Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud is located in the Merrion Hotel, but it does have an entrance from the street in addition to access through the hotel.  It is a good sized, very stylish place with low lighting, high coved ceiling. no background music and is the only 2 star Michelin restaurant in Ireland.  You enter through a large bar area with lots of seating variations and a deco-style bar where you are invited to drink and relax before entering the dining room.  Once you are seated in the main dining room you are given warm gougeres and offered a choice of champagne.  The elegant room is accented with a huge light fixture from the high ceiling and striking pieces of art.  They have been in this room for just over 3 years.  There are lots of service people who take their cues from the guest on whether to be over friendly or give the guest privacy.  Chef/owner Patrick Guilbaud visited the room and personally came by to greet all the tables I could see.   Continue reading →