OCTOBER BEER FEST AT CORNSTONE

CORNSTORE CRACKER

THE CORNSTORE

The Cornstore is one well tuned outfit, slick and efficient. The excellent service comes with a chat and smile. And the food isn’t half bad either.

What a choice. Early Bird, July/August Fish Specials and an A La Carte selection about as big as a page of the Evening Echo with main dishes ranging from €14.35 to €32.95.

This is what I picked this weekend:
Cornstore Chicken Wings with Crozier blue cheese (€8.50);
Charred and carved duck breast with beetroot confit, sautéed spinach, mash potatoes and red wine jus (€21.65);
Wine: Bodegas Muriel Tempranillo Rioja Spain (5.95 gl, 16.95 50cl and 23.95 75cl).

Those chicken wings are hot babies (there is a whole flock of them in the dish) and you need and appreciate the dip to cool things down. A glass of water also helps. If there are two of you and you both like wings, then you can get a dish to share for €13.50.

With the wings out of the way and the hands cleaned, there was just a short wait for the main course, again a substantial dish. Really liked it, especially the combination of the medium cooked duck (they tell you in advance that that’s the way they do it!) and the spinach. The beetroot was a little on the sweet side (I found it fine) and provided another interesting taste combination with the meat.

There are huge choices of wine, up to 18 available by the glass, quite a few by carafe (50cl). The Tempranillo was spicy and fruity.

It was an excellent meal, Very enjoyable. And the Cornstore seem to be getting it right as the place was very very busy.

PIRATES SCORE ON CORK GOURMET TRAIL

See some more photos, these by Billy MacGill....here

CORK GOURMET TRAIL 

Captains Sylvia and Sandra

Scores of pirates gathered in Cork City on Saturday. But their intentions were benign. Make the most of the inaugural Cork Gourmet Trail  was the mission and it was accomplished with much fun, thanks to our merry captains.


First call was to Soho in mid-morning where a Pannier Champagne reception was laid on. There was a pirate hat competition running and early favourites emerged at the photo call. Champers downed, the gathering was divided into three crews and marched out on to the streets.


Led by feisty captains Sylvia and Sandra, our crew wandered peacefully through the side streets until we reached Greens by the Waterfall where the host restaurant was joined by Isaacs and the Rising Tide in dishing up the grub. The grog, as was the case in all four venues, was sponsored by Classic Drinks.


On then to the Boardwalk – nobody had to walk the plank – and the impressive line-up to feed the villains here was Club Brasserie, El Vino, Augustine’s and The Boardwalk Bar and Grill. 

Sing for your supper

Next host was Electric, again through the side streets including a stop in Oliver Plunkett Street and a song which earned the singing pirate a meal out for two!


More music at Electric where Pa Fitz entertained and where the high standard of food was maintained by Jacobs, the Ambassador, Soho and Electric itself. Still one more food stop to go and that was at the Cornstore where the providers were Amicus, Fenns Quay and Cornstore.


About five o’clock, the different crews re-united upstairs at the nearby Bodega to compare notes and the bounty – some restaurants, including Jacobs and Electric, gave out meal or wine vouchers – and listen to the band. The quiz and costumes winners were announced and the Bodega management offered everyone a free drink.

Pat Fitz at Electric

It was a very enjoyable day and very encouraging for the organisers. Looks like one that will be repeated. Personally, I enjoyed every moment, from that first starter of Jack McCarthy Black Pudding with Apple Sauce by Isaacs to the final Chocolate Mousse in a mini-cornet by Fenns Quay.


Tried hard to sample everything; don't think it was possible. My favourite of those that I did try out was the Chicken Balti with the French Morteau sausage by Augustine’s. Isaac’s breaded lamb chop and Electric’s cold sea bass dish were other favourites.

Classic Wines

But I was just one of many and others spoke to me of enjoying their particular favourites and I heard that the Tapas type offerings of some restaurants went down very well, the Boardwalk’s steaks were popular was were the Chinese offerings of the Ambassador.


