EATING IN

CHEZ MOI

Níl aon tinteán mar do thinteán féin.

With so many top class food producers now operating in the area, plus the English Market on our doorstep, eating in can often be every bit as good as dining out.

Take last night for example. We have some brilliant soup makers locally, including Just Food in Cobh. Just a few miles over the road, we have Cully and Sully and it was their White Winter Vegetable Soup that we picked up in Dunne’s Stores. This winner of the Global Sial D’Or, for the World’s best new product, is made largely from potato, onion, celeriac, parsnip, leek and cauliflower and the Ballymaloe traditional essentials butter and cream.

The outside of the 400g pack, by the way, is packed with info and even a recipe and all for €2.49. Just pop it in the micro-wave for a few minutes and you have a gorgeous starter.

The main course, Mediterranean Fish, took a bit longer. Got some lovely hake from Ballycotton Seafood in the Market. The recipe came from the packed November edition of Easy Food, which cost just €3.00 and is well worth it. The other easily obtained ingredients were: cherry tomatoes, red onion, olive oil and basil pesto. This was satisfying dish and simple to make. Compliments to the chef and to Easy Food, not to mention the hunter gatherer!

We normally drink white wine with fish and we tried out a bottle of Adria Pinot Grigio 2009 (one of the new range being imported by Wine Alliance and available in quite a few outlets, including Bradley’s in North Main Street, for €9.49). It is an excellent example of this Italian wine and a great match for the hake.

THE CLUB BRASSERIE

CLUB BRASSERIE 

Don’t come across South African wines much but enjoyed one last night in the Club Brasserie on Lapps Quay: Kleinrivier Merlot Pinotage 2009, part of a long and interesting list and costing €19.95. It is easy drinking with good acidity, spicy with hints of oak and fruity. The bottle suggests it could be kept for a year or two but probably best to drink it young. It is supplied by Karwig Wines and if you are interested, they have 25 per cent off their South Africans at the moment.

The Dine in Cork Menu here was not the most expansive available. From the three starters, I picked the Curry Parsnip Soup which was quite satisfactory as was the Chicken Liver Pate with Red Onion Marmalade and Toasted Arbutus Bread. Nothing groundbreaking here but a good standard.

Four main courses were offered and we both picked the Confit of Duck with Creamy Flageolet Beans, Rustic Potatoes, Green Beans & a Red Wine Sauce. An excellent plate-full, well cooked and nicely presented. Top class.

There was just one dessert: Angel Pie, Meringue with Lemon Curd, Passion Fruit & Softly Whipped Cream. Even that one was fairly basic, a couple of small meringues sandwiched with lemon curd, topped with the cream and accompanied by a dash of Passionfruit. I know the Brasserie can do much better. A few months back, I enjoyed a classy dessert here: Crème Brûlée and a mix of summer berries.

When ordering the dessert we were informed (without asking) that the tea or coffee would be extra and again I think this charge isn’t quite in keeping with the spirit of the Dine in Cork Week which promised a three course meal plus tea or coffee.

Another eyebrow raising moment came early on when we had to ask for the Dine in Cork menu and a moment or two of doubt before we were given it. Maybe not the best start or finish but quite good in between.

THE WEEKEND CATCH

DINE IN CORK WEEK CONTINUES – Check the list here http://www.dineincork.ie/participating-restaurants.html

A bumper Weekend Catch, fresh from the Net.

THE WEEKEND CATCH

Restaurant Wine & Food Scene

via Twitter & Facebook

Control and click to follow the links and find out more.

DINE IN CORK WEEK CONTINUES – Check the list here http://www.dineincork.ie/participating-restaurants.html

Competition time at UmNumNum. Bribery and corruption is alive and well! http://on.fb.me/9HudO7

Smoked Haddock Fish Cakes: http://eatlikeagirl.com/2010/11/09/smoked-haddock-fish-cakes/

foodforlivingie Food for Living Just posted an interesting study on the link b/t sugary drinks and gout on www.foodforliving.ie RT @mnt_nutrition: http://mnt.to/3MfF

Liberty Grill Our new Brunch/Lunch specials for November now posted up on http://www.libertygrill.ie/facebook

Cafe Paradiso Root vegetables are coming into their own now that the clocks have gone back, which is why the recipe of the month for November is the turnip galette, a dish that has moved gracefully over the years from eccentric guest to classic staple of the winter menu. Cafe Paradiso: galette of braised turnip, portobello mushrooms and pecans with red wine gravy www.cafeparadiso.ie

