Chef John Kelly of the Lady Helen teamed up with Chef Damien Grey from Liath to bring exquisite Michelin dining to Mount Juliet estate

e“When two stars collide…”

Well, not really collide, but join forces  as was the case  at  the Lady Helen restaurant in Mount Juliet when Michelin Star resident chef John Kelly and Damien Grey of the two Michelin Star restaurant, Liath in Blackrock presented up to forty diners a menu and wine pairing which was simply out of this world.

Tasting menus are always popular, and wine pairings makes the occasion even more enjoyable. There’s a sense of adventure and abandon - surrendering your choice and maybe even tastes and putting all that aside to be simply delighted as you dine. Bring that to a Michelin Level and it’s a whole different experience. And then of course you have the personality of the chef - in this case two of the best. 

Both chefs have been recognised and awarded by Michelin for their innovative menus and culinary approach, which respects quality ingredients and their natural flavour. This was a rare opportunity to enjoy a remarkable collaboration between two of Ireland’s most creative chefs, who conceived a distinctive six-course menu for this special event which featured signature dishes from the menus of Liath and The Lady Helen, with Chef Damien bringing a taste of the city to the Mount Juliet country Estate. 

Guests were welcomed to a Piaff Champagne and Nespresso Martini reception where they enjoyed mingling with the Chefs and guests before being seated for dining. John, from Kilkenny and head chef at the Lady Helen for almost ten years, is at the top of his game, combining flavour and local ingredients to a standard unequalled. Damian, a proud Aussie, is patron of  a restaurant that seats just 14 covers each night. Very intimate in its own right.

Both talented men gave of their time willingly throughout the evening, sharing their tales from the kitchen,  the origin of their ingredients, the extras. They seemed to enjoy the casual feedback, which grew  ever more boisterous and forthcoming as the wine selection was enjoyed.

On moving into the Lady Helen dining room, both chefs introduced themselves and the menu which featured the innovative dishes both chefs are renowned for. 

Here’s the menu below - 

‘Liath Carrot’

‘Smoked Oyster, Kelp Noodles and Halibut Toffee Caviar’

‘Eel Cornet with Aged Parmesan and Truffles’

‘Tipperary Organic Veal,  Morels, Vin Juane Sauce’

‘Waterford Whiskey, Estate Honey and Mandarin’

‘Liath Chocolate’

‘Petit Fours’

‘Nespresso Coffee’

Sommelier Luciano Radmil explained the wine pairing choices and the Nespresso coffee paired with the desserts. After the meal, all guests were invited to the 1757 bar for a Waterford Whiskey digestif.  

It was a great night, John and Damian worked the room equally as well as the kitchen.   The entire staff were up for the evening, each server, sommelier and manager well briefed and expertly presented each of the evening’s offerings. This was a culinary classic.  Lady Helen has hosted many fine dining events - this was special. You know of course what happens when two stars collide - it’s called a stellar collision and that doesn’t even come close to explaining the tastes and textures of a wonderful evening of  dining and wines at a venue that Damian, at the start, said he was honoured to cook in. And at the end of it all, the honour was all ours.

Mount Juliet Estate General Manager, Mr. Mark Dunne summed it all up - “This was a sensational dining experience. We were delighted to welcome Chef Damien Grey of Liath Dublin to the Lady Helen offering guests the opportunity to experience an exciting and rare dining event with two of Ireland’s leading Chefs who share a culinary ethos of innovation and excellence. We are already looking forward to the return event in Dublin, it’s not to be missed!”