Something for everyone then and nice to see some chefs trying something different such as the “Gravalaix of Tuna in a Nori seaweed” by the Rising Tide and the different take on the Seafood Chowder by Greene’s who also had a terrific Beetroot Soup on their table.


Just a word of praise to Classic Drinks who not alone kept the thirsty crews well lubricated but also took the trouble to post up plenty of information about the wines and varied the offerings from restaurant to restaurant, usually matching a red with a white from the same area. In Electric for example, they had a Muriel Blanco 2009 along with a Muriel CVC Rioja 2006.


So a big thanks to Classic, to Pannier, to all the restaurants and especially to the organisers! Just picked up a message in a bottle down the quays and it reads: Let’s do it all again next year!

THE CORNSTORE

CORNSTORE

Started the final weekend of Dine-in–Cork with an excellent meal at the busy Cornstore. All the Menus, including Dine-in-Cork, were produced upfront and overall the service was excellent and delivered with good humour and a smile or two.

No shortage of choice on the Dine-in-Cork which offers four courses for €25.00. My starter was the Cornstore Treacle Cured Organic Salmon, served with grain mustard, celeriac remoulade and pickled cucumber. Very tasty indeed.

Salmon again in the main course, picked from a choice of no less than nine plates. Mine was Poached salmon with green olive tapenade, mash, grilled asparagus and a tomato and fennel salsa. All the elements combined to give a really well balanced and tasty experience. Excellent.

Six or seven items on the Dessert list and I choose the Black Forest gateau roulade with Black cherries. This was the real thing, tasty cherries, moist overall and irresistible. Finished off with a good cup of coffee.

Good meal at a good price in an excellent city centre restaurant. By the way, the wine list here is quite extensive and there are many choices by the glass or by the half carafe.

Total bill for two, including 50cl carafe of Casa de Vila Verde Vinho Verde (€17.95), came to €67.95.

THANKSGIVING AT THE CORNSTORE

Mary Murphy and Gertrude O'Brien from Rochestown
All photos by Ger McCarthy

THE CORNSTORE CORK CELEBRATES THANKSGIVING

The Cornstore, one of Cork’s culinary hotspots, has turned the delightful American tradition of Thanksgiving into an annual event in the Coal Quay and last Thursday the traditional Thanksgiving menu was given a delicious contemporary twist.

The Lord Mayor of Cork was represented by Cllr John Kelleher and a number of food writers and bloggers were in attendance, keen to sample Head Chef Mike Ryan’s outstanding menu that was hugely popular with diners.

Tim Clifford, Ballincollig, and Martina O'Donoghue, C103 FM

Starters included Quail terrine with a marinated boiled quail egg and spiced plum and grape chutney, Roast orange sweet potato soup with nutmeg froth or Flaked organic hand cured salmon (my choice), cherry tomato, avocado salad with lime and coriander dressing.  

This was followed by free range East Ferry roast turkey roulade wrapped in Kanturk pancetta, chestnut, prune, apricot and parsley with confit of the leg rissole and port jus. I thoroughly enjoyed that plateful.

Simon Whelband, Clonakilty and Clair McSweeney, Blackrock Castle Observatory

And all around me, diners were tucking into the turkey plus the other main dishes: Sea Bass with pumpkin fritters, okra grilled baby corn and carrot, orange and cardamom emulsion or Forest mushroom, toasted nuts and brown bread dumpling with roast crisp parsnips wilted spinach and clove cream sauce. All mains were served with creamed potato, red cabbage, braised carrots and Brussels sprouts.

Donna and Audrey Russell from Blackrock 

There were a number of mouth-watering desserts on the menu, including baked spiced pumpkin cheesecake with caramel ice cream, or Pecan nut, pear and Crozier blue cheese tart with local double cream.

Collette O'Connor, Manager, Deputy Lord Mayor Cllr. John Kelleher and Imelda Power

My choice here was Brandied cherry and apple wrapped with puff pastry and served with whipped cream and it was absolutely gorgeous and I hope it becomes a regular on the Cornstore menu.

A special selection of cocktails embodied the spirit of the occasion, created by Mario Falb, award winning mixologist at The Cornstore. These included a delicious Ginger pumpkin martini and Spiced apple martinis. Special house wines for the meal included Spirit Hawk Californian Pinot Grigio and Cabernet Sauvignon.

