NASH 19

NASH 19

Always a pleasure to visit Nash 19 and yesterday’s lunch time date with two colleagues was no exception as a warm welcome was followed by some top notch food and service, including a drop or two of mulled wine.

Quite a few of you will have seen Tipperary’s Crowe's Farm  featured in RTE’s Ear to the Ground earlier in the week. And their bacon was the main feature of my lunch. It was served with, among other things, an apricot chutney, and the combination was first class.

Will be watching out for

MAN CAN'T LIVE ON JAZZ ALONE

NASH 19 

Lunchtime class

Made the first of two visits downtown today around lunchtime - the second will be to the Opera House and one, maybe two, jazz venues later on.

No jazz this time but Nash 19 was buzzing. Service was fantastic, as usual, and I thoroughly enjoyed my Jack McCarthy  aged beef. Plaice was the other choice at the table and that too was top notch. Dessert was a light and easy but delightful Strawberry Cheesecake. Terrific food, terrific restaurant.

Also made an initial call to Electric and there is still a fair old buzz there as the final touches are being put to the restaurant upstairs and to the exterior. The bar though looks smashing; loads of comfy seating and no shortage of staff either.

Great to meet entrepreneurs Denis O’Mullane and Ernest Cantillon and also Aidan Cotter from Heineken, making sure that Guinness weren't having it all their own way this Jazz weekend. Also met the lads from the Roaring Forties, including saxophonist Ken Marshall , who had an exciting morning, including photoshoots at Electric and a fire alarm while in 96FM for the Prendeville show.

FOOD ABOUT TOWN

AROUND TOWN THIS WEEK 

The International Airport Hotel  was the venue this week for a lunch, hosted by hotel manager Aaron Mansworth, in honour of recently elected FAI vice president Tony Fitzgerald. The Munster team were leaving as we were arriving and there were good luck hand-shakes all round for their game away to London Irish.

The hotel staff were obviously busy but that didn't stop them putting on an immaculate reception and lunch for Fitzgerald and friends from the world of football and the media. Really impressed with the soup (celeriac) and the main course (beef or salmon) as I have been with the grub here at various functions in the past.

Also made a coffee call during the week to the Farmgate Cafe. I was meeting up with Italian food journalist Vittorio Castellani. He was delighted with the choice of sweet things available and was more than pleased with the lemon tart slice (served with a large dollop of cream). I also went for that and the friendly staff served it up with a smile. I’ve rarely eaten cream at that hour of the morning and didn't over-indulge here but must say, in agreement with expert Vittorio, that the lemon tart was done to perfection.

Nash 19 was another venue that impressed the Italian as I knew it would! I was back there later in the week looking for something to eat on Friday night (staying in for the match!). Had a nice short chat with a busy Mairéad before deciding on the Fish Pie.

Sounds ordinary enough, doesn't it.  But give Chef Pamela fresh fish, potatoes, leek, cream, butter, flour, seasoning, fish sauce and herbs and you end up with a high quality meal for two for just €10.95. A week or two earlier, we had tried the Lamb Tagine and that too was a five star product.

LATIN FLAVOUR

Vittorio Castellani

CITY BEAT with ITALIAN NOTES 

Vittorio Castellani (aka Chef Kumalo) is a Turin based Italian food journalist who I had the pleasure of guiding around the food spots of the city centre in midweek.

Not simply a journalist. A member of the Association of Journalists of Rome since 2000, as well as writing for some of the main wine and food periodicals, travelling and lifestyle magazines and important websites, he has also worked with most of the prestigious names in the wine and food business. He conducted the World Food Agenda on the programme for RAI television “La prova del cuoco” hosted by Antonella Clerici from 2004 to 2006.

For 15 years he has been working as an event designer, art director, International Food Festival and Events Consultant from the first exhibition of “Salone del Gusto” in Turin and the “Forum Gastronomic” held in Gerona.

Thanks to his double skills as journalist and event organizer, Vittorio works with many private educational institutes and universities: with a Master in Gastronomic Journalism from Gambero Rosso, a Master in Mediterranean Journeys , Wine and Food Itinerary, Tourism , Communication and Culture at the Faculty of Foreign Languages and Literature at Turin University.

