January Dining In Summary. Good Hood and The Wine Tavern at St Luke's and K. O'Connell's in Dunnes Stores

January Dining. Good Hood,  The Wine Tavern at St Luke's and K. O'Connell's in Dunnes Stores

Good Times Roll at The Wine Tavern St Luke's

The Wine Tavern at St Luke's, a family-run establishment, has been a local favourite for years, known for its warm welcome, relaxed atmosphere, and focus on wine and tapas. The Tavern aims to provide a social dining experience for individuals or groups. 

A highlight of the Wine Tavern is their sharing board, a generous platter featuring Cashel Blue cheese, smoked cheddar, brie, spiced beef, serrano ham, chorizo, roasted almonds, pickles, and homemade dips. It's a perfect accompaniment to their wine selection. Beyond the sharing board, the menu offers a variety of tapas, including the highly recommended Crispy potatoes with Garlic butter and Parmesan cubes, a delicious alternative to standard chips or Patatas Bravas. Full review here.

Tapas, Pizza, and Service: A Winning Formula at Good Hood

Good Hood, a new restaurant at St Luke's Cross, has quickly gained popularity with its winning combination of tapas and pizzas. 

Headed by Colin Ryan, known for Hansum Rotisserie Chicken and Paperboys Café, and partnered with Ciarán O'Regan of Dublin’s Rita's Pizzeria, Good Hood is focused on delivering quality food and service, leading to a strong initial success. The restaurant's popularity is evident in its consistently full house, with reservations recommended.

Until its expected drinks license arrives, Good Hood encourages patrons to bring their own beverages from the nearby off-license, providing glasses and waiving any corkage fee. They anticipate obtaining a drinks license soon and adding dessert options in the near future. The pizzas are a highlight, with options like the Diego, featuring tomato, mozzarella, garlic, oregano, anchovies, and capers. The menu also includes other creative pizza options like the Hunted Hog, Hay Pesto, and the Cheek of It.

Beyond pizzas, Goodhood offers a selection of tapas-style sharing plates, including highly recommended dishes like the Beef Cheek with crispy potato terrine and Pecorino Romano, and the Beets on Goats with beetroot, blackberries, goat’s cheese, and chive oil.  Full review here

Kate's back in town at O'Connell Fishmongers

Chef Kate Lawlor, formerly of 5 Fenns Quay, has returned to the Cork culinary scene, now heading up the kitchen at Kay O'Connell's Fish Merchants within the new food hall in Dunne's Stores on Patrick Street. This collaboration between renowned fishmonger Pat O'Connell and Lawlor offers a variety of fresh seafood dishes, from oysters and crab to salmon and cod, with both a regular menu and daily specials. Customers can purchase their hot meals and enjoy them at the seating provided within the food hall or opt for convenient takeout.

The menu features diverse options like Monkfish Nuggets with tonkatsu sauce and rice, a Fish Plate with smoked salmon, and sandwiches such as Smoked Salmon and Prawn Cocktail. Lawlor's culinary skills are evident in dishes like the Seafood and Pasta special. In addition to its new Dunnes Stores location, O'Connell's also operates Kay's Kitchen in the English Market, offering a "Fish Box" and other seafood delights. Full review here.

Montepulciano D’Abbruzzo. One of the quintessential wines of Italy, enjoyed throughout the country and the world

Revino “Postcards from Italy” Montepulciano D’Abbruzzo (DOC) 2020,  13.0% ABV

€15.95 at O’Briens Wine

“one of the quintessential wines of Italy, enjoyed throughout the country and the world, and made in several styles” 

Vibrant tarty cherries lead in the aromas and continue on the palate of this organic vegan-friendly wine from Abruzzo. Importers and sellers O’Briens Wine :“This delightful organic red is part of a range called Postcards from Italy, a great value offering which was created to celebrate Italian grape varieties.”  It covers the length and breadth of the boot, from North to South, and features landmark buildings on the front label, as this one does.

