Dining in James Street South Belfast

Lots of positive things have happened for both Andrew and I over the last few weeks. We have both been offered new jobs with exciting businesses and both start on the same day! Andrew turned 28 on 16 June (although he may not be a huge birthday celebration person, I am and definitely make up for his deficit). And I was discharged from hospital with lung functions better than they have been in a long while! Yay all round! So as some of you may or may not know, I was born with Cystic Fibrosis. In terms of daily life this means nebulisers, tablets and physiotherapy or exercise. It doesn't affect me in a massive way because it's all I've ever known and it's never stopped me from doing the things I want to do. However sometimes it does mean a hospital admission when things begin to slip a bit and that part definitely isn't fun. I don't like to talk too much about CF because I don't like it to define me or what others think of me. But sometimes I have no choice in how it can control my life and it's hospital admissions like the one that remind me of the unpredictability of life and how little moments should not only be cherished but celebrated! A positive outlook has taken me far and I choose to let that define me as a person instead. Which was why I made a crazy impulsive and expensive decision to book a table at James Street South in Belfast to celebrate the good things that have happened for us recently and also to thank Andrew for being incredibly supportive during the hospitalisation. It's not easy seeing the one you love vulnerable; it can make you feel powerless and for a control freak like Andrew, I know it wasn't easy. James Street South is a place I have wanted to visit for such a long time. It comes top of so many lists of the best places to eat in Belfast but because it's a bit on the pricier end, I had always thought I should save it for a special occasion e.g. this one! With absolutely no trepidation I booked the table and knew straight away we were to have the 'Taste of Ulster' tasting menu - sure why not?! I got very dolled up and Andrew wore a crinkled shirt he didn't iron (because we don't own an iron - yes we are peasants). I was so flippin' excited and for good reason because I had the best meal I have ever had in Belfast that night. I was constantly battling between savouring the taste of one course and dying to get to the next one. It was that amazing! The ambience wasn't excellent I'll be honest, I'm not hugely in to that clinical vibe but we sat in a corner booth which created a bit of intimacy. This didn't really bother me at all though because Andrew and I were too busy enjoying our own little gastronomic paradise, listening eagerly to the waiter explaining each ingredient and where it came from. The restaurant prides itself on sourcing the best local produce for each dish and that is evident in the taste; you'd have sworn they had the cow in the kitchen! I would recommend this place to anyone and everyone who loves classical food served in a way that isn't pretentious but focuses on taste. I can't wait to go back again and I'll be finding anything to celebrate as an excuse for another taste of that dessert. Sheer heaven.

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'Taste of Ulster' Tasting Menu

Chilled Portavogie Crab Lasagne, Lemongrass & Brown Crab Bisque

King Scallops, Parmesan & Connemara Ham

Country Antrim Beef, Charred Leeks, Peppercorns & Garlic

Smoked Chocolate, Lime Sorbet & Toasted Meringue