Café Gusto serving terrific flavour-filled dishes since December 1999. A quarter of a century "of enjoyment and enthusiasm".

 Café Gusto serving terrific flavour-filled dishes since December 1999

A quarter of a century "of enjoyment and enthusiasm".

Stroganoff

Twenty five years ago, Cafe Gusto opened its doors in Cork’s Washington Street, with business partners Marianne Delaney and Denis O’Mullane at the helm. It turned out to be a quarter of a century loaded with enjoyment and enthusiasm in everything they did, the same gusto they bring to Liberty Grill and Proby’s Bistro. 

And continue to do, as we discovered last week at lunchtime. Gusto is a small place, as is sister cafe (also Gusto) on Lapps Quay. The kitchen is tiny. Despite that, the service is superb, very friendly and efficient as they deal with in-house customers and those who call and collect. No wonder their regular customers responded with relish and delight, still do, to the excellent and fairly priced food.

The specials board on the street, close to that famous bicycle, highlighted Soup of the Day (Celeriac), a hot sandwich and Beef Stroganoff. The mention of the Stroganoff,brought back memories of an early, and very pleasing, encounter with the dish on a sunlit outdoor area of a small restaurant on the bank  of Wolfgangsee, known for its typical Austrian lake district scenery. Austria is of course much closer to Russia where the dish originated.

Not too much sunshine in Washington Street that day but I did order the Stroganoff, a melange of thinly cut beef strips, mushrooms and rice (the traditional lead ingredients). A tasty broth further enhanced the experience. As well as the quality, it was also very satisfactory, quite a plateful for €11.50.

Sandwiches are made to order and you have a choice of Ciabatta, Sourdough, Wholemeal or Wrap. There is quite an array of fillings available. You may have Ardsallagh goats cheese, (with hummus, roasted peppers, onion marmalade, & leaves). Or Flying Bacon (Grilled chicken breast, Rosscarbery bacon, Emmental, plum tomato, honey Dijon mayo & leaves). Or caprese (Toons Bridge Mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes, basil pesto and spinach). And more! The list varies from time to time and somedays I believe they do a mean Reuben. Must check that one!

All the regular sandwiches cost €7.90 while the Hot Sandwich Special (Chipotle and Lime Chicken, Emmental cheese, peppers, pickled onions, Gusto's sweet chili sauce, mayo and leaves, served in ciabatta) comes in at two euro extra. By the way, Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Vegetarian and Vegan options are available.

CL was happy to see the alternative breads, as quite often toasted sourdough can be “hard” and cut too thick. So she went for the Ciabatta with her Grilled Chicken (chicken breast, plum tomato, cucumber, mayo & mixed leaves Marinated). Again, amazing quality and quantity combined at that fair price.

Indeed so impressed was I when I got a bite of her chicken, that I went and ordered another sandwich for my supper later on.  I struck the jackpot with the Roast Mediterranean Veg (Hummus, sun-blushed tomatoes, grilled aubergine, pickled cabbage & spinach). No meat but no lack of flavour either. The taste buds took an immediate interest and it never flagged. I’d certainly go for that again!

So big thanks to Gusto for their opening “quarter” and here’s to the next twenty five!

Opening at 7am, it offers a small but delicious breakfast menu as well as fresh pastries and great coffee. Lunch offers an extensive list of sandwiches, salads and hot dishes for sit-in, delivery or collection. All dishes are prepared onsite, to order, using only the freshest quality ingredients. Local produce is highlighted throughout and regular suppliers and producers include:

• Ard­sal­lagh Cheese
• Toons­bridge Dairy
• Clona Dairies
• IIHF
• East Ferry Free Range Eggs 
• Pana Bread 
• Mr. Bells Providers
• The Real Olive Com­pany
• Tom Durcan’s Meats 
• O’Mahoney Butch­ers

More on Gusto here. https://www.cafegusto.com/

MARKS & SPENCER AND JIGSAW TAKE STRIDES FOR YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH WITH COMMUNITY RUN IN DUBLIN

 MARKS & SPENCER AND JIGSAW TAKE STRIDES FOR YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH WITH COMMUNITY RUN IN DUBLIN

Community run led by fitness creator and running advocate Chris Connolly

Marks & Spencer, in partnership with Jigsaw, The National Centre for Youth Mental Health, hosted a community run in Dublin on Valentine’s Day to fundraise for youth mental health and celebrate the impact of their ongoing national partnership.

