Kinsale's Bulman Buzzing
on Misty Autumn Night
The mist had started before we set off for The Bulman in Kinsale. But when it comes to going for a walk - this from Perryville up to the Bulman - we need little encouragement to err on the silly side and that was forthcoming from our host. So off we went, on the scenic Scilly Walk. It is indeed an interesting walk with views to the harbour and the bay. And the trees sheltered us from the increasingly thick mist and we were quite dry when we entered the Bulman.
What a surprise to find the bar full (diners mostly) on this miserable Tuesday evening. We picked our way through and made our way upstairs to Toddie's, the restaurant, and that too was packed. Just as well we had booked. Soon we were seated amidst the groups, both large and small, and we went on to enjoy the buzz, the food and the drink (they have their own beer here, brewed by the nearby accomplished Black's Brewery). At the end, we asked for a cab but a lady who had served us earlier offered to drive us down - we didn't know then that she is one of the owners. Nice touch, especially after her 12 hour shift!
A few years back, I was introducing a Swedish journalist to the Kinsale area and, after visiting nearby Charlesfort, Pelle and I ended up at the Bulman for lunch. He loved the local Stonewell cider and was very impressed with the place and the food. On this occasion, it was our turn to be impressed and we have no hesitation in giving it the blog's Very Highly Recommended tag.
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| Oysters in the Bulman have a little section of their own on the menu. They all come from Jamie at the local Haven Shellfish. You may have them hot or cold or as Bloody Mary Shots The cold Rock Oysters come with either Teriyaki or a Shallot Vinaigrette. You may have the hot with Courgette, Lime & Parmesan or, as I had above, with Leek & Gruyere. Perhaps the best hot oyster dish I've ever had. |
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| Starters here are high on quality and are not short on quantity either. This Irish Prawn and Avocado Salad with Marie Rose sauce and mixed leaves is a great example, the dish loaded with the flavour-packed small local prawns. |
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| The Bulman's flowers enjoying the natural sprinkle. |
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| The Hake (below) was one of the nightly specials and so was this Pan seared fillet of organic salmon, with Wasabi mashed potatoes, broccoli and teriyaki sauce. Another winner, even if the wasabi potato wasn't finished! But they do have other side dishes, so just ask if you think you won't like an element of a dish on the menu. |
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| The Bulman, as you might expect, are strong on fish, most from Kinsale boats. This Oven Roasted Fillet of Hake, Ratatouille, baby new potatoes, and broccoli, was excellent, the fish and the Ratatouille a delicious moist combination. So good. Clean plate! |
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| Just one dessert but two spoons and our server diplomatically placed it in "neutral"territory! But what a dessert! Fresh Strawberry Tartlet with Strawberry Ice Cream. Oh la la! |
Summercove
Kinsale
Co. Cork
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