Tyrone food Queen visits the Apparo

APPARO RESTAURANT

Apparo is a boutique style restaurant, with accommodation, set in the picturesque village of Draperstown in the heart of the Sperrins. Apparo is a quirky mix of traditional with a modern twist. A sleek, unique styled interior enclosed in traditional frontage looking out on St Patricks Street.

On my arrival I was instantly greeted by the owner Mary and shown to my table. The menu is a lovely blend of different flavours including Italian, Asian and good old Tyrone. I was finding it difficult to single out one item from the tasty range the menu had to offer but finally settled on the Mini Steak Stack. OHHH boy did I make the right choice!!!!! A little mountain of perfectly cooked (for me), melt in the mouth steak, inter-layered with tomatoes and mozzarella cheese, side salad and, what I would describe as monster chips, beautifully presented and absolutely delicious. Easily the most enjoyable steak I have ever had.

The dessert menu was and I guess it would have been rude to refuse. Mint Aero cheesecake was the order of the day and again it was just perfection. I like my cheesecake to have crunchy bits (but that’s just me) and I got them. Chunks of mint Aero, a large scoop of vanilla ice cream and swirls of raspberry coulis, I had died and gone to dessert heaven.

With its unexpected glass wall and “exotic look” garden area, Apparo is truly a little gem of a restaurant that should be enjoyed by everyone. Busy but efficient, friendly and welcoming, great food at good prices, Apparo has it all. A capacity of 50 on a day to day basis and 69, banquet style, for private functions, it is large enough to accommodate reasonable sized functions and still maintain an intimate feel. As well as a well thought out menu, the cocktail list and indeed tea menu are equally impressive.

Apparo has notched itself up there in my favourite places to eat and it won’t be long until I’m back for the Spicy beef Ciabatta (that was my second choice). A fab place to dine. Compliments to the chef.