TRIGON HOTELS TOP THE BILL ON ‘OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE’

press release 

TRIGON HOTELS TOP THE BILL ON ‘OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE’

Cork group’s team delighted to see ‘massive efforts’ rewarded

 

Trigon Hotels has claimed victory at Ireland’s inaugural Operational Excellence Awards. The group, which includes the Metropole Hotel, the Cork International Hotel and the Cork Airport Hotel won the Hotel and Leisure category and were finalists in the overall Operational Excellence Award division.

 

The awards developers, Business River say the programme aims to recognise and reward those committed to ‘operational excellence and business transformation’. In their submission to the judges, the Trigon hotels team highlighted how both of these topics were priorities for them over the past 18 months. 

 

Since establishing a company-wide COVID-19 committee at the start of 2020, Trigon Hotels has led the way in adopting necessary health provisions and transforming their business to cope with the great upheaval its industry is still enduring.

 

The three hotels also devised new and innovative ways of being part of their respective communities, like afternoon tea deliveries, a takeaway cafe service, online cocktail demonstrations and a wide range of other digital offerings via the ‘Hotel at Home Hub’.

 

Trigon Hotels has also been busy on the Health and Safety and Sustainability front. 2020 saw the group recruit a Health and Safety coordinator and each of the three hotels now also has a trained Mental Health First Aider. The group’s Greening & Sustainability working group has been in place for 12 months. 

 

Aaron Mansworth, Managing Director from Trigon Hotels says: “We are truly delighted to get this good news from the Operational Excellence Awards. Each one of our team has worked so hard and been through so much over the past 18 months and they absolutely deserve this recognition. I’d like to thank the award judges for the opportunity to showcase our hard work and of course our fantastic and loyal customers who have been so supportive at a very difficult time.” 

EXCITING FOOD MARKET OPENS IN CORK. HARLEY'S STREET THE PLACE TO EAT.

 Press release

EXCITING STREET FOOD MARKET OPENS IN CORK 

Harley’s Street Food Market launched with tacos, burgers, cocktails and coffee

A vibrant new street food offering has opened in the heart of Cork’s Victorian Quarter. Harley’s StrEAT Market is located next to The Metropole Hotel and features cocktails and coffee, tacos and speciality BBQ burgers all made with locally sourced ingredients.

The first vendors are Taco Rebel, Bevs and Brews, and BBQ pop-up Bird Song in the City. More food stalls are set to be added soon. The market is open from Wednesday to Sunday from 10am until 8pm. 

Outdoor seating is available on Harley Street which has views of the Lee and is home to one of the Ardú Street Art Project murals. 

Managing Director of Trigon Hotels, Aaron Mansworth says: “Harley’s StrEAT Market is a wonderful addition to the Victorian Quarter in Cork. There is plenty of space on Harley Street to savour local produce by the Lee and I’m looking forward to seeing even more food additions being added in the coming weeks and months. In particular, I would like to extend my gratitude to Cork City Council who have been a wonderful support and instrumental in assisting with bringing this to life. The backdrop of the artwork really adds to the colour and vibrancy of the street - Ardú is the Irish for rise and this food market is just one example of how Cork is rising to the challenge of Covid-19 once again.”

BUBBLES ARE FLOWING AT METROPOLE'S FESTIVAL OF PROSECCO

 BUBBLES ARE FLOWING AT METROPOLE'S FESTIVAL OF PROSECCO

Kevin O'Leary, Metropole Hotel (left), Aaron Mansworth, MD, Trigon Hotels and Sandra Murphy of the Trigon 

The Metropole Hotel Cork is hosting the annual event which includes virtual cocktail tutorials, recipes and a live masterclass

 

The annual “Festival of Prosecco” has kicked off at The Metropole Hotel in Cork. This month the festival, which is now in its third year, is going online to bring you amazing food and drink experiences from the comfort of your own home.

