Ballymaloe House and satellites in Shanagarry

BALLYMALOE HOUSE

(and satellite operations)  

Ballymaloe House and its satellites are some operation and well worth a visit, or two. Basically, you find the main entrance to Ballymaloe House on a right angled bend as you come from the Cloyne direction. A mile or so further on, in the village of Shanagarry, more or less opposite the church, you find the left turn that will take you to the Ballymaloe Cookery School and its gardens.

We start the tour at Ballymaloe House today. Go through the sturdy pillars and drive the narrow tarmac track towards the old ivy covered house. Just a couple of things to remember as you approach the car parks. This is a working farm – watch out for tractors and so on. It is also an area of leisure – watch out for stray golf balls as the course is very near the house.

So, you want to eat. Why else would you be coming? Then, you have a choice. You may have lunch in the house which will cost you 40 euro or in the cafe where it will cost about half that, prices are more or less normal, but the cafe is small. If you want to book dinner at the house, the tariff is 70 euro.

Maybe you just want to shop. You are in the right place. The Ballymaloe ShopBallymaloe Shop, in a cottage type building, has loads of Irish crafts, a well stocked kitchen room and also a food section where you may buy their own products and those of others.

Interested in the arts? Then stroll over to the Grain Store. There may well be an exhibition going on here. Maybe it’s the conference you have come for? Will you be here this evening? For the concert? If you do stay overnight, then there is a range of accommodation for you.

Okay, so I’ve lost some passengers. But we have enough to carry on. Back to the entrance and we head for the village of Shanagarry, take the sharp turn left and then we turn off the road to the right and arrive at the world famous Cookery School.

Costa Coffee in Cork City

COSTA COFFEE  

Got myself a punchy Italian coffee at Costa’s in Emmett Place this morning, one of the best in a while. Really enjoyed it, especially with a flaky croissant. The regular size coffee cost €2.95 while the croissant was €1.80.

Service at the bar was excellent, everyone courteously combining to make sure I got exactly what I wanted. No shortage of seating, both indoors and outdoors.

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

Crinnaghtaun Juice Co in Cappoquinn

CRINNAGHTAUN APPLE JUICE

The producers say their Bramley and Cox Apple Juice is slightly dry. But my verdict this sunny morning is that it is dry, quite tarty. It is that bit different but none the worse for that. I enjoyed my glass today and will be on the lookout for the widely available juice again along with its sweeter Cox companion.

Apples from the Blackwater Valley are farm pressed and pasteurised by traditional methods to make this Natural Healthy Drink, high in vitamin C (added to stop oxidisation). It is available in 25cl and 75cl bottles and the 75cl cost me €2.99 in Castlemartyr.

e-mail: sales@irishjuiceco.com,
telephone: + 353 (0)58 54258
http://www.irishapplejuice.com/
Crinnaghtaun Juice Co
Tivoli,
Cappoquin,
Co.Waterford.
Ireland

Check out my review of Crinnaghtaun Juice Co - I am cork - on Qype

It's the money, Honey

DEISE HONEY

Getting confused with honey, the stuff that comes in a jar.

Tasted quite a few this past year or more and really can’t taste that much of a difference. And yet the prices vary widely. My most recent purchase was a 340gm of Deise Honey which cost €6.95. It had a fine taste but so do had the others, such as John Martin’s and Molaga, so why the huge price tag, the most expensive I’ve come across.

Is there any good reason? I’d like to know. Maybe we should have a tasting, like we do in wine. Just don't ask me to fund it!

Deise Irish Honey is produced in County Waterford in the family run apiary of P. Deasy, Rose Cottage, Dunloughtane, Youghal, Co. Waterford 024 20910.

Check out my review of Deise Honey - I am cork - on Qype

Ballymaloe Shop (at Ballymaloe House)

THE BALLYMALOE SHOP

Let me put you straight here. There is just one Ballymaloe café. There are two Ballymaloe shops and the one I’m talking about here is, like the café, adjacent to Ballymaloe House (which has its own entrance).

The Ballymaloe Cookery School and Gardens are about a mile away, entrance from Shanagarry village. There is no café here but they do have a farm shop attached.