Latest cryptic notes from An Crúibín http://themeatcentre.com/wordpress/?p=831

Cafe Paradiso November's white wine of the month is of the Torrontes grape variety, something of a South American eccentric that threatens from time to time to become fashionable. Made by Susana Balbo for the Crios label in Mendoza, Argentina, this could be the one to make Torrontes big. In Cork, at least, and that's no small matter. The red is an ...See More Cafe Paradiso: November wines of the month www.cafeparadiso.ie

RonanLiberty Ronan Liberty  by libertygrill Check out our Special Smoked Duck Salad this month in Liberty Grill @libertygrill http://yfrog.com/6zfkubj

Food Safety Authority of Ireland Here's the latest list of food businesses that have been served a Closure Order or Prohibition Order: http://bit.ly/bFDvDy

Wine Alliance

Interview with Clive Otto of Fraser Gallop

Manning's Emporium The new Manning mobile - watch out for a bright orange berlingo at Ballincollig and Blarney Farmers markets. We'll post a photo once it's been branded but in the meantime any suggestions for a name before the christening?!

No.5 Fenns Quay Restaurant It's back due to popular demand!! Our sinful and delectable Flourless Chocolate pudding served with a wonderful Baileys ice cream. Heaven on a plate :)

THE BOARDWALK BAR & GRILL CORK.

The Irish stew with creamed potato is amazing, goes very well with the Buffalo wings.

Pandora Bell Confectionary It is officially Christmas at www.pandorabell.ie ....embrace it now... it saves on panic later x

rednosewine Red Nose Wine Just had first @bordbia recipe from last nights #tippfood event .. Pork stirfry. Cheap, quick, delicious http://twitpic.com/35y63r

Curious Wines: Ireland's Online Wine Store The great Burgundian... or not.

Curious: The Curious Wines Wine Blog » Blog Archive » The great Burgundian… or not www.curiouswines.ie

Slow cook Hungarian goulash: http://allrecipes.co.uk/recipe/7853/slow-cooker-hungarian-goulash.aspx

Control and click to follow the links and find out more.

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 9.00am Friday.

SUPERB SIX COURSES AT AUGUSTINE'S

AUGUSTINE’S

When in Augustine’s, have the superlatives ready.

Back last night to the Clarion Hotel venue (right) for the second time in ten days, this time to try out their Tasting Menu, Augustine's contribution to Dine in Cork Week. And what a contribution! Six courses of perfection. Impeccable food, cooking, presentation and service.

Started off with a Spicy Tomato and Herb Gazpacho. It comes in a little shot glass and certainly wakes up the taste buds.

All ready then for course number two: a Salmon tartare built into a little tower with lentils, topped with flat leaf parsley and a quail’s egg. Taste buds are wide awake now, taking it all in.

Then comes the soup. An ordinary little food word. But nothing ordinary about this Mushroom and Truffle combination. Linger with this as every “beefy” spoonful should be caressed before dispatch. Excellent.

Now for the piece de resistance: the game pie. The pastry envelope was packed with shredded venison, rabbit, pheasant and chicken. This is rich stuff, embellished by chutney, boudin noir and potato. Wow!

Course five is the cheese. Choices here now with Milleens, Gubbeen Smoked and Bleu D’Auvergne available. I really enjoyed that blue, accompanied by relish and watercress.

Time for dessert, pretty as picture as usual. And the Real Fruit Jelly, the balancing tangy Blackcurrant Sorbet and the so tasty homemade shortbread biscuit, were delicious to eat as well.

And the wine wasn’t bad either. I enjoyed a couple of glasses of Vinasperi Rioja Crianza Tempranillo 2006. Costs: Six course tasting menu €25.00, wine €7.00 per glass.

See all the Dine-in-Cork menus here: http://www.dineincork.ie/participating-restaurants.html

By the way, the €25.00 Tasting Menu, which has been on all year, will be taken off in the run-up to Christmas but will be renewed early in the New Year.

BRAD: COOL WINE MAKER OF THE MARGARET RIVER

2008 WINE BY BRAD CABERNET MERLOT

Remember Steve Silvermint, the cool clean hero. Could be another one on the banks of Australia’s Margaret River. This dude goes by the name of Brad and is making some class wines with cooler than cool cartoon labels.

