Spitjack lunch a winner on a winter's day

Spitjack lunch a winner on a winter's day

Delighted that I chose Cork's Spitjack for a recent family get-together. Seven of us gathered for chat and food and neither disappointed.

The drinks order was taken first and it was a mixed list. Perhaps the most colourful was the Sangria (above) - we had an aficionado in our midst. We  may not have the heat of the costa but the low winter sun did its best through the upstairs windows.

Another enjoyed the pale ale from 9 White Deer saying that Brad Pitt had the same good taste on his visit, that very day, to the Ballyvourney brewery. Wine of course had its takers and I thought the Artis Chardonnay (I got just a sip) seemed to be among the better non-alcoholic wines around. It, and its Merlot companion, are available from Curious Wines online and at their Tramore Road headquarters.

I like to try a bagel when out to lunch and this one caught my eye. It is the New York Bagel Sandwich and for €18.99 you get quite a plate of Ballycotton Smoked Salmon, Cream Cheese, Guacamole, Pickled Red Onion, Capers, Gherkins, Salsa Verde, and the Toasted Bagel of course. It is classed as a sandwich and all are served with a side salad and your choice of French Fries or a Cup of Soup.

There are some eight sandwiches available but most of the group ordered from Mains Section and there was a big and genuine thumbs up from the gent that ordered the popular Rotisserie Pork Belly Porchetta (Slow Cooked Rotisserie Pork Belly, Lightly Stuffed with Sage). 
 
The West Cork Rotisserie Chicken (above) was quite popular at the table. The chicken is 24-Hour Brined with Thyme & Lemon. You get the Breast & Leg, and Rotisserie Chicken Jus. 

The Ballycotton Salmon and Cod Fish cake (with Lemon and Thyme aioli) also had its admirers.
All mains are priced at 19.99 and are served with Steamed Seasonal Vegetables, Carrot Purée & your Choice of Creamy Mash Potato, French Fries or a Cup of Soup.  

Just three desserts on offer; By the way, the evening menu is much more expansive on all counts. Four of us enjoyed the Apple Crumble Tart (Bramley Apple, Shortcrust Pastry, Chantilly Cream), that and a few lattes brought the event to a happy conclusion. Here's to the next one!

An upstairs corner of Spitjacks.