Showing posts with label Village Greengrocer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Village Greengrocer. Show all posts

Monday, July 4, 2016

The Café At Stephen Pearce Pottery.

The Café At Stephen Pearce Pottery
At The End Of The Lane
I was sitting in the Cafe at Stephen Pearce Pottery when I heard them. I looked up at the sloping ceiling, up beyond the many paintings of fruits and vegetables, expecting to see a swallow or two. But, no. The bird sounds were coming from the room next door, from a couple of lovebirds.


There were other happy sounds from that quarter too, from children playing with a lump of clay on a worktop with a wall in front decorated with the prints of lots of little hands. So here the kids are engaged while mum and dad enjoy the food and drink next door.


And if the weather is fine, you will hear the birds and other little creatures as you sit and dine in one of the two quite attractive outdoor areas, each surrounded by wind-stopping trees and bushes.

But all these desirable extras aside, it is the food you come from. Chef Christine Crowley won't let you down, whether you've come for brunch or lunch or just a cup of the Golden Bean coffee and one of her delicious cakes. Actually, if you're going to confine yourself to just one cake, make it the absolutely delicious Carrot and Walnut. Then again…..
We were there for lunch recently, arriving just as they changed the boards. That gave us a chance to see the Brunch Menu and that too is very tempting. Lots of drinks here too, teas and coffees, waters and juices. And a short wine list that includes Cremant d’Alsace to add a little sparkle to your visit.

I had heard good mention of the Steak Sandwich (€10.00) so I picked that. It was one of the best of its type I’ve come across. The ingredients are simply stated: sourdough, steak, caramelised onions, garlic mayonnaise and dressed leaves. Simply delicious, as someone famous down Shanagarry way would say!
Virtually everything on your plate is local. The sourdough is by Pana, the steak from Frank Murphy Butchers. Other names on the list include fish smoker Bill Casey (a next door neighbour), The Village Green Grocer in Castlemartyr, Rosscarbery Recipes, Jack McCarthy Kanturk, Ardsallagh Goats Cheese, East Ferry Farm, Darren’s Eggs Ballymaloe, Wilkie’s Organic Hot Chocolate and Golden Bean Coffee.

CL’s pick was the Bruschetta with roasted red peppers, hummus, grilled gourgette, served with dressed leaves. This eye-catching palate-pleasing plateful cost just €8.50. Excellent eating, excellent value.

Then it was time for coffee and that Carrot and Walnut cake! If a whole flock of swallows had flown in at that moment, I wouldn’t have heard them, such was my concentration on that superb wedge of moist sweetness in the lovely café at the end of a Shanagarry boreen.
The Café at Stephen Pearce Pottery
Shanagarry
County Cork
Tel: 086 199 6934
Email: thecafeatspp@gmail.com
Twitter: Twitter @TheCafe_SPP

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

The Village Greengrocer in Castlemartyr

THE VILLAGE GREENGROCER

Wish I had a shop like Castlemartyr’s Village Greengrocer closer to me than the East Cork village. Everything from wine to balsamic vinegar, from cabbage to asparagus, from Amaretto D’Italia biscuits to home baking... and even a Food Hall where you may take away or eat on the tables outside.

A pot of Ballymaloe Seville marmalade (€3.29), some flat mushrooms, Crinnaghtaun Apple Juice (€2.99), Emile Noel Organic extra virgin Olive Oil (€9.20 for 50cl), Amaretto d’Italia (for my recently acquired bottles of Marsala), Knockamore Irish farmhouse Cheese, their own Blackcurrant Jam and a pack of those whole cooked beetroot were among the purchases.

Courtesy was very evident from the moment we pulled into the (small) car park; there is street parking and the service was with a smile and a chat.

The only slightly disappointing note was that the beetroot and blueberries were from the UK. Looks like our home growers, who will always get a chance in a place like this, still have a bit to go!

021 466 7655

thevillagegreengrocer@eircom.net

Check out my review of The Village Greengrocer - I am cork - on Qype