Friday, June 19, 2009

LA TABLE


Meursac

We are staying in Thezac. Meursac is a nearby village and the place where La Table is to be found. It is behind the church (see picture), close to the community centre (hall, swimming pool, tennis courts).
It is a gem, run by Julie and Julien Massonaud. Service is courteous and with a smile and a little English and the food is top-notch and you can eat indoors or out. After a couple of small free appetisers and a campari (not free), I made a spectacular start with nests (and they looked the real thing) filled with goats cheese and tomato along with a green salad. The advisor had a Mushroom Terrine, with toasted walnut bread, olives and gherkins.
We each had the same main course, Volaille (in rough puff pastry case) with thinly sliced mushrooms in a prawn (yes, believe it or not) sauce. Absolutely gorgeous, the fish and poultry and mushrooms also coming together for a fabulous main dish.
Desserts too were excellent. One was an apple pastry combination served with ice cream while I had the chef’s surprise: chocolate and caramel layers on a biscuit base with a lemon ice cream and a mango coulis. Lovely stuff.
The three course meal came with a price tag of €19.00 a head. The wine, a Bordeaux blanc, cost €18.00 and we finished off with two good coffees at 1.30 each, every bit as good but a lot less expensive than you’d pay in Jacques.

• By the way, when you see chevre on a French menu, it invariably means goats cheese not goat meat.
Check out my review of la table - I am cork - on Qype

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Le Cottage

(picture of vanilla pods)


Settled on the nearby Le Cottage in Les Arces (pronounced to rhyme with a collection of bottoms) for dinner. The restaurant is run by an Irishman Doug and his French wife Axelle. We made the reservation and arrived at seven.

First course was a maigret du canard (smoked) salad for the advisor while I had an asparagus salad (spears, hardboiled egg, little cubes of grapefruit, toasted almonds slivers and leaves). Both were brilliant.

My main was duck with gratin dauphinois, puréed pea and other seasonal vegetables. The adviser had lamb with much the same veg but no gratin. Didn’t think that pureed pea could taste so well but it was gorgeous as were both dishes.

Dessert was also on a very high level. We both went for the oven baked lemon cheesecake, recommended by Axelle who has a terrific command of the English language. The cheesecake, served with a few strawberries, rounded off a fantastic meal.

We took the house wine and that worked out at just €7.00 for a couple of jugs that totalled 70cl. Total cost of the meal, including a cup of coffee, was exactly €63.00. Back then though the back roads, passing the cornfields and vineyards as dusk came down all around.

*By the way, Le Cottage also serves draught Guinness and jus de Guinness is mentioned in some of the dishes.
Check out my review of Le Cottage - I am cork - on Qype

Monday, June 15, 2009

Le Flora (Ringaksiddy-Roscof)


Le Flora (6/6/09)
Storm forecasts notwithstanding, the Advisor 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!
Main course was pork – Pluma Pata Negra: pork steak, probably underdone by Irish standards but, accompanied by a potato cake (understated description) and a simple crispy lettuce, it was absolutely gorgeous.
Dessert for me was a Crumble Pommes, beautifully done with a few big black berries and a little swallow of fiery Calvados to swallow it down. Loved it and also loved the other dessert at our table which was a Soufflé Grand Mariner with a little glass of the famous liquid to accompany it.
By the way, between the mains and desserts, we had the pleasure of picking three cheeses each from the cheese board. Can’t remember them all but the Tombe and the Livarot were the highlights for me.
After the sweets, the coffees were accompanied by a mini Cornetto.
There is a big range of wines available at low to high prices. Felt good so settled or a special offer, a Chateau Haut Surget from the Bordeaux region that cost about 24 euro. No regrets as it was a top notch wine.
Annoyingly, considering that most of the countries are now in the Euro, Brittany Ferries still favour the use of the UK pound on board, though in many cases both currencies are noted.
The total bill for this high quality meal, including a litre bottle of awful Vittal water, came to £76.90 or €90.45.
Check out my review of Le Flora - I am cork - on Qype

Sunday, May 31, 2009


Cork - Eating & Drinking - Pubs & Bars - Bars

SOHO WHAT? SO GOOD

Downtown Saturday about six. Started at Lapps Quay to see the tailend of the annual Ocean to City Rowing event. Quite a buzz, a few hundred people, bars and restaurants busy and food stalls doing a roaring trade. We had to leave the food as we were heading for the Soho Bar & Restaurant.