According to Head Chef, Mike Ryan, “Our Thanksgiving Dinner was aimed at families and friends. We are also very grateful to our loyal customer base during these very difficult times. We really appreciate their continued support,” he adds.

The Cornstore is now accepting bookings for Christmas parties and December dining. Please call 021 427 4777 to make a reservation or book online at www.cornstorecork.com.

THANKSGIVING AT THE CORNSTORE

The Cornstore Cork celebrates Thanksgiving on 18^th November

Do the Americans eat better than the French? 

You can find out at the Cornstore later in the month when head chef Mike Ryan once again takes up the Thanksgiving challenge.

The success of last year’s successful Thanksgiving Evening,  helped turn this delightful American tradition into an annual event at The Cornstore, a Cork culinary hotspot. The traditional Thanksgiving menu has been given a delicious contemporary twist. The Cornstore’s Thanksgiving Dinner takes place in the Cork restaurant on Thursday 18^th November from 7.30pm and is priced at €35, excluding wine. For Limerick details, see below.

Head Chef Mike Ryan has created an outstanding menu which is sure to appeal to all tastes including vegetarians. For starters, diners can choose from Quail terrine with a marinated boiled quail egg and spiced plum and grape chutney, Roast orange sweet potato soup with nutmeg froth or Flaked organic hand cured salmon, cherry tomato, avocado salad with lime and coriander dressing.

This will be followed by Free range bronze roast turkey roulade (photo) of chestnut, prune, apricot and parsley with confit of the leg rissole and port jus, Sea Bass or cod with pumpkin fritters, okra grilled baby corn and carrot, orange and cardamom emulsion or Forest mushroom, toasted nuts and brown bread dumpling with roast crisp parsnips wilted spinach and clove cream sauce. All mains will be served with creamed potato, red cabbage, braised carrots and brussel sprouts.

There are a number of mouth-watering desserts on the menu, to include Brandy Alexander crème brûlée, Baked spiced pumpkin cheesecake with caramel ice cream, Brandied cherry and apple pie with whipped cream or Pecan nut, pear and crozier blue cheese tart with local double cream.

A special selection of cocktails,  created by Mario Frake, award winning mixologist at The Cornstore,  will also embody the spirit of the occasion,

“We hope this evening will be a fun night out for families and friends, where people can also find out a little about Thanksgiving traditions around the world, and enjoy the one meal where according to famous American humourist, Art Buchwald, “the Americans eat better than the French!”

The special Thanksgiving menu is a set price of €35, excluding wine. Please call 021 427 4777 to make a reservation or book online at www.cornstorecork.com. The Cornstore is located at 40a Cornmarket Street, Cork.  

There will also be a Thanksgiving dinner on 18^th November at The Cornstore,

19 Thomas Street, Limerick, call 061 6090000 or see

www.cornstorelimerick.com for reservations.

MARY DOWEY AT THE CORNSTORE (2)

Last week, The Cornstore (Cork) hosted a Gourmet Evening, with leading wine writer Mary Dowey and Gilbeys of Ireland, aimed at food and wine lovers.

The evening celebrated the best of The Cornstore’s new season specialities, with a special five course tasting menu created by Head Chef, Mike Ryan, using the best locally sourced produce. This was complimented with delicious wines for each course from Gilbeys, selected by Mary Dowey.

Throughout the evening, Mary provided information about her selected French wines, as well as some general tips on wine tasting. 

Here are some pictures (by Ger McCarthy) from the evening.

 Denis Ryan and Adreinne Ring from Crosshaven 

 Jim and Fiona Curtriss from JC Products 

 Wine writer Mary Dowey and Head Chef Mike Ryan at The Cornstore Cork  

 Deirdre Magee and Tadhg Lane from Carrigaline

 Padraig Falvey from the Cornstore, Mary Dowey and Mark O'Connor from Gilbeys 

Billy and Clare Lyons from Mayfield

TOP NOTCH THURSDAY WINE AND DINE

THE CORNSTORE EXPERIENCE

Starring Mary Dowey and Mike Ryan

Renowned wine writer Mary Dowey was our guide for the evening of high class food and wine at the Cornstore last Thursday. Mary likes Cork and admitted she was trying to entice the husband to move: “It is much more cheerful here.”

