A taste of what’s on for the weekend at Cork on a Fork Fest. Forecast looks good for Saturday & Sunday!

A taste of what’s on for the weekend at Cork on a Fork Fest

Hake and Chips at Electric

 

The fun weekend of feasting and fun continues until Sunday with a jam packed schedule

See Events at a Glance for an overview of what’s on, where and when!

Cork on a Fork Fest is well-underway and so far there have been street feasts, giant sharing paellas, special charity dinners, cooking demos, tasting trails, a producers meet-up, a food climate declaration from Cork City Council, and much more. 

The jam-packed festival programme continues until this Sunday 20th August, so head into Cork City as there’s something for all tastes. 

It’s best to check out the full programme on www.corkonaforkfest.ie to plan your weekend.

Many events are already booked out today but here are a few last minute things to go to…

• Workshops at The Butter Museum, Shandon: 2pm-4pm, no booking required.
  The Butter Museum is the place to be for families and adults alike on Friday afternoon and they have announced a number of new demos and talks:  traditional soda bread and butter, a talk on
  
  
  
  spiced beef, a talk on traditional sweets from Shandon Sweets, Samosas from Syrian Restaurant, cake tasting with Myo’s cafe, a butchering workshop and more.   This will move indoors if raining.
• Cool Food School Children’s Cooking Demo:  2.30pm
  A fun and interactive pop-up cooking class for kids at St Peter’s,
• Black Gold: 4.30pm: Learn how Cork developed its taste for black pudding and how it adapted over time to keep up with our ever evolving food culture, while you enjoy delicious samples from Farmgate and The English Market hosted by Kate from Flavour.ie.
• Of Irish and Oysters Talk. 4.00pm.  Talks are taking place all day at Crawford Art Gallery Theatre.  Don’t miss the 4pm one this afternoon - Of Irish and Oysters talk, a Salty History of Shuckin’Around and Irish Culture, according to Patrick McMurray - Oyster Sommelier & Champion Shucker.

• Soma Coffee Cupping and Tasting:  6.00pm:  An evening of coffee cupping - learn how to taste coffee with Soma’s head roaster and director, chat, and discuss all things coffee. Finish with Espresso Martinis & a bag of coffee to take home.

  

  Cooking demo with Orla McAndrew

  
  

 

Tomorrow:

Saturday’s programme is packed to the brim.  If you didn’t get a ticket to some of the booked out events like the garden picnics, the healthy eating puppet show, DiverCITY at the Imperial, the food photography workshop, or international tea ceremony at Nano Nagle, there’s still lots to enjoy, including pop up free events.

• Festival Demo Marquee and Markets: Sat 9.30am-6pm, no booking required.
  There will be a 100 seat Festival Demo Marquee on Emmet Place (outside the Cork Opera House) all day with a host of exciting talks, demos and tastings.  There will also be market stalls to peruse on the day, and free face-painting (limited) from 12pm-3pm and giant outdoor games from 2pm-4pm. All events are free thanks to Cork City Council, Failte Ireland, Ireland’s Ancient East and the Wild Atlantic Way.
• 9.30am: From Farm to Fork cooking demo with Farmgate - A look at cosy comforting autumn food.
• 10.45am:  Leftover Larder Love - zero waste cookery demo with Orla McAndrew.  
• 12pm:  Nutrition and Healthy Snacks for You and Your Family- a talk and demo with Mary Carmody Nutritionist & Mindset Coach & Consultant.
• 1pm:  Rachel Allen cooking demo.
• 2pm:  “The Art of Culinary Sustainability”.  A chat with Takashi Miyazaki from Ichigo Ichie, Aishling Moore from Goldie and Claire Condon from Good Day Deli, podcast live for McKenna Guides.
• 3pm: Rebel County Mystery Box Cook-Off: Three of Cork’s chefs take to the stage in a race against the clock to cook and serve up a quickfire dish using ingredients sourced only from the sea and soil of Cork County.  Featuring Brian Murray (Glass Curtain) and Darren Kennedy (former Sage Midleton) and Ali Honour (The Imperial).
• 4pm: Cooking demo with William Murray Currabinny.
• 5pm: Pupusas (stuffed tortillas/flatbread) cooking demo and sampling with Cork Migrant Centre. 

