Ranelagh restaurant Dillinger’s to close at the start of November – The Irish Times

Goodbye Dillinger’s: A Cheeky Farewell to Ranelagh‘s Beloved Bistro

Well, well, well, folks. It seems we’ve reached the end of an era. Dillinger’s, the famed Ranelagh restaurant known for its drool-worthy dinners and brunches that could make a French patisserie weep in envy, is closing its doors as of November 4th. Heartbreaking news? Absolutely! But let’s sprinkle in a dash of humor because, frankly, who wouldn’t want to giggle their way through grief?

Fifteen Years of Chicken & Waffles and Chaos

Started in 2009, Dillinger’s wasn’t just a venue; it was a glorious celebration of culinary dreams, where the aroma of chicken & waffles danced with the scent of brunch-induced euphoria. But now, the management is bidding farewell with a social media post that practically reads like a dramatic soap opera—“Big dreams, wild ride!” Well, let’s hope they spent less on the rollercoaster and more on the biscuits, shall we?

The Heartwarming Goodbye

In their farewell note, they praised their staff as the “real MVPs”—which is a nod to the kind of chaos every service industry veteran knows all too well. Truly, if you can handle the occasional kitchen calamity and still serve up a bread and butter pudding with a smile, you deserve a medal… or at least an overtime paycheck that doesn’t make you feel like you’ve just sold your soul to the culinary devil!

Why Are Restaurants Closing? The VAT Debacle

Now, let’s talk turkey—specifically, the kind of turkey that’s been haunting Irish restaurants lately. This closure comes on the heels of Dylan McGrath shutting down two of his establishments, citing sustainability issues. Unfortunately, it appears our government is doing a stunning job of treating the hospitality sector like a bad Tinder date: they’ve ghosted it! The Restaurants’ Association of Ireland has pushed for a reduced VAT rate, lamenting that without support, many restaurants may follow suit.

A Culinary Sadness Sweeping the Nation

The chief executive of the association expressed sorrow at Dillinger’s closure, and honestly, the sadness is palpable. It’s one thing to lose a favorite restaurant; it’s another to lose the communal table where memories are made over shared plates and pints. What’s next? We’ll be left with only chain restaurants, and nobody wants that. Think fluorescent lights, sad salads, and the scent of frozen fish!

The Last Slice of Brunch

As we gear up for the grand finale on November 4th, let’s show up, raise a glass, and perhaps contemplate life choices while indulging in one last brunch feast. And while we’re at it, maybe order a round of those infamous waffles as a farewell salute. Here’s to Dillinger’s—may your chicken always be crispy and your waffles ever fluffy!

So, grab your forks, your knifes, and a healthy dose of nostalgia, because we’re dining with the ghosts of Dillinger’s past. May your next meal be as satisfying and a heck of a lot easier to book!