Tanora Spritz opens a flood of food memories at The Bookshelf.

Tanora Spritz opens a flood 

of food memories at The Bookshelf.

Fish Fingers

There was Sunday roast but thankfully no sign of Friday Fish on the "CHILDHOOD MEMORIES OF CORK” menu at The Bookshelf in the Elysian at the weekend, the special dinner a part of the Cork on a Fork Festival.

Friday fish back then because the church, in its

Cork on a Fork Festival Kicks Off with a Flavour-Packed First Day

 press release

Cork on a Fork Festival Kicks Off with a Flavour-Packed First Day

Downtown on a Wednesday evening. Cork on a Fork Fest kicks off onMacCurtain Street
Pic: Joleen Cronin.

 

The highly anticipated Cork on a Fork Festival opened yesterday with an

Sips, sups and drams. And chats galore as Cork on a Fork Fest cheers up the city tomorrow Wednesday

Sip your way across Cork City with Cork on a Fork Fest’s lineup of unique local drink events.

You'll find whiskey aficionado at the Opera House at the weekend. 

From wine tastings and paired dining experiences, to brewery tours, cocktail masterclasses and Cork on a Fork’s very first BeerFest!

 

Festival goers to Cork on a Fork Fest this week will have the opportunity to sample local drinks and hear about the process.  Choose from craft beer experiences to local distillery tours, fine wine tastings with the best Cork sommeliers, paired dining experiences, and the festival’s Beerfest.

 

Taking place from August 14th - 18th, the events aim to

Free events to Relish at Cork on a Fork Festival this week

Free events to Relish at Cork on a Fork Festival this week

See Orla McAndrew demo 12.00pm- to 2.00pm,
Thursday 15th August, Outside the English Market on Grand Parade

It’s almost time for Cork on a Fork Festival, which kicks off this Wednesday 14th August and runs until Sunday.  The five-day festival is organised by Cork City Council in partnership with most of the businesses in the city, all working together to showcase Cork’s world class food culture, hospitality businesses, incredible home-grown produce, and outstanding producers.

If you haven’t already got your hands on tickets for some of the delicious events taking place, don’t worry.  There are loads of free events, many of which don’t even need to be booked.

Here is a roundup of free events taking place at the

Two weeks to go until Cork on a Fork Fest delivers Cork’s tastiest week!

Two weeks to go until Cork on a Fork Fest delivers Cork’s tastiest week!

Simone Kelly will be welcoming guests to L'atitude's event on
the Thursday of the Festival as she did last year!

With just 2 weeks until Cork on a Cork Fest gets underway it’s almost time to lick your lips, grab your fork and plate, set your reminders and finalise your plans to make the most of this 5 day food festival throughout Cork City.

Taking place from August 14th to 18th, Cork on a Fork will showcase Cork City’s rich food culture, culinary excellence, and high-quality local produce. This five-day event, brought to you by Cork City Council and local businesses, promises some unforgettable experiences across the city.

Visitors and locals alike will have the chance to explore Cork’s culinary scene through more than 70 exclusive events, unique dining experiences, family-friendly activities, and engaging demos and workshops and while some events are sold out there is still time to snap up spaces on a plethora of exciting food experiences!

Children's Food Trail!  Hugh Kelleher and friends pictured in the English Market during a fascinating Children's Food Trail of Cork City during last year's Cork on a Fork Fest. It will be held on
the Friday this year.

Event highlights to mark in your diary!

• Demos, Workshops & Talks: Emmet Place will serve as the festival hub over the weekend, hosting free cooking demos and tastings in a 100-seat marquee with top chefs and food personalities. A local food market and play street will add to the vibrant atmosphere, while Cork Opera House next door will feature a drinks emporium with Cork's drinks producers, complimentary tastings, and bar chats.

• MacCurtain Street will come alive with The VQ Shared Table, a chef collaboration dinner for 400 people, sponsored by Birra Moretti.

