The Bulman in Kinsale

THE BULMAN
Visited the Bulman in Kinsale (Summercove, near Charlesfort) for lunch yesterday (photo) and left a happy customer.

The harbourside bar, you park by the water, looked well in the sunshine yesterday. Still, just in case, a fire provided heat indoors where, unusually for Ireland, a large dog slept under a table as his minders dined.

The relatively new owners have give the place a revamp but the maritime theme is retained and now the restaurant upstairs is called Toddies and from there you have a fine view out over the harbour. The view downstairs is more restricted.

We ate downstairs in the bar and I went for the specials. Started with the Fennell Soup (€4.80). Accompanied by some nice bread, it was warm and well seasoned and very tasty indeed.

Then came a gorgeous little plateful: ham and smoked Gubbeen on ciabatta. Everything here was just perfect. The ham was the real deal and it and the tomatoes went very well with the delicious West Cork cheese and the whole thing was done to perfection. Cost €8.50.

Service was friendly and efficient. All in all, it was a lovely stop. If they can do the small things this well, then I’d have no qualms about driving down to Toddies for dinner some summer evening.
http://www.thebulman.com/
Telephone: +353 (0)21 4772131

Check out my review of Bulman - I am cork - on Qype

O'Crualaoi Butchers in Ballincollig

O’CRUALAOI BUTCHERS

O’Crualaoi Butchers have been trading since 1957 and new shops in Fermoy, Carrigaline and Wilton have seen a rapid expansion in recent times.

Ballincollig is their first shop and I called to see their set-up recently. Here there are two sections, an inviting delicatessen and a very impressive and well laid out butcher shop.

Wasn’t on a meat buying mission on this occasion but did pick up a few things from the deli, including one of their fresh soups (mushroom). It was an excellent soup, very tasty indeed.

Much of that taste though came from the cream and butter in the mix. If you want something healthier you could try the recipe below which comes from an old Irish Heart Foundation leaflet.

Mushroom soup (for 5/6 persons)

2 oz Flora Margarine;

2 oz plain flour;

1 pint of chicken stock (fat free);

1 pint of skimmed milk;

½ lb mushrooms, finely chopped.

Chopped parsley, to garnish; salt & pepper and juice of half a lemon.

Method: Place all ingredients, except lemon juice into a large saucepan; whisking continuously over moderate heat, bring to the boil, cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Just before serving add lemon juice and stir well. Serve sprinkled with chopped parsley.

Cook’s Notes:

1-    My preference is to use low fat rather than skimmed milk.

2-    Omit the lemon juice (too strong in the taste, not for everyone)

3-    When cooked, liquidise.

4-    You could add a swirl of Crème fraiche with the parsley.

For current recipes from the Irish Heart Foundation go to: http://www.irishheart.ie

Photo: Ballincollig's Olive Tree
Check out my review of O'Crualaoi Butchers - I am cork - on Qype

Glenilen Farm in Drimoleague

GLENILEN FARM

There are yoghurts and then there are yoghurts from Glenilen Farm. Wow!

I have to admit that I have just discovered these little jars of gorgeousness. All other yoghurts fall away by comparison. If you haven't had the pleasure get on to their site http://blog.glenilen.com/ and check for your local stockists.

I found mine in O’Crualaoi’s delicatessen section in the Supervalu building on Main Street Ballincollig and it wasn't long before I was trying out the strawberry flavoured one and declaring it the best ever.

But don't just take my word for it. The success story of Glenilen Farm (in Drimoleague in West Cork) started with a small step in 1997. And the success has been marked with prizes, both national and international. The range now includes cheesecakes, yoghurts (small and large), various creams, butter and mousses.
A lot of exploring to do here. But it will be no hardship!

Check out my review of Glenilen Farm - I am cork - on Qype

IN THE NET TODAY

IN THE NET TODAY

Do you want to grow your own but don't know how to get started? Come to this workshop and learn how to sow, grow and harvest your own fruit and veg with minimal input. With both theory and practical aspects catered for you'll have the growing bug in no time! This workshop is being presented by Sinead from Dromcollogher Organic College. The workshop will include a practical element so please wear suitable clothing. €30 which includes course material, refreshments and a light lunch (please specify if you have any dietary requirements)

Growing Your Own Vegetables Organically

When:Saturday 11th April 2010 10-2.00pm

Where:The Secret Garden (centre)

Aghaneenagh, Newmarket, Co. Cork, Ireland

http://schmap.it/c1qz79

Today Nash 19 are getting a delivery of local, organic Rhubarb from Waterfall farms, and some free range eggs from Kinsale.