The wine selection from the Gilbeys catalogue was all from France. Mary, who started writing about wine in 1995, has a soft spot for French wines: “If you are serious about wine, you never stray too far from France and never turn your back on France for too long.”

The fantastic evening kicked off with a Barton Guestier Sparkling wine. This Loire Valley wine is made with 100 per cent Chardonnay and provided the perfect start. And Mary remarked that, because of the acidity, champagne goes much better with some nibbles and the Cornstore came up with some really inviting ones, including a strawberry and cheese on a stick!

1^st course  – Terrine of foie gras, Margret duck breast, toasted pistachios and tokai with pomegranate coulis.  For this, Mary choose the Riesling Trimbach 2008, and this was a splendid example of her favourite grape. She also pointed out that it is one of the very few wines that goes well with spicy food.

2^nd course – Pan Seared wild sea bass with saffron potato, samphire, Jerusalem artichoke puree and caramelised walnuts. Here, Mary led us into Burgundy and to Louis Latour and their Montagny Premier Cru La Grande Roche 2007. Not a terribly well known AOC but that means the price is less. “The house though was founded in 1725. It is a reliable name, a beacon of re-assurance.”  A lovely  wine, floral and crisp, mid-weight and quite subtle.

3^rd course - Roast haunch of venison with beetroot confit, wild boar black pudding rissole and forest mushroom jus. The 2007 Chateau Magnol Haut Medoc was picked to accompany this terrific plateful and again it as a perfect match.

This is another wine in the stable of Barton and Gustier, the oldest established wine merchant in Bordeaux. Mary told us that the Barton, a Fermanagh man whose first name was Thomas, left Ireland in the early 1700s and set up his company in 1725. In 1802 , his grandson Hugh (who built Straffon House, now the K-Club) teamed up with Gustier to form B & G.

The wine is 50% Cabernet and 50% Merlot and spends 12 month or more in oak. On the nose, you get backcurrant, spice and a “mineraly” aroma. The palate is rich blackcurrant and there is a good “grip” of tannin. “It is a wine for meat: venison, beef or duck.”

4^th course - Farmhouse cheese board, with biscuits and fruit. Cheeses: St Gall (Cork) and Crozier (Tipperary).  For the wine, Mary took us over to the steep river banks of the Rhone and the vineyards of the Crozes Hermitage appellation. The example before us (which would have also matched well with the venison) was the 2006 Paul Jaboulet Aèné Les Jalets.

This well known 1834 vineyard had been going downhill somewhat around the turn of the century but a relatively recent Swiss investment has seen its fortunes turn for the better and this 100% Syrah (after a year in oak) was superb. Bright and peppery, soft and silky, its quality evident in the wine's concentration and deep black berry flavours. When I say peppery, I mean the more refined European (essentially Rhone) pepper and not the brash Shiraz blast that comes from another hemisphere.

5^th course - A selection of desserts: mini lemon posset with rhubarb compote, mini apple strudel and apricot tartlet. The wine just had to be Sauternes, “the most famous sweet wine in the world”.

This Thomas Barton 2005 example is made of 80% Semillon and 20% Sauvignon Blanc. As you'd expect it is very rich and lingers in the mouth. Considering that the Chateau Y’Quem Sauternes from the same year costs around €200 for the half-bottle, the Barton is another outstanding example “of their affordable range”. It costs about €20.00. If you don't finish the bottle in the one night, “it will keep in the fridge for weeks!”

While Mary was out front for the enjoyable evening, Cornstore head Chef Mike Ryan was busy behind the scenes. But his work spoke for him. It was superb; he didn't put a foot wrong from inviting start to satisfying finale. Hats off then to both Mike and Mary.

