Brunchin the perfect antidote after an early morning medical visit to SIVUH!

 Marina Market Cork

Brunchin the perfect antidote after an early morning medical visit to SIVUH!

Buttermilk Chicken Benedict

After an early Saturday morning medical appointment at SIVUH* on Old Blackrock Road (Cork), it was time for

breakfast, and there was no need to go further than the nearby Marina Market!

I was a little bit early for some, as the stall holders were still preparing. Others, quite a few, would not open until lunchtime. A small concentration had gathered alongside the aptly named Brunchin, the all-day brunch and salad bar open seven days a week from 8 to 6, and that was where we headed. There was also quite a queue for Alchemy Coffee.

Scampi Caesar Salad 

Brunchin is noted for its eggs, which appear in almost all its Bennys! That includes the massive Ultimate Benedict with Smoked Bacon, Black Pudding, Sausage, Poached Eggs on a Crusty Brioche, and homemade Lemon Hollandaise Sauce. It also includes their classic version of Eggs Benedict: Poached Eggs, Smoked Bacon, and homemade Lemon Hollandaise Sauce, served on Crusty Brioche. No wonder it is also known as the Egg Bar!

There are also all kinds of salads, including Eggs Royale, Buttermilk Chicken Salad, Avocado Caesar Salad, and Brunch Salad. 

There is no shortage of stacks, either, including the Full Stack—think Full Irish with chips. Looking for something sweet? Why not order their Golden Fried Brioche? Smashed avocado appears under the Classics heading, as does Sweet Potato Hash, paleo egg Pancakes, and Omelette. 

As you can see, they have quite a lot of variety to offer, and it is all detailed on boards above the serving counter. It took us a while to make up our minds. I chose the Buttermilk Chicken Benedict, consisting of Poached Eggs, Buttermilk Chicken, and homemade Lemon Hollandaise Sauce, served on a Crusty Brioche.

My colleague chose the Scampi Caesar Salad (Crispy Scampi, Poached Egg, red onion, Parmesan, Leaves, and Caesar Dressing). It's very hard to get away from eggs here! But they are of excellent quality, and we enjoyed our platefuls. The only downside, and this is common across the stalls, is the flimsy timber “cutlery.” If you plan a visit, bring one or two pieces of your own!

It has been quite a while since I came here, but I plan to return soon. I was checking out some of the other menus. I was quite impressed by the offerings of Ocras, but they don’t open until noon, though a breakfast offering is in the pipeline.

They concentrate on fish, and that Chowder looks quite the treat. They also do Fish Tacos, a Seafood Cone, Oysters, Mussels, and a Lobster Roll (Crosshaven Lobster hauled by Jamie Fitz) with Tomato Confit, Pickled Cucumber, Baby Gem, and Marie Rose in a Brioche Bun.

The Stew Store, open 12 pm - 8 pm every day,  also has a tempting list. Of course, you have the Irish one, but there is also a British one (a surprise here as it is Chicken Tikka Massala!), and I’d also be keen to sample the Spanish, Greek, and South African versions.

It’s all smoke at the White Rabbit. It’s a pity they weren’t open, as I would have enjoyed several items on their blackboard. They do sandwiches and baguettes mostly. I’d be inclined to order the Korean Sandwich (slow-cooked smoked pork belly in their Korean BBQ sauce, with red slaw, Kimohi, and BBQ mayo) or the Cuban Baguette (three-hour smoked pulled pork, chorizo, a three-cheese blend, country-style smoked ham, and house pickles).

White Rabbit Menu

Please check the market website here for information on the market, including the many vendors, their specialities, and opening times. 

* South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital