Monday 12 September 2011

EATING OUT ~ MRS. B'S COFFEE HOUSE, KILLYBEGS

At last I am getting around to doing a write up about this wonderful cafe in the nearby village of Killybegs.  We happened upon it a few months back and have returned time and again since because of the fantastic seafood chowder, great foods, great coffee, friendly service and the cleanliness of the place.

Mrs. B's, Killybegs
So on a wet afternoon last Saturday we left Daisy Cottage specifically to visit Mrs. B's as that is one of the days the totally moreish seafood chowder is available (it is made on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays).

The cafe is situated in a little street up from the Diamond and you get to it by turning in from the pier toward the Bay View Hotel and then turning left and up the hill and the cafe is opposite the excellent Hughie's Seafood Bar (22 Main Street).

Mrs. B's cappuccino
Dashing in to the warmth and out of the wind and rain my first question was "is there any seafood chowder?".  A huge sigh of relief ... there was so we ordered two bowls of it and took a table inside in the spacious and comfortable dining area. 

The interior of Mrs. B's
There are also high chairs and a tall shelf where you can sit for a quick coffee or whilst waiting for food to take out.  My husband ordered one of their super frothy cappuccinos to warm him up while we waited for the chowder and we settled in for the feast to come.

Mrs. B's excellent seafood chowder and homemade brown bread
The chowder duly arrived and was every bit as good as the previous times we've eaten it, packed as it is with mussels, smoked fish, salmon, white fish and little cubes of potato.  It is creamy without being too creamy and absolutely bursting with the fresh taste of the sea.

Ordinarily the seafood chowder, served with homemade brown bread, is more than enough but we were felt like treating ourselves and going for our favourite paninis too and making this an early dinner ~ well it was after 4pm and we had a night out planned back in Dunkineely!

Panini filled with mozzarella, sun dried tomatoes, red onions and black olives
I ordered my favourite filling ~ mozzarella, sun dried tomatoes, red onion and black olives and my husband went for a filling of brie, tomato and red onion.  I had a regular sized (which is still big!) americano and my husband had a pot of tea.

There are many other things to chose from from the large chalk board on the wall and all the food is homemade on the premises.  There are options for celiacs (they offer breads, pasta, and desserts suitable for celiacs), vegetarians and dishes for children and babies (they supply baby high chairs too). 

There is a specials board with two or three specials from which to chose too (mains such as quiche, shepherd's pie, etc. with prices from €6.95 - €7.95).  And for cake lovers, Mrs. B's must be their Nirvana!  Lots of homemade cakes, buns, cupcakes, tarts, and other sweets to enjoy.  They also do a variety of breakfasts which we must try if we arrive there earlier next time (although their breakfast is actually available all day)

But as I said, we had already decided on our paninis and these arrived with our drinks and were just as good as all the previous times we have enjoyed them at Mrs. B's.  We were stuffed to the gills as they say but managed to get ourselves over to the till to pay for our feast. 

As we were leaving, I spoke with one of the owners, Ann Conaghan, who told me that with her friend Mary Breslin, they opened Mrs. B's in March this year.  She confirmed that all the food is homemade but to be honest, it is pretty obvious anyway and you can even sample some of their baking from little plates of samples of their baking on the counter.

The dining area of Mrs. B's
Mrs. B's is a fabulous asset to Killybegs and their consistent high standards, good food, great service and cleanliness makes it a must visit place if in the area.  Or even if anywhere near the area! 

Try it, you will definitely not be disappointed!

THE NITTY GRITTY

Our bill for 2 seafood chowder (5.50 each), 2 paninis (€6.95 each), one cappuccino (€2.50), 1 americano (€2), and one tea (€1.50) came to €30.90

Location: Main Street, Killybegs, County Donegal

Opening Hours: Monday - Friday 9am to 5pm

Disabled access/lavatory: Yes

Children/babies catered for: Yes

Vegetarians and celiacs catered for: Yes

Telephone: +353-74-97-32656

1 comment:

McDermotts said...

Catherine,
I cant wait to visit this place after reading your review.
Pablo Tullio watch out!!!!!
I will gain lbs from all your suggestions......

Sheila