The run, led by well-known running advocate and inspirational fitness creator, Chris Connolly (Get Better With Chris) who was supported by members of his run club and the wider fitness community, brought together more than 40 participants for a 5k route through the city centre, starting and ending at the M&S Cafe in Grafton Street.

The event also saw the presence of award-winning chef, Mark Moriarty, the M&S x Jigsaw Partnership Ambassador, reinforcing the shared commitment to supporting young people across Ireland.

The initiative forms part of the three-year partnership between Marks & Spencer Ireland and Jigsaw, which aims to raise vital funds and awareness to expand access to mental health services for young people aged 12–25. Under the banner, ‘Together we’ve got this’, the partnership aims to raise capacity, reach, and accessibility of the help available to young people across Ireland struggling with their mental health through a series of fundraising and awareness initiatives.

Speaking about the event, Eddie Murphy, Country Director for Marks & Spencer Ireland and Northern Ireland commented, “Partnerships like this work because they’re rooted in real communities. Chris brings people together in a way that is credible and purposeful, and that’s exactly what this initiative represents. Over the past two years, our partnership with Jigsaw has helped young people access vital mental health support more quickly and easily.”

Mark Moriarty, M&S x Jigsaw Partnership Ambassador, added: ““What I really value about this partnership is how it brings people together in a genuine way. Marks & Spencer’s long-term commitment to supporting Jigsaw, combined with community-led initiatives like this run with Chris, shows how meaningful change happens - through connection, conversation, and action. I’m proud to support a partnership that continues to make mental health support more accessible for young people across Ireland.”

The run was community-led, reflecting Jigsaw’s mission to remove barriers to mental health support and M&S’s long-standing commitment to social impact. By combining movement, conversation, and visibility, the event aimed to highlight the importance of proactive mental wellbeing, particularly among young people.

“This run with Chris, Mark and our friends and colleagues in M&S sums up so much that makes our partnership with M&S so powerful," said Director of Communications and Fundraising at Jigsaw, Mike Mansfield. "It’s about bringing people together for a shared cause, and it’s positive and hopeful. All at Jigsaw are delighted to be part of it!”

(Pictured from left to right; Chris Connolly, Mike Mansfield and Mark Moriarty).

"Running has always been a source of clarity and connection for me. It’s where I’m most present and grounded. To see that same sense of community brought to life here today is incredibly meaningful. I’m grateful to Marks & Spencer for supporting this run and helping amplify the work of Jigsaw, whose support for young people’s mental health is both practical and powerful. Having Mark Moriarty involved as ambassador elevates this even further. Today shows what can happen when community, purpose and partnership come together for a positive cause.”, said, Chris Connolly, Get Better with Chris.

Funds raised through the M&S x Jigsaw partnership directly support Jigsaw’s therapeutic services, online mental health resources, and community training programmes, helping young people access timely, free, and confidential support.

The M&S and Jigsaw partnership aims to make a tangible difference in the lives of young people across Ireland by raising vital funds and awareness for mental health support whilst supporting Jigsaw's ambitious goal of reaching 1.5 million young people and their families with vital mental health support and services.

To support the M&S x Get Better with Chris run and donate to Jigsaw, please visit: https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/m214

press release

International Women's Day Wine event at River Lee. Mid-term Afternoon Tea at Cork International. Wedding Showcase in Fota Resort

Three Hotel Dates for your Cork diary.

International Women's Day Wine event at River Lee. 

Mid-term Afternoon Tea at Cork International. 

Wedding Showcase in Fota Resort

******************

Women's Day Champagne event at River Lee.  

Bubbles with ‘Champagne Sophie’ and a Charles Heidsieck wine dinner.

The River Lee in Cork will celebrate International Women’s Day in sparkling style this March with a special one-night-only wine dinner in The Grill Room at The River Lee, hosted by Sophie Kutten — affectionately known across Europe as ‘Champagne Sophie’ — the International Brand Ambassador for the legendary Champagne house Charles Heidsieck.

Taking place on Wednesday 4th March at 7pm, this €125 six-course dinner will see guests guided through a joyful and immersive tasting of some of Charles Heidsieck’s most celebrated wines, paired with a provenance-led menu created by Executive Head Chef Paul Lane. Hosted alongside The Doyle Collection Group Sommelier Philip Dunne, the evening promises storytelling, flavour and Champagne in equal measure, with Sophie’s infectious enthusiasm bringing the room to life.