The shop at Ballymaloe House sells crafts (including knitwear and pottery) and some food (mainly in jars and bottles, such as jam and honey). Perhaps its most impressive area is the kitchen room which must have every small and not so small tool you’ll ever need. We certainly helped ourselves to a few handy items on today’s visit.

Food items purchased here included Ballymaloe Jalapeno Pepper Relish (€2.95), Gourmet Handmade Plum Jam by Helen Gee from Laois (€3.50) and Deise Irish Honey (expensive at €6.95).

We didn’t need any help today but the staff were very pleasant and we saw them help out some English visitors in a courteous and friendly fashion and their exchanges with us were along the same lines.

I know some people are worried about declining standards of courtesy but I find the opposite is true in the food and drinks industry, in the Cork area at least.

There is plenty of parking by the shop and you may also call to the Café) at the back of the shop) and also to the Grain Store (which sometimes hosts art exhibitions).

http://www.ballymaloe.ie/ballymaloeshop/index.html
Phone: +353 (0) 21 4652032

Things to do and see in Cork: http://corkandabout.blogspot.com/
Check out my review of Ballymaloe Shop - I am cork - on Qype

Ballymaloe Cafe in Shanagarry

The Ballymaloe Café 
(at the back of the shop)

Three thirty for a scone. A bit much. Even if the venue was the Café at the back of the shop in Ballymaloe House. Called there today and two large cups of coffee and two scones came to €13.20, each item costing €3.30.

We had been aiming for lunch but came a bit too early and so settled for coffee and scones (with butter and jam, no cream). Lunch might have been better from the point of view of value as the prices look reasonable.

It is quite a small room, seating for maybe 25. Service is fine and friendly. The coffee was excellent and so too was the scone though it was a fair bit smaller than those, of similar quality, served in places such as Nash 19, Greene’s and The Hawthorn on the Lough. Just that high price!

http://www.ballymaloe.ie/cafeshoppage/cafe_at_the_end_of_the_shop.htm
T: 00353 (0)21 4652032

Check out my review of Ballymaloe Cafe - I am cork - on Qype

The Village Greengrocer in Castlemartyr

THE VILLAGE GREENGROCER

Wish I had a shop like Castlemartyr’s Village Greengrocer closer to me than the East Cork village. Everything from wine to balsamic vinegar, from cabbage to asparagus, from Amaretto D’Italia biscuits to home baking... and even a Food Hall where you may take away or eat on the tables outside.

A pot of Ballymaloe Seville marmalade (€3.29), some flat mushrooms, Crinnaghtaun Apple Juice (€2.99), Emile Noel Organic extra virgin Olive Oil (€9.20 for 50cl), Amaretto d’Italia (for my recently acquired bottles of Marsala), Knockamore Irish farmhouse Cheese, their own Blackcurrant Jam and a pack of those whole cooked beetroot were among the purchases.

Courtesy was very evident from the moment we pulled into the (small) car park; there is street parking and the service was with a smile and a chat.

The only slightly disappointing note was that the beetroot and blueberries were from the UK. Looks like our home growers, who will always get a chance in a place like this, still have a bit to go!

021 466 7655

thevillagegreengrocer@eircom.net

Check out my review of The Village Greengrocer - I am cork - on Qype

LINER MENUS - THEN AND NOW

LINER DINNER MENUS 

1958 & 52 years later

Just a little distraction from the usual reviews today as we give you the chance to compare the dinner menus from two great liners: the MV Britannic and the current Queen Mary 11. You will see from the menus that while Chocolate and Vanilla ice cream has survived, or maybe evolved, and is till with us, there are not that many similarities.

Just to set you straight, the Britannia Restaurant is on the current ship. The menu from the Britannic is below (click to enlarge)

Like the Titanic, the MV Britannic, then the largest of her class, was built in Belfast but had a much more routine life on the ocean waves. The liner served on the North Atlantic route and also on the Caribbean from 1930 to 1960. She also did duty as a troop carrier during the war.