 

As part of the festival, The Metropole Hotel will host a virtual prosecco cocktail and charcuterie evening on Friday 28th May. Guests can collect a box from the hotel on the day of the event and that evening they will join head mixologist, Kevin O’Leary on Zoom for a fun-filled cocktail making masterclass. The box will include ingredients to make three cocktails per person and a delicious charcuterie board prepared by executive head chef Trevor O’ Keeffe. The cost is €70 for two people.

 

Sandra Murphy from The Metropole Hotel said, “We are delighted to host this brilliant festival again this year. It usually takes place in our Prosecco Lounge at The MET Cork with visiting winemakers from Italy, however, this year we are bringing the festival to people virtually so that you can enjoy it from the comfort of your own home. We have a fantastic evening planned on the 28th of May filled with tasty cocktail recipes and delicious food. It’s the perfect way to kick off your summer in style. Make sure to book early as places for this virtual event and dining experience are limited and bookings will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis.”

 

In addition to this live event, The Metropole Hotel will also share weekly cocktail tutorials and recipes across their digital platforms. Followers can check out The Metropole Hotel’s Instagram and Facebook pages where head mixologist, Kevin O’ Leary will share a cocktail recipe of the week every Friday and a video tutorial on how to make the cocktail every Saturday.

 

For more information about the “Festival of Prosecco” and the live cocktail masterclass you can call (021) 464 3700 or visit https://www.themetropolehotel.ie/whats-on/events-in-cork/festival-of-prosecco/

 

press release

Carmel Recognised For Her Hotel Career And Charity Work

 CORK HOTELIER RECOGNISED FOR HER CAREER AND CHARITY WORK

The General Manager at the Cork International Hotel, Carmel Lonergan has scooped an award in recognition of her career, charity work and contributions to the local community. 

Carmel was awarded the Southside and District Special Business Award at a special ceremony. 

Carmel Lonergan is General Manager of the Cork International Hotel and is from Cashel in Tipperary. She has been at the helm of the Cork International Hotel for almost five years but has been working in various management roles in the hotel for the last 13 years.

Carmel said: “I am so honoured to have received this award. Whilst the hospitality industry is challenging and certainly has faced extremely difficult periods, there is a unique level of resilience, passion and determination within the industry that sets us aside from so many other industries.

“Hotel guests are the main purpose of our business and we aim to always ensure that exceptional care is taken of them and they receive impeccable service when they come to the hotel. I am incredibly passionate about guest care but also team care. In fact, I refuse to use the word ‘staff’ and will always be heard correcting people and request that the word ‘team’ is used.”

Managing Director of Trigon Hotels, Aaron Mansworth said: “We are delighted that Carmel has received this award and it is very much deserved. The longevity of the team at the Cork International Hotel is testament to how the hotel is managed and there is immense pride to be found by all who work there. Carmel and the team in the hotel have also invested significantly in the “Southside and District Sports Awards” as the main sponsor to recognise the contributions to those within the community. Recognising the achievements of local people at grass roots level is a testament to Carmel and the hotel’s commitment to its responsibility as a community business.”

Since its inception over 11 years ago the Awards has recognised over 130 local sporting individuals and teams located in the community be it in their achievements or contributions to sport. 

Something that Carmel has always been heavily involved in is fundraising and also community projects. This is an area that Carmel puts significant personal time and effort into as she is acutely aware of the challenges faced by charities and communities and is also grateful for the support that they give to the hotel.  

Jack White (left), Director The Carrigdhoun, Media Sponsors; Lord Mayor, Cllr. Joe Kavanagh presenting the Special Business Award
 to Carmel Lonergan General Manager Cork International Hotel.

Corporate social responsibility is incredibly important to the team at the Cork International Hotel and so each year, they nominate a charity that they will work with for a minimum of a 12-month period. Carmel joined the Bumbleance fundraising committee for two years when they were the charity of choice and with the team at the hotel, over €30,000 was raised during their tenure with the Cork International Hotel which contributed to a new BUMBLEance vehicle being allotted to the South West of Ireland. The current charity partner, the Rainbow Club, which is a centre for children with autism in Cork has been able to accelerate the opening of a new facility as a direct result of a fundraising drive by the hotel, which resulted in €50,000 being raised for the charity over the past 18 months.