• Tequila bar NV Bar is partnering with Cork's premium mobile bar Foxglove for a Cocktails Street Party.

• Isaac's restaurant will feature a takeover by Celebrity Chef Rachel Allen of Ballymaloe.

• Glenbrook Farm hosts a Pop-up Harvest Feast with Chef Pamela Kelly from Farmgate.

• Epi Rogan and Brian Murray of The Glass Curtain will lead a Wild Foraging Adventure and Sharing Dinner.

• The River Lee will host a special dinner featuring Hell’s Kitchen USA winner Ryan O'Sullivan.

• The Butter Museum will feature a free afternoon of demos, including making traditional soda bread and butter.

• Sailing & Shucking - Shucking oysters on a 2.5 hr Cork harbour cruise.

• Hayfield Manor is partnering with Rebel City Distillery for a ‘Spirit of Summer’ evening celebrating Cork food and drink.

• The Marina Market will host a number of events over the week including a family fun day with child friendly cooking demos, a pop-up gourmet cinema and a Festival event.

• The Montenotte presents a 6-course Wine & Sea Soirée.

• Gabriel House offers a delightful Irish event with local produce, garden tours, and live music in its newly renovated organic gardens.

• Perry Street teams up with Hanna’s Bees for a Honey Themed Afternoon Tea.

• For Beer Lovers: The Cork on a Fork Beerfest, organized by the Franciscan Well, will offer free brewery tours, beer-themed dinners, late-night gigs with beer samplings, and an ice-cream fest with beer-infused ice cream.

  

  Rachel Allen cooks at Isaac's on the Sunday (18th).

  
  
  
  

Cork on a Fork will celebrate Cork’s rich food heritage, combining local traditions with global flavours. It’s a chance to sample incredible food from the region’s talented chefs, farmers, and producers. It’s the perfect August highlight for food lovers and curators of memorable experiences.

Check out the full festival programme on www.corkonaforkfest.ie or follow on social media @corkonaforkfest.  Brought to you by Cork City Council and local businesses, in partnership with Fáilte Ireland, Cork Airport, Cork Business Association, IHF Cork branch and media partners the Irish Examiner and Cork’s RedFM.

press release

CORK THEMED AFTERNOON TEA WITH MAHARANI GIN LAUNCHED AT THE METROPOLE

press release 

CORK THEMED AFTERNOON TEA LAUNCHED AT THE METROPOLE 

Part of Cork on a Fork Fest

The Metropole Hotel has launched an exclusive Afternoon Tea menu in collaboration with

Cork on a Fork Fest announces first events for 2024 programme

 Cork on a Fork Fest announces first events for 2024 programme

Get a taste of Cork’s unique food culture at the 5-day food festival which returns from 14th-18th August 2024  ~

Nascimento Nunes, Head Chef at Paladar; Alexandre Petit, Group Executive Chef of Trigon Hotels; and Brian Murray, Chef and Owner of The Glass Curtain, at the launch of Cork on a Fork Festival See www.corkonaforkfest.ie for more. Photo: Joleen Cronin

Get ready to savour the unique flavours of Cork at ‘Cork on a Fork Festival’, returning from August 14-18 2024 throughout Cork City centre. This celebration of food brought to you by Cork City Council and local businesses will showcase Cork’s unique food culture, culinary excellence, dining experiences and quality local produce over five days of food, trails, events, talks, demos and festival fun.  

Cork on a Fork Fest has just unveiled the first events for its

Tickets for The VQ Shared Table at Cork on a Fork Fest Now Available!

Tickets for The VQ Shared Table at Cork on a Fork Fest Now Available!

A long-table dinner experience on MacCurtain Street, August 14th 2024

Nascimento Nunes, Head Chef at Paladar; Brian Murray, Chef and Owner of The Glass Curtain; Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr. Kieran McCarthy; and Alexandre Petit, Group Executive Chef of Trigon Hotels, at the launch of Cork on a Fork Festival, which takes place from

A taste of what’s on for the weekend at Cork on a Fork Fest. Forecast looks good for Saturday & Sunday!