 BRITANNIA RESTAURANT

Dinner

CANYON RANCH SPA SELECTIONS

Appetizer — Artichoke Salad 65/5/2 (V)

Entrée —Sausage Stuffed Chicken with Fig Demi Glace 390/13/2

Dessert — Poppy Seed Cake 160/8/tr

APPETIZERS & SOUPS

Symphony of Salmon & Shrimp Ceviche

Pineapple Carpaccio with Ricotta Cheese & Peppered Strawberries

Crab & Baby Shrimp Thermidor in a Parmesan Brioche

Cream of Broccoli & Stilton with Scallions

Beef Consommé with Herbed Pancake Strips

SALADS

Baby Spinach Salad, Walnut & Crispy Bacon Bits, Balsamic & Grape Dressing

Endive Salad with Asparagus, Honey Ginger Dressing (V)

BRITANNIA RESTAURANT

ENTRÉES

Spaghetti Carbonara, Creamy Egg Yolk & Parmesan Sauce, Crispy Smoked Bacon

Broiled Lobster Tail, Shrimp & Scallop Feuillantine, Newburg Sauce

Roast Duck à L’Orange, Pommes Amandine

Châteaubriand, Larded Peas & Gratin Dauphinoise Potatoes

Grilled Vegetables, Parmesan Whipped Potatoes & Garlic Spinach (V)

DESSERTS

Cassis Champagne Mousse, Wild Berry Coulis

Mango & Passion Fruit Crème Brûlée

Baked Alaska with Flambéed Morello Cherries

Sugar-free Strawberry Tart with Fresh Berry Salad

Butter Pecan and Chocolate Ice Creams with Vanilla Frozen Yoghurt, Peach Sauce

Cheese Selection with Shropshire Blue, Pont L’Évêque, Swiss Emmental, Pepper Boursin

Nutrition Key: Calories / Fat Grams / Fibre Grams (V) Indicates dishes suitable for Vegetarians

HERE'S TO eFRIENDS

HERE’S TO eFRIENDS

Dinner last night owed much to friends I’ve met on the net.

Promising start thanks to @winealliancemoz His recent raid on Royan included a Rubis Pineau for moi. Chilled it yesterday evening before sampling. What a gem! Thanks a million,  Maurice.

Starter, a Bruschetta, roughly along the lines of what FennsQuay (apologies  Kate!) produced for their recent Sicilian Wine Evening. Good bread, toasted on one side, with diced tomatoes and good quality olive oil, along with some olives. Superb preparation for the main course.

Late last year I was invited, via libertygrill, to the launch night of the Cork Good Food Week and one of the tastiest bites was the Venison Stew. Been trying it since. Last Saturday's meat was bought in O’Sullivan’s in the English Market; added in some seasonal vegetables and red wine and served with spuds in their skins. And cleaned the plates.

Finished off with a slice (two, to be honest) of a gorgeous fruit cake, all thanks to Bibliocook  Caroline has some fantastic recipes of her own on the site but this came from Nigel Slater, a blueberry and peach cake with almonds. I picked the berries out the back but was a little short so added in a fistful of blackberries which didn't do any harm. You can get the link to the recipe at Bibliocook.

It wasn't all internet related, of course. Old friends too played a part and a neighbour kindly left in a bottle of Bordeaux which fitted the bill. 

Coming up to lunchtime Sunday as I finish this. The sun is out and I’ll soon be out too, sipping more of that Pineau on the garden seat. Here’s to friends! Both old and new.

The Huntsman near Blarney

THE HUNTSMAN
Tower’s Huntsman is not one of your modern super pubs. Much more basic, divided into bar and lounge, and it draws a good share of locals. It is reasonably comfortable and roomy and they have music there from time to time. Service is efficient and friendly. Tables are cleared of empty glasses regularly. Prices are average and the drink is good. Handy place to meet friends as we did the other night.