Kevin At Fenns Quay was talking to an American customer about beef stroganoff. “Interestingly it's usually served with noodles in the states, not rice.”  Best stroganoff I’ve ever had was on the shores of Lake Wolfgang in Austria, alongside the famous White Horse Inn. It was the main course in my Sunday lunch and, in 2004, cost me six euro and, yes, it was served with rice.

Curious Wines in Bandon’s April Contest is still on - become a fan of their Facebook page and you're in to win http://tinyurl.com/yl7b7mz

Donal Skehan may be on the piste but still found time for you. He has posted an Irish Seafood Chowder recipe up on the blog! http://ow.ly/1vUaA

Ballincollig Farmers Market

BALLINCOLLIG FARMERS MARKET

Called to the Ballincollig Farmers Market this Wednesday morning. It is nicely located in the lanes of the new shopping centre but is fairly limited, not very many stalls, at least on this occasion.

Had a lively conversation with Joy O’Driscoll of Joy’s Jams, mainly about her marmalades, and ending up buying a jar of her gooseberry (€3.50) and a jar of her dark Seville Marmalade (€3.80).

Next call was to the Tom’s Bread. We’ve been coming across them lately (previously in the Coal Quay and also, via ABC, in the English Market). This time bought a lovely baked wheat bread (€3.90) with a scattering of hazelnuts surprising the taste buds every now and then. Very enjoyable.

Kept circulating and helped ourselves to some decent looking carrots from the farmer’s stall, avoided the highly visual temptation of Katie’s Cup Cakes and some hot food stalls, including a creperie, before buying a couple of herb plants at €2.00 each from the helpful man at Swanton’s Stand, a stand seen regularly in their home base of Skibbereen where the market, much bigger than Ballincollig’s, take place every Saturday morning.

Check out my review of Ballincollig Farmers Market - I am cork - on Qype

FENN'S QUAY

FENN’S QUAY

Fenn’s Quay is well known for the quality of its food but today I start by praising its wine. Kevin Crowley knows his and puts in a big effort to provide his customers with quality and value when it comes to having a drink with a meal.

Last evening, we choose a Chilean Viu Manent Malbec to go with our Ossa Bucco (braised beef in this case). Delighted with it and, in the low 20s, it was good value as were the recent reds there, which included Cave de Tain Syrah VDP 2006 (from the Rhone Valley and now the house red) and previously the Spanish Bodegas Castano Monastrell 2007 Yecla and that is just to name a few off the lower end of a very impressive list indeed.

We started off last evening with a tomato and roast pepper soup. The Braised Beef shin was accompanied by a tomato and red wine sauce. It smelled good as it came to the table and was just gorgeous, falling away from the bone and just like your granny (your Irish granny) used to make it.

Desserts were excellent, both specials. I had an almond tart under a juicy mound of strawberries and the other dessert was a well done Bread and Butter Pudding.

I mentioned specials there. The website does show the regular meals but the choice here is much bigger, with specials added every evening to both the Supper (27.50 for 3 courses) and the a al carte Menus.

Once again, another enjoyable evening at Fenn’s Quay. Atmosphere is always nice and relaxed and the service friendly and efficient.

SPRING CHOICE

FEBRUARY/MARCH FAVOURITES 

All visited in last two months

Highly Recommended: Aherne’s (Youghal), Fenn’s Quay, Liberty Grill, Nash 19, Over the Moon (Skibbereen) and The Continental.

Recommended: Boardwalk Bar & Grill, Bramley Lodge, Crawford Gallery Cafe, Farmgate (English Market), Gilbert’s (Cobh), Hardwood and La Jolie Brise (Baltimore).

Really Good Food Shops: Bramley Lodge, Nash 19, Le Gourmet (Youghal) and O’Keeffe’s (St Luke’s).

Best Food Producer: Just Food (Cobh).

Coffee/Tea and Scones: Cafe Gusto, Greene’s, Hawthorn on the Lough, Nash 19 and Wholy Grain.

Top Farmers Market: Skibbereen (Saturdays)

Top Cheeses: Kilmichael Soft Cheese from the Sunview Goats; St Gall (Fermoy); Milleens.

Top Marmalades: 1 - Bramley Lodge 2 - Follains

Hudson's Wholefood in Ballydehob

HUDSON’S WHOLEFOOD
It was very quiet in Ballydehob on Saturday afternoon. “Most of them are away enjoying the sunshine,” said one of the locals.

We were beginning to doubt we’d get as much as a cup of coffee when we spotted the Bridgestone be-decked front wall of Hudson’s Wholefoods.