A taste of what’s on for the weekend at Cork on a Fork Fest

Hake and Chips at Electric

 

The fun weekend of feasting and fun continues until Sunday with a jam packed schedule

See Events at a Glance for an overview of what’s on, where and when!

Cork on a Fork Fest is well-underway and so far there have been street feasts, giant sharing paellas, special charity dinners, cooking demos, tasting trails, a producers meet-up, a food climate declaration from Cork City Council, and much more. 

The jam-packed festival programme continues until this Sunday 20th August, so head into Cork City as there’s something for all tastes. 

It’s best to check out the full programme on www.corkonaforkfest.ie to plan your weekend.

Many events are already booked out today but here are a few last minute things to go to…

• Workshops at The Butter Museum, Shandon: 2pm-4pm, no booking required.
  The Butter Museum is the place to be for families and adults alike on Friday afternoon and they have announced a number of new demos and talks:  traditional soda bread and butter, a talk on
  
  
  
  spiced beef, a talk on traditional sweets from Shandon Sweets, Samosas from Syrian Restaurant, cake tasting with Myo’s cafe, a butchering workshop and more.   This will move indoors if raining.
• Cool Food School Children’s Cooking Demo:  2.30pm
  A fun and interactive pop-up cooking class for kids at St Peter’s,
• Black Gold: 4.30pm: Learn how Cork developed its taste for black pudding and how it adapted over time to keep up with our ever evolving food culture, while you enjoy delicious samples from Farmgate and The English Market hosted by Kate from Flavour.ie.
• Of Irish and Oysters Talk. 4.00pm.  Talks are taking place all day at Crawford Art Gallery Theatre.  Don’t miss the 4pm one this afternoon - Of Irish and Oysters talk, a Salty History of Shuckin’Around and Irish Culture, according to Patrick McMurray - Oyster Sommelier & Champion Shucker.

• Soma Coffee Cupping and Tasting:  6.00pm:  An evening of coffee cupping - learn how to taste coffee with Soma’s head roaster and director, chat, and discuss all things coffee. Finish with Espresso Martinis & a bag of coffee to take home.

  

  Cooking demo with Orla McAndrew

  
  

 

Tomorrow:

Saturday’s programme is packed to the brim.  If you didn’t get a ticket to some of the booked out events like the garden picnics, the healthy eating puppet show, DiverCITY at the Imperial, the food photography workshop, or international tea ceremony at Nano Nagle, there’s still lots to enjoy, including pop up free events.

• Festival Demo Marquee and Markets: Sat 9.30am-6pm, no booking required.
  There will be a 100 seat Festival Demo Marquee on Emmet Place (outside the Cork Opera House) all day with a host of exciting talks, demos and tastings.  There will also be market stalls to peruse on the day, and free face-painting (limited) from 12pm-3pm and giant outdoor games from 2pm-4pm. All events are free thanks to Cork City Council, Failte Ireland, Ireland’s Ancient East and the Wild Atlantic Way.
• 9.30am: From Farm to Fork cooking demo with Farmgate - A look at cosy comforting autumn food.
• 10.45am:  Leftover Larder Love - zero waste cookery demo with Orla McAndrew.  
• 12pm:  Nutrition and Healthy Snacks for You and Your Family- a talk and demo with Mary Carmody Nutritionist & Mindset Coach & Consultant.
• 1pm:  Rachel Allen cooking demo.
• 2pm:  “The Art of Culinary Sustainability”.  A chat with Takashi Miyazaki from Ichigo Ichie, Aishling Moore from Goldie and Claire Condon from Good Day Deli, podcast live for McKenna Guides.
• 3pm: Rebel County Mystery Box Cook-Off: Three of Cork’s chefs take to the stage in a race against the clock to cook and serve up a quickfire dish using ingredients sourced only from the sea and soil of Cork County.  Featuring Brian Murray (Glass Curtain) and Darren Kennedy (former Sage Midleton) and Ali Honour (The Imperial).
• 4pm: Cooking demo with William Murray Currabinny.
• 5pm: Pupusas (stuffed tortillas/flatbread) cooking demo and sampling with Cork Migrant Centre. 