Brad: Dark Horse of the Margaret River

Listen to the guy as he drools about his Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot blend: There's nothing better than rich, dark chocolate and dense blackcurrant with a touch of mint rounded out by some stylish French oak. Add a touch of red-berried Merlot to flesh it out and Cabernet Merlot by Brad is hard to beat.


After a string of medal winning performances, modesty may not be his strong point but making wines is and he operates down in that favoured corner of South West of Australia, a few hours south of Perth. He is well able to tout the wines but then the wine is good and he has pages of references to back him up.


Here is a sample list:  "a steal for the price", "a must for your mum's next lamb roast ". “The flavours sing persistently in your mouth.” “Brad makes sensational value Margaret River wines at scoffing prices.” “His cab merlot is a ripper.”


Wine Alliance have recently imported some Wines by Brad, including that 2008 Cab Merlot. ABV is 13.5% and the RRP is €15.99.


I’m not too sure what a ripper is but this is certainly a class act in a bottle, its promise from the first sip delivered with style to the end. Plums and blackcurrant on the palate, it has an oaky edge and firm enough tannins. The balance is impeccable in this soft and generous wine. Colour is dark red and the nose is blackcurrant. PR: 8


Alliance Stockists include
1601 Off Licence, Kinsale Cork
Bradleys Off Licence, North Main Street Cork
JJ O'Driscoll's, Ballinlough, Cork
Barry’s, Midleton, Cork
Cases Wine Warehouse, Galway
Morton’s of Galway, Salthill, Galway
World Wide Wines, Dunmore Road, Waterford
On The Grapevine, Dalkey, Dublin
Hollands of Bray, Bray, Wicklow
Der O Sullivan, The Mall, Tralee
More stockists coming very soon!

BLAKE CREEDON'S AUSTRALIA WINE CHALLENGE

Cork School of Music

HERE, TRY THIS 

John McDonnell, the Ballyvaughan based rep for Wine Australia Ireland, has been in touch about a wine tasting with a difference....

After the huge success of our Clare Valley tasting this September, Wine Australia is coming back to Cork to host another delicious Australian wine tasting.

During the summer we gave Blake Creedon, Wine Scribe for the Irish Examiner newspaper and blog master on blakecreedon.wordpress.com the challenge to pull together a selection of his favourite Australian wines. Not a list of Australia’s best wines, but a list of his personal favourites. 

In his own words: “My column and blog can never provide what they’re intended to inspire — the pleasure of enjoying good company and a decent glass of wine. Well, here’s a rare opportunity for me to thrust a glass into your hand, saying ‘here, try this’.

Wine Australia has given me free rein to put together a list of wines from down under. I’ve long been convinced of the depth and breadth of quality wines made in Australia. But the process of whittling down the prospective wines (it was at 90 or so just a few weeks ago) has come as an eye-opener even to me: Trust me; there are all sorts of treats in the final list. Scrap that, don’t you dare trust me – come along and suck it and see”

On Wednesday 1st December, Blake and I will host a tasting of Blake’s Favourite Australians.

We would love you to join us. There are 65 wines in the line up covering all styles, regions and prices.

In fact this could be the perfect event to take away all those Christmas buying/present selecting challenges.

The details;

Wednesday 1st December, 6pm – 8.30pm at the Cork School of Music on Union Quay

20 Euro per person with some tasty nibbles being served.

Places can be reserved direct with our office on 065 7077264 or ireland@wineaustralia.com.

Places are limited so if tempted, or need any further information, please get in touch sooner rather than later.

Best wishes. Blake and myself look forward to welcoming you to his “here, try this” wine tasting on the 1st.

John Mc Donnell,

Wine Australia Ireland, Ballyvaughan, Co Clare 

JACOBS ON THE MALL

JACOBS ON THE MALL 

Dine-in-Cork’s assertion that this week’s promotion gives you 20 per cent more value than usual was underlined in no uncertain manner by Jacobs on the Mall last night. The three course meal, plus coffee, that I enjoyed for €25.00 euro was certainly worth a good deal more.

Haven’t really tried Pumpkin before but with Thanksgiving coming up, went for the Pumpkin Fritters with Parma Ham & Salsa Verde. Nicely balanced starter and we were off to a flier.