Called into the Clarion to show my advisor the Atrium. While there, accidently met one of the management staff, a very pleasant fellow who gave us a little tour, that included the impressive Synergy Restaurant. It can seat up to 150 but which is well laid out with little semi-private areas where a couple would not feel overwhelmed by the crowd. So we said thanks very much for that and started out for SOHO.
We went through Patrick Street and came across a ragged looking Eastern European band (not really sure where they were from but their literature was in Cyrillic script) playing what sounded like gypsy music.
They were very active and an entertainment in themselves (they play The Roundy this Wed June 3rd) and then they were unexpectedly joined by a guy wearing his CK underpants and a ball and chain. He danced and they surrounded him as they played and we all had a laugh.

The feel good experience continued in SOHO. Starters were pan seared scallops followed by Pan seared duck. Both were top class and so too was the wine, a Fleurie AC Beaujolais Cru, Gamay 2007 (by Mignot). Desserts didn't disappoint either and they were a Lemon Tart and a Sticky Toffee Pudding.
There is quite a range of prices here so you can stick to a budget or go for broke. The atmosphere, the lay-out and especially the service – we had our best waitress in a long time, friendly and helpful – were all excellent.
Check out my review of Soho Bar and Restaurant - I am cork - on Qype

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

FOOD & DRINK SKILLS

An All Ireland Food & Drinks Skills Conference will be held in Cromleach Lodge, Sligo on Wednesday 20th May 2009.

Sharon Sweeney is involved in a Food Training Network (Taste4Success): "We have organised this day long event on facing challenges and opportunities, promoting products and where to cut costs and differentiate in the Food & Drinks business.I would be grateful if you could let your readers know this event is on."

"The event is a platform to pull together food companies in the North, West Midlands to present our needs to Forfas and (hopefully) the Tainiste's Office re our contribution to Food in Ireland and for us to seek for greater importance and indeed funding towards food companies development and training here. Other bodies such as Taste Council of Ireland and Hugo Arnold as well as Good Food Ireland will be speaking at this."

http://www.taste4success.ie/
info@taste4success.ie
"Join Food Industry Experts, on facing challenges and opportunities, promoting products, where to cut cost and differentiate, food demonstrations and much more…

Guest Speakers: Alan Nuzum, CEO Skillnets
Marie Bourke, Forfás, Human Capital and Labour Market Policy Department
Geoff Lamb, Business Development Manager, Food & Drinks Sector Skills
Margaret Jeffares, Managing Director and Founder of Good Food Ireland
Hugo Arnold, Head of Quality Assurance, Good Food Ireland
Peter Ward, Chair of Taste Council, An Bord Bia, artisan food producer
John Gorman, HR Manager - Green Isle/Northern Foods/ Goodfellas Pizas, President of the Irish Institute of Training and Development
Eoin Magennis, Policy Research Manager Cookery

Demonstrations by: Peter Ward, Chair of Taste Council, An Bord Bia, artisan food producer Sharon Sweeney, Leading designer and creator of innovative cakes and handmade Chocolates of Cannoboe Confectionery Moira Tighe, Irish Chef of the Year 2000 and Chef/Owner of the famed Cromleach Lodge Country House Hotel & Ciúnas Spa


More info
www.taste4success.ie
info@taste4success.ie
- Sharon Sweeney - Cannaboe Confectionery - 0719644778 www.cacamilis.com/blog

Thursday, May 7, 2009

LUNCH WITH LUIGI

Cork - Eating & Drinking - Restaurants

LUIGI MALONE’S

It was an hour past my lunchtime and I was in Emmett Place, the right place and time to try out Luigi Malone’s all day (up to 5.00pm) menu.

No regrets, very enjoyable, good food, good value, friendly service. Main course was a Jambalaya: chicken, prawns and tomato salsa with tagliattelli. Spicy, tasty and filling. Cost was less than a tenner and a glass of wine on this menu cost just 3 euro.

Finished off with their famous Toberlone Cheesecake with a cup of coffee and the cost for the combination was €5.90. The cheesecake was lovely –though I didn't particularly notice anything that would make it famous – and the coffee was fine.

Enjoyed the break and would recommend the place.
Check out my review of Luigi Malone's Restaurant - I am cork - on Qype

Friday, May 1, 2009


Kilkenny

During a recent short trip to Kilkenny, I enjoyed a meal at Fleva's. For a couple of Euro less, you get a three course at Lautrec Bistro (St Kieran’s Street). Portions are probably bigger here (not that they are small in Flevas) but quality is high. I enjoyed my braised lamb and the unusual dessert of orange tasting semolina with blueberries. They also do a Plat du jour for €21.00.