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

Star Anise in Cork

STAR ANISE  

A late decision to go out early on Friday evening meant we headed downtown without a booking. Passed a few restaurants in McCurtain Street and Bridge Street to do a bit of other business in Patrick Street. By then had decided to go back to Bridge Street and saw that Star Anise had Duck Confit with Sarlat potatoes so, despite having the dish a half dozen times during recent holiday in Sarlat, we decided to try there first.
Luckily they were able to fit us it. The small place is bright and clean and the welcome is absolutely warm. We were given loads of information about the menu and a detailed account of the specials. By the time, we had heard all that, the confit was forgotten about.
This is what we choose:
Starters:
A -Polenta and Sage crusted Brie, with walnut pesto, garlic croutons and red pepper jam.
B -Tandoori marinated prawns with lime crème fraîche and nutty couscous, with lime and coriander salsa.
Mains:
A -Blackened Cajun salmon with lime crème fraîche, baby potatoes and avocado salad
B - Japanese style breaded butterfly chicken, with rice and spinach and roasted tomatoes.
I have to say, delighted to say, that all four dishes were top class. My prawns, on a skewer, were splendid bites, embellished by the perfect accompaniments. The Brie, a decent rectangle, not the huge slab that you come across sometimes, was also spot on, enhanced by the crust and other pieces.
I thoroughly enjoyed my salmon and also had a good taste of the delightful chicken with its delicate Asian crust. I was asked which I preferred and, honestly, couldn’t give a straight answer. One was as delicious as the other.
We had started with some lovely breads and all through the meal the friendly service continued and the two ladies waved us as we left at the end. We had to forego dessert and wine as we were heading out to a “session” later in the evening but left very happy with the meal and looking forward to calling back again to Star Anise, which bills itself as a Mediterranean restaurant but draws its inspirations from an even wider net. More importantly, the chef turns the inspiration into delightful platefuls.
Early Bird: Cost 23.90 each for two courses.

4 Bridge Street
Cork
021 4551635

Check out my review of Star Anise - I am cork - on Qype

THE WEEKEND CATCH

THE WEEKEND CATCH

Restaurant & Bar Scene in Cork

via Twitter & Facebook

Been inundated with entries for the Robert Roberts Tea/Coffee hamper. Not in? Still time as entries close on August 16^th at http://corkfood.blogspot.com/search?q=Roberts

Caroline has an interesting Barry’s Tea competition going and you can check that out at http://www.bibliocook.com/

Have you got a bumper crop of courgettes? Then check put the recipes at

http://allrecipes.co.uk/recipes/tag-334/courgette-recipes.aspx

Jameson Irish Whiskey Many of you have made complimentary comments about Jameson 18 year old Limited Reserve and Jameson Rarest Vintage Reserve. We're delighted to say that both whiskeys have just won prestigious gold medals at the respected International Spirits Challenge awards. A tremendous honour for us. And a reflection of your fine taste and knowledge of course! If you've ever savoured either of these two winners, please feel free to tell us your thoughts.

Food Safety Authority of Ireland Latest food alert: Irish Spring water multi pack recall. For info on this alert, click here: http://www.fsai.ie/comeraghwaterrecall.html

‎| Food Alerts | News | Food Safety Authority of Ireland

www.fsai.ie

SoHo Bar & Restaurant Our new COCKTAIL, WINE & DESSERT menu launched yesterday (Thurs) so pop in and try a few tonight. if you’re nice we will give u a few free samples !!!

cafegusto  If you are in Cafe Gusto any evening over the weekend, make sure you try a complimentary Moroccan mint tea! http://twitpic.com/2bufte 

libertygrill  You’ll be glad to know the repairs are finished and the Liberty has been serving breakfast since 8.00 today Friday. http://twitpic.com/2buv2p 

SAVEURMAG  Spotted some tempting recipes here: “9 of our favourite Greek mezedes, from feta-stuffed peppers to herb-filled grape leaves” http://bit.ly/cYZWHQ 

grapes_of_sloth Paul Kieran tells us about a mini-string of coastal wine bars at http://pauljkiernan.wordpress.com/2010/08/05/casa_diegos_aperitif 

Billy Lyons Paul went west while I headed east and a found a Cobh Bar/Restaurant in a great location, even has its own pontoon for sailors

Ireland.com - Blogs - The Food & Drink Blog – The Quays in Cobh

We search the net, via Twitter and Facebook, each Thursday evening and early Friday morning, for the latest from the Cork restaurant and bar scene. If you don't have either of the above, reach us at cork.billy@gmail.com. Deadline 10.00am Friday.

CURIOUS WINES

Big selection

Wide Aisles

Wines from all over

 Brothers Mike (left) and Matt of Curious Wines.

CURIOUS WINES

When I first saw the new Kinsale Road warehouse of Curious Wines (Green), it reminded me of the 1967 film title I am Curious (Yellow). The same director, Vilgot Sjöman, also made a film called I am Curious (Blue), his colours from the Swedish flag.

