Dublin favourite Pichet reopened its doors last night after undergoing extensive renovations, while another popular capital eatery, Fish Shop, is set to close for a period at the end of the month to undergo its own facelift.
Pichet, located on Trinity Street, which has provided a start for many of the country's top chefs, has replaced its distinctive blue and white branding with a cleaner, redder look, while their big blue chairs have been replaced with toned down tanned ones.
According to tomdoorley.com, Pichet will host the first 'Friends of Pichet' sitting next Sunday (29 May), which involves old boys and old girls of the kitchen coming back to do a Sunday evening pop up. The first will feature Andy McFadden, head chef at Pied á Terre in London, who Hospitality Ireland interviewed in the latest issue of the magazine.
Head Chef Stephen Gibson and his team had been keeping their skills sharp during the renovations by hosting a Pichet Pop-Up in East Side Tavern.
Meanwhile, Fish Shop in Smithfield has enjoyed a great first opening year, however its current incarnation is set to close and be revamped on the 30 April. It will re-open in the summer with a new menu that will showcase the 'best wild Irish seafood and produce available'. In a statement on social media the restaurant said it will still maintain its relaxed atmosphere but there will be a better customer experience and the ability to book tables in advance.
To help deal with demand, the owners will also be setting up a new separate Smithfield premises next month called Fish + Chips + Wine, In/Out. It will only serve one dish and have a large selection of rotating wines.
