Blind Spots

A restaurant guide not just for foodies!

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Matsuhisa Athens Restaurant

Astir Palace Resort, 40 Apollonos Street, Vouliagmeni, Athens

http://www.matsuhisaathens.com/en/

Not being the biggest fan of Japanese food and raw fish I have to admit I wasn't overly excited at the prospect of this meal.... however from the moment I walked into the restaurant my opinion started to change...

Beautifully furnished with soft lighting and natural materials... efficient staff.... good atmosphere and an extensive menu even for the non-believers like me!

The ''new'' sashimi was really original and perfectly seasoned... the local white fish simple yet  cooked to perfection and the salmon seemed like a new invention - COMPLETELY UNIQUE in its flavour!

A really enjoyable evening and huge recommendation if you visit Athens in the future

TIP: If in Athens i recommend staying further outside the city, in Glyfada for example.... cleaner and more charming yet city centre easily accessible! 

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Posts to come...

Sorry for my silence....I was enjoying a few days away in Athens....

Lots of updates int he coming days with new recommendations in both Paris and the greater Athens area!

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Saba 

26/28 Clarendon Street, Dublin 2

http://www.sabadublin.com/

An old reliable that I never hesitate to offer a return visit!

Delicious Asian cuisine, relaxed dining, soft lighting, always full,  good atmosphere and you can wash all that down with delicious cocktails :) 

Now to try recreate with my very own copy of their cookbook!!!! 

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Made In Belfast _ City Hall

1 & 2 Wellington Buildings, Wellington Street, Belfast

http://madeinbelfastni.com/city-hall-2

A recent visit home with a detour via Belfast to see some more of my Emerald Isle!

Belfast was full of surprises and thoroughly enjoyed seeing the city topped off by a fabulous dinner in this little gem! 

Quirky and original decor with a real sense of personality .... efficient friendly staff .... good wine .... perfect lighting and SUPERB food! Really enjoyable evening and a very fair bill at the end!

Highly recommend it and will be back without hesitation if in Belfast in the near future! 2 THUMBS UP :) 

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American Bistrot 

74 rue de la Folie Mericourt, 75011, Paris

https://www.facebook.com/pages/American-Bistrot/112825912071656

A small place i happened upon last week when in the 11th at lunch hour! 

Casual dining with lots of unique and original touches makes it a perfect spot for an afternoon burger!

Tasty food, nice staff, good atmosphere and fair prices!

Worth stopping in for authentic american meals :) 

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Maison Constant - Les Cocottes 

135 Rue Saint-Dominique, 75007 Paris

http://www.maisonconstant.com/

Normally the 1st comment I would make on this restaurant is the bright light... but as my reasons for going to this resto were different I will let them away with it!

Christian Constant is a starred chef and a star on many French TV shows so I'd heard a lot about him and his cooking and wanted to try for myself!

The decor is nice (if not a little bright!!!) the concept is even better (all one pot meals in a staube!) and the relaxed approach (no reservations!) allows for an adhoc visit to a michelin starred establishment! 

Mixed diners... locals & tourists but good mix of both to allow for a good atmosphere! 

Worth a visit :) 

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Eclectic

2 rue Linois, 75015, Paris

http://www.restauranteclectic.fr/

Another relatively new restaurant opened in Paris! Attached to the Beau Grenelle shopping centre and a nice addition to the area!

A modern decor with muted lighting, efficient staff, nice food (not the best but good!) and nice wine! 

Mix of locals and tourists as not far from the eiffel tower! Good for couples or for larger groups as the restaurant has lots of large booths!

One I will definitely return to for lunch or dinner :) 

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La Faille

59 Rue Montmartre, 75002, Paris

http://lefooding.com/en/restaurants/restaurant-la-faille-paris

Newly opened restaurant in central Paris.... recommended by Le Fooding and by Blindspots! 

Small and intimate with interesting people, good wine, good food and nice lighting! 

Lively and full on a Tuesday night so you could imagine the weekend is even better! Crispy chicken is delish too! 