The green of Curious Wines is bright and unmissable and Number 36 brightens up that corner of the Kinsale Road Commercial Centre. It is also big which means you have loads of room in the aisles and they have plenty of room to display their impressive range of wines.

It is the new base of brothers Mike and Matt Kane who have moved form Bandon after 18 months or so there. Space and location were the main attractions in making the move for Curious Wines, whose website has won Best in Ireland (2009) and who feature in the Bridgestone Best in Ireland 2010.

“We are now settled in and happy with the location,” Mike told me on a  recent visit. “We’ve used the web to let people know of the move and word of mouth, perhaps the best recommendation, is now having its effect.”

“It is so convenient for so many people, just one minute off the Kinsale Road roundabout. Quite a few made the trip out to Bandon but it wasn't  a regular trip and that seems to be happening here.”

“The proximity of Smyths Toys also means a huge footfall in the centre and indeed quite a few tired parents drop in to buy a consolatory bottle after hours spent on toys. I know the feeling, as I’m a parent myself.”

I told Mike that I was still going through one of their mixed case specials. “Yeah, that works well for us. Customers are creatures of habit and the mixed case gives them the opportunity to break out a bit. We include recognisable labels but also less well known ones. It is a nice easy way to try different wines and works out at less than eight euro per bottle.”

“We don't want to force anyone into anything they don't like but these cases make it easy to explore. Our twenty per cent off offers are also a help in that direction. Currently we have that reduction on both Italian and New Zealand wines.”

We asked Mike if he had spotted any trends this summer? Anything doing in Rosé?

“Rosés started well with the good weather in May but, like the sunshine, tailed off after that. Funnily enough, people seem to prefer the more expensive rosé. We have a lovely McLaren at €15.00 and quite a few people have tried that. Tastings are a great way to get people into Rosé.”

Did the World Cup spark any interest in South African wines? I see you have some Chenin Blanc in your selection from there?

“No, the area is a hard sell at the moment, people seem to prefer Chile. But we do have a Paarl Heights Chenin Blanc here and that won a Gold Medal at the 2010 Sommelier Awards.”

Curious Wines are looking forward to making the best use of their warehouse.

“The warehouse situation, there are less than ten in Ireland, has lower overheads and allows the retailer extra space. That means larger quantities and the opportunity to have an expansive interesting range.”

“It is bright and spacious here and the five foot aisles and trolleys make it easy for the customer to browse. There is no minimum purchase. You can buy just the one bottle if you like but with parking outside the door we find that people usually buy more than that. People that haven't called to us before are understandably a bit cautious but we’re confident they’ll be back. We are looking forward to the months ahead and particularly to the Christmas market.”

The future is green!

 If you can't visit the warehouse, you can see and buy the wines at http://www.curiouswines.ie/

Here you may also check out their blog and sign up for the newsletter.

Phones: In Ireland: 021 432 0233
Outside Ireland: +353 21 432 0233

The Green Warehouse

The Entrance Hall

The Quays in Cobh

THE QUAYS

You may arrive at the Quays Bar and Restaurant in Cobh by car, on foot, by train or by boat. The establishment has its own pontoon.

It also has a decking area, part of it under cover, so you can take in the harbour views as you dine.

Called in there at the weekend, by car, and enjoyed a decent afternoon cup of coffee, a large one (with wrapped biscuit), that cost €2.50.

The inside bar area looks clean and comfortable and service was efficient and helpful and smiles all round. We took the coffee on the decked area, took our time and watched as one of the cruise liners left the nearby Deepwater Quay.

You won't get views like this at too many restaurants, though one in Venice, where I enjoyed the local “green” sardines, springs to mind. I haven't sampled the fine cuisine in The Quays yet but Saturday’s experience suggests that it should be up to scratch.

You can see the menu and prices on the website and they also have specials. Saturday's Specials included Soup at €4.50 and main courses ranging from Pan Fried Sea Bass with White Wine Sauce at €20.95 to Black Sole on the bone with a caper/butter sauce at €27.95.

Check out my review of The Quays - I am cork - on Qype
Picture, taken from the Sirius Art Gallery, shows outside area of The Quays

THE WEEKEND CATCH

THE WEEKEND CATCH

Restaurant & Bar Scene in Cork

via Twitter & Facebook

LIBERTY GRILL and FENNS QUAY UP GRADE, REVAMP

Liberty Grill We will be closed Monday the 2nd to Thursday the 5th of August for a little TLC. We reopen 8am Friday the 6th.

