Wednesday, April 29, 2009

QYPE

QYPE: KNOW BEFORE YOU GO


Taking a trip soon? Dublin? London? Bordeaux? Anywhere in Europe?

Where to eat? What to do? Then QYPE’s for you – try it at http://www.qype.co.uk/ie021-dublin

Cork people have their favourite pubs in Dublin. But, how about a change? Try Shebeen Chic. Find it at http://www.qype.co.uk/ie021-dublin

Cheap air fares means going to London is like taking the bus. Now that you’ve done all the regular tourist places why not do something different, like taking a thrilling RIB run on the Thames. Check it out at: http://www.qype.co.uk
France is one of the most popular destinations for Irish holidaymakers. Going there this summer? Where to eat in Bordeaux? Just type in the city you want and hey presto you got all the restaurants conveniently listed in the areas in the city, such as the Old Quarter.

Did it come up in French? No bother. QYPE is multi-lingual – just change to Anglais.
Going further? Vienna, Athens, Copenhagen..many more... are covered..restaurants and entertainments reviewed by the punters..check it out before you go or when you’re on the road...
QYPE – don't leave home without QYPEing.....

List of categories in QYPE

Categories
Eating & Drinking
Restaurants, Cafés & Coffee Shops, Pubs & Bars
Shopping
Food & Drink, Fashion, Home Shopping
Health & Beauty
Health, Beauty & Wellness
Services
Other Services, Public Services, Financial Services
Arts & Entertainment
Landmarks, Museums, Theatres
Hotels & Holidays
Hotels, Bed & Breakfast, Holiday Rentals
Sport
Swimming, Gyms, Dance Schools
Nightlife
Clubs, Cinemas, Music Venues
Children
Crèches & Kindergartens, Kids Activities, Children & Baby Fashion
Education
Universities, Language Schools, Continuing Studies
Transportation
Cars & Bikes, Public Transport
Pets
Vets, Pet Shops, Grooming

Thursday, April 23, 2009

MILANO

Milan Cathedral
GOOD OFFER AT MILANO'S


Didn't see any brick oven but the pizza at Milano’s in Oliver Plunkett Street was good. So too was the welcome, the service and atmosphere in a restaurant that was very busy early on Wednesday evening.

Perhaps the rush was partly down to the promotional voucher in the local Evening Echo that gives you one free pizza for each ordered. Not a bad offer at all so I said I try it out.

We started with a little intro, some marinated olives in one bowl and Rustica Tomatoes in another, each costing €2.95 and each very very tasty indeed. Promising.

Pizza is the order of the day here and you see the three chef conveyor line in front of you if you have a seat in the back half of the well lit, well laid out establishment.

We both order the Il Padrino (€13.95), torn chicken with rustica tomatoes and a mix of chargrilled Italian vegetables, on a rich sauce of tomato and pesto. It was a smashing pizza, tasty and moist and gone too soon.

Not a big choice of wines but do you really need a big choice for pizzas? Bottles will cost you around €23-24 while you can get a glass for about €6.50 or a 25cl serving for eight or nine euro.

Finished off the Italian way, something sweet with the coffee. We didn't want a full dessert so settled for the new introduction which is called Semi Freddo Reale: Creamy gelato dessert made with nougat, praline and marsala wine, served with a shot of espresso on the side. Gorgeous. And it was two happy campers that went out the door.

Friday, April 17, 2009

THE CONTINENTAL



Thursday evening at 6.30pm and the recession raging! Thought I’d walk in to Luigi Malone’s. No way – booked out! Walked across Patrick Street, down to The Continental – we were the only two there for the duration of our high quality meal. Come on folks – give this gem a try!

They have an early Bird to tempt you: 2 courses cost €19.90, 3 cost €24.95. Great choices, great food. They dish out brown and white breads with butter, hummous and oil. Nice touch.

Started with a Black Pudding, bacon and apple salad. The plate was full and the starter itself full of exciting tastes. The other starter on the table (you had quite a decent choice) was a smoked salmon pate and that too was excellent.

The main course, again you had a choice of about four on the budget menu, was also a winner. It was a spinach and almond cannelloni with tomato. What a taste! Memorable.

Also quite filling so we shared a dessert, a crepe with ice cream and an orange butter. Good but not quite in the same class as the earlier courses.

A 500 ml carafe of the house wine, red or white, will cost you €13.95. The Continental may be found at 7 Maylor Street (021 4253900).

I am not the only one happy with a visit to the Continental – see http://www.tripadvisor.ie/ and check up on Cork restaurants where this one is rated number one of 103, Luigi Malone’s well down in mid table.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

CLARION - The Atrium


Pas Mal

The Atrium Lounge in the Clarion Hotel (Lapps Quay) is a good spot for a light lunch. Certainly, I enjoyed my recent visit and found the prices quite reasonable.

I had a Toasted Focaccia (with Greek cheese and tomato), served with a salad and a handful of potato crisps. It was quite substantial and the cost was €8.50. I had a glass of Siete Sauvignon Blanc (€5.75) with it and was very happy with the meal.

You get quite a choice of similar dishes - my companion had a Chicken Quesadilla - and they also have a selection of sandwiches.

The Atrium is more or less an extension of the lobby. It is not self service. You are served at your table as you sit in very comfortable seats.

So, if the shopping gets too much and you need a pit stop, call into the Clarion, relax and treat yourself.

* In modern architecture, an atrium (plural atria) is a large open space, often several stories high and having a glazed roof and/or large windows, often situated within an office building and usually located immediately beyond the main entrance doors