  

  Paella at L'Atitude

  
  
  
  
• Free Food Talks at the Festival Live Stage at Crawford Art Gallery:  11am-5pm, booking necessary for all events.
• 11am:  From Farmer to Cheese Maker with Dan Hegarty.
• 12pm Cork on a Fork – a new Cork perspective.  A panel discussion with leading names in Cork food who are not originally from the city.  Almost booked out.
• 2pm:  Healthy Eating Puppet Show for primary school kids.  Fully booked.
• 3pm:   Tips on improving mood and brain health through a healthy gut, with Atlantia Clinical Trials.  Fully booked.
• 4pm:  Cork Food – a food writers’ perspective: PANEL with Cork’s (and Ireland’s) leading food writers.

·        A Community Celebration of Food - fringe festival: 
Community gardens throughout Cork City will open up to the public on 19th August during Cork on a Fork Festival in partnership with Cork Food Policy Council to celebrate the wealth of community food and growing.

• Cormarket St Market & Play Street, Sat 10am-12pm Pop into the city in the morning with your family for lunch in one of the city’s gorgeous restaurants and from 2-4pm.  There will be free limited facepainting on Maylor St and everyone will have lots of fun with giant outdoor games..

• Cork on a Fork Tasting Trail:  10.30am
  Enjoy a food stroll through Cork City to places that are off the usual food route where tastings are generous and the people lively. Vegetarian friendly.
• Yoga and Brunch on the Boardwalk: 11.30am
  Join Alchemy School of Yoga for an outdoor class on the boardwalk at Electric and a delicious brunch bursting with fresh, Cork produce afterwards in Electric. Suitable for all yoga levels.
• The English Market Cooking Demo: Sat 2pm-4pm:  Outside the English Market Grande Parade, no booking required.
  Award-winning Cork Chef Orla McAndrew will do an English Market cookery demonstration and sampling on Thursday and Saturday, using ingredients from The English Market.
• Harley StrEAT BBQ, 3pm-7pm, Harley St next to the Metropole
  Jive down to Harley Street in the VQ, just beside the Metropole Hotel for a salsa themed BBQ and cocktails, while you listen to live music.
• Sourdough and Wine Harvest: 3.30pm Callanans Bar
  Immerse yourself in a captivating event dedicated to the art and science of sourdough bread-making and natural wine.
• Oyster Shucking Fun & Seafood Tasting:  7pm, The Metropole
  A magical evening of mollusc-related food, fun and frolics, also incorporating the Cork Oyster Shucking Competition, open to all. Judged by Guinness World Record Oyster Shucker, Paddy McMurray. Includes a sparkling oyster reception, seafood light bites & a drink.Masterclasses also available for amateurs earlier in the day.
• Bookshelf Cork on a Fork Supper Club:  8pm The Bookshelf at The Elysian
  Experience an exceptional 5-course dining journey showcasing talented local producers in the region.  Wine pairing also available.
  
  

Sunday

Again many events are booked out like the teddy bears picnic in Fitzgerald Park, the Feast of Fashion event and the Wasted zero waste dinner at L’Atitude 51, but there’s still lots to enjoy.

• Make and Taste 3 unique coffee roasts, 11am Izz Cafe
  Owner Izzeddeen will take you through the process of roasting 3 different types of green coffee beans and you’ll leave with a copper coffee pot and coffee bag.

·        Sophie’s Cork on a Fork Brunch. Sat and Sun 12pm-2.30pm
Sophie’s Rooftop Restaurant will serve a specially curated Cork on a Fork brunch menu, full of Cork only ingredients.

·        Sailing, Shucking & Shanties:  Cork Harbour Cruises 2pm
Enjoy a 2.5-hour cruise of Cork lower Harbour, and take in the sights of Cobh, Spike Island, Haulbowline and Blackrock Castle. Famous fishmonger Pat O Connell from the English Market will be shucking oysters for your tasting, and there will be lots of entertainment on board with Sea Shanties

·        Responsible Good Food Talks and Demos at Good Day Deli, Nano Nagle Place: Sun 3pm-5pm, no booking required.
Good Day Deli at Nano Nagle Place is hosting talks and demos with their producers in Cork who care equally as much about environmental stewardship as the quality and flavour of their produce.  Pop along on the day and hear from West Cork Coffee, Richards Little Farm, Hive Mind and more. 