We will be upgrading our disabled toilet facilities, reupholstering our banquette seating and chairs, re-varnish the floor, painting plus numerous repairs and fire safety maintenance jobs.

No. 5 Fenns Quay Restaurant People may remember last November Fenns was badly hit by the flooding so our building needs a little tlc which requires Fenns quay to take a little vacation from the 1^st August whilst Mike Hanrahan & his team perform surgery! So we look forward to a few weeks time when the doors open to a revitalised Fenns Quay Restaurant!

Nash 19 Another Bank Holiday, another Bank Holiday madness at Nash 19. Buy three frozen meals from the freezer this Friday and get the cheapest FREE.......

Nash 19 This Bank Holiday make it The Real Irish Breakfast.

Crowes Farm Bacon and Sausage, Jack and Tim McCarthy's (Gold Medal Winning) Black Pudding, and Glenilen Farm Country Butter. All available in the chilled unit for you to take home for the weekend.

The Seaview Cafe & Market This Sunday, August 1st, Live music from 5pm to 7pm with Colin McLean.

Dine in Cork Hi Everybody. The dates are in for the winter Dine in Cork week it's from November 5th - November 14th. We will keep you up to date on offers, competitions & menus as they come in.

Kinsale’s Jola loves strawberry and here she shares one of her recipes with you:

http://jolasrestaurant.blogspot.com/2010/07/strawberries.html

Wagamama Ireland show your valid Irish Rail ticket every Tuesday before you order and you can buy one main course get one free!

Nautilus restaurant We will be open all day this bank holiday Sunday.

Milano Listen up budding pizzaiolos! We want to add another fantastic new pizza to the menu and we need your help!  Do you have a recipe from dear old Grandma that deserves the praise of the nation?? Got an unusual combo of toppings that makes your mouth water? If the answer’s yes then send them our way and you could be in with a chance to win a trip for 2 to Rome PLUS having your creation put on the Milano menu across the country. 

FOOD SAFETY AUTHORITY: Advice on the safe use of duck eggs - http://www.fsai.ie/advice-on-the-safe-usage-of-duck-eggs.html

richysbistro New specials this week are Thai chicken Satay, breaded Bantry bay mussels, caramelised goats cheese and Seafood chowder, that’s your starters; main course - are Penne arrabbiata, pan roast salmon, tempura of hake with skinny chips and seared Beara Scallops

blackrockcastle  uploaded a YouTube video -- The Castle Bar & Trattoria http://youtu.be/mlxmLqYpGlA?a

grapes_of_sloth tweeted: Bollinger Announce Sponsorship of 34th Kinsale Gourmet Festival http://ow.ly/2iGEz

We search the net, via Twitter and Facebook, each Thursday evening and early Friday morning, for the latest from eh Cork restaurant and bar scene. If you don't; have either of he above, reach us at cork.billy@gmail.com. Deadline 10.00am Friday.

THE GREAT TASTE OF ROBERT ROBERTS

ROBERT ROBERTS

Cheers up and down the Broomhill Road in Dublin recently as Robert Roberts celebrated their unprecedented success at the 2010 Great Taste Awards in London.


Master Roaster and Blender Garath Scully: “These awards are a great boost to us. ...nice to see that an Irish company can hold its own with international competition. All of us here in the factory are thrilled.”


To celebrate the incredible success, Robert Roberts have given us a hamper of their award winning teas and coffees for you.


To be in with a chance of winning just answer the following question. How many Gold Stars were Robert Roberts awarded in the 2010 Great Taste Awards:


A – 6


B – 12


C – 20


Send answer with name and address to cork.billy@gmail.com before 8.00am on August 16^th next.


For more info (not to mention a huge hint) check out these links.

Great Taste Awards

Robert Roberts

Shelbourne Bar in Cork

THE SHELBOURNE BAR

The Shelbourne Bar in McCurtain Street is one popular venue, the crowd usually spilling out onto the footpath.
But it was relatively unpopulated on Saturday afternoon when I called for refreshment after watching the Lee Swim. Quite an amount of bottled beer from abroad available but went for a pint of Carlsberg. It was cold and beautiful, the most welcome drink ever, after the heat of the streets.