Between meals at the time, we didn't really study the foods in the shop but could see that there was quite a range. Went to the little cafe at the back where we got our two fine black coffees from the smiling waitress.

Looks likes something of a community information centre as well with loads of leaflets and cards on alternative services in the area.

Enjoyed a bit of down to earth banter (about coffee fashions) as we paid up and headed off into the sun, resisting (barely) the temptation to sit down again after we’d spotted – too late – the sign for organic wine at a fiver a glass!

Check out my review of Hudson's Wholefood - I am cork - on Qype

West Cork Hotel in Skibbereen

WEST CORK HOTEL

The West Cork Hotel in Skibbereen has a lot going for it: it is central (with its own car park), it is comfortable, gives good deals, has riverside views (where an otter, see photo, performed this weekend), an unusual extension to its very comfortable cosy bar out onto a disused railway bridge (photo), and a friendly staff.

Good deals on food also. On certain nights, you can get a pint or a glass of wine plus fish and chips for a tenner. Not bad. We have a dinner included in our deal, three courses. Starters and mains are fine but desserts, though strong on quantity, are low on quality.

We got a good bottle of wine, a Milton Park Riesling. Great refreshing lemon and line taste for just €21.50. Called to the bar earlier for a pint and a glass of beer. Cost €6.65. Cost in my local in the city is €6.30.

Breakfast was excellent, good choice and no shortage of quality, service friendly and prompt. We enjoyed our Eggs Benedict and Bacon Butty and also the Traditional Irish (especially the Rosscarbery sausages).

Reception was efficient and friendly all through. The room, pictured, was very well heated, had all you needed and was clean and comfortable with a view out over the river, see photo. The bathroom was spotless and had everything you’d expect, except for drinking glasses.

All in all, a fine base for visiting this part of West Cork.

For more pics from this trip see http://www.flickr.com/photos/corkbilly/sets/72157623726829032/ and http://www.flickr.com/photos/corkbilly/sets/72157623726758010/

Check out my review of West Cork Hotel - I am cork - on Qype

Farmers Market in Skibbereen

THE SKIBBEREEN FARMERS MARKET

The Saturday Farmers Market in Skibbereen town is one of the biggest, one of the best. It resembles a good French market and that comparison was underlined when it was blessed with fine weather this Saturday morning.

There is a great variety of stalls here: fish, herbs, cheese (including Gubbeen), crepes, chocolate, plants, books, stained glass, cakes, jams and preserves and, like France, pullets! And much more!

It is well organised, always space for everyone who wishes to set up a stall, thanks to the hard working Veronica and her fellow committee members.

Frustratingly, couldn’t buy too much this morning as we wouldn’t be home for a few days yet but did take the opportunity to pick up some spelt bread (Tomato Mozzarella) from the Dunmanway Baking Emporium.

But there was no room in the boot for the fresh fish being sold by a pair of lively sisters and certainly none for any of the pullets.

The market goes on my list and I wouldn’t mind making the trip down from the city some Saturday morning. It starts at 9.30am and close around 1.30pm.

Check out my review of Farmers Market - I am cork - on Qype

La Jolie Brise Restaurant in Baltimore

LA JOLIE BRISE

La Jolie Brise is one of a small string of pizza, restaurant and room rental properties run by the Waterfront in Baltimore (West Cork).

They include Chez Youen, a French Restaurant, but it was to the pizzeria plus fish tables of La Jolie Brise that we headed yesterday at lunch time.

A few years back, we spent two glorious days staying and eating in the Waterfront and one evening they ran out of mussels.

We made up for that today with some Moules Frites: two large bowls of delicious Roaringbay mussels along with a basket each of tasty chips. It made for an excellent lunch and cost €12.00 each.

La Jolie Brise is situated in the picturesque village of Baltimore in West Cork, Ireland. Looking out over the harbour mouth, it is an ideal setting for visitors to enjoy the beautiful views and activities of Baltimore Harbour while relaxing and enjoying the food and wine.

La Jolie Brise is on the right in my photo, taken yesterday.

Check out my review of La Jolie Brise Restaurant - I am cork - on Qype

Over The Moon in Skibbereen

OVER THE MOON

Just had the most enjoyable meal in Skibbereen restaurant Over The Moon. Imagination, excellent cooking, fresh ingredients plus a friendly and efficient service all added up to a very pleasant occasion and one of our best meals in quite a while.

Starter: salad of beetroot, feta, olives, tomato, and toasted seeds. That got us off to the best of starts. Light and sharp, just the job.

Mains: cod, butternut puree, with green beans, beetroot, potato with a walnut dressing. What a combination! Just loved it.

