January Dining. Good Hood, The Wine Tavern at St Luke's and K. O'Connell's in Dunnes Stores
Good Times Roll at The Wine Tavern St Luke's
The Wine Tavern at St Luke's, a family-run establishment, has been a local favourite for years, known for its warm welcome, relaxed atmosphere, and focus on wine and tapas. The Tavern aims to provide a social dining experience for individuals or groups.
A highlight of the Wine Tavern is their sharing board, a generous platter featuring Cashel Blue cheese, smoked cheddar, brie, spiced beef, serrano ham, chorizo, roasted almonds, pickles, and homemade dips. It's a perfect accompaniment to their wine selection. Beyond the sharing board, the menu offers a variety of tapas, including the highly recommended Crispy potatoes with Garlic butter and Parmesan cubes, a delicious alternative to standard chips or Patatas Bravas. Full review here.
Tapas, Pizza, and Service: A Winning Formula at Good Hood
Good Hood, a new restaurant at St Luke's Cross, has quickly gained popularity with its winning combination of tapas and pizzas.
Headed by Colin Ryan, known for Hansum Rotisserie Chicken and Paperboys Café, and partnered with Ciarán O'Regan of Dublin’s Rita's Pizzeria, Good Hood is focused on delivering quality food and service, leading to a strong initial success. The restaurant's popularity is evident in its consistently full house, with reservations recommended.
Until its expected drinks license arrives, Good Hood encourages patrons to bring their own beverages from the nearby off-license, providing glasses and waiving any corkage fee. They anticipate obtaining a drinks license soon and adding dessert options in the near future. The pizzas are a highlight, with options like the Diego, featuring tomato, mozzarella, garlic, oregano, anchovies, and capers. The menu also includes other creative pizza options like the Hunted Hog, Hay Pesto, and the Cheek of It.
Beyond pizzas, Goodhood offers a selection of tapas-style sharing plates, including highly recommended dishes like the Beef Cheek with crispy potato terrine and Pecorino Romano, and the Beets on Goats with beetroot, blackberries, goat’s cheese, and chive oil. Full review here
Kate's back in town at O'Connell Fishmongers
Chef Kate Lawlor, formerly of 5 Fenns Quay, has returned to the Cork culinary scene, now heading up the kitchen at Kay O'Connell's Fish Merchants within the new food hall in Dunne's Stores on Patrick Street. This collaboration between renowned fishmonger Pat O'Connell and Lawlor offers a variety of fresh seafood dishes, from oysters and crab to salmon and cod, with both a regular menu and daily specials. Customers can purchase their hot meals and enjoy them at the seating provided within the food hall or opt for convenient takeout.
The menu features diverse options like Monkfish Nuggets with tonkatsu sauce and rice, a Fish Plate with smoked salmon, and sandwiches such as Smoked Salmon and Prawn Cocktail. Lawlor's culinary skills are evident in dishes like the Seafood and Pasta special. In addition to its new Dunnes Stores location, O'Connell's also operates Kay's Kitchen in the English Market, offering a "Fish Box" and other seafood delights. Full review here.