Fish Box's a winner as we sample the superb fish offerings of Kay’s Kitchen, a new hot food stall in the English Market.

Fish Box's a winner as we sample the superb fish offerings of Kay’s Kitchen, a new hot food stall in the English Market.

Large array of fishy delights

The place may be small, but there's a large array of fishy delights at the new Kay's Kitchen in Cork's English Market. With Kay, fish, and English Market in one sentence, you'll likely guess that the legendary K. O'Connell's Fish Stall (established 1962) has something to do with this tasty new and hot development. And you'd be correct!

We visited the other day and were surprised at all the choices on offer. It was hard to decide, so we picked the Fish Box, which itself has a variety of flavours and textures.”

Chef Martina Cronin, formerly the co-owner of the fabulous Square Table in Blarney, warmly welcomed us and guided us through the many dishes before we decided on the €15.00 box. The Fish Box includes Panko Crumbed Haddock, Fish Cake, Smoked Salmon Croquettes, Fried Potatoes, Salad, and Dip.

She and fellow chef Darren Connolly, the owner of the popular Cafe Vega in Cobh (now closed), have been working hard to assemble this selection. They aim it mostly at city customers who might like something hot and different for lunch. However, we took our box home. After a quick spin in the bus and then a short turn in the air fryer, we sat down at the table and enjoyed every little bit. We got a hot lunch for two for fifteen euro. Not bad, right?

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It's has been a busy year, eating out around Ireland (Munster mainly). Check our current list here.

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Other choices include Crispy Baguette, Pan-fried prawns, and Gubbeen chorizo, finished with Romanesco. Or perhaps you’d go for the Grilled Fish Taco, Sun Dried Tomato, Quinoa, Herb Créme Fraiche, and Pickled Chilli. How about the Fresh Salmon Leek Cheddar Croquettes?

During cold days, consider trying the Prawn and Sea Bass Hotpot, fresh Chowder, or Celeriac Soup. The signature dish is the Fish Burger (Panko crumbed) served with salad and spuds and is well worth considering. They also offer Tarts (Smoked Salmon and capers) and Quiches (such as Chorizo, tomato, Onion jam, and French Compté).

And that’s not the end of it! Smoked Salmon on a Brioche Bun with Horseradish and potato salad sounds very tempting, as does the Classic Prawn cocktail with Marie Rose Sauce and Home-made Brown Bread.

Kay’s Kitchen, just across the aisle from the mothership O’Connell’s Fish Stall, has a selection of soft drinks on the counter. It is open Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and  Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

K O’Connell Fish Merchants has been selected as a finalist in The Good Food Ireland's “Fish + Seafood Supplier of the Year” award. Voting has now opened. Have your say here.