Dessert: Apple and berry crumble. Not quite what you’d expect. The apple and berry came in a hot glass with a muesli like topping and, for contrast, we had a blob of ice cream on the side. Unexpected but gorgeous.

We also struck it lucky with the wine, a Spanish Blanco Nieva Verdejo (2008): close to dry with little bubbles. Got your attention immediately and held it all the way. Cost €25.00. Two course early birds cost €25.00, three courses €30.00. Worth a drive down from the city and certainly worth a call if you’re staying in the area.

Check out my review of Over The Moon - I am cork - on Qype

EASTER RUSHING IN

THE CHOC OF IT   

Easter is coming fast and if you’ve been fasting – even if you haven’t -  then you have some good things coming, thanks to our chocolate makers.

My sweet hit of the year so far has been the real shell eggs that the imaginative Nicola of Pandora Bell has come up with. Yeah. Real  hens shells (see pic) filled with top class chocolate. Available in Cork at Bramley Lodge, O’Keeffe’s (St Luke's) and Nash 19.

Nash 19 is also the place to go for Benoit Lorge's handmade Easter Eggs. Mairéad O’Brien: “He makes them in Kenmare and is a member of Good Food Ireland too. Pop into the shop to see the full range. Prices to suit all pockets.”

Easter came up during a French class during the week and Francis says her favourites come from Eve's Chocolates and her gorgeous stuff is available from the factory/shop on the Magazine Road, close to Dennehy’s Cross.

Worth a detour as they say in the best guides and, by the way, all three appear in the Bridgestone Irish Food Guide (2010). And so do O’Connaill’s of Carrigaline. You can study their range and have a hot choc at the same time in their shop in city centre French Church Street.

And the English Market’s Chocolate Shop is yet another Bridgestone entry. Most of those in the queue won't be bothered about guides – they know there’s good stuff here and they won't be waiting until Easter Saturday to stock up. Neither should you!

No time for the shops? Then try this competition, courtesy of Tweeter @dailyspud. It is for a hamper full of wines and chocolate, a win wine situation, and details are available at Daily Spud

Prefer to make your own? Looking for ideas. Well, the Daily Spud (above) has a few and so too do the folks at All Recipes
Editor Diana Moutsopoulo tells me they have quite a few recipes including one for Easter Bunny Cakes   - pictured above

Alternative Bread Co in Cork

THE ALTERNATIVE BREAD COMPANY

There is amazing choice on offer at the Alternative Bread Company counters in the English Market (Cork), baskets of fresh bread made and supplied by quite a few bakers, including regular products such as traditional sodas, to gluten free, foccacias and sourdough and rye bread.

I picked up a rye loaf there today, intending to compare it with the one I bought at a reduced price at the Coal Quay market stall of Tom’s Bakery of Kinsale last Saturday.

When I bought my load this morning, I didn't know at the time that the supplier of rye to the ABC is German baker Thomas Heuneburg of Kinsale.

The cost today was €3.00 as against €1.90 on Saturday. The difference? Today’s was fresher, no doubt about that.



+353 (0) 21 4251347
Email: fitzsheilam@hotmail.com

Check out my review of Alternative Bread Co Ltd - I am cork - on Qype

Mark's Cheese at farmers markets

MARK’S CHEESE

You will see stalls selling, and with a sign up saying Mark’s Cheese, at most of the Farmers Markets.

Mark Hosford is a seller rather than a producer and collects, minds and sells the cheeses of many local producers. They have a huge selection and helpful staff.

Recently, in Mahon, I bought some of that excellent and well known Hegarty’s Mature Cheddar while, even more recently, at the Coal Quay Market, I purchased a terrific, though less well known, Kilmichael Soft Goats Cheese.

Keep an eye out for these stalls and don't hesitate to ask a question as you’re sure to get an informative answer.

Check out my review of Mark's Cheese - I am cork - on Qype

Sunview Goats Cheese

SUNVIEW GOATS CHEESE

In Terleton (West Cork), Anne and Brian Bond make a terrific Kilmichael Soft Goats Cheese from the milk of their Sunview herd. This is beautiful and mild, easily spreadable.

If you’ve never eaten goats cheese before, then this is the one to start on. But that doesn’t mean that those of you experienced in goats cheese should give it a miss. Far from it. There is something in this great product for everyone!

The cheese is available from the Mark’s Cheese stalls in local markets. I bought mine in the coal quay on Saturday.

When I got home, combined it with some leaves, rye bread (by Tom’s Bakery), an organic tomato salsa (Just Food), and had a great open sandwich.