Main course was a Duck Confit with lentils and chorizo ragout, buttered kale and champ. Normally you get one piece of duck but I got two moist legs, crispy on outside. The matching ragout was spot on. The kale perhaps might have benefitted from shredding before cooking as it was quite a chew but nothing too strenuous.

The desert was also top class: Date & Butterscotch Pudding with Fudge Sauce & Vanilla Ice Cream. Delighted with it.

And indeed delighted with all three courses, even if some of them didn't feature on the advertised menu, but that will happen a bit this week as the restaurants buy fresh in the markets.

Jacobs sell four whites and four reds by the glass. Enjoyed a Chilean Morande Pionero 2008 Chardonnay (€5.75) and a New Zealand Ta Moko Sauvigon Blanc (€6.25). Oh and by the way, the coffee was also of a high standard.

Jacobs is quite a venue, as many of you will know. For those who have not been, the high ceiling, retained from its days as Turkish Baths, leaves a huge space which has been filled with large scale hanging shrubbery and lighting. The big expanse of wall is hung with art works. Chairs are quite plush and comfortable. The welcome is warm and service excellent. What’s not to like? Get in there and get that €25.00 value while you can. 021 4251530.

See all the Dine-in-Cork menus here

http://www.dineincork.ie/participating-restaurants.html

THANKSGIVING AT THE CORNSTORE

The Cornstore Cork celebrates Thanksgiving on 18^th November

Do the Americans eat better than the French? 

You can find out at the Cornstore later in the month when head chef Mike Ryan once again takes up the Thanksgiving challenge.

The success of last year’s successful Thanksgiving Evening,  helped turn this delightful American tradition into an annual event at The Cornstore, a Cork culinary hotspot. The traditional Thanksgiving menu has been given a delicious contemporary twist. The Cornstore’s Thanksgiving Dinner takes place in the Cork restaurant on Thursday 18^th November from 7.30pm and is priced at €35, excluding wine. For Limerick details, see below.

Head Chef Mike Ryan has created an outstanding menu which is sure to appeal to all tastes including vegetarians. For starters, diners can choose from Quail terrine with a marinated boiled quail egg and spiced plum and grape chutney, Roast orange sweet potato soup with nutmeg froth or Flaked organic hand cured salmon, cherry tomato, avocado salad with lime and coriander dressing.

This will be followed by Free range bronze roast turkey roulade (photo) of chestnut, prune, apricot and parsley with confit of the leg rissole and port jus, Sea Bass or cod with pumpkin fritters, okra grilled baby corn and carrot, orange and cardamom emulsion or Forest mushroom, toasted nuts and brown bread dumpling with roast crisp parsnips wilted spinach and clove cream sauce. All mains will be served with creamed potato, red cabbage, braised carrots and brussel sprouts.

There are a number of mouth-watering desserts on the menu, to include Brandy Alexander crème brûlée, Baked spiced pumpkin cheesecake with caramel ice cream, Brandied cherry and apple pie with whipped cream or Pecan nut, pear and crozier blue cheese tart with local double cream.

A special selection of cocktails,  created by Mario Frake, award winning mixologist at The Cornstore,  will also embody the spirit of the occasion,

“We hope this evening will be a fun night out for families and friends, where people can also find out a little about Thanksgiving traditions around the world, and enjoy the one meal where according to famous American humourist, Art Buchwald, “the Americans eat better than the French!”

The special Thanksgiving menu is a set price of €35, excluding wine. Please call 021 427 4777 to make a reservation or book online at www.cornstorecork.com. The Cornstore is located at 40a Cornmarket Street, Cork.  

There will also be a Thanksgiving dinner on 18^th November at The Cornstore,

19 Thomas Street, Limerick, call 061 6090000 or see

www.cornstorelimerick.com for reservations.

Restaurants Association of Ireland Pre Budget 2011 submission

Adrian Cummins
Chief Executive Officer
The Restaurants Association of Ireland

For full details of today's pre-budget submission click here

THE WEEKEND CATCH

The Glen River Park

A bumper Weekend Catch, fresh from the Net.

THE WEEKEND CATCH

Restaurant Wine & Food Scene

via Twitter & Facebook

Control and click to follow the links and find out more.

Dine in Cork WeeK – see the menus here: Dine in Cork menus November 2010

Liberty Grill In Season….. November Liberty Grill is delighted to be involved in “Dine in Cork” week.  It runs from the 5th to the 14th of November where we along with a number of local members of the Restaurant Association of Ireland will offer a three course meal plus tea or coffee for €25. Our offer will be any appetizer, any one...

