Island Gate in Cork

ISLAND GATE

In the Island Gate for a confirmation lunch today. Been quite a while since I’ve been here, much longer since I first saw the place, then owned by Mr Harris and known as the Dew Drop In, on whose apron the Little Island and Caherlag Coursing Club used to gather before a hunt in the then sparsely populated Little Island across the road.

Got off to a good start today with a basket of freshly baked brown bread and, despite the few confirmation parties, the meal itself was well up to scratch.

Started with a Warm Chicken Salad: chicken marinated in soya and crispy bacon, sautéed & tossed on a bed of leaves. Starters were generally large.

Unusually, I went for the Beef Curry as the main course. It was a well made bowlful, a generous portion. Indeed, all the main courses near me, including sirloin steak and the roast chicken and ham, were large.

Four desserts on the list and I thoroughly enjoyed my Warm Apple and Cinnamon Pie, a well made piece with real chunky apple. A few nearby went for the Baileys Cheesecake and all were pleased with it.

Occasions such as these can sometimes prove too much for restaurants but the Island Gate had no problem in catering for it: the food was quite good and so too was the friendly service.

Check out my review of Island Gate - I am cork - on Qype

THE ISLAND GATE

EARLY BIRD AT THE GATE

The Island Gate is one of a few restaurants that have recently advertised Early Bird offers. The Four Liars is another and I have heard good reports from a couple who went there within the past fortnight.

The Island Gate has a two course offer at €20.00. You can have a mains with either a starter or dessert.

There is choice of about four starters, including soup. I enjoyed my spicy potato wedges with salad.

Main courses (a choice of six on the early bird) at the table were Pork Medallions with a creamy cider sauce) and a Basil Chicken Dish. Both were good quality, tasty, no complaint at all. As an accompaniment, you may pick two from salad, fries, mash and vegetables.

One of the party finished with a gorgeous Bailey’s Cheesecake, delicious and so light.

The wine list is being changed at the moment. The current house wines come in at a very reasonable €17.50 – let’s hope they don’t change that. The presentation of the wine was a little on the sloppy side. No tasting was offered and there was no keep it cool facility for the white.

Service was friendly, no delays. Overall, the meal was good and so too was the price.