Abruzzo is a region renowned for bold and fruity Montepulciano wines. This is a deep ruby red and vibrantly fruited; the crunchy, Italian red is the ideal accompaniment for an array of rich-flavoured dishes and meats and also pairs very well with aged cheese (think Hegarty’s Templegall) and pizzas, of course. Serve at 17 degrees.

Wines from the grape have quite a history and some influential “fans”. According to the Greek historian Polybius, the wine made from this varietal was very appreciated by the famous Carthaginian commander of the 3rd Century BC, Hannibal, who apparently used to give it to his soldiers to restore their strength after battles. What other excuse do you need to try a glass? Bon courage!

Hayfield Manor has been crowned the Supreme Winner at the sold out Virgin Media Business Gold Medal Awards.

Hayfield Manor has been crowned the Supreme Winner at the sold out Virgin Media Business Gold Medal Awards. 

Hayfield Manor collecting their Supreme Winner from Anton Savage in the Galmont Hotel

Now in their 35th year, the Virgin Media Business Gold Medal Awards are recognised as the leading independent awards programme for the Irish hospitality industry. Judged by industry experts, the awards recognise and reward excellence in hospitality and catering operations across the island of Ireland.

Key Messages:

- Hayfield Manor named Supreme Winner at Virgin Media Business Gold Medal Awards

- Awards program in its 35th year, known for recognizing excellence in Irish hospitality industry

- Judged by industry experts, winners announced at gala awards ceremony in Galway

- Adare Manor in Co. Limerick among winners, taking home Gold Award for "Ireland's Five Star Resort"

Ireland's Outstanding Customer Service Award
Gold for The Kingsley Hotel

2024 Winners Revealed

Supreme Winner Gold - Hayfield Manor Sponsored by Virgin Media Business

Ireland's Lifetime Achievement  Gold - Theresa Allen

Ireland's Favourite Place To Stay Overall Winner - Castle Leslie Connacht - Ashford Castle Leinster - Woodenbridge Hotel & Lodge Munster - The Rose Hotel Ulster - Castle Leslie

Ireland’s Family Friendly Hotel Gold - Newpark Hotel Kilkenny Silver - Clonakilty Park Hotel Bronze - Amber Springs Hotel Sponsored by Virgin Media Business

Ireland's Best Family Run Hotel Group Gold - Romantic Castles Of Ireland

Ireland's Sustainability / Leading Green Hotel Gold - Armada Hotel Silver - Ballygarry Estate Hotel & Spa Bronze - Dromoland Castle Hotel

Ireland’s Five Star Hotel Gold - Hayfield Manor Silver - The Merrion Hotel Dublin Bronze - Cashel Palace Hotel

Ireland's Afternoon Tea Hotel Gold - The Merrion Hotel Dublin Silver - Carton House, A Fairmont Managed Hotel Bronze - Marlfield House Hotel

Ireland's Chef of the Year Gold -  The Lake Hotel, Noel Enright Silver - Ballynahinch Castle Hotel, Danni Barry Bronze - The Mustard Seed Country House and Restaurant, Angel Pirev Sponsored by BWG Food Service

Ireland's Five Star Chef of the Year Gold - Park Hotel Kenmare, James O'Sullivan Silver - Ashford Castle, Liam Finnegan Bronze - Sheen Falls Lodge, Mark Treacy Sponsored by BWG Food Service

Ireland's Best Hotel Group Gold - MHL Hotel Group Sponsored by Action Recruitment

Ireland’s Business & Conference Hotel Gold -  The Johnstown Estate Silver - Lyrath Estate Bronze - Radisson Blu Royal Hotel Dublin

Ireland’s Four Star Hotel Gold - Kilronan Castle Estate & Spa Silver - Armada Hotel Bronze - Ballygarry Estate Hotel & Spa Sponsored by O'Driscolls Irish Whiskey