Check out my review of Sunview Goats - I am cork - on Qype

Tom's Bakery in Kinsale

TOM’S BAKERY

Hadn’t come across Tom’s Bakery before until I saw their stall at the Coal Quay Market (in Emmett Place) on Saturday morning.

Quite a choice of breads available (see photo) and I picked up a loaf of their Rye bread, a choice endorsed by the man on duty who said it was his favourite. It was substantially reduced on Saturday and cost €1.90.

It is a smashing bread and went down well in this house. Tom’s Bakery is based in Kinsale and also has a stall at Tuesday’s Farmer’s Market in the seaside town.

Check out my review of Tom's Bakery - I am cork - on Qype

Greenes Restaurant McCurtain Street Cork

GREENES

Had coffee and scones in Greenes by the waterfall this Saturday morning. Great coffee, great scone (not to mention jam and cream) – all well presented by a friendly waitress. Sat back in the comfortable chairs and enjoyed it very much indeed. Cost for two: €10.40.

It was one of the three best coffee and scone combinations that I've enjoyed recently around town. Nash 19 and the Hawthorn Bar on the Lough were the others.

Check out my review of Greenes Restaurant Hotle Isaacs - I am cork - on Qype

Gilbert's in Cobh

GILBERT’S

Gilbert’s is the newest restaurant in Cobh and we made a snap decision to drop down there last night and it worked out well. The bistro style Pearse Square establishment, which claims to be different, has a couple of attractive early bird offers though we went for the a la carte option.

Lamb Kidney and Smoked Pancetta Salad €6.50
in a creamy brandy sauce

Salmon and Tiger Prawn Mousse €6.95
infused with fresh herbs, chilli and chive vinaigrette

These were our starters. The mousse was excellent but the Kidney and Pancetta was certainly different and very very good – I really loved that sauce.

Pan-fried Fillet of Halibut €23.95
with savoury risotto, creamy shellfish sauce

This was the main course. Each plate had two big chunks of fresh halibut, a sparingly used sauce, and was served with vegetables and potatoes, giving quite a substantial course. The Risotto wasn't bad though a bit too strongly flavoured, taking away somewhat from the fish. I’d have preferred something like Ratatouille or some other tomato based accompaniment.
No room for dessert but we enjoyed our coffees. Service was very friendly, discreet and excellent all through.

Check out my review of Gilbert's - I am cork - on Qype

FRENCH FOOD

EAT YOUR WAY TO FRANCE

Last June we headed to France for a four week stay. The eating started immediately...

Storm forecasts notwithstanding, we booked a window table at Le Flora restaurant. That, by the way, is the top restaurant on the Brittany Ferries ship Pont Aven.

The gales never came on the Ringaskiddy – Roscof trip (14 hours) but the promise of a top notch meal was delivered on the high seas. Starter was Shredded Crab, wrapped in Avocado puree and accompanied by a green bean mix and salad. Terrific!

That was the start of of a great meal, the start of a terrific holiday where we spent more time in restaurants and markets then we did on the beaches of the Charente Maritime.

If you are planning a trip to that area, then get all my 2009 tips (places to visit, markets, cafes, day trips, restaurants) here  Just click on the France label

RIPP'Ss BRATWURST in Cork

FOOD PARADE

Barry’s Tea, the market sponsors, were serving up mugs of tea as we reached the Grand Parade Outdoor Market after the Cork St Patrick’s Day Parade had passed.

It wasn't the only food stall with a queue. Indeed, every food stand, and there were dozens, was busy. In the end, settled for Ripp’s German Bratwurst. It was a welcome bite for four euro.

The sausage and spices along with the onions were excellent though the bread bit wasn't the greatest. Still, it went down well, despite the fact that I couldn't face another queue for the tea!

For all my parade pics see http://corkandabout.blogspot.com

Don’t forget, this weekend, 18th -20th of March, Cafe Gusto are launching BYO to all their Facebook fans and Twitter followers. This is the promise: “If you visit with your favourite bottle of wine to accompany our delicious mezze, antipasti and tapas dishes, we will NOT charge our usual €4 corkage if you mention facebook or twitter on ordering.” Now you know!

Check out my review of RIPP's BRATWURST - I am cork - on Qype

AHERNE'S OF YOUGHAL

AHERNE’S HOTEL and
RESTAURANT


It has been a long time since I visited Aherne’s in Youghal and I made up for that this weekend with a trip to try their tasting menu:

Flat Oysters with a mini-Guinness;

Seared Castletownbere Scallop with an Herb Butter. Drink: Prosecco;

Grilled Sea Bass with Avocado & Chilli Salsa. Drink: Sauvignon Blanc;

Smoked Parmesan & Roast Vegetable Risotto. Drink: Alsace-Gewurztraminer "Hugel";

Aherne’s Sorbet;

Surf & Turf (Char-grilled Baby Fillet Steak & Prawns) Chile. Drink: Chile Crucero Cabernet Sauvignon;

Farmhouse Cheese. Drink: Warre's 1999 Late Bottled Vintage Port;

Sticky Toffee Pudding;

Irish Coffee.