In his professional capacity, he regularly travels abroad reporting on the many Gastronomic events over the five continents, where he has developed an important network of qualified colleagues, event organizers, importers, distributors, world class chefs and experts in food and tourism. For a list of his books take a look at one of his sites here

He came to Ireland primarily to join in the fun at the Kinsale Food Fest this weekend. He got in touch before leaving Italy and, on arrival, we arranged to meet at the English Market. Where else? Upstairs at the Farmgate Cafe, a cup of coffee got the ball rolling and I filled him in on the food scene, including restaurants, in the city.

Time then for a tour of the market. Some time later, with many notes and photos taken and spiced beef explained, we ventured out into the street for a little orientation walk that included the Coal Quay, Paul Street (including Rory Gallagher memorial), the art gallery and Opera House, up past Larry Tomkins (all the different types of football explained here) and then a stroll down Patrick Street and back to Prince’s Street.

Final call was to Nash 19 and here he was very impressed indeed with the set-up here, the quality and variety, the shop, the restaurant (self-service and sit-down). Gourmandissimo may have been the word he used in reaction but I could be open to correction! After that it was time to say goodbye as he headed back to the Farmgate for another appointment.

Handshakes all round and an invite to Turin. Que sera, sera.

FOOD TRAIL - FAB FOUR

CORK FOOD TRAIL 

Today, visited four lovely friendly shops in Cork Nash 19 , Brennan's Cookshop ,  Maher's Coffee  and Little Buddha .

Great standard of service and courtesy, not to mention the smiles, in all four. And, perhaps because of that type of service, each had plenty of customers.

Brennan’s Cook Shop in Oliver Plunket Street has all the utensils and bits and pieces (not ingredients, mind you, though they do have some flavourings and colourings) you need for your baking and cooking and if you can't do either, they have a course for you.

Up to Maher’s then, also on Oliver Plunket Street, for some coffee. They have a huge selection, loads of types of tea too and I noticed the price of their accessories is very keen. After a bit of advice, I bought myself some Sumatran for my cafetiere.

Princes Street was next and the visit was to Nash 19 to stock up from the shop. Some terrific food here including readymade meals from which I bought the lamb Tagine and couscous. Also stocked up with some gorgeous Glenilen yogurts and the magnificent Sparkling Apple Juice from Tipperary’s Apple Farm. 

Having sampled Jack McCarthy’s Gold Medal black-pudding in midweek, I said I’ve give his Duhallow Heather Lamb sausage a go. Sampled one just there at lunch and it was outstanding. Worth another gold.

McCurtain Street was next on the list and here I paid a visit to the coffee and tea shop of Little Buddha that is a treasure trove. Was looking for a particular type of Rooibos but it was out of stock. But there were still five to choose from, so I wasn't disappointed.

They also do scented candles, essentials oils, caddies, flavoured coffee, and all kinds of tea and coffee accessories. If you can't get to McCurtain Street, do have a look at their website. You can order on online and soon the range will be even greater. Worth a look. But if you can get to the shop, do so, as it is hard to better smelling the various types of teas yourself.

NASH 19

NASH 19 

Lunch can be a pretty routine occasion, almost like a pit stop. Not though if you go to Nash 19. Different class.

Friendly Rose took us through the menu in detail and gave a few recommendations. We liked the look of the Good Ford Ireland Plate at €13.95 and went for it. Served, tapas style, it was a mini feast of tastes and colours, including a Squash Soup taster, Smoked Salmon from Buttevant’s Old Mill, Nash’s own chicken liver pate, Oisín and Milleen cheeses with Nash’s own delicious biscuits, Crowe's Pork Belly and Bacon and Gubbeen salami, all with their own relishes.

When you go out to eat, you really want something different, different to what you can manage at home. This was it. Couldn't fault any little piece of it. My favourite bites? Perhaps the Chicken Liver which was better than recent Foie Gras tastings. The Bacon tasted just like the real thing should and the salami was also a highlight.

