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
No comments:
Post a Comment