THANKSGIVING AT THE CORNSTORE

Mary Murphy and Gertrude O'Brien from Rochestown
All photos by Ger McCarthy

THE CORNSTORE CORK CELEBRATES THANKSGIVING

The Cornstore, one of Cork’s culinary hotspots, has turned the delightful American tradition of Thanksgiving into an annual event in the Coal Quay and last Thursday the traditional Thanksgiving menu was given a delicious contemporary twist.

The Lord Mayor of Cork was represented by Cllr John Kelleher and a number of food writers and bloggers were in attendance, keen to sample Head Chef Mike Ryan’s outstanding menu that was hugely popular with diners.

Tim Clifford, Ballincollig, and Martina O'Donoghue, C103 FM

Starters included 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 (my choice), cherry tomato, avocado salad with lime and coriander dressing.  

This was followed by free range East Ferry roast turkey roulade wrapped in Kanturk pancetta, chestnut, prune, apricot and parsley with confit of the leg rissole and port jus. I thoroughly enjoyed that plateful.

Simon Whelband, Clonakilty and Clair McSweeney, Blackrock Castle Observatory

And all around me, diners were tucking into the turkey plus the other main dishes: Sea Bass 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 were served with creamed potato, red cabbage, braised carrots and Brussels sprouts.

Donna and Audrey Russell from Blackrock 

There were a number of mouth-watering desserts on the menu, including baked spiced pumpkin cheesecake with caramel ice cream, or Pecan nut, pear and Crozier blue cheese tart with local double cream.

Collette O'Connor, Manager, Deputy Lord Mayor Cllr. John Kelleher and Imelda Power

My choice here was Brandied cherry and apple wrapped with puff pastry and served with whipped cream and it was absolutely gorgeous and I hope it becomes a regular on the Cornstore menu.

A special selection of cocktails embodied the spirit of the occasion, created by Mario Falb, award winning mixologist at The Cornstore. These included a delicious Ginger pumpkin martini and Spiced apple martinis. Special house wines for the meal included Spirit Hawk Californian Pinot Grigio and Cabernet Sauvignon.

According to Head Chef, Mike Ryan, “Our Thanksgiving Dinner was aimed at families and friends. We are also very grateful to our loyal customer base during these very difficult times. We really appreciate their continued support,” he adds.

The Cornstore is now accepting bookings for Christmas parties and December dining. Please call 021 427 4777 to make a reservation or book online at www.cornstorecork.com.