Quite a meal. We were first in to the restaurant at seven and it was ten or afterwards before we finished. Business was quite slack on Friday, maybe a calm before the storm of Mother’s day.

The standard, as you’d expect, was very high indeed. All the courses were excellent and highlights included the scallop; the bass and particularly the salsa; the risotto also; steak (not quite the baby indicated) was splendid as was the cheese selection, not to mention the port; the sticky toffee was very rich and so tempting and the Irish Coffee rounded it all off.

Service was very friendly and efficient throughout our stay and we also enjoyed our breakfast the following morning. I almost forget the bread, brilliant at both meals.

The hotel part is rather small, there being just eight or nine rooms. But the rooms and the beds are very spacious and very comfortable. There are tea and coffee making facilities and the bathroom is well stocked.

All in all, a very enjoyable experience. But if you want to catch the Friday meal cum accommodation offer that we had, you’ll have to be quick as it runs out this month.

Le Gourmet in Youghal

LE GOURMET

Before making an exit from Youghal yesterday, called to Le Gourmet in the River Gate Mall. It is a bakery/cum traiteur, owned and run by award winning French chef Jean Francois Bernard.

Quite a choice of freshly prepared food and I choose the Boeuf Bourguignon, a couple of pastries and a brown loaf.

The Bourguignon was excellent value at a fiver a pack and you could have fed three from the two I bought. The beef was top class and beautifully cooked and the sauce, with loads of little mushrooms, was terrific.

Quality also in the baked pieces and that meant we had a very nice meal at home that evening.

Le Gourmet also provides other breads, savoury meals, fish dishes, pastries, gateau and de luxe hampers and are also involved in the outside catering business.

Quality, value and service is the motto and it has got Jean Francois into the Bridgestone Food Guide.

Photo shows a mound of meringue on the pastry table.

Check out my review of Le Gourmet - I am cork - on Qype

Vienna Woods Hotel in Cork

VIENNA WOODS
Back to the Vienna Woods today, after quite an absence. Took the soup of the day (€4.50), Potato and Broccoli, as a starter and it was quite good. Main course was a Cajun Chicken Warp (9.95), served with a dip, plus chips or wedges or salad. Very substantial and very tasty.

There is a huge selection in the Crawford Room day-time menu, including the usual roasts of the day, salads, and Tex-Mex, along with much more substantial main dishes.

Service was friendly and efficient. They certainly believe in filling you up here and the only caveat I’d add is that the glass-roofed room gets very very warm indeed. You can escape by going closer to the bar and using the older room alongside.

Photo shows older part of hotel; it has a much larger modern wing as well.

Check out my review of Vienna Woods Hotel - I am cork - on Qype

Green Kiwi Coffee in Cork

GREEN KIWI

The colourful portable mini stall used by Green Kiwi can be seen regularly around the city and suburbs: at markets such as the Coal Quay, Ballincollig and Nangle's Garden Centre (2nd Sun of each month). You can find it anywhere: I’ve seen it early mornings, operating on the main street in Ballincollig, and even in the Regional Park (see photo) on Sunday mornings, serving a welcome hot drink (coffee or chocolate) to walkers and footballers alike.

Came across Joanne O’Doherty’s vehicle at the Coal Quay (in its new temporary location by the Opera House) last Saturday and enjoyed my cup of coffee so much that I bought a pack.

The Cofesa brand has its roots in the outdoor cafes and bars of the villages of Andalucia but the Spanish company now sells much further afield as well. The Inda Cafe, the one I bought, is made from a fine selection of Arabica beans, roasted in the traditional manner.

Check out my review of Green Kiwi Coffee - I am cork - on Qype

The Real Irish Food Company in Drogheda

REAL IRISH FOOD COMPANY
You never know what good things you will find on supermarket shelves these days. Recently, we told you how the organic products from Cobh’s Just Food are sold by Supervalu and will soon be sold by six Dunnes Stores shops in the Cork area.

Dunnes already stock the Follain range of jams and relishes. Their marmalade is one of my favourites; another is that made by Bramley Lodge in Carrigtwohill.