  

  Paella at L'Atitude

  
  
  
  
• Free Food Talks at the Festival Live Stage at Crawford Art Gallery:  11am-5pm, booking necessary for all events.
• 11am:  From Farmer to Cheese Maker with Dan Hegarty.
• 12pm Cork on a Fork – a new Cork perspective.  A panel discussion with leading names in Cork food who are not originally from the city.  Almost booked out.
• 2pm:  Healthy Eating Puppet Show for primary school kids.  Fully booked.
• 3pm:   Tips on improving mood and brain health through a healthy gut, with Atlantia Clinical Trials.  Fully booked.
• 4pm:  Cork Food – a food writers’ perspective: PANEL with Cork’s (and Ireland’s) leading food writers.

·        A Community Celebration of Food - fringe festival: 
Community gardens throughout Cork City will open up to the public on 19th August during Cork on a Fork Festival in partnership with Cork Food Policy Council to celebrate the wealth of community food and growing.

• Cormarket St Market & Play Street, Sat 10am-12pm Pop into the city in the morning with your family for lunch in one of the city’s gorgeous restaurants and from 2-4pm.  There will be free limited facepainting on Maylor St and everyone will have lots of fun with giant outdoor games..

• Cork on a Fork Tasting Trail:  10.30am
  Enjoy a food stroll through Cork City to places that are off the usual food route where tastings are generous and the people lively. Vegetarian friendly.
• Yoga and Brunch on the Boardwalk: 11.30am
  Join Alchemy School of Yoga for an outdoor class on the boardwalk at Electric and a delicious brunch bursting with fresh, Cork produce afterwards in Electric. Suitable for all yoga levels.
• The English Market Cooking Demo: Sat 2pm-4pm:  Outside the English Market Grande Parade, no booking required.
  Award-winning Cork Chef Orla McAndrew will do an English Market cookery demonstration and sampling on Thursday and Saturday, using ingredients from The English Market.
• Harley StrEAT BBQ, 3pm-7pm, Harley St next to the Metropole
  Jive down to Harley Street in the VQ, just beside the Metropole Hotel for a salsa themed BBQ and cocktails, while you listen to live music.
• Sourdough and Wine Harvest: 3.30pm Callanans Bar
  Immerse yourself in a captivating event dedicated to the art and science of sourdough bread-making and natural wine.
• Oyster Shucking Fun & Seafood Tasting:  7pm, The Metropole
  A magical evening of mollusc-related food, fun and frolics, also incorporating the Cork Oyster Shucking Competition, open to all. Judged by Guinness World Record Oyster Shucker, Paddy McMurray. Includes a sparkling oyster reception, seafood light bites & a drink.Masterclasses also available for amateurs earlier in the day.
• Bookshelf Cork on a Fork Supper Club:  8pm The Bookshelf at The Elysian
  Experience an exceptional 5-course dining journey showcasing talented local producers in the region.  Wine pairing also available.
  
  

Sunday

Again many events are booked out like the teddy bears picnic in Fitzgerald Park, the Feast of Fashion event and the Wasted zero waste dinner at L’Atitude 51, but there’s still lots to enjoy.

• Make and Taste 3 unique coffee roasts, 11am Izz Cafe
  Owner Izzeddeen will take you through the process of roasting 3 different types of green coffee beans and you’ll leave with a copper coffee pot and coffee bag.

·        Sophie’s Cork on a Fork Brunch. Sat and Sun 12pm-2.30pm
Sophie’s Rooftop Restaurant will serve a specially curated Cork on a Fork brunch menu, full of Cork only ingredients.