Founded in 1851 and known as one of Champagne’s most elegant and characterful houses, Charles Heidsieck has long been celebrated for wines of depth, complexity and charm. A pioneer of Champagne culture, founder Charles-Camille Heidsieck earned the nickname ‘Champagne Charlie’ for bringing Champagne to the world stage. Today the House remains one of the most awarded in the region, with a modern winemaking legacy that continues to define excellence.

Guests will begin the evening with Charles Heidsieck Brut Réserve N.V. served alongside caviar blinis, before moving on to a West Cork hand-dived scallop sashimi with ponzu dressing, shaved cucumber and radish salad paired with Blanc de Blancs N.V. The centrepiece of the menu features roast turbot with Champagne beurre blanc, toasted hazelnuts and sea herbs, served with the iconic Blanc des Millénaires 2017, the House’s flagship cuvée.

A lamb course follows, where Michael Twomey’s roast lamb with liquorice and honey glazed heritage carrot and cherry jus is paired with Charles Heidsieck’s Ambonnay Coteaux Champenois Rouge 2022, before the evening closes on a celebratory note with raspberry millefeuille, vanilla crème and pomegranate sorbet alongside Rosé Vintage 2018. Petits fours, tea and coffee round out the experience.

Sophie Kutten brings a rare theatrical energy to the world of wine. After an early career with Piper-Heidsieck and Charles Heidsieck, she spent a decade in theatre before returning to Champagne, where she now carries the voice of the House across Europe. Her mission is simple: to share the soul of Charles Heidsieck and let its quiet magic shine through every encounter.

The dinner forms part of The River Lee’s annual International Women’s Day programme, with the hotel’s much-loved professional headshot day also returning as part of the celebrations, and a nod to empowering women both socially and professionally.

Tickets for the Charles Heidsieck dinner in The Grill Room are priced at €125 and are expected to sell quickly.

 

Cork International launches Family Afternoon Tea for Midterm.

Aoibhe Jacob and Nancy Corcoran at the launch of the Family Afternoon Tea

The Cork International Hotel has launched a Family Afternoon Tea for the February midterm which will be available from Monday, February 16th to Saturday, February 21st.

Families will be offered finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones and patisseries which will be created using locally sourced ingredients from some of the region’s top producers. 

Among the offerings are rotisserie beef, rocket and sun-dried tomato mayonnaise on white bread; chocolate brownie with chocolate ganache and candied hazelnuts; and éclair with vanilla crème and pistachio crumble.

The afternoon tea is accompanied by a carefully selected tea and coffee service, designed to compliment each layer of the menu. 

The Family Afternoon Tea will be served Monday to Saturday from 1pm - 4pm. The price per adult is €45 and €20 per child and booking through the hotel’s website is essential.

Eoghan Murphy, General Manager of the Cork International Hotel said: “We are introducing a Family Afternoon Tea which appeals to families and multi-generational groups looking for a relaxed experience during the February midterm break. It is part of our strategy to strengthen family-led city experiences during school holiday periods. The hotel also has a recently upgraded play area for children so parents can sit back and relax while knowing that their children are having fun in a safe and secure environment.”

On the menu:

The First Bite

Truffled egg and spring onions (Brown)

Rotisserie beef, rocket and sun-dried tomato mayonnaise (White)

Coronation Chicken (White)

Smoked Salmon and Citrus Butter (Brown)

The Heart of Tea

Fruit Scones / Plain Scones

Chocolate Brownie, Chocolate Ganache, Candied Hazelnuts

Financier, Fresh Raspberries and Chantilly Cream

Clotted Cream, Strawberry Jam and Homemade Butter Served on the Side with Tea and Coffee service

The Final Flourish

Lemon Posset, Cinnamon and Orange infused Berries

Éclair, Vanilla Crème, Pistachio Crumble 

Sweet touch of the moment curated by the hotel's pastry chef

For more information please go to https://www.corkinternationalairporthotel.com/eat-drink/

 

Wedding Showcase in Fota Island Resort 

Celebrate Your Day, Your Way at Fota Island Resort

This spring, Fota Island Resort invites newly engaged couples to their Wedding Showcase, taking place on Sunday, 1st March from 12pm to 3pm. 