Ireland’s Wine Experience Gold - Ashford Castle Silver - Cashel Palace Hotel Bronze - Ballynahinch Castle Hotel Sponsored by Classic Drinks

Ireland’s Four Star Resort Gold - Renvyle House Hotel and Resort Silver - Harvey's Point Bronze - Galgorm Sponsored by Sound to Light

Ireland’s Guest Experience Gold - Killashee Hotel Silver - Harvey's Point Bronze - The Montenotte Sponsored by Netaffinity

Ireland's Five Star Resort Gold - Adare Manor Silver - Dromoland Castle Hotel Bronze - Sheen Falls Lodge Sponsored by Virgin Media Business

Ireland’s Three Star Hotel Gold -  Hotel Isaacs Cork Silver - Clew Bay Hotel Bronze - Great National South Court Hotel

Ireland's Hotel Casual Dining Experience Gold - Killarney Plaza Hotel & Spa Silver - Great Southern Killarney Bronze - Armada Hotel

Ireland's Five Star Hotel Casual Dining Experience Gold - The g Hotel & Spa Silver - Hayfield Manor Bronze - Trump International Golf Links & Hotel Ireland

Ireland's Innovative Supplier Gold - Excel Recruitment

Ireland’s City Hotel Gold - The Mayson Hotel Silver - The Dean Cork Bronze - The Hardiman

Ireland’s Country House & Guest House Experience Gold - Ard na Sidhe Country House Hotel Silver - Dunbrody Country House Bronze - Marlfield House Hotel

Ireland’s Fine Dining Hotel Restaurant Gold - The Blue Haven Hotel Silver - Tankardstown House, Brabazon Restaurant  Bronze - Kilronan Castle Estate & Spa

Ireland's Five Star Fine Dining Hotel Restaurant Gold - Lady Helen at Mount Juliet Estate Silver - Ballyfin Demesne Bronze - Carton House, A Fairmont Managed Hotel

Ireland’s Five Star Hotel Spa Experience Gold - Dromoland Castle Hotel Silver - Ashford Castle Bronze - ESPA at The Europe Hotel & Resort

Ireland’s Four Star Hotel Spa Experience Gold - Galgorm Silver - The Johnstown Estate Bronze - Ice House Hotel

Ireland’s Front of House Team/Team Member Gold -  The Europe Hotel & Resort Silver - Sligo Park Hotel & Leisure Club Bronze - The Mustard Seed Country House and Restaurant

Ireland’s Breakfast Experience Gold - Castlewood House Dingle Silver - Pembroke Kilkenny Hotel Bronze - Celtic Ross Hotel

Ireland’s Menu Provenance Award Gold - Ballyfin Demesne Silver - Ballymaloe House Hotel Bronze - Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa

Ireland’s Grand Wedding Hotel Gold - Cork's Vienna Woods Hotel Silver - Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate Bronze - Mulranny Park Hotel

Ireland's Small Wedding Hotel Gold - Luttrellstown Castle Resort Silver - The Station House Hotel, Kilmessan, Co. Meath Bronze - Lough Rynn Castle

Ireland's Castle & Heritage Wedding Excellence Gold - Cashel Palace Hotel Silver - Castle Leslie Estate Bronze - Markree Castle

Ireland's Outstanding Customer Service Award Gold - The Kingsley Hotel

Tourist Experience of the Year Gold - Mulranny Park Hotel Silver - The Gleneagle Hotel, Killarney Bronze - Chancery Hotel Dublin

Ireland's Boutique Hotel of the Year Gold - Pembroke Kilkenny Hotel Silver - Stauntons on the Green Bronze - The Blue Haven Hotel Sponsored by SHR Group

Ireland’s Five Star Guest Experience Gold - Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate Silver - The Merrion Hotel Dublin Bronze - The Killarney Park

Taste of the Week. Joe's Amaretto Cheese Cake

Taste of the Week 

Joe's Amaretto Cheese Cake

There are scores of recipes online for cheesecakes and quite a few that are alcohol flavoured. I started thinking of the latter with a bottle of the award-winning Joe's Almaretto in my hands, not from Italy, but from the local Elbow Lane. Margaritas, Pina Coladas, and, of course, Bailey's Cream came to mind. So, based on an online, Bailey's Cream recipe, we decided to try making one with Joe's Amaretto.