·        Sailing, Shucking & Shanties:  Cork Harbour Cruises 2pm
Enjoy a 2.5-hour cruise of Cork lower Harbour, and take in the sights of Cobh, Spike Island, Haulbowline and Blackrock Castle. Famous fishmonger Pat O Connell from the English Market will be shucking oysters for your tasting, and there will be lots of entertainment on board with Sea Shanties

·        Responsible Good Food Talks and Demos at Good Day Deli, Nano Nagle Place: Sun 3pm-5pm, no booking required.
Good Day Deli at Nano Nagle Place is hosting talks and demos with their producers in Cork who care equally as much about environmental stewardship as the quality and flavour of their produce.  Pop along on the day and hear from West Cork Coffee, Richards Little Farm, Hive Mind and more. 

• Irish Whiskey & Pastry Experience: 3.30pm The Shelbourne
  Enjoy selection of The Shelbourne’s favourite whiskies paired with a combination of unique pastries like baklava, profiteroles and cake.
• An event of wine, charcuterie and cheese:5.00pm The Kingsley
  Indulge your senses and savour the perfect pairing of exquisite wines, charcuterie and a carefully curated selection of cheeses.

 

This is just a selection of what’s on, so make sure you check out the full programme for more.

Established by Cork City Council in 2022 as a celebration of dining and nightlife in the city and the world-class produce found in the wider Cork region, this year’s festival has more than doubled in scale. The inclusion of free and sustainable events is important to the festival’s ethos to ensure it really is a festival for all!

Cork on a Fork Festival is a Cork City Council Festival, supported by local hospitality businesses, Fáilte Ireland, Ireland’s Ancient East, Pure Cork, Cork Business Association, Cork Airport, Atlantic Clinical Trials. 

The full programme can be found on www.corkonaforkfest.ie or follow @corkonaforkfest for live updates. 

Electric's "Cork on a Fork Fest Menu" Highlights Local Producers

 Electric's "Cork on a Fork Fest Menu" Highlights Local Producers

Got ourselves an upstairs window table overlooking the river as we enjoyed the special Cork on a Fork Festival Menu at South Mall's Electric yesterday evening. We had a great view of the sunny scene and the outdoor tables by the boardwalk were packed. 

Local producers are highlighted on the menu including Ardsallagh Goats, Twomey's Butchers, Toons Bridge Dairy, Stonewell, Kinnegar, 9 White Deer, Franciscan Well and Beamish! The menu consists of three courses, costs €35.00 per person and runs until Saturday the 19th of August. There are choices under each course heading and some delicious surprises along the way, including that Beamish dessert! Check it all out here at Cork on a Fork or book direct at Electric.

Both of our starters were top drawer.
The Carpaccio of Twomey's Beef Fillet (above) came with wild mushrooms and shallot rings and was packed with flavour and also much more tender than most of the type, much closer to melt in the mouth, a million miles away from those tough and stringy examples you sometimes come across.
Our other starter (below) was Ballycotton Scallops with Twomey's Black Pudding and shallot. This is a tried and tested combination enhanced here by quality ingredients.
The third starter on the menu was Ardsallagh Goats Cheese parcel with Blackberry & Apple Compote. Sounds good too! 

Must say I was very happy indeed with my juicy cheesy mains, the Toons Bridge Mozzarella Moussaka with Grilled Aubergine, Courgette & Crushed Tomatoes (above). The vegetables, especially the tomatoes, were just superb.

Above, we have your classic fish and chips, another superb dish from the Electric kitchen described as Ballycotton Beer Battered Hake and Chips with minted pea purée, tempura. You had no bother finding the generous fish here as the batter was less than wafer thin.

The third mains available was Twomey's 6-oz sirloin steak with Mushrooms, Onion Rings, Goose Fat Chips and North Cork Garlic Butter

We enjoyed both desserts but the Beamish and Date Pudding with Beamish Caramel and Vanilla Ice Cream (below) got the nod as being the favourite on the night! Dangerously delicious! Not that there was anything amiss with the West Cork Strawberry Mille Feuille with the Strawberry and Prosecco Coulis. 

One for the road? This Stonewell is the one!