Just this weekend, in Dunnes in Ballyvolane, I picked up one of the very best strawberry jams I have ever come across. Based in Drogheda, the Real Irish Food Co make jams (including marmalades), relishes, dressings, salsas and cooking sauces. Keep an eye for this and other products from the award winning company, founded by Bronagh Conlon in 1997.

Check out my review of The Real Irish Food Company - I am cork - on Qype

CORK COASTAL FOOD TRAIL

Photos: Millennium Hall (right) and Clarion Hotel (below)

CORK FOOD TRAIL

Now that Cork has been included on the Lonely Planet’s and Yahoo China’s top ten cities for 2010, I decided to get in before the crowds.


The Millennium Hall (pictured) was my destination last Saturday. It is the lesser known of the two halls within the Cork City Hall complex, all of us more familiar with the big Concert Hall. The new Millennium is about quarter of the size of its neighbour and can take 340 Standing/Reception or 200/250 Seated.

Both were busy last weekend. There was a big festival in the Concert Hall while the Millennium hosted the Re-Discover Cork tourism showcase. I paid a visit there, along with many others, to see the many attractions in the city and county ranging from the town of Youghal in the East to Castletownbere in the West.

Picked up a bagful of leaflets and brochures and a few money-off offers here and there and, as a direct result, am off to Youghal next weekend to sample the culinary expertise available at the famous Aherne’s Restaurant.

Aherne's is one of the places mentioned in a very handy brochure that I picked up on Saturday: Cork's Coastal Food Trails. It is an attractive booklet and manages to mention quite a few, though by no means all, of the eateries along the extensive Cork coast. It is a Failte Ireland publication and available form their Office in Aras Failte, Grand Parade, Cork or check out the website at www.discoverireland.ie/Cork

SPELT OUT

SPELT SPELLED OUT!

Sometimes groups of specialists, including foodies, use buzz words and expect everyone else to know what they mean. Spelt is one I’ve come across recently. What is is?

Found it well explained at Cathy's Spelt for Health 

“It is a member of the same grain family as oats and wheat but is a different species. Spelt breads are low in gluten, high in protein and are easily digested which makes them a very good option for people who are wheat intolerant.”

Now you know and, if you want to see the real thing then, if you are around Cork on Friday 12 of March, call in to Nash 19 and meet Cathy who supplies them with her fantastic Spelt for Health Mix. She will be in the Food Shop from 11 am to tell more about her products and to give out samples of her bread and flap jacks.

Cobh Farmers Market

COBH FARMERS MARKET

The Cobh Farmers Market (held in and around the Heritage Centre in picture) was a big let-down for me today with just a handful of stalls opening up, about six in all. It is supposed to be very good in the summer – looks like I’ll have to wait and see. In any event, won't be in a hurry down again.

Got some roughly filleted fish from a basic stall up the town.

The harbour town looked very well indeed and the walk along the West Beach area was very enjoyable.

Check out my review of Cobh Farmers Market - I am cork - on Qype

Bierhaus in Cork

BIERHAUS
Looking for a new beer experience? Then you could do worse than consider the Bierhaus on Pope’s Quay as your first stop.

They say, and it certainly looks like when you sit in the bar and look at the many boards and notices around the place, that they have over 70 beers from home and abroad to choose from, including Krombacher, Galway Hooker, O’Hara’s Stout, Rebel Red and Hoegaarden and also a special guest draft beer each month.

I was there last evening and went for a Czech lager called Staropramen (Star of Spring), brewed in Prague since 1871 and exported to dozens of countries. Enjoyed my full bodied pleasant pint, even though the bar was quite cold.

Oh, by the way, if you are not into trying out new beers and you are dragged along by your buddies, don’t worry as the Bierhaus does carry local favourites such as Murphy, Guinness and Heineken.

Check out my review of Bierhaus - I am cork - on Qype

HARDWOOD

HARDWOOD


Hard times? Let Hardwood come to the rescue. Every Tuesday and Wednesday evening, the Pope’s Quay venue is offering you a three course meal for just €20.00.

Called there last night and was well pleased. Started with Steamed Castletownbere Mussels, served with a generous Burgundy Roast Garlic Tomato “soup” and good brown bread.

Then to the main course. One was Braised Rustic Pork Hock, slow cooked pork shank served with rustic roast potato and onion with white wine steamed cabbage. The other was Cod with Pak Choi, Rice Balls with feta and a mango reduction. Both were different and each was gorgeous. Quite impressive.

The third course was a scoop of ice-cream and that is exactly what we got. Nothing special but a nicely flavoured scoop that went down well.

Overall, a fine meal for the price and one that would give you confidence that the skills are there to deliver on their a la carte from Thursday through Sunday. Service was friendly and efficient.

