Isaac’s. A Specials Kind Of Place

Isaac’s. A Specials Kind Of Place

There is something about Isaac's, one of Cork City’s most popular restaurants for over two decades. The warm welcome. The friendly staff. The attention to detail. I think that little bit extra may well be their Specials board.

Of course, they have an excellent list of regular dishes. But those specials are well worth looking out for. For instance, we were in for lunch last week and the list of specials included: Parsnip and Fennel Soup, an Asian Broth, Fresh Castletownbere Crab, Shanagarry Smoked Salmon, Pan fried Toulouse sausages with Flageolet beans, Baked filet of Cod with Chorizo and one dessert, a Rhubarb and Apple Crumble.

Add in the regular menu items and you have terrific selection to choose from. As it happened, I did choose from the main menu, taking the Vegetarian Indian Curries. Yes, curries. You get two of them, Chana Masala and Dahl Makhani. The two bowls are accompanied by three little side dishes and basmati rice, all for €14.50. A merry melange of colour, flavour and texture.

 Just what I needed after a cool morning down by the river watching the Ocean to City Race. Each curry was a star in its own right but those three little side dishes added an extra bit of magic. The fruity chutney added sweetness, the pickled cucumber a little tanginess and the yoghurt kept it all nice and cool, well almost! No point in having a totally cool curry!  

Had skipped the starters but did have an eye on the desserts. Again they had an excellent selection but I quickly made my mind up and went for the Chocolate Saint Emilion with rum soaked macaroon and cream. For €6.50, I had my rich and creamy taste of luxury, absolutely superb and enhanced no end by the whiff and flavour of that rum.

CL was also well pleased with her pudding, the rather substantial and toothsome Tunisian Orange Cake with poached seasonal fruit and yogurt. The fruit was rhubarb which is a vegetable that is used as a fruit! Call it what you like but it sure went down well.

Isaac’s, situated in an 18th century warehouse, which has been tastefully restored - see the exposed bricks and beams - uses “the finest seasonal ingredients, sourced locally & served simply”. Served with a smile too. And, whether you’re in for lunch (including Sunday), Early Bird, or Evening, do look out for those specials!

• You’ll hardly miss the Specials. Like many places it is highlighted on a big board but, unlike many places, you’ll also find them on a little card on your table. I did say attention to detail!