Ballycotton's Salty Dog. Delicious Bites
 |
| John Dory. |
A picture is worth a thousand words. I was reminded of that old phrase on last week’s lunchtime visit to Salty Dog. The night before, the chef had posted a picture of just-landed John Dory and promised he’d have them on the menu the following day. He certainly had, and the dish was a highlight of the meal.
The fish brought me back to a Saturday night in Venice. We were on the fishermen's island of Burano for a multi-course fish special in the Gato Nero Trattoria. The “local” St Peter Fish, the fish of Venice we were told, was a highlight here also.
 |
| Burano, Venice: Houses in different colours, so that the fisherman will find the correct one! |
It is, though, just another name for John Dory and obviously not especially connected with the city. But St Peter, a fisherman himself I recall, has a minor basilica named after him here.
Back to Ballycotton and to our John Dory, which was caught by a local boatman and landed 100 metres away, and superbly cooked in the kitchen. Our Ballycotton Boat John Dory, baby potatoes, wild mushrooms and sweet chilli and lime beurre blanc was a treat. Better than the one in colourful Burano which came in batter, as did, disappointingly, every single course that evening.
 |
| Cod Dog |
Our other main dish in Ballycotton was their Cod Dog (brioche roll, breaded cod goujons, lemon coleslaw, crispy capers, Marie Rose sauce, and skinny chips). This is a casual restaurant, and indeed, there is more than one “dog” on offer. One of the specials was the Shredded Ballycotton Dog Steak Sandwich enhanced by Mushrooms, Chips, and a Brandy Pepper Sauce. On the regular menu, we saw Cold Prawns brioche roll, lemon coleslaw, avocado, skinny chips.
I enjoyed a bottle of the superb Stonewell Non-Alcoholic Cider with my fish. Then it was time for dessert. From a short list, we picked two and agreed that the top marks went to the Hot Apple Tarte Tatin with Vanilla Ice Cream.
 |
| Salty Dog overlooks the busy Ballycotton harbour. |
You might be wondering where the Salty Dog is? You’ll find it easily enough as it is in the harbourside premises, overlooking the harbour and the lighthouse, recently vacated by Cush (who have moved to Midleton). Salty Dog is now the name for the pub, restaurant, and accommodation, all located on the same site.
 |
| Tarte Tatin |
Executive Head Chef here is Fred Desormeaux (also looking after the nearby, and excellent, Sea Church restaurant). Head Chef in Salty is Marc Lonergan, who many of you will know from his time in Rosie’s in Whitegate. The kitchen is doing its stuff well, and so too are the friendly staff out front.
And where did the name come from? It is the nickname applied to a regular in the bar!
Dozens of current restaurant reviews here https://www.corkbilly.com/p/restaurant-reviews.html