Hospitality was not always the plan for Carmel, as she had initially contemplated a life in healthcare and looked at following the footsteps of her mother who is a nurse in Tipperary. However after a summer part time job in a local coffee shop she began a training programme with the Dunraven Arms in Adare over 20 years ago. Carmel knew then that she wanted to embark on a career in the hospitality industry as she thrived on the fast pace and the varied opportunities that were available.

She studied hospitality management in the GMIT and on completion of her time there, she travelled extensively gaining experience in London and the United States before returning to Ireland and choosing Cork as her home.

TRIGON HOTELS LOOKS FORWARD TO REOPENING THEIR DOORS WITH NEW INITIATIVES

Press release

TRIGON HOTELS LOOKS FORWARD

TO REOPENING THEIR DOORS WITH NEW INITIATIVES

Hotel group launched their Gift Card in perfect time for the festive season 

 For the first 50 vouchers purchased to a value of €150 – they will get a free night's stay in any of Trigon hotels

A Big Welcome to Trigon Hotels from Aaron Mansworth (MD)

 

Trigon Hotels, which includes the Metropole Hotel, Cork International Hotel and the Cork Airport Hotel is busy preparing to welcome guests once again. Provided some restrictions are lifted Trigon Hotels are excited about reopening their doors. The hotel group has launched a number of initiatives such as a Gift Card for the first time ever and also a Family Date Night package. They also have a Festive Afternoon Tea and an outdoor cafe with lots of festive treats. 

Trigon Hotels have just launched their Gift Card, a first for the hotel in perfect time for the festive season ahead. They are encouraging people to ‘shop local’, saying it has never been more important. With Trigon, as well as supporting local employment people are also supporting Trigon’s local suppliers including their food suppliers, beverage suppliers, printers and so much more. For the first 50 vouchers purchased to a value of €150 – they will get a free night's stay in any of Trigon’s hotels.

Managing Director of Trigon Hotels, Aaron Mansworth said: “There is no denying that 2020 has been the most challenging year in our history. It was the year that the world was put on pause at a global level and as a result, we have all had to miss out on moments with our loved ones, families and friends. Some of these moments were perhaps smaller and can be recaptured but some of those events hold much more significance in a lifetime and have passed and quite simply cannot be replayed or replaced.

“In the hospitality industry, particularly at Trigon Hotels, we have really missed our people. We have missed the teams that work so hard in the various departments and we have especially missed welcoming our guests through the doors of the hotels.

“In the hospitality industry, we are privileged to look after all types of events from those that are cheerful right through to helping families in remembering their loved ones on their final celebration in life. Looking after people is what hoteliers cherish and it is the whole meaning behind what we do every single day. They are an integral part of creating memories for guests and with Trigon Hotels, many of our guests are returning guests who become part of the fabric of the hotel which makes it feel like a home.”

This year, more so than ever before, Trigon Hotels are excited to see their doors reopen in December hopefully. The Cork International Hotel is looking forward to families coming to the hotel to enjoy “Family Date Night” with the private cinema, the delicious and incredibly popular Sunday lunch offering and the overnight guests who come to enjoy the stunning hotel facilities and all that Cork has to offer with the wonderful overnight collaboration packages that they have available.

The Metropole Hotel in Corks Victorian Quarter is hopeful of a busy and bustling Christmas in Corks City Centre. They are currently putting the finishing touches to their festive afternoon tea which is available for delivery, takeaway or dine in. Equally so, the “Bottomless Brunch” will be in full swing at the weekends in December and there is also a takeaway brunch option. The Metropole are currently operating “The Met Café” which is an external takeaway café outside the hotel which is currently delighting customers with Nutella crepes, boozy Baileys hot chocolate, festive mulled wine and sweet treats. The Metropole are looking forward to opening their brand new Gift Card store adjacent to the hotel on McCurtain Street.

As well as purchasing a gift card to a monetary value, there are also a variety of experiences for sale. There are some wonderful food and beverage vouchers such as “Afternoon Tea for Two” at the Metropole for €50, bottomless brunch for two at The Met for €64, dinner for two at the New Yorker at the Cork International Hotel for €60 or dinner for two at the Cork International with a private cinema for €75.

