course. We had been optimistic! It was about 45 minutes and an hour and half after we arrived. At this stage even the most cheerful companions are wilting. I was also starving. It was now freezing and my jacket was back on.

I had ordered lasagna. It came in an oval dish without anything else. (Yes, I know that seems to be an Italian thing). It would have needed to be pretty good to have counteracted the wait. Sadly it was almost inedible. The tomato sauce was nice, there was a bit too much cheese but that was OK, the pasta was well cooked. The missing ingredient was the meat - it was virtually missing ie non existent! I don't know if they just ran out of mince or forgot it or what but cheesy pasta gets a bit stodgy after the first few mouthfuls - also it was not very warm. So a big thumbs down there.

The desert was mostly those generic things that Italian restaurants have so I didn't bother. The service remained slow and rude. The price was reasonable and some of the other dishes were very tasty so I guess I shouldn't be totally negative about LaCucina. On a very quiet night (and avoiding the lasagna) it could be quite nice and I think the pizzas could be amazing but on a Sunday evening - a definite no! Rating 2