CLUB BRASSERIE
Don’t come across South African wines much but enjoyed one last night in the Club Brasserie on Lapps Quay: Kleinrivier Merlot Pinotage 2009, part of a long and interesting list and costing €19.95. It is easy drinking with good acidity, spicy with hints of oak and fruity. The bottle suggests it could be kept for a year or two but probably best to drink it young. It is supplied by Karwig Wines and if you are interested, they have 25 per cent off their South Africans at the moment.
The Dine in Cork Menu here was not the most expansive available. From the three starters, I picked the Curry Parsnip Soup which was quite satisfactory as was the Chicken Liver Pate with Red Onion Marmalade and Toasted Arbutus Bread. Nothing groundbreaking here but a good standard.
Four main courses were offered and we both picked the Confit of Duck with Creamy Flageolet Beans, Rustic Potatoes, Green Beans & a Red Wine Sauce. An excellent plate-full, well cooked and nicely presented. Top class.
There was just one dessert: Angel Pie, Meringue with Lemon Curd, Passion Fruit & Softly Whipped Cream. Even that one was fairly basic, a couple of small meringues sandwiched with lemon curd, topped with the cream and accompanied by a dash of Passionfruit. I know the Brasserie can do much better. A few months back, I enjoyed a classy dessert here: Crème Brûlée and a mix of summer berries.
When ordering the dessert we were informed (without asking) that the tea or coffee would be extra and again I think this charge isn’t quite in keeping with the spirit of the Dine in Cork Week which promised a three course meal plus tea or coffee.
Another eyebrow raising moment came early on when we had to ask for the Dine in Cork menu and a moment or two of doubt before we were given it. Maybe not the best start or finish but quite good in between.