There are also some truly wonderful overnight offers that can be gifted as an experience, including a “Family Date Night” at the Cork International Hotel which includes a 2-course dinner for 2 adults and 2 children, a private cinema to watch a movie, an overnight stay at the hotel and breakfast the following morning for just €159. The Metropole Hotel in the city centre have a great overnight package which includes dinner for €179.

Gift vouchers can be purchased on site at either the Cork International Hotel or the Metropole Hotel or online at https://www.corkinternationalairporthotel.com/ or https://www.themetropolehotel.ie/gift-vouchers/

 

City Pulls Together in Cork Gourmet Trail 2019

City Pulls Together for Cork Gourmet Trail 2019

On the way. Pic via @corkgourmettrail 

There is great cooperation between the hotels, restaurants and bars in the city. The sentiments of Aaron Mansworth of Trigon Hotels and reiterated by Mags O’Connor of the Cornstore as the Cobh Clams descended on the Bodega and as we spoke about what it takes to put an event like this Cork Gourmet Trail on the road.

Sweet. From Olivo

Better explain, the Cobh Clams were one of five large groups taking part in the 2019 edition of the Trail and the Bodega, where neighbours Cornstore also had a stand, was our first port of call. The other groups that would follow, at intervals, were Bantry Barnacles, Monkstown Mussels, Leap Lobsters, and Shanagarry Scallops.

Gallaghers Gastro Bar

The event, part of the Cork Oyster Festival based at the Metropole (one of the Trigon hotels), began at noon and ended late-ish in the Met and in between visits were made to Cask, Dwyers of Cork, Greenes, The Oyster Tavern, Electric, Soho, Tequila Jacks, The New Yorker Bar & Bistro, Olivo at the Cork Airport Hotel, the Cornstore, Gallaghers, the Bodega and Arthur Maynes. We didn’t walk out to the Airport by the way as both the New Yorker and Olivo were accommodated in the city.

So what can you expect on a Cork Gourmet Trail. Quite a lot and all quite delicious, something for everyone. The Cornstore/Coqbull menu for the event is an excellent illustration. 

Brick Prawns brick pastry & basil wrapped prawns with jalapeno mayo.

Dry Aged Beef Yorkshire puddings stuffed with dry aged roast beef, caramelised white onion, wasabi mash and stuffing.

Mini Moqbull: Mushroom umami burger with vegan truffle mayo vegan cheese and rocket.

Bloody Mary Oyster: natural oyster with bloody mary jelly.

Angels on Horseback: oysters wrapped in Parma ham, deep fried in Japanese tempura batter with lime and courgette chutney.

Tasty, from Gallaghers

Takeout desserts from Cornstore

And the welcome here was warm, a drink (red and white wine and more) offered immediately. A table top full of local and international charcuterie and cheese, including an ultra spicy Spanish blue, while alongside Bodega chef Dave had some beauties including Oysters baked in their own Grainne Ale beer and a delicious Basket Cheese Cake with whiskey among the ingredients! And if you couldn’t sample everything - nobody could! - there were some lovely takeout desserts from the Cornstore.

And that welcome and choice of food and drink set the scene for the long afternoon, replicated all the way. More wine and hospitality on offer at Dwyers in Washington Street where we stuffed ourselves into the various nooks and crannies, every now and then replenishing at the stands of Dwyers itself and the New Yorker. The New Yorker’s Chicken Croquette, home-smoked in Barry’s Tea, was one treat, while one to finish with was the Jameson and Ginger Cheesecake by our hosts.

Bodega's Dave

Next stop was Electric who treated us to oysters and a Kinsale G&T. Kinsale Gin are among the sponsors. Earlier we started as we gathered in the Vance Room in the Met with yes, a G&T and oysters, before being divided up into the various groups and being introduced to our leaders. Our guide was Ray from Trigon and he didn’t lose anyone!

