The Elm Tree’s prize-winning carvery was tested last week. And passed with flying colours.
A retired neighbour has been waxing lyrical about the corned beef with parsley sauce that features most Tuesdays at the much-awarded carvery in Glounthaune and has been challenging me to head down.
We did that last Tuesday (5th), and wouldn’t you know it, that particular combination wasn’t on offer. But there was no shortage of choices, and my colleague was quite happy to join the queue and very happy with their carvery pick.
They brought it back to the table and got busy on the Roast Turkey with stuffing and gravy with carrots, red cabbage, ratatouille and roast potatoes. Also available were mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce. That side of the table was very happy. The plate was packed with well-cooked food, all for €18.50. Quality, quantity and value for money, all on the high side.
I still managed to get some corned beef on the table, from where I placed my order. It was offered in classic corned beef Reuben, which featured slices of the beef, sauerkraut and Gerkin, mustard mayonnaise, and Emmental cheese on toasted Pana sourdough bread and a side order of Fries. (€13.10 the lot), And a tasty lot was, juicy and flavoursome, and that also got a big thumbs up.
The menu says it is Rubin, but I am sure that should be Reuben. It is a classic American deli sandwich made with corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing, all grilled between slices of rye bread. It’s a savoury and hearty combination with a unique blend of flavours—salty, tangy, and a bit creamy from the dressing. Must also say that the best Reubens I've had locally were both from American sources, from Ron D’s Food Truck in Ballydehob and from The Diva in Ballinspittle. The Elm Tree tweaked it a bit, but it still came up as a good one!
By the way, the Carvery menu changes every day. We were just home on Tuesday, and I went to read the menu online, but it had vanished, replaced by the Wednesday offering (pictured). They don't let the grass grow under their feet here. Obviously, the customers appreciate the service and the food as the large venue was more or less full for Tuesday lunch, and they were also preparing to welcome in some confirmation groups.
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| Turkey Roast of the day! |
So all go for Derek and Lorraine Walsh, who established the Elm Tree in 2001 with a clear vision of serving the best food and wine in a sophisticated and contemporary setting in Glounthaune, County Cork.
Executive Chef Jimmy is passionate about GAA and Soccer and food, of course. Jim studied as a chef in IT Tralee before moving to London, where he worked for many years before returning to Cork and joining the Elm Tree team in 2014.
Roy O’Connell is the General Manager, the “conductor of our orchestra” and ensures a very professional service and attention to detail at all times. Quite a team here, over 90 employed in all, and all helped make our lunchtime visit a very pleasant one indeed.
Info
t: 021 435 1024
e: welcome@elmtree.ie
Address
Elm Tree Glounthaune
Killahora
Glounthaune Village,
Co. Cork
T45AW94
Hours
Mon - Sat:
9am - 9.30pm
Sunday
11.30am - 9.30pm
