BRIDGESTONE FOOD GUIDE - GOOD BUT NOT BIBLE

THE BRIDGESTONE IRISH FOOD GUIDE

Picked up the Bridgestone Irish Food Guide the other day and am enjoying flicking through the information packed pages. It is an excellent reference and I’ll be using it for market trips, for day trips and weekend trips.

It is good but would have been better without the strident editorial, especially the bit that deems it “a traitorous action” to buy imported food in a foreign-owned supermarket. Passion is admirable but this “tackle” would earn a card on the football field. It is a bit over the top, especially considering that the book itself was printed in Spain. What do the excellent local printers think about that?

Sauce for the goose... If I have to watch my back in the supermarket, must I also be wary if I call to the listed and praised On the Pigs Back for some Bayonne Ham or Boudin Noir? Come on lads, get real. The good food movement is both local and international and if Brittany Ferries hadn’t taken so many of us to the continent in the 70s and 80s, the taste for it here would have much slower to develop.

No doubt huge strides have been made in the quality and variety of food available here in recent years, much of the movement sparked by “imported” innovators from abroad, notably, in the Cork area anyhow, by English, Dutch, French and Spanish artisans. The international element again!

Add these to those Irish who kept the good food faith when it wasn’t really fashionable and there is now a decent base for the future.

There are still huge challenges to be met, huge opportunities to exploit. Take fish of example. Cork is poorly served here, just three stalls plus a small Hederman’s smoked counter in the English Market and nothing else in the city centre! You’d get as much choice in a weekly market in a small French town.

This lack of choice can lead to lack of competition on price. At least O'Driscoll’s Fresh Fish from Schull came to the Mahon Farmers Market, not just with fresh fish but with fresh pricing (a bag of fish for a fiver) as well and that is why they draw the queues, even though Ballycotton are now matching them nearby for choice and price though not yet the queue!

There is no lack of opportunities for fish and markets. Just look at the North East of Cork City, an area including St Luke’s, Dillon’s Cross, Ballyvolane, Barnavara, Mayfield (pictured), Silverheights, Tivoli, Murmount and Montenotte. The population here is in the tens of thousands, bigger than most Irish cities and towns. Yet it hasn’t as much as one fish stall, not even a fish van calling, and no Farmers Market whatsoever.

So come on, all you current and potential good food producers out there. Do your bit. Put out the quality where the people can see it and you won't have to wrap it in green white and gold for me to buy it. Quality and availability will do the trick.

The guide is bigger than ever, over 600 pages, more food places included. But some notable absentees. On the restaurant side, there is no mention of Fenns Quay (who do get a recommendation from Michelin this year) and Market Lane (who are a delicious example of using local produce), both places that I have enjoyed recently.

Augustine’s, which had just moved to the Clarion, fails to make the listings but Boqueria, which has undergone both renovations and a change of ownership, maintains its status, though with a caveat.

At some point soon, they’ll probably have to impose a limit on entries. Maybe some of the artisans will upscale to, God forbid, factory size. Maybe that is why big outfits such as Flahavan’s (Oats and Oatmeal) are not included, though Barry’s Tea are. Then again, I didn't see any mention of East Cork’s small outfit, the Magpie Dairy who do excellent goats cheese products.

The guide is extensive but it is not the whole story. Consult it to be sure but also use your own initiative. I am having fun doing so. Take a chance on a new taste. You never know where it might lead you. 

Supervalu Beers

SUPERVALU

Supervalu in the old Roches Stores in Merchant’s Quay is not the place I’d normally think of when looking for beers with a difference. But time was short and I tried and found a decent enough selection there from both sides of the Atlantic.
Stuck with the Europeans though. Got the Budejovicky Budwar (€2.78) - was this the one transferred across the Atlantic? - from the Czech Republic, plus two from Bavaria , Paulaner Hefe-Weisbier ( €2.32) and the Erdinger Weissbrau (€2.78), all in 500ml bottles.
Just a note on last week’s trio (from Bradley’s). They were Pilsner Urquell (€2.99), Rick Stein’s Chalky’s Bark Open (€2.99) and, from Oz, Hahn Premium (€1.89). All very enjoyable and I found it impossible to put them in a 1-2-3 order. Pleasantly surprised with the Chalky’s Bark as I was a bit apprehensive about the ginger element.
I must say that I didn't enjoy my Supervalu trio as much. The Erdinger, a dark beer, flattered to deceive. Rather enjoyed the first mouthful but gradually the sweetness got to me and I didn't finish it.
The Pualaner, which also produced an abundant head, looked promising but there was something about it, noticeable in the nose and just when you finished the swallow, a kind of clove like whiff. Not for me.
The Budwar saved the day! Better colour, better body, better all round that the pale watery American version, it was a decent beer, more or less on a par with the three from the previous week