After Electric, we strolled down the Mall to the lovely and lively Tequila Jacks. More wine and also some delicious Tequila based cocktails and more good food, both from our hosts (a superb taco, also delicious Pork Belly) and some savoury and sweet stuff too from Olivo (including some well presented dessert bites).

Electric oysters

MET head chef Stuart Dardis (left)
with out guide Ray Kelleher (Trigon Hotels)

Cask was next on the itinerary and here also we met Gallaghers and the MET Tavern. Gallaghers had a trio of beauties including a Beef Featherblade with a Walnut Chutney. While the Met, with Head Chef Stuart Dardis on hand, had a great selection too including a palate pleasing tuna bite. Cask shone too, supplying the drinks and lots of their interesting tapas including exquisite prawns. And all the way through, it was smiles galore and helpful people even if, by this stage, they must have been explaining their offering for the umpteenth time that afternoon. Pure Cork!

We weren’t finished yet. Next stop was the Oyster Tavern and here we met a couple of stragglers from a previous group. They had stopped to do a bit of shopping in Penneys and were now running late! So we had a chat with that English duo as we had chats all through with whoever we happened to end up with, sometimes friends, sometimes total strangers, but no strangers when the day was through.

Another glass of wine in the Oyster and excellent food also. Soho were here as well and their Pork Belly was so good I called for it twice!

The final round-up was back at the Douglas Vance room in the Metropole but some were saying their goodbyes. We were humming and hawing about it as we strolled down Patrick Street. The rain, which had been intermittent all afternoon, was now pelting down and that, plus the fact that there was a No. 208 conveniently at our bus-stop, made up our minds for us and we headed home after a terrific day in the city. Well done to all behind the Trail, the Oyster Festival itself and to one lady in particular (who we are all thinking of this weekend).

Metropole Heritage Day Tour & Lunch

Metropole Heritage Day Tour & Lunch

This smart fellow
looks over the Lynch Suite

“The hotel was dry for the early decades,” concierge John Coleman (right) told our group as he took us on a Heritage Day tour of the Metropole Hotel, founded 122 years ago by the Musgrave family. The hotel quickly became known as The Met and the name endures. Guests around the turn of the century were mainly travelling salesmen.

What you may not have known, or may not remember, is that the ground floor of the building was given over to retail, with two shops on each side of the entrance. One of those, Hadji Bey, an Armenian that specialised in Turkish Delight, went on to become a Cork institution. Indeed, John told us The Met still serve the sweets,  now produced in Kildare rather than in Cork, to their guests.

The Met was also a great wedding venue, capable of handling up to seven weddings a day, wedding breakfasts in those days. I remember going there in the 1960s to a triple wedding featuring three sisters from the southside.

Afternoon tea?

John’s tour took us through some of the meeting rooms, all named after well-known writers. And there was a stop also at the Jack Lynch Suite to see the period detail, including an original radiator (still going strong). The current taoiseach has also stayed in this suite. Good views form the upper floors over the neighbours on MacCurtain Street. On the fourth floor we had a splendid views over the new Mary Elmes Bridge.

Pork

And John ensured we didn’t leave empty-handed as we were presented with a discounted offer on their classic afternoon tea and, after all those stairs (there was a lift too), we enjoyed their splendid homemade lemonade.

O'Flynn's Sausages

Last year, new owners (Trigon Group) spent millions on a refurbishment that included all the bedrooms, the new MET bar, restaurant and tea-room. Classy and comfortable is the result and do check out the snug too!

I had been checking the lunch menu here from time to time, thinking there was a nice bit of variety in the list and so, on Saturday, took the opportunity to try it out.

View over MacCurtain Street

Meeting rooms named
after famous writers

Just to give you an idea of the variety on offer, we could have had a Calamari Salad, a Classic Chicken Caesar Salad, a smoked Carrigaline Cheese, Fig and Onion  Tart (topped with crispy egg), the Mary Elmes Beef Brisket Burger and more.

All their beef is Irish and local producers such as Carrigaline above are supported. My pick was O’Flynn’s Pork and Sage Sausages with spicy roast red pepper and chickpea stew, crusty sourdough bread. 