One for an easy dinner with friends :) 

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Habemus

13 rue Monsigny, 75002, Paris

http://www.habemus-restaurant.fr/Accueil.html

Upon entering this restaurant I loved it … the lighting… the atmosphere.. the originality and the young animated crowd… Unfortunately their first impression was their best impression! Service was slow and the waitress rude …. The food arrived and one of our selections was clearly prepared well in advance and kept in the fridge .. .then microwaved… but badly microwaved… the center was still cold! We sent it back .. fork fulls missing and had the same dish returned to us minutes later after another zap of heat… Pity as flavours were good! Recommend this place for a drink and maybe a salad … simply as its centrally located, fairly priced and quirky inside!

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Derriere

69 rue des Gravilliers, 75003

http://derriere-resto.com/restaurant/paris/derriere/

Love love love this resto... every time i go! was itching to return so I could add it to the blog with a super rating!!!

Really great food in a relaxed atmosphere. Friendly and efficient staff. Unique and individual decor . Usable table tennis if you want to aid digestion between courses. Varied but interesting clientele. A bath as a hand basin and a secret smoking room behind the wardrobe door! So many things to mention!!! 

Booking required... not for the faint wallet but worth it!

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Because I support the Irish....

Here are another few recommendations for you all you supporters next week that I haven't yet added to my pages but are all listed in my favorites..... 

Derriere: http://derriere-resto.com/restaurant/paris/derriere/

Mama Shelter: http://www.mamashelter.com/en/paris/restaurants/

Ma Cocotte: http://www.macocotte-lespuces.com/

The Beef Club: http://eccbeefclub.com/

JaJa: http://www.jaja-resto.com/en/

Schmuck: http://www.schmuckrestaurant.com/

Razowski's: http://www.razowski.fr/

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La Ferme Saint Simon 

6 Rue Saint Simon, Paris 75007

http://www.fermestsimon.com/

A restaurant located in the chic 7th district of Paris and described as trendy and new.... A no brainer to try...... 

Whilst food and service was excellent unfortunately the atmosphere or clientele  was neither trendy or new.... But full of older groups and business men on formal dinners! 

The wine list seemed impressive however it was not accurate as the year on the list and on our chosen bottle didn't match! 

The lighting is not the worst I have seen but again too bright..... the flash wasn't needed! 

Not one I would rush back to or highly recommend..... 

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Cantina Clandestina

A small Italian owned and Italian run restaurant and take away!

Exposed stone walls and a warm atmosphere ... fair prices and authentic Italian pizzas to enjoy with them or to bring home and relax!

http://www.lafourchette.com/restaurant/cantina-clandestina/15825

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La Regalade Conservatoire 

Its never a good thing when my camera doesn't need the flash in a restaurant..... And that was my first thought! Nicely decorated with an open bar area, original tiled floors but just TOO MUCH LIGHT!

Service and food however was really good... the meal starts by them offering you the house terrine and pickles.. however make sure you eat them fast as its whipped away as soon as the starter arrives! 

Nice atmosphere and fair price for a substantial 3 course meal! 

http://www.hoteldenell.com/index.php?cat=14&ID=14&nom=la-regalade-conservatoire

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La Maison Mere

A small restaurant close to home that perfectly combines both french and american cuisine and hospitality!! 

A relaxed atmosphere with dimmed lighting, good wine and classic foods that satisfy you and your appetite!!

Always busy with a good atmosphere and a range of clientele from couples to large groups of friends! 

An easy dinner option that I will miss when moving from this area shortly... but i will be back :) 

http://lamaisonmere.fr/index.php

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Monsieur Bleu

Yes that is the real Eiffel Tower just outside the window.... and the view isn't even the best thing about the restaurant!

Lovely setting with excellent food, efficient & friendly staff and a lively atmosphere! 

In the summer months they also open their huge terrace with house DJ .. however...the trees on the Seine are in full bloom and the view is somewhat ruined as a result!

http://monsieurbleu.com/

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L'Altro

A return visit to this resto and while the food is as good as i remember unfortunately this week the service wasn't :( We had booked a table for 9.30pm but were left standing at the bar area until 10.25pm before being seated... I felt a little like their mascot! 

We'll excuse them this point however as the dinner, wine and setting were all enjoyable! Busy as always with a young and interesting clientele! Plus we were happy the french won their opening game of the 6 nations!! 

http://www.laltro.fr/