For further information on the Cornstore, check out their website at www.cornstorecork.com Mary has a holiday home in France, in Provence. Her own website is www.marydowey.com while she also runs one on Provence at www.provencefoodandwine.com

WINE EVENT AT THE CORNSTORE

WINE EVENTS 

Wine writer Mary Dowey is in town on Thursday (7.30) night to present an evening of Fine Food and Wine at the Cornstore .

Mary is one of Ireland's leading wine writers. With a background in food and travel journalism, she puts wine into a broader context than is usual in the sometimes narrow and pedantic world of wine criticism. She has written two wine books, one food and wine book and one travel book.

Mary enjoys describing regions noted for their food and wine with visitors in mind. Besides evoking landscape and atmosphere, she loves unearthing artisan food producers, interesting shops and unmissable markets; great restaurants whether Michelin-starred or miniscule and homely; hotels and B&Bs where eating well is considered as important as sleeping well.

 In all of her writing, she champions quality at a reasonable price, never losing sight of the consumer.

Mary has a home in Dublin and a pied-à-terre in north-west Provence.  See her website on the area here . She is a member of the NUJ, the Circle of Wine Writers and the Society of Authors.

Thursday then is an opportunity to learn about wine appreciation while at the same time enjoying the top class dishes from the Cornstore’s Award winning menus. Tickets are €59.00 and cover a six course meal with champagne and reserve wines included. Reservations on 4274777.

And on Friday there is another Food Wine event, this at the O’Brien’s Chop House in Lismore where the host is Anthony Tindal of Tindal Wine Merchants. The full menu may be seen here 

O'Briens,  renowned for its traditional robust locally sourced Irish food, is on the main street in Lismore and the contact number is 058 53810.

The Cornstore Wine Bar and Grill in Cork

CORNSTORE

Walked into the Cornstore last evening for another €25.00 Dine-in-Cork meal and was surprised to see the Cornmarket Street venue two thirds full at 6.45pm. Surprising because it was in the middle of a recession, early in the week, early in the evening, and also considering that the famous old street is under re-construction at present and you have to find your way through the various safety barriers.

One of the staff said the Dine in Cork Week was proving successful but there must be more than that to it. We had passed another participating restaurant and it looked close to empty. The Cornstore has been gradually making its reputation and has come up regularly on the grapevine in recent times. In addition, it has won a couple of regional awards and is going for national honours in the current Restaurant Association of Ireland contest.

We were about to find out what the fuss was all about. We got a warm welcome and were soon seated. My Gravlax starter (home cured organic Donegal salmon with capers and a red onion salad) was excellent. The Duck Liver Pate (with an apple and grape chutney and toasted sourdough bread) was of a high standard.
For the mains, I chose the Pork belly (with creamy mash, roast root vegetables with an apple purée and cider jus) and this was another five star plateful. There was a change to one or two items on the menu, including the cod. This was now served in a white bean (with tasty bacon bits and spring onion) cassoulet, quite a creamy one. Not quite on the same standard as the Pork belly but good nonetheless.

Sticky Toffee pudding wasn't on the advertised menu but it was one of the best I’ve come across and the other dessert, much lighter, was a delightful lemon posset with a rhubarb compote, served in its own hinged jar. Nice touch, nice dessert.

Two happy customers finished off with the coffee and a little bar of Milka chocolate, adding the Cornstore to an ever expanding list of quality Cork restaurants. No shortage of staff and the service was excellent all through and we had a laugh or two with our friendly waitress.

The Cornstore probably has the longest list of wine available by the glass in Cork. I counted eleven in the red section. Tasted a few. The house white was the Chilean Los Tilos Sauvignon Blanc (€4.95). The first citrusy mouthful really got your attention: sharp tangy and dry. The house red was Los Tilos Cabernet Sauvignon, a lively easy drinking wine also at €4.95.

If you are going to pay a bit more attention to the wine, maybe less to the conversation, then it would be worthwhile to pay a little extra. I enjoyed a glass of Spanish Bodega Muriel Tempranillo Rioja (€5.95) which was a better drink on all counts: deep red, fruity, great body and lingered well.

Check out my review of The Cornstore Wine Bar and Grill - I am cork - on Qype