Showing posts with label Isaac's. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Isaac's. Show all posts

Monday, August 20, 2012

Isaac’s: 19 Years on a Roll


Isaac’s: 19 Years on a Roll
 Last Wednesday was the day the hurricane struck. Well, maybe not quite a hurricane but bad weather nonetheless.

Still, we headed down town for lunch, stopping at Isaac’s, and not just because it was the first one we came to. Thought it might be quiet but not a bit of it. By the time we left, close to two o’clock, the place was more or less fun. For 19 years now, this McCurtain Street venue has been a popular one and it seems that nothing has changed in that regard.

It is well situated, close enough the city centre, in a converted furniture removals warehouse. It is a Bistro type eatery, wooden floor rather than carpets. But it is spacious and the simple chairs have a good comfortable base and support at the back. Service is top notch and also friendly.
I picked my starter from the day’s specials: Lobster Bisque with croutons and rouille. An absolutely superb soup with a little extra added by the rouille (a sauce, often used for this very purpose in Provence).

We were both very happy with that €7.50 opener. I stayed with the specials for my mains: Crispy fried crumbed Castletownbere haddock with pea puree, tartare sauce and home cut fries (€15.00). Fish and chips basically. But quite a good one. The fresh fish was lightly crumbed, the purée and sauce spot-on.



CL also picked from the specials: Duck Confit with caramelised shallots and chive champ (€14.00). Again, hardly a major challenge for the chef but again a well done dish and yet another happy customer. Make that two happy customers.

Now, where’s that umbrella?

Thursday, January 6, 2011

VALUE AND VARIETY IN ISAAC'S

Wall pic in Isaac's, 20 years running

ISAAC’S

The value from November’s Dine in Cork Week is still to be found in Isaac's in McCurtain Street. From Monday to Wednesday, they offer three top notch courses for €25.00.

Isaac’s is perhaps the city restaurant nearest to me and one I regularly pass by. Not last night though. Called in on spec about 6.30 and had no bother getting a table in what I thought is a very old restaurant only to find that Isaac’s reputation as one of Cork’s best has been built up in about twenty years, not quite the long running tradition I’d believed in.

But undeniably, Isaac’s is a core part of the city’s food and drink scene and long may it continue. Speaking of drink, last night’s wine was a gem from the Marlborough area of New Zealand: Lawson’s Dry Hills Sauvignon Blanc (€27.00 per bottle, €18.00 for 50cl, and €6.00 per glass). Quite a complex SB and very