• Irish Whiskey & Pastry Experience: 3.30pm The Shelbourne
  Enjoy selection of The Shelbourne’s favourite whiskies paired with a combination of unique pastries like baklava, profiteroles and cake.
• An event of wine, charcuterie and cheese:5.00pm The Kingsley
  Indulge your senses and savour the perfect pairing of exquisite wines, charcuterie and a carefully curated selection of cheeses.

 

This is just a selection of what’s on, so make sure you check out the full programme for more.

Established by Cork City Council in 2022 as a celebration of dining and nightlife in the city and the world-class produce found in the wider Cork region, this year’s festival has more than doubled in scale. The inclusion of free and sustainable events is important to the festival’s ethos to ensure it really is a festival for all!

Cork on a Fork Festival is a Cork City Council Festival, supported by local hospitality businesses, Fáilte Ireland, Ireland’s Ancient East, Pure Cork, Cork Business Association, Cork Airport, Atlantic Clinical Trials. 

The full programme can be found on www.corkonaforkfest.ie or follow @corkonaforkfest for live updates. 

Electric's "Cork on a Fork Fest Menu" Highlights Local Producers

 Electric's "Cork on a Fork Fest Menu" Highlights Local Producers

Got ourselves an upstairs window table overlooking the river as we enjoyed the special Cork on a Fork Festival Menu at South Mall's Electric yesterday evening. We had a great view of the sunny scene and the outdoor tables by the boardwalk were packed. 

Local producers are highlighted on the menu including Ardsallagh Goats, Twomey's Butchers, Toons Bridge Dairy, Stonewell, Kinnegar, 9 White Deer, Franciscan Well and Beamish! The menu consists of three courses, costs €35.00 per person and runs until Saturday the 19th of August. There are choices under each course heading and some delicious surprises along the way, including that Beamish dessert! Check it all out here at Cork on a Fork or book direct at Electric.

Both of our starters were top drawer.
The Carpaccio of Twomey's Beef Fillet (above) came with wild mushrooms and shallot rings and was packed with flavour and also much more tender than most of the type, much closer to melt in the mouth, a million miles away from those tough and stringy examples you sometimes come across.
Our other starter (below) was Ballycotton Scallops with Twomey's Black Pudding and shallot. This is a tried and tested combination enhanced here by quality ingredients.
The third starter on the menu was Ardsallagh Goats Cheese parcel with Blackberry & Apple Compote. Sounds good too! 

Must say I was very happy indeed with my juicy cheesy mains, the Toons Bridge Mozzarella Moussaka with Grilled Aubergine, Courgette & Crushed Tomatoes (above). The vegetables, especially the tomatoes, were just superb.

Above, we have your classic fish and chips, another superb dish from the Electric kitchen described as Ballycotton Beer Battered Hake and Chips with minted pea purée, tempura. You had no bother finding the generous fish here as the batter was less than wafer thin.

The third mains available was Twomey's 6-oz sirloin steak with Mushrooms, Onion Rings, Goose Fat Chips and North Cork Garlic Butter

We enjoyed both desserts but the Beamish and Date Pudding with Beamish Caramel and Vanilla Ice Cream (below) got the nod as being the favourite on the night! Dangerously delicious! Not that there was anything amiss with the West Cork Strawberry Mille Feuille with the Strawberry and Prosecco Coulis. 

One for the road? This Stonewell is the one!

The one-week countdown is on for Cork City’s new food festival. New additions. Events at a glance below!!!

 The one-week countdown is on for Cork City’s new food festival

With many events now booked out, Cork on a Fork Fest announces new additions to the programme

See Events at a Glance

The one-week final countdown is on as Cork City prepares for 5 days of feasting and fun this August 16th-20th.  Cork on a Fork Fest will see Cork city transformed into one big food festival during the jam packed 5-day programme which features more than 100 tasty events and experiences to savour. 

Whether you want to taste your way through the city on a food trail, take part in unique culinary experiences at a pop-up event, learn a new skill at a talk or workshop, enjoy live entertainment at a street event, or feast on the finest local food, there will be plenty to see, do and devour. With some events close to capacity or already sold out, and with just one week left, it’s time to make a booking to avoid disappointment. 

The full programme of free and ticketed events is available on www.corkonaforkfest.ie and you can also now view an ‘Events at a Glance’ overview which will help you plan your week.