The pint and a half cost €6.80, a full fifty cent dearer than my suburban local. But that extra didn’t take from the pleasure. Service is fine and the seating is comfortable. The stone and tile floor was also quite cool and the Gaelic football game on the telly did nothing to raise the temperature either.

Things began to look up with the arrival of what looked like a Scottish stag party. I had been looking at a couple of old photos on the wall and the lady in black and white bore quite a resemblance to Gordon Strachan. Could have been his grandmother.

Check out my review of Shelbourne Bar - I am cork - on Qype

FENNS QUAY and LIBERTY WINES

FENN’S QUAY  

Enjoyed a superb wine dinner in Fenns Quay last evening, the Sicilian wines coming from Villa Tonino via Liberty Wines  

First wine up was an Inzolia 2009, bright and light and very cool, very appropriate on such a heavy evening and an agreeable accompaniment to the Bruschetta starter.

Next wine was a Grillo 2009. Didn't make friends with this instantly but by the end, thought it had a bit more to it than the Inzolia. In any event, it went down very well with a magnificent Mackerel pate with pickled vegetables.

And then came the principal plate, the Osso Bucco with spiced rustic potatoes, now almost a signature dish at Fenn’s Quay. Just magnificent. And we had three reds to choose from here.

Number One, the Nero D’Avola 2008, was the lighter, “a modern version of this classic southern Italian grape variety”. It was probably too light for the meat and indeed Victoria Curatolo, who was guiding us through the family wines, hinted that it could well be drunk on its own and even chilled down a  bit on a hot day.

I had no doubt that the second red, Baglio Curatolo Nero D’Avola 2007, was the one to go with the Osso Bucco. This was much stronger all round with plum being the dominant feature according to the notes. A really smashing wine to go with red meat.

The third red, the Baglio Curatolo Syrah 2007, was also deep in colour  with just a hint of the normal expected spice. Victoria was rating it highly, against both its New World and even French rivals. Not convinced about that but I do have a few bottles now (won the raffle) to try it further.

And I’ll also be trying the Marsala Superiore Riserva NV. This is made by fortifying the local grapes with white grape spirit in the traditional way and you end up with an ABV of 18%. This accounts for no less than half the production at Tonino and Victoria recommended it be eaten with aged cheese.

At home, they keep it in the fridge and always drink it chilled but “it is up to yourself”. The Sicilians also like to drink it with the “Queen’s Biscuits”. Victoria thoughtfully brought some with her and they proved quite a match, especially if dunked in the wine.

The meals are always terrific in Fenns Quay and we finished off with a superb dessert: an Almond tart, lemon cream and fresh strawberries. Well done to the Fenns Quay crew (excellent hosts), to Villla Tonino and Liberty Wines for bringing it all together.

Delias Kitchen Shop in Cork

DELIA’S KITCHEN

Delia’s Kitchen is a small cluttered kitchen shop but very central and very well stocked. Called there the other day, looking for a tea strainer (for my loose leaf tea from Little Buddha in McCurtain Street).

I had one look at the shelves and decided to ask rather than poke around. No bother. The helpful friendly assistant found not quite the strainer with handle but a globe type with chain than you hang over side of cup.

Could see it would do the job just as well, paid my €3.50 and left a happy customer. Lucky really that we've got two such shops in town, Delia’s and Brennans (in Oliver Plunkett Street).

3 Careys Lane Cork Co. Cork
(021)4271982

Check out my review of Delias Kitchen Shop - I am cork - on Qype

Brackens Cafe in Cork

BRACKENS CAFE


Found myself in Paul Street the other morning around coffee time and went in, through the half-door, to Bracken’s Cafe. Up to the counter where I was greeted with a smile and served efficiently but with time for some small talk.
The two rooms have a floor in black stone slabs. Rather unusual. The rest is relatively basic with some pictures on the walls and a large mirror also. Windows and doors were open and it was nice and comfortable on quite a warm morning.
Tables and chairs were solid and comfortable. The coffee was nothing more nothing less than regular and the scone was quite good and I enjoyed the little break. Cost €3.60. Passed Luigi Malone’s a few minutes later and saw that their coffee and scone costs €3.90.

Check out my review of Brackens Cafe - I am cork - on Qype