Wines at each establishment started around €5.75 per glass but the best glass of wine I had was at the big Left Bank Bar, down by the Castle. Most of the bars here are small but this highly decorated bright place has soft sofas and a roaring fire and bamboo plants growing to the high ceiling. I took my six euro glass of Merlot over to one of the sofas and didn't leave for an hour, a very enjoyable hour indeed.

It was a quick and enjoyable visit to the place that bills itself as Ireland’s Medieval City – not quite true. Officially it may well be a city but many towns are as big and you do have to work to find the medieval bits. The population is about 22,000, not much more than that of Douglas. It is about the same as the non city of Tralee and much less than non city Dundalk (35,000)! But obviously the Cats won the argument some time ago! Same as they’ve won so many hurling titles – now you can’t take that away from them!

For more on Kilkenny go to: http://swissroll07.blogspot.com
Check out my review of Lautrec Bistro - I am cork - on Qype


Kilkenny

Historic Kilkenny is a short enough trip from Cork or Dublin.

Highlight is the gallery in Kilkenny Castle, a must visit, but you can take or leave the tower (don't think you’d get planning permission for it nowadays).

Countryside is pleasant with some fine ruins (Jerpoint Abbey for example, a much better visit than the remaining bits and pieces of Duiske). Some lovely villages too within a short distance of the city, particularly Inistioge (Don't forget a visit to nearby Woodstock) and Graiguenamanagh (on the Barrow).

Arriving in the town, had lunch at the hotel, the Kilkenny Inn (a mid range decent enough three star, quite close to the small town centre). Lunch was a Cajun chicken in a tortilla, with chips and salad, all for less than a tenner. Nicely done and good value.

Kilkenny seems to be a favourite trip to for the Dublin food critics (also hen and stag nights - check that out when booking your hotel). You could fall over the many awards around the place. The door at Fleva (High Street) is loaded with Bridgestones. It is well worth a visit. I had a three course early bird there for €26.00. Mains was Pork with cheese and a mustard jus and the desert, bread and butter pudding with whisky soaked raisins, looked and tasted amazing, should have taken a photo.
Check out my review of Flevas - I am cork - on Qype

ENCORE!

MILANO: THE SECOND TEST

Sometimes, I’m wary of returning to a restaurant where I’ve had a good meal. Milano though passed the stress test with flying colours.

We again had pizza: the Padana, which has rich goat's cheese, spinach and red onion with tangy caramelised onion confit and a drizzle of garlic oil and the Giardiniera which has asparagus, artichokes, mushrooms and fresh red peppers with santos tomatoes, olives and garlic on a rich sauce of tomato and pesto.

I thoroughly enjoyed the latter. I had a piece of the Padana but thought it a little too sweet for my taste (the caramelised onion), but it did go down well at the other side of the table.

Drinks aren’t that cheap at Milano. They do the well known Peroni beer and it did go well with the pizzas but at close to €9.00 for a 60cl bottle, it is expensive.

One of the desserts was Tiramisu. Quite a chunk of it arrived on the table – much more that what you’d get in Italy – and it was absolutely gorgeous.

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

QYPE

QYPE: KNOW BEFORE YOU GO


Taking a trip soon? Dublin? London? Bordeaux? Anywhere in Europe?

Where to eat? What to do? Then QYPE’s for you – try it at http://www.qype.co.uk/ie021-dublin

Cork people have their favourite pubs in Dublin. But, how about a change? Try Shebeen Chic. Find it at http://www.qype.co.uk/ie021-dublin

Cheap air fares means going to London is like taking the bus. Now that you’ve done all the regular tourist places why not do something different, like taking a thrilling RIB run on the Thames. Check it out at: http://www.qype.co.uk
France is one of the most popular destinations for Irish holidaymakers. Going there this summer? Where to eat in Bordeaux? Just type in the city you want and hey presto you got all the restaurants conveniently listed in the areas in the city, such as the Old Quarter.

Did it come up in French? No bother. QYPE is multi-lingual – just change to Anglais.
Going further? Vienna, Athens, Copenhagen..many more... are covered..restaurants and entertainments reviewed by the punters..check it out before you go or when you’re on the road...
QYPE – don't leave home without QYPEing.....