The new Mary Elmes Bridge

Appropriately enough for Heritage Day I thought, as O’Flynn’s have been around long enough now to be considered part of the food heritage in these parts, a very enjoyable part indeed as Saturday’s lunch proved once again.

The Sticky Pulled Pork Sandwich with onions, toasted sourdough, fries, and a spicy slaw was CL’s choice and it too was excellent, full of flavour and the fries (which may not have been mentioned on the menu) were superb (I did steal a few).

Washed it all down with a glass of Murphy’s Stout, getting a little practice in for the upcoming Oyster Festival  that will be headquartered here in the Metropole but which will have events all over town and beyond from the 20th to the 22nd of September.

This Grand Old Dame of the Cork Victorian Quarter may well be 122 years old but she is still going strong, still able to teach the younger acts a hospitality trick or two. Well worth a visit!

Rest. Relax. Restore. At The MET

Rest. Relax. Restore. At The MET

Pic from The MET

Have you seen the refurbished dining facilities at the Metropole? Very impressive, well designed and ultra comfortable, plush, relaxing whether you’re in for a pint or a cocktail, a steak or a sandwich, a cuppa or the full afternoon tea. Dress up and come on down and restore, relax, rest. And the food is good too!

We got the grand tour of the McCurtain Street’s Grand Old Lady in midweek, eye-popping, jaw dropping. The inviting bar is a superb introduction and a superb Old Fashioned set the tone for the evening.

Fillet

Old Fashioned

I enjoyed mine in the afternoon tea area, just out of sight (and sound) of the bar, a green tinged oasis of peace and calm - well we were among the first in. Might not be so calm if you have a group of ladies in sampling the savoury and sweet offerings of the classic Afternoon Tea. The MET will have some variations on the theme.

The jewel in the crown though is the restaurant, just behind the bar, a 45 seater. Oh but what seats. Again the decor is superb, along much the same lines as the Afternoon Tea room, beautifully lit and comfortably furnished and linen on the solid tables.

The wines (they have quite a selection here, many by the glass) were being poured as Head Chef Stuart Dardis introduces the new menu that has been designed for the late Autumn and mid-winter. Stuart explained that there had been many in-house tastings as they selected the dishes and is very proud of their local beef offering (we would soon find out why!).

Lots of sharing going on as the kitchen team did their best to help us get a good idea of what they had to offer. I got to taste two of the starters. One was the Roasted Asparagus, smoked bacon crisp, crispy egg finished with a silky Hollandaise sauce. Tasty stuff as was the Parmesan Cheese Shortbread Biscuit, spring vine tomato compote and goats cheese mousse. Other starters on the menu include a Saffron Risotto, Smoked Salmon, Burrata, and Pan Seared Scallops, also a Soup Du Jour.

Asparagus

And then it was time for McCarthy’s Grass fed 8 ounce fillet of Hereford Beef, served with a few tomatoes, tender, perfectly delicious, top class. On the side there were Gratin Dauphinois and Garlic Roasted Violet Potatoes.

The mains are more or less fifty fifty between meat and fish and our fish was an excellent Pan Fried Fillet of Hake with crispy kale, black pudding grits and a white wine cream sauce. Other mains include Catch of the Day, Sea Bass, Braised Beef Short rib, and also Rib Eye Steak.

Four desserts on the new menu. The ones we enjoyed were a Classic Pecan Pie with a dollop of vanilla cream (this could become a favourite of mine!) and a Strawberry Mille Feuille with mascarpone cream. Other temptations were Petit Choux Buns with hazelnut ice cream, warm chocolate sauce and also an Almond and Raspberry Bakewell Tart. 

Dessert

To get more detail on The Met menus (they also do lunch here), their provenance, and wines, check here.  

Oysters Galore on the Cork Gourmet Trail

Oysters Galore on the Cork Gourmet Trail

How many did you eat?

“I had nineteen oysters last night,” claimed a London visitor to the weekend’s Cork Oyster Festival. And that “last night” was just the official launch. I’m still wondering how many she managed during the Gourmet Trail on the following day. 

