Molly's Yard...

Remember this question from a few weeks ago from regular reader/worrier of sheep Mr Sheepworrier?

"Quick question to all - is it ridiculously cheesy to ask a restaurant for roses (or whatever) to be set on a table before arrival if it isn't an anniversary / proposal etc?"

Mr Sheepworrier

Well here's what happened.....

We walked in through the quaint sunlit courtyard, which I'm assuming Molly's takes its name from, into the downstairs bistro style dining area. Looking around sheepishly (see what I did there? I'm funny, me) we were greeted by the very same waitress who took the reservation. I thought this was a lovely personal touch though I'm sure she obviously recognised me as the famed food critic, philanthropist and general worrier of sheep that I so obviously am (either that or it was a slow night and she had memorised the bookings... I prefer to believe the 1st scenario).

Anyway, we were led upstairs to a slightly more formal dining area and seated at a table beside a window, a bit apart from the other diners. All settled, we chose a bottle of Chilean red and settled in for what was to be a brilliant dining experience.

Writing this a good 2 weeks after the event, I cant remember the details of the food, though I do recall the sea bass was gorgeous, while the very beautiful lady who (for reasons best known to herself) decided to accompany me, chose the equally exquisite salmon on a bed of something lovely. The menu wasn't exactly brimming with choice (What? No tacos? - Manuel), but we both thought the quality more than made-up for quantity, while the portions were well presented and measured.

However, it wasn't the food that impressed me most, rather it was the staff who were congenial and chatty when we wanted them to be, yet knew when we wanted to be left alone to enjoy each others company. The atmosphere was friendly and most importantly unpretentious there's little that riles me more than a sense of snobbery whether from waiters (Hardly - Manuel), bar staff (I'm looking at you Apartment & Vaudeville staff!) or the general unwashed masses, and I am delighted to say I didn't encounter even a smidgen of aloofness. (I'll give you aloofness matey - Manuel)

We ordered our desserts, finished our vino and chatted away till our hearts, livers and stomachs were content without once feeling rushed or pressured that we were taking up a table.

All-in-all, the food was top-notch without being too fussy (and very reasonably priced for 2 courses upstairs), the atmosphere was welcoming and relaxed, the staff were professional yet entirely natural and approachable, and I managed to squeeze another date out've the beautiful lady who I was assured had a lovely time.

I would certainly recommend Molly's Yard as a destination for couples, much more so than the 'flashy' resaurants around Belfast which seem to specialise in serving sales people on company nights out. Twats.

But what about the flowers?

Ah, the flowers... after much deliberation and an actual visit to a flower shop, I decided it was too formal and probably quite scary for a 1st 'proper' date, so they are being kept in my armoury for such times as they are needed. But many thanks to WDF readers for their advice, counselling and general piss-taking.(Ha! - Manuel)

By Sheepworrier.