New events:

• A Celebration of Shellfish at Goldie in aid of the RNLI, Thurs 5.30pm or 8.30pm: Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant Goldie is serving up a very special Celebration of Shellfish Dinner in their upstairs dining room. You will enjoy the best shellfish Cork has to offer with all profits going to Ballycotton RNLI.
• Children’s Food Trail, Fri 18th 11.30am:  Food festivals are not just for adults! Cork City and County have a long food history and this food tour for children introduces them to some of Cork's favourite foods.  Children can sample child-friendly bites like cheese and spiced beef from The English Market, Cork sausage in a roll, fish bites, ice cream, and baby chinos or hot chocolates made with Cork milk. Everyone can then have fun at the Maylor St Play Street around the corner with giant outdoor games and (limited) facepainting. All fun day out for all. 
• Workshops at The Butter Museum, Shandon, Fri 18th 2pm-4pm:  The Butter Museum is the place to be for families and adults alike on Friday afternoon and they have announced a number of new demos and talks:  traditional soda bread and butter, a talk on spiced beef, a talk on traditional sweets from Shandon Sweets, Samosas from Syrian Restaurant, cake tasting with Myo’s cafe, a butchering workshop and more. 
• Of Irish and Oysters - a Salty History of Shuckin’Around and Irish Culture, Fri 4pm: Patrick McMurray - Oyster Sommelier & Champion Shucker Patrick McMurray will host a fun and free talk at the Festival Stage in Crawford Art Gallery Theatre.  Topics include. Why eat oysters, Nutrition - and the Famine, Sustainability and today, Irish Cultural heritage, Quality Oysters and growing regions - Appellation Ireland, What is Shucking - the first international Shucking Championship, Pairing Oysters with Local Beverages.  Patrick will also host the Cork Oyster Shucking Championship on Saturday evening at The Metropole, along with masterclasses for amateurs earlier that day,
• Stories from Cork Butter Road, Sat 19th 10.30am-11.30am:  Pop along to the Children’s Library on the Grand Parade to celebrate food through stories with wonderful storyteller Maria Gillen. This is a free family friendly event, suitable for children aged 3+.

 

Other events not to be missed include:

• The Opening Night Street Feast on Princes Street, Wed 16th 6pm: Get a flavour of Princes Street at the Cork on a Fork Opening Night Street Feast, celebrating the tapestry of flavours and experiences found on this vibrant street. An exclusive ticket-only street event with an arrival drink, live music, great food, drink pairings, and a festival atmosphere, it’s the perfect way to kick off the week. 
• Cork’s Top Chefs face a Rebel City Mystery Box Challenge, Sat 19th 3pm: 

Head to the 100-seat Festival Marquee on Emmet Place to witness drama, humour and some serious cooking credentials with three of Cork’s top chefs who will race against the clock to cook and serve up a quickfire dish using ingredients revealed to them for the very first time on stage, sourced from the sea and soil of Cork.  Chefs Brian Murray (Glass Curtain), Darren Kennedy (Sage Midleton) and Ali Honour (The Imperial Hotel) will be put through their paces to produce a top-quality dish within a set time, ‘MasterChef’ style and judged by award winning Irish Examiner food writer Joe MacNamee and members of the audience. This event is free and there is no need to book.

• Cork on a Fork Vegan Trail: This unique vegan trail is being organised by Fab Food Trails for Cork on a Fork Fest. Their very own vegan guide will bring visitors and locals alike to some great places to eat in Cork City using the very best of Irish produce found in Cork. 
  
  
  

Cork on a Fork Fest is putting a key focus on sustainability, and promoting local food and talent, and it features a range of talks and events focused on sustainability.  

Established by Cork City Council in 2022 as a celebration of dining and nightlife in the city and the world-class produce found in the wider Cork region, this year’s festival has more than doubled in scale.

Cork city is packed with talented chefs, great places to eat, Michelin rated restaurants, fun pubs, a vibrant outdoor dining scene, and of course the famous English Market. It has a treasure trove of unique dining spaces from historic buildings to rooftop gardens, waterfront venues, converted churches, old forts and jails.  It’s also a compact city that’s easy to get around and the Cork region boasts a significant number of Ireland’s artisan producers, so you see why it’s hailed as Ireland’s food capital.

Cork on a Fork Festival is a Cork City Council Festival, supported by local hospitality businesses, Fáilte Ireland, Ireland’s Ancient East, Pure Cork, Cork Business Association, Cork Airport, Atlantic Clinical Trials, and media partners the Irish Examiner and RedFM. 

The full programme can be found on www.corkonaforkfest.ie or follow @corkonaforkfest for live updates.