No.5 Fenns Quay Restaurant Fenns Quay is looking foward to the next Dine in Cork happening from the 5th november to the 14th inclusive for more information www.dineincork.ie or keep to date on the facebook page "dine in cork"

Jacobs Onthemall Check out our menu for Dine in Cork week next week. 3 courses + tea/coffee for just €25. Bargain! Nights are booking up, why not give us a call 021 4251530

Cafe Paradiso Root vegetables are coming into their own now that the clocks have gone back, which is why the recipe of the month for November is the turnip galette, a dish that has moved gracefully over the years from eccentric guest to classic staple of the winter menu. Cafe Paradiso: galette of braised turnip, portobello mushrooms and pecans with red wine gravy www.cafeparadiso.ie

Augustine's Restaurant Turn your dials to 4FM - Brendan Cashman, Head Chef and Owner of Augustine's Restaurants will chat to Derek Davis on next Sundays' show (7 November circa 11:30am) - lots of culinary tips and recipes will be revealed!!

Good Food Ireland - here is your chance the meet with key industry leaders and learn about the economic opportunity through co-operative marketing and partnership. To register for the Conference please click here >>> or visit www.goodfoodireland.ie/conference

Nash19Cork Nash19 Today Friday - 25 percent off all freezer meals.

Liz_Upton Liz Upton  by TanneryDungarva New blogpost: Paul Flynn’s roasted spiced plums, oatcakes, apple compote and ginger ice cream http://ow.ly/34lsl @TanneryDungarva

 umnumnum_cork So do you have someone in your life who would like a good night out coupled with good food , good company and the... http://fb.me/KGWEz880

Marlboro Entertainment and Event Management Looking for somewhere to go this Womens Little Christmas? Look no further than Marlboro Entertainments. This year we have a full 5 course meal in The Rochestown Park Hotel, followed by music from the world famous Abba tribute band "ABBAesque", and DJ till late. Book early to avoid disappointment. Check outwww.marlboro...

Beal OrganicCheese Organic mild cheddar at Quay Co-op Cork City | Beal Organic Cheese

www.bealorganiccheese.com

Manning's Emporium The new Manning mobile arrived today, watch out for a bright orange berlingo at Ballincollig and Blarney Farmers markets. We'll post a photo once it's been branded but in the meantime any suggestions for a name before the christening?!

Food Safety Authority of Ireland Latest Food Allergen Alert: Some meat products withdrawn as egg wasn't declared on the food label. If you're allergic or intolerant to egg, you can check out the details on our website:http://bit.ly/bzIAfb

Nautilus restaurant We're back from holidays with a new menu :)

Pandora Bell Confectionary It is officially Christmas at www.pandorabell.ie ....embrace it now... it saves on panic later x

Milano Fancy a delicious Italian takeaway for the whole family to enjoy on a wet winter's night? Check out our great FAMIGLIA set menu now available. The Famiglia meal, just €44.95, includes four classic pizzas, two garlic breads or dough balls and two mixed salads. That’s just €11 per person for a starter, main and side for a family of four...

Recipes by Sally Bee http://www.sally-bee.com/

Control and click to follow the links and find out more.

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 9.00am Friday.

TEMPTATION NO 2

Braised Beef and Guinness Casserole is the recipe provided by Tipp butcher and author Pat Whelan (who, by the way, will allow you use any stout you choose!). Details here

TEMPTING

Like to try out the recipe of the month from the chef at the Cork Radisson? It is a very tempting Baked Salmon with Chorizo Risotto and Basil Pesto. Click here for the recipe. 

ELECTRIC

ELECTRIC

Electric, the new kid on the block, had a full scale trial last Saturday night and, from this diner’s point of view, came through with flying colours.

You can't miss this blue streaked building – the first on your right as you enter the Mall from the Grand Parade. And the name? Well it sounds cool but tradition has been honoured here as the building once housed the O’Shea’s electrical and garage business.

The restaurant is on the second floor and has views on three sides, of the river, the boardwalk and the Mall itself. Seating is comfortable and first impressions all round are very favourable.

Started off with the Home Smoked Duck, served with rainbow beetroots and leaves. By the way, the duck was much leaner that your normal smoked. Don't miss it!

And the continental feel continued