Check out my review of Supervalu - I am cork - on Qype

Nash 19 in Cork

NASH 19
Dreary dull sky today but got a shot of the Med sunshine at lunchtime in the spacious area known as Nash 19. What courtesy and service, taken by the hand through each inviting item on the menu.
Even at that, it was very hard to make a choice, all were equally tempting. Settled for a Tomato, Chicken, Chorizo Spaghetti, topped with a rocket salad and parmesan (€13.95). Superb. The other dish was a Fattata (a Spanish style omelette), a tart made with Ardrahan Cheese, peppers and thyme and served with a crispy fresh salad (€11.90).
Having gone way beyond the snack we came in for, dessert was added without a second thought. I loved my chocolate, pear and plum tart (with custard, cream if you prefer), topped with sliced almonds. Go for it sometime. Also at the table, was a well made very tasty Apple pie. This was made with real apples, nice and chunky pieces, but all the ingredients here are “real” – you can see where they all come from, most from top local producers. Desserts cost €5.50 each.
The wine suggestion was Alberino. It comes from the Atlantic coast of Spain and is crisp, zesty and fresh and costs €6.50 per glass. Finished off with two Americanos (Bewleys) which were top drawer and cost €2.50 each.
Nash 19 also have a food shop by the entrance and we had “scoped it” on the way in and intended to buy on the way out but, such was the queue waiting to get in, that we put off the purchases for a day.
Tempting at the shop and tempting at the table. There is a high standard in this Prince’s Street establishment and one can easily see why Claire Nash and her team won the Bord Bia Restaurant of the Month Award for December. Congratulations and keep up the good work!

Check out my review of Nash 19 - I am cork - on Qype

An Cruibin in Cork

AN CRÚIBÍN

“An Crúibín is arguably Cork’s coolest pub and you can get some brilliant tapas (some of which are inspired by Spain, others by good Irish produce) here in the evenings,” according to foodie Tom Doorley. The tapas plus its Silk Purse Restaurant are drawing punters to the Union Quay establishment that has replaced the much loved Lobby Bar.
I’m afraid I was a little too early for the tapas when I called before 12 noon today. But there was a friendly face behind the counter when I ordered my coffee and sat down at one of the big tables in the bar. A good sized cup of decent brew cost me two euro and I relaxed and had a quick skim through the Irish Times.
Small things often give an indication of the attitude of a pub or restaurant and, based on this brief visit, I will quite happily return to try the bar food or even that restaurant upstairs which is open only on the Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings (from 7.00pm).

Check out my review of An Cruibin - I am cork - on Qype

Mahers Pure Coffee in Cork

MAHER’S PURE COFFEE

The retail outlet for Maher’s Pure Coffee may be found at 25 Oliver Plunkett Street, Cork. The establishment, now owned by John Mackey, has made a number of moves since it was founded some thirty years ago by Mr Maher in Marlboro Street. Still on sale today, is the Number Six Blend, named after the original street number.
The service is efficient, friendly and knowledgeable and I enjoyed my call there this morning, on the lookout for some coffee of the stronger type for the cafetiere. Settled on an Italian but also purchased a smaller pack (125 Gms) of a stronger Sumatra just to try it out.
There was a great smell coming from my briefcase as I opened for one or two other calls around town!

Check out my review of Mahers Pure Coffee - I am cork - on Qype

CONGRATS

Great to see places that we’ve been praising here acknowledged in the current round of Bridgestone Awards. Congratulations to all and in particular to Ann at O'Keeffe's in St Luke’s and to Nicole Dunphy of Pandora Bell in Limerick. Coincidentally, you can get Pandora Bell products in St Luke’s (who also stock wines from Bubble Brothers. O’Keeffe’s is a food treasure house.

WINE MYSTERY

SUNDAY NIGHT WORK-OUT

On your own, maybe not, next Sunday? Why not liven it up with the second Irish Twitter-based blind tasting? You get your wine from Curious Wines but there will be no information on the bottle: no country, no producer, no grape variety.

 From 8.00pm onwards, you and all the other twitters that join in will have some fun getting in touch and working out exactly what you are drinking. Have some fun and make friends at the same time – this is the second such event. Bubble Brothers were the first supplier.

The wine costs 19 euro and is available (to anywhere in Ireland) from Curious Blind Tasting where you'll also see full details of the event, including the twitter links to follow.

Boqueria in Cork

BOQUERIA

Want a break from the starter, main course, dessert routine? Did you ever find yourself at the table, saying: I would love to try two of their starters and skip the main course? Just want a bite or two with a glass of wine?
Then try the newly revamped Boqueria, the Tapas bar in Bridge Street named after the market in Barcelona (see pic). I did last evening and enjoyed the chance to “flexi-eat”. Here, you can have Bar Bites (€3.00), Tapas (6), Small Plates (10) and Shared Plates (20).
There are four choices of shared plates: cold meats, cheese, fish and tapas. We choose the latter and added a bowl of Patatas Boqueria to make sure we had enough!
Found out later that was a scattering of Patatas (essentially slightly spicy wedges with their own dip) on the impressive shared plate which also had quails’ eggs, bread with pâté, cured hams, various dips and relishes, tasty potato balls, chicory, roasted almond nuts, olives...and more.
Service was friendly and the dish was delivered promptly. Not an extensive range of wines there now, maybe four or five of both white and red and a couple of cavas. They also serve Murphy’s Heineken and Krombacher on draft. I enjoyed my 500ml carafe of Muscadet (17). It was also available by the glass, the pichet and full bottle.
Finished off with two good Americanos at two euro each. Total bill came to €47.00. There was quite a flow of punters coming in as the evening wore on. If the place gets close to full, you will find yourself sitting very near to your neighbour but then that’s what happens in Tapas Bars!