The elegant and inspiring afternoon aims to offer couples the perfect opportunity to envision their dream wedding day in one of Ireland’s most exclusive five-star destinations. Set on a tranquil 780-acre private island in Cork, surrounded by peaceful woodlands and lakes, Fota Island Resort feels wonderfully secluded while being less than 30 minutes from Cork city. 

Couples will have the opportunity to view the Smith-Barry Suite, this stunning space which can accommodate between 120 and 300 guests. Natural light fills the suite, which opens onto a terrace for al fresco pre-wedding drinks receptions during the summer months, offering panoramic views of the island.

For an intimate family dinner or exclusive pre-wedding celebration, couples can choose The Cove, or  Fota Golf Club which provide an elegant and private setting. For day-two celebrations, the renowned and stylish clubhouse also offers a sophisticated setting to continue the festivities. The resort's luxurious hotel rooms and self-catering lodges are ideal for guests and families to stay during your wedding, ensuring a memorable and indulgent experience for all. 

On the day, couples will meet with the hotel’s dedicated wedding team and enjoy a preview of the resort’s renowned five-star service. Guests will also enjoy elegant live music, beautifully styled spaces, thoughtfully curated goodie bags, and the opportunity to meet a selection of trusted wedding suppliers. 

From Champagne on arrival to bespoke seasonal menus, every detail at Fota Island Resort is designed to create an unforgettable day. To book an appointment for the Spring Wedding Showcase, on Sunday, 1st March or to learn more, visit www.fotaisland.ie, email weddings@fotaisland.ie, or call +353 (0) 21 488 3700.

Dunluce Lodge on the Causeway Coast Launches Restorative and Immersive ‘Sleepcation’

press release

 

Dunluce Lodge on the Causeway Coast Launches Restorative and Immersive ‘Sleepcation’ 

 

Winter asks more from the body than we often realise. With shorter days and reduced natural light, our circadian rhythm — the internal clock that regulates sleep, energy and hormone production — begins to shift. This can affect everything from alertness and mood to melatonin release at night, leaving many people feeling more tired, sluggish, sad or mentally foggy.

 

Sometimes the finest luxuries cannot rival the impact of a truly great night’s sleep. Problems feel less overwhelming, perspective returns and the day ahead becomes brighter after deep, uninterrupted rest. Acknowledging winter’s slower rhythm — and the body’s instinctive need for more sleep — is often the first step toward restoring balance.

 

Responding to this, Dunluce Lodge has launched its restorative and immersive ‘Sleepcation’, a stay designed entirely around rest, relaxation and deep sleep.

Perched beside the fourth fairway of Royal Portrush Golf Club and just a few hundred metres from the Atlantic Ocean, Dunluce Lodge is Northern Ireland’s newest five-star retreat and one of its most intimate. Opened just a year ago, the elegant property comprises 35 suites and a private residence, The Stookan, blending understated luxury, warm Irish hospitality and a spectacular coastal setting into a refined escape designed for complete relaxation.

The Dunluce Lodge Sleepcation is a fully immersive experience centred on restorative rest. The stay includes an overnight escape, breakfast, a signature spa treatment, calming sleep tea and a curated bedtime wellness offering, with amenities including a Seabody Sleep Balm and a carefully considered night-time ritual designed to help guests fully switch off and unwind. (?580 per room for two people sharing).

 

At its heart is the sleep experience itself. Guests settle into ultra-comfortable Hypnos, handmade beds layered with natural fibres and cashmere guard duvets and Cheviot wool pillows by local brand, Ava Innes, chosen for their gentle weight and natural temperature regulation.  The brand pioneers a unique, sustainable duvet fill made from cashmere guard hair — a forgotten luxury fibre offering gentle weight, exceptional temperature regulation and a sleep experience grounded in natural wellbeing.

Outside, the only sound is the Atlantic rolling steadily onto the shore, while inside the Lodge, a deep quiet settles after dusk. A short bedtime story inspired by local folklore — tales of giants and heroes such as Finn McCumhaill — is left on each bed as part of the turndown ritual, encouraging guests to disconnect from screens and return to the simple comfort of reading before sleeping.

 

The woodland spa plays a central role in the experience. The Drift & Dream Ritual by Seabody begins with grounding breathwork, followed by a personalised massage using warm Lavendar poultices, aromatherapy oil and finished with Seabody’s brand-new Sleep Balm. Stretching, lymphatic drainage and gentle acupressure guide the body into deep relaxation, preparing both body and mind for rest.