List of categories in QYPE

Categories
Eating & Drinking
Restaurants, Cafés & Coffee Shops, Pubs & Bars
Shopping
Food & Drink, Fashion, Home Shopping
Health & Beauty
Health, Beauty & Wellness
Services
Other Services, Public Services, Financial Services
Arts & Entertainment
Landmarks, Museums, Theatres
Hotels & Holidays
Hotels, Bed & Breakfast, Holiday Rentals
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Swimming, Gyms, Dance Schools
Nightlife
Clubs, Cinemas, Music Venues
Children
Crèches & Kindergartens, Kids Activities, Children & Baby Fashion
Education
Universities, Language Schools, Continuing Studies
Transportation
Cars & Bikes, Public Transport
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Vets, Pet Shops, Grooming

Thursday, April 23, 2009

MILANO

Milan Cathedral
GOOD OFFER AT MILANO'S


Didn't see any brick oven but the pizza at Milano’s in Oliver Plunkett Street was good. So too was the welcome, the service and atmosphere in a restaurant that was very busy early on Wednesday evening.

Perhaps the rush was partly down to the promotional voucher in the local Evening Echo that gives you one free pizza for each ordered. Not a bad offer at all so I said I try it out.

We started with a little intro, some marinated olives in one bowl and Rustica Tomatoes in another, each costing €2.95 and each very very tasty indeed. Promising.

Pizza is the order of the day here and you see the three chef conveyor line in front of you if you have a seat in the back half of the well lit, well laid out establishment.

We both order the Il Padrino (€13.95), torn chicken with rustica tomatoes and a mix of chargrilled Italian vegetables, on a rich sauce of tomato and pesto. It was a smashing pizza, tasty and moist and gone too soon.

Not a big choice of wines but do you really need a big choice for pizzas? Bottles will cost you around €23-24 while you can get a glass for about €6.50 or a 25cl serving for eight or nine euro.

Finished off the Italian way, something sweet with the coffee. We didn't want a full dessert so settled for the new introduction which is called Semi Freddo Reale: Creamy gelato dessert made with nougat, praline and marsala wine, served with a shot of espresso on the side. Gorgeous. And it was two happy campers that went out the door.

Friday, April 17, 2009

THE CONTINENTAL



Thursday evening at 6.30pm and the recession raging! Thought I’d walk in to Luigi Malone’s. No way – booked out! Walked across Patrick Street, down to The Continental – we were the only two there for the duration of our high quality meal. Come on folks – give this gem a try!

They have an early Bird to tempt you: 2 courses cost €19.90, 3 cost €24.95. Great choices, great food. They dish out brown and white breads with butter, hummous and oil. Nice touch.

Started with a Black Pudding, bacon and apple salad. The plate was full and the starter itself full of exciting tastes. The other starter on the table (you had quite a decent choice) was a smoked salmon pate and that too was excellent.

The main course, again you had a choice of about four on the budget menu, was also a winner. It was a spinach and almond cannelloni with tomato. What a taste! Memorable.

Also quite filling so we shared a dessert, a crepe with ice cream and an orange butter. Good but not quite in the same class as the earlier courses.

A 500 ml carafe of the house wine, red or white, will cost you €13.95. The Continental may be found at 7 Maylor Street (021 4253900).

I am not the only one happy with a visit to the Continental – see http://www.tripadvisor.ie/ and check up on Cork restaurants where this one is rated number one of 103, Luigi Malone’s well down in mid table.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

CLARION - The Atrium


Pas Mal

The Atrium Lounge in the Clarion Hotel (Lapps Quay) is a good spot for a light lunch. Certainly, I enjoyed my recent visit and found the prices quite reasonable.

I had a Toasted Focaccia (with Greek cheese and tomato), served with a salad and a handful of potato crisps. It was quite substantial and the cost was €8.50. I had a glass of Siete Sauvignon Blanc (€5.75) with it and was very happy with the meal.

You get quite a choice of similar dishes - my companion had a Chicken Quesadilla - and they also have a selection of sandwiches.

The Atrium is more or less an extension of the lobby. It is not self service. You are served at your table as you sit in very comfortable seats.

So, if the shopping gets too much and you need a pit stop, call into the Clarion, relax and treat yourself.

* In modern architecture, an atrium (plural atria) is a large open space, often several stories high and having a glazed roof and/or large windows, often situated within an office building and usually located immediately beyond the main entrance doors