Check out my review of Boqueria - I am cork - on Qype

CHANGING TASTES

THE MASTER’S DOUGHNUTS

For a while, in the 80s, I used to call every weekend to a shop in Shandon Street, close to the top on the left side as you go up.

There, for a sweet sweet while, a German master-baker used make the best doughnuts I have ever tasted, so sweet you could eat the brown bag in which they were packed!

The whole family looked forward to that weekly calorie filled treat.

You won't get those doughnuts there now – the German has long since ceased that particular business – but the international dimension of food here has expanded hugely.

For those of you who haven’t been in the area for a while, Shandon Street is both an eye-opener and mouth-opener! There are food outlets galore, from the traditional chippers to shops selling Hungarian, African, Asian food – truly multi-national.


For more on the street and the area, see http://www.qype.co.uk/place/1215640-Shandon-Walk-Cork or http://corkandabout.blogspot.com/ (loads of photos)

MENU DESCRIPTION

Clonakilty Black Pudding is one of the songs on the Jimmy Crowley collection in our music choice (above) this week and here is the chorus.

Clonakilty Blackpudding! Ses me daza, full of pep!
To put the lead back in your pencil and the spring back in your step
Heaven knows what herbs and spices are inside the saucy skin
But it brings a smile to Erin's Isle Agus fágfaimid mar sin. 

Haven't seen this description on any menu - yet!

FOOD LOVERS WEEK

FOOD FOR LOVE

Maybe not as sexy as Isabel Allende’s cook book "Aphrodite" but the good local food on offer at attractive prices during the Good Food Ireland Week in Cork could well put you in the mood for Valentine’s Day.

The event runs from Monday 8th to Friday 12th February and you may enjoy a Good Food Ireland Local Food Plate and a Glass of Wine for just €15.00. There is also an accommodation offer: 3 nights for the price of 2.


For Further Information visit www.goodfoodireland.ie
or Telephone 053 9158693

Good Food Ireland Members taking part:

Alternative Bread Company
Ballymaloe Cookery School
Ballymaloe House
Ballyvolane House
Café Paradiso
Cronin's Pub
Farmgate English Cork City
Farmgate Midleton
Fishy Fishy Café 
Glebe Gardens & Café
Gwen's Chocolates
Hassett's Bakery
Hayes' Bar
Hayfield Manor Hotel
Kalbo's Bistro
Liberty Grill
Mannings Emporium
McCarthy's of Kanturk
Nash 19 Restaurant & Food Shop
O'Connor's Seafood Restaurant
O'Flynns Gourmet Sausage Company
On the Pigs Back
The Poachers Inn
Richy's Bar and Bistro
River Lane Café 
The Sandwich Stall
Table Restaurant
The Village Greengrocer & Food Hall

Bradleys Ltd in Cork

BRADLEY’S

Called into Bradley’s, North Main Street, to browse among their 700 wines.
Wouldn't you know it – they didn't have the Four Sisters Shiraz that I was on the lookout for. At least that was my excuse for calling.
They had some bargains, one Australian Shiraz I had bought elsewhere before Christmas was marked down by three euro. The Penfold's Rawson Retreat range was also down by that amount and I treated herself (my excuse) to a bottle of Semillon Chardonnay.

They also have huge ranges of spirits and beers but I didn't have time to check them all or the arms to carry them. Settled for a few beers on this occasion and am now looking forward to sampling Pilsner Urquell (€2.99), Rick Stein’s Chalky’s Bark Open (€2.99) and, from Oz, Hahn Premium (€1.89).
My father always maintained that Bradley’s had the best bottled Irish beer in town but they have now spread their wings and are well worth a visit. Service, by the way, was relaxed and friendly.

Check out my review of Bradleys Ltd - I am cork - on Qype

Cafe Gusto in Cork

CAFE GUSTO
Cafe Gusto – so good they built it twice, first in Washington Street (Singers Corner) and also at the Lapps Quay Boardwalk (see pic).

Called to Washington Street lunchtime today and enjoyed my snack which consisted of a hot gorgeously crispy Bocadillo, filled with a Caprese (Mozarella du Bufala, basil and plum tomato). Partner helped herself to a Focaccia Farita filled with a juicy Tuna Salad (with plum tomato, red onion, cucumber & a little mayo).

I had a large Americano while she had a medium one; both were superb. The “sandwiches” cost a fiver each and the total came to less than €15.00.
Staff were informative and friendly but the service was a little less than perfect in the sense that the coffee was served well before the eats and there was even a noticeable gap between the Focaccia and the Bocadillo.

But I would nonetheless recommend the place strongly. The food is excellent and so is the coffee. Next time though, I might have a glass of water with the meal and then get the coffee and linger! By the way, all the seating here is of the high stool variety.

Check out my review and map of Cafe Gusto - I am cork - on Qype