 

Dining at Dunluce Lodge complements the experience, with Executive Chef Stephen Holland and his team showcasing the best of the region’s seasonal produce through thoughtful, locally inspired menus. Evenings unfold slowly — cocktails by the fire, oysters at the bar or watching the last light fade into the Atlantic — before retreating to suites where comfort, stillness and the rhythm of the sea take over.

 

Located along the iconic Causeway Coastal Route and moments from Whiterocks Beach via a private walkway, the Lodge offers a rare sense of calm in one of Ireland’s most dramatic landscapes, within easy reach of landmarks such as the Giant’s Causeway.

The Dunluce Lodge Sleepcation ultimately pays homage to the restorative power of sleep, embracing the rituals, environment and natural elements that support true rest. By bringing together sea air, silence, natural fibres and a slower pace of living, Dunluce Lodge invites guests to reconnect with their natural rhythms and rediscover the transformative power of deep, uninterrupted sleep. 

Dunluce Lodge, Dunluce Road, Portrush, BT56 8NB

 

For more see www.dunluce.com or call +44 (0) 28 705 31 700

Eating Out and Dining In, with Kay O'Connell's Dunnes Stores

 Eating Out and Dining In, with Kay O'Connell's Dunnes Stores

Kay O’Connell's Gluten Free Seafood Chowder reached the final six in the SOUPerb Awards 2025, a competition that saw Feast in Rostrevor, County Down, crowned as the overall winner for Ireland's Best Seafood Chowder. O’Connell’s did even better at Blas 2025 in Dingle where their Fish Pie won gold, two excellent achievements for the Cork fishmonger.

Both products were on display in the fridge of their Kate Lawlor run fish cafe in the Food Hall of Dunnes Stores (Patrick Street), as we tucked into our lunch last week. Afterwards, I made a beeline for the shelves and picked up a pack of the chowder (€7.00).

At SOUPerb,  the nod went to Feast, while Pat Cohan's Bar and Peggy's Bar were recognised for atmosphere and hidden gem status, respectively, and the judges also highlighted finalists like The Moorings, K O'Connell's Fishmongers, and Savoir Fare in a competition run with Cully & Sully and McKenna's Guides.  

The annual awards celebrate the best seafood chowder in Ireland, focusing on fresh ingredients, rich dairy, and soul in the bowl. For the awards, public nominations and votes led to finalists, followed by a judge's tour of Ireland to taste the chowders. Feast’s sustainable approach was one factor that swayed the judges who were John and Sally McKenna, along with Cully and Sully.

Other Finalists:

• Pat Cohan's Bar (Cong, Co. Mayo) - SOUPerb Atmosphere.
• Peggy's Bar & Restaurant (Claregalway, Co. Galway) - SOUPerb Hidden Gem.
• K O'Connell's Fishmongers (Cork City) - SOUPerb Innovation.
• The Moorings (Dungarvan, Co. Waterford) - SOUPerb Sense of Place.
• Savoir Fare (Westport, Co. Mayo) - SOUPerbly Surprising. 

O'Connell's Ingredients are: Fish mix (50%) of Salmon, White Fish, Smoked Fish; Veg - onion, carrot, leek, fennel, dill, plus milk, cream, butter, cornflour, salt, black pepper, potatoes, celery, bay leaf, and white wine.

The chowder was actually on the menu the day we were in. Perhaps I should have had tried it there along with Kate’s Beamish Brown Bread. Had to wait for later that evening when we enjoyed it at home along with CL’s brown bread.

Quite a lot of variation from the all-out traditional chowder these days and one that I really like is Fred’s Mediterranean Seafood Chowder, available in East Cork restaurants: Salty Dog, Seachurch and Cush. This too is served with Stout Brown Bread. It is a creamy tomato based soup and the ingredients are usually Mixed Fish, Prawns, and Mussels, Smoky Bacon, Saffron, White wine, Potatoes. It is a superb mix, packed to the gills with textures and flavours (including that smoky bacon). And then there's the exquisite Bouillabaisse at Azure in Cobh (though that takes us outside the category).

Fish Tacos

Not that easy to pick from Kate’s menu in Dunne's as the choice has been hugely extended over the past year or so. The blackboard by the counter is packed with well priced temptations. Quite a lively spot to enjoy a bite. And you can do a bit of people watching. I noticed queues forming at the Hot Sandwich Bar and Baxter & Greene Deli. CL has her eye on a salad from the deli next time!

Atlantic Prawn Scampi