The trail visited five venues and some had up to three restaurants combining. There were so many opportunities to indulge in the delicious crustaceans she must surely have doubled the tally from the previous night!

Gin cocktail in a cup at Cask

And there were even more plates of the tasty oysters available at the after party as the various groups found their way back to the ballroom at the Metropole Hotel, the Festival’s headquarters. Oysters, more drinks and music. Well done to instigator/organiser Sandra Murphy and her crew.

Sandra was with our group on the trail and our be-hatted leaders were Kylie from the International Hotel and James from the Imperial. We were last to leave but our intrepid guides had us back good and early to join the after party.

Sushi at The Met

Lord Mayor Tony Fitzgerald had opened the festival on Friday night and the oyster event added to the terrific buzz around town as Culture Night drew the crowds. Guests at the launch were treated to oysters (included cooked versions) by Haven Shellfish and there was also some tempting sushi available with bubbles and wine and, of course, Murphy’s Stout from the sponsors.

On Saturday at noon, the ballroom was full but, after a Kinsale Gin and Tonic, we were divided into groups, met our leaders and headed off on the trail. More gin, part of a cocktail in a cup, at our first stop, the stunning Cask, just across the road. Lots of tasty bites here too and time also to begin to get to know our fellow trailers.

Cornstore were displaying their Himalayan salt (used to age their famous steaks).

Next stop was the Oyster Tavern, another lovely venue where I enjoyed an excellent meal recently. The oysters here were provided by the Electric Fish Bar, great spot to visit. The Oyster Tavern themselves came up with delicious sliders and bowls of chips. 

Amicus were also feeding us with Tom Durcan beef, including carpaccio and teriyaki versions, and more, though their seasonal desserts, Kitchen Garden Rhubarb Fool and the Foraged Blackberry Fool, were irresistible.

Down the stairs then and out into the lane for another group photo before winding up Patrick St and visiting the Bodega where Rachel’s and Cornstore were also lining up with their offerings. The Bodega sushi (one pickled vegetable, another was smoked salmon) went down a treat. 

Sandra rallies her troops as the rain arrives

Mike Ryan of the Cornstore - terrific dinner there recently - was the oyster “supplier” and he had a welcome variation called Angels on Horseback (the dish is typically prepared by rolling shucked oysters in bacon and baking them in an oven). 

That was excellent though I noticed quite few voicing a preference for the battered prawn version! Rachel’s had a couple (at least) of show stoppers, including a shot of Tomato Water and a shot glass packed full of lobster.

So back to the Imperial Hotel (for the second time in a  couple of days) and they had help from Jacques and Arthur Mayne’s.

Imperial desserts

Loved that Medjool Date from Jacques plus the superb desserts by the hotel itself. The savoury bites by Arthur Mayne’s (Avocado mousse with prawn, Caprese Bites, and the Chorizo and Chickpea Ragu) were outstanding.

Caprese minis by Olivo

One more stop and soon we were enjoying Margherita time at the newly opened Tequila Jacks. The drinks were eagerly awaited and easily downed. Food too, of course, hot stuff by our hosts and some cooler bits from Olivo, the Italian restaurant at the Cork Airport Hotel.

Margarita?

Tacos Mechados, Roasted Chicken taquitos and Shrimp Rellanos were among the Jacks offerings while the cool bites from Olivo included a lovely mini Caprese and also a Parma wrapped asparagus. 

More food anyone? No! A second round of Margaritas was coming to its conclusion and, suitably fortified,  it was time to brave the rain and the wind that had arrived midway though the trail and traipse back to the Metropole. 

And if you did wanted to increase you oyster headcount, there were trayfuls of opportunity to do. I did see the visiting London couple but didn't get a chance to check her final oyster tally! 

The Prosecco and wine flowed (enjoyed a Rioja blanco, well maybe two!), and then a final chat or two before saying goodbye and heading to the taxi. 

Tasty dips at Tequila Jacks

Once again, well done to Sandra and the crew and here’s to seeing you all and more in 2018!