Moved onto dessert then. Had a share of Walnut Cakes in the Dordogne recently but that didn't stop me picking the Cherry and Walnut Cake. So well made, done to a “t” and so very very lovely. Also sampled the Berry Pie and was half sorry I didn't take that but then I’d have been half sorry I hadn’t taken the Cherry and Walnut.

Will have to go again. And again. Lovely place, lovely people and, yes Tom Doorley, this was an enjoyable meal.

GOOD FOOD WEEK IN NASH 19

Mairead O'Brien of Nash 19 has been in touch with their Good Food Ireland schedule for next week. 


Their theme is meet the Producer and here's who'll be in the shop 


Mon: Geraldine from Old Mill Bank SmokeHouse, Buttevant


Tue : Nora from Inch House, Thurles and Benoit from Lorge Chocolate, Kenmare


Wed: Pamela our Head Chef in Nash 19


Thur: TJ from Crowes Farm, Dundrum and Brigitta from The Burren Smoke House, Lisdoonvarna 


Fri: Steven from Classic Drinks and Mella from Mellas Fudge, Clonakilty

Nash 19 Food Shop in Cork

NASH 19 FOOD SHOP
The early opening Nash 19 restaurant is closed by the late afternoon (5.00) but that doesn’t mean you can't enjoy the products of this amazing establishment afterhours. Go to their Food Shop (open 'til 6.00pm) and stock up on a readymade meal or two.

I will certainly be doing that after my recent experience. Called in to take a browse and got great help from a smiling on the ball assistant who gave me a run down on the huge range of goodies in jars and tubs (a terrific tasting plum jam, up for sampling that morning, and pickled cucumbers among them ), also the homemade cakes and breads and the food for the freezer that I was interested in.

Must admit though that my purchases, two cartons of Chicken Korma (5.50 each), never made it to the freezer. The temptation was too much and we used them the following night! It was absolutely top class. As I said, I’ll be back and heartily recommend the shop to anyone who wishes to dine at home and treat themselves.

Each carton contained sufficient for one person. There was ample chicken and the other ingredients in this moderately spiced dish were Onion, Coconut Milk, Sugar, Yoghurt, Butter, Ginger, Tomatoes, Garlic, Green Saffron Korma Spices.
Just lovely. Now for the Boeuf Bourguignon! And then.....

Check out my review of Nash 19 Food Shop - I am cork - on Qype

Nash 19 in Cork

NASH 19
Dreary dull sky today but got a shot of the Med sunshine at lunchtime in the spacious area known as Nash 19. What courtesy and service, taken by the hand through each inviting item on the menu.
Even at that, it was very hard to make a choice, all were equally tempting. Settled for a Tomato, Chicken, Chorizo Spaghetti, topped with a rocket salad and parmesan (€13.95). Superb. The other dish was a Fattata (a Spanish style omelette), a tart made with Ardrahan Cheese, peppers and thyme and served with a crispy fresh salad (€11.90).
Having gone way beyond the snack we came in for, dessert was added without a second thought. I loved my chocolate, pear and plum tart (with custard, cream if you prefer), topped with sliced almonds. Go for it sometime. Also at the table, was a well made very tasty Apple pie. This was made with real apples, nice and chunky pieces, but all the ingredients here are “real” – you can see where they all come from, most from top local producers. Desserts cost €5.50 each.
The wine suggestion was Alberino. It comes from the Atlantic coast of Spain and is crisp, zesty and fresh and costs €6.50 per glass. Finished off with two Americanos (Bewleys) which were top drawer and cost €2.50 each.
Nash 19 also have a food shop by the entrance and we had “scoped it” on the way in and intended to buy on the way out but, such was the queue waiting to get in, that we put off the purchases for a day.
Tempting at the shop and tempting at the table. There is a high standard in this Prince’s Street establishment and one can easily see why Claire Nash and her team won the Bord Bia Restaurant of the Month Award for December. Congratulations and keep up the good work!

Check out my review of Nash 19 - I am cork - on Qype