No matter which recipe you choose, do remember that Amaretto has a low viscosity and is not as "thick" as Bailey's so you need to use it sparingly (and taste as you proceed). There were some suggestions to use amaretti biscuits for the crust (base) and/or use almond extract or, indeed, to top with sliced almonds. But we reckon that Joe, from Elbow Lane, has produced a well-flavoured drink, and anything added would be over the top!

Ingredients for this non-bake cheesecake:

Digestive biscuit 270 gm 

Butter 100 gm 

Small carton of Philadelphia Full Cream Cheese 280 gm

Cream 300 gm

Icing sugar 80 gm 

Joe's Amaretto - 10 teaspoons

Guide

Crush biscuits. Melt butter and add to biscuits.

Press firmly into a loose bottom tin (8-inch) and put in the fridge until firm.

Whip cream cheese with icing sugar and Amaretto until stiff.

Whip cream and fold into cheese mixture.

Repeat if needed.

Place in fridge for 6 hours or, preferably, overnight.

                               

Good Times Roll at The Wine Tavern St Luke's. Food, Wine and Friends on the Menu

Good Times Roll at The Wine Tavern St Luke's.

Food, Wine and Friends on the Menu

 

The Wine Tavern at St Luke’s has been up and running for quite a few years now. Indeed, it was established by dad Declan in July 2013. It is managed now by son Sean and head chef daughter Tara.

The family's main aim was and is “to give customers a warm welcome and a great wine and tapas experience with a relaxed ambience whether you are by yourself or in a group”.

Exterior seating for the summertime!

I’ve long known about the social aspect of the venue as all the ladies in my life are regular visitors for girls' nights out there and are always full of praise for the Tavern (you'll find it next door to Henchy’s).

On last week’s visit, we were no sooner in the door than we were given a warm welcome, not just because the fire was blazing. And then we were immediately told that they had a ukulele band that evening!

The former church of St Luke's is now the venue for Live at St Luke's,
a series of musical events held throughout the year. More details here 

But first to the food. With free wines to accompany it (on January Tuesdays and Wednesdays), their sharing board came into focus as an option. It was a winner, the standard set by the delicious Cashel Blue cheese. Other cheeses were smoked cheddar and brie, while the meats were spiced beef, serrano ham, and chorizo. 

The generous board (€32 for two persons) was also loaded with roasted almonds, pickles, and a selection of homemade dips. By the way, if you are in the mood for tapas, here’s a tip. Give the chips and Patatas Bravas a skip for once and go for the delicious Crispy potatoes with Garlic butter and Parmesan cubes (below).

The free wines (offer concludes this week) were both South African, Nyala Sauvignon Blanc and Nyala Cabernet Sauvignon. One of us was driving, so we picked the Ara Zero Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand) instead of the Nyala and enjoyed it very much. It was certainly endowed with some characteristics of the famous Sauvignon from Marlborough and was refreshing with a crisp finish, one of the better non-alcoholic wines we’ve come across.

Back to their “social calendar”, where Maura and Mary's annual Grab A Guna Gig, the 7th of a series, is scheduled for February 10th. At this friendly and fun event, you can do some shopping and help raise much-needed funds for UNICEF (to support the children of Gaza). It starts at 6.00 pm. More details on their Instagram. 

St Luke’s is a very busy food and drink hub these days, and it is not always easy to find parking. But don't forget that two buses, 208 and 207, stop more or less just outside the door.