Just Food in Cork

JUST FOOD

Have been trying out some of the Just Food organic range recently.

They do a large range of soups, everything from Mushroom to Moroccan Chickpea and much in between, including Vegetable and Peanut, one of my favourites (not that I’ve tried them all yet).

They do Organic Pasta Sauces. But don’t just stick to the pastas. These sauces, just like the soups, are versatile and may be used in many ways. For instance, I used the Ratatouille with Cod to make a smashing dinner dish. 

The Cobh based company also do Hummus, Salads, Pestos and other items (including Muesli and Chicken Liver Pate).

Kevin and Deirdre Hilliard are the couple behind the small outfit, now based in the old Verolme Dockyard (Rushbrooke), and she was happy with the business when I met her last week.

Speaking of 2009, Deirdre (right in group photo) said that their sales were up: “Our existing shops kept their end up while our new outlets contributed to a rise overall. People are now eating in more often and are on the lookout for something different such as our soups, which can also be used as sauces.”

“In any event, organic customers are resilient, especially with regard to small ticket items. Besides, organic items are not always more expensive. Our soups for instance are cheaper per kilo than many of our non organic counterparts. Our marketing and packaging is honest. We don't give you a big packet with less content. Indeed, we use see-through containers.”

Last winter was really good for sales and the trend continues, the soups doing very well in January and February, perhaps because of the long cold spell. No wonder, Just Foods is looking forward to yet another good year.

All in all, it means that the outfit has come a long way since it was a “hobby” for the Hilliards as they sold their produce from the corner of a shared stand in Midleton Market. They have been in Rushbrooke for the past two and a half years and now employ eight people.

Deirdre is looking forward to the next big challenge: supplying a recently secured contract for six of the Dunnes Stores shops in the Cork area.

That contract is but the latest recognition for the Hilliards. Last year (2009), they repeated the feat of the previous year when winning five medals at the Blas na hEireann Food Awards in Dingle. 


Their Muesli and Cucumber Pickle were among the gold winners as was the Spicy Lentil Soup (getting it for the second year in a row). They are also happy with the good things said about them in the Bridgestone Food Guide (2010).

But even though they are doing well, Deirdre knows that you can't take anything for granted. Once, in the 60s and 70s, large newly built ships were “slipped” down to the river right where we stood talking. Hundreds were employed in that long defunct dockyard.

 “There is a lot of history in this place,” she says. Just Food is a firm with a promising future, making its own little bit of history. So far. So very good.

MID-WEEK UPDATES

 Twebt Mystery Bottle

Have you got your hands on the mystery bottle for the Twitter wine event (#twebt) on Sunday March 7^th? 

Time is running out if you want it delivered to your house for the fun event which apparently trended in Ireland last month; 12 noon tomorrow Wednesday is deadline for ordering by post. All the details are at here while the wine (€19.00, inc. delivery) can only be ordered from Karwigs

Cafe Gusto are introducing BYO (Bring your own bottle) to allow you to accompany their delicious range of mezze, antipasti and tapas dishes.

Sister establishment, the Liberty Grill, has announced a bunch of specials for March. You’ve got stateside specials like Sweet Potato Gumbo and the one I’ll be looking out for is the Dromoland Estate Rabbit with Napa Valley garnish (cooked in Zinfandel red wine). 

The Natural Foods Bakery in Cork

NATURAL FOODS BAKERY

The Blackrock based Natural Foods Bakery also has a cafe in Paul Street. They produce and serve handmade breads, luxury cakes, gourmet sandwiches and speciality foods (wheat free, gluten free etc.). The café also serves coffee and tea.

Cakes include a gluten free Chocolate one, a Cherry Bun and a zesty Lemon Cake. All very tempting but the one I picked recently at their market stall was a slice of Date Cake with dates, sunflower seeds and a touch of ginger. Must say it was very tasty indeed (I do like my dates) but is heavy enough and the slice was more than sufficient.

Definitely worth a look of you are passing Paul Street or the other locations

Check out my review of The Natural Foods Bakery - I am cork - on Qype

COAL QUAY MARKET (in new location)

COAL QUAY MARKET

For most of 2010, you’ll find the Saturday Coal Quay market at a new temporary location in Emmett Place, alongside the Opera House.

Here you will see your usual favourites such as O’Driscoll’s Fish (but be quick, they were sold out by noon yesterday), The Natural Foods Bakery and quite a few other food outlets as well as stalls selling shoes and boots and clothing and so on.

The Cornmarket Street area is being renovated, hence the move to Emmett Place. The new location is also very central and also quite spacious.