HERE'S TO eFRIENDS

HERE’S TO eFRIENDS

Dinner last night owed much to friends I’ve met on the net.

Promising start thanks to @winealliancemoz His recent raid on Royan included a Rubis Pineau for moi. Chilled it yesterday evening before sampling. What a gem! Thanks a million,  Maurice.

Starter, a Bruschetta, roughly along the lines of what FennsQuay (apologies  Kate!) produced for their recent Sicilian Wine Evening. Good bread, toasted on one side, with diced tomatoes and good quality olive oil, along with some olives. Superb preparation for the main course.

Late last year I was invited, via libertygrill, to the launch night of the Cork Good Food Week and one of the tastiest bites was the Venison Stew. Been trying it since. Last Saturday's meat was bought in O’Sullivan’s in the English Market; added in some seasonal vegetables and red wine and served with spuds in their skins. And cleaned the plates.

Finished off with a slice (two, to be honest) of a gorgeous fruit cake, all thanks to Bibliocook  Caroline has some fantastic recipes of her own on the site but this came from Nigel Slater, a blueberry and peach cake with almonds. I picked the berries out the back but was a little short so added in a fistful of blackberries which didn't do any harm. You can get the link to the recipe at Bibliocook.

It wasn't all internet related, of course. Old friends too played a part and a neighbour kindly left in a bottle of Bordeaux which fitted the bill. 

Coming up to lunchtime Sunday as I finish this. The sun is out and I’ll soon be out too, sipping more of that Pineau on the garden seat. Here’s to friends! Both old and new.

The Huntsman near Blarney

THE HUNTSMAN
Tower’s Huntsman is not one of your modern super pubs. Much more basic, divided into bar and lounge, and it draws a good share of locals. It is reasonably comfortable and roomy and they have music there from time to time. Service is efficient and friendly. Tables are cleared of empty glasses regularly. Prices are average and the drink is good. Handy place to meet friends as we did the other night.

Check out my review of The Huntsman - I am cork - on Qype

Star Anise in Cork

STAR ANISE  

A late decision to go out early on Friday evening meant we headed downtown without a booking. Passed a few restaurants in McCurtain Street and Bridge Street to do a bit of other business in Patrick Street. By then had decided to go back to Bridge Street and saw that Star Anise had Duck Confit with Sarlat potatoes so, despite having the dish a half dozen times during recent holiday in Sarlat, we decided to try there first.
Luckily they were able to fit us it. The small place is bright and clean and the welcome is absolutely warm. We were given loads of information about the menu and a detailed account of the specials. By the time, we had heard all that, the confit was forgotten about.
This is what we choose:
Starters:
A -Polenta and Sage crusted Brie, with walnut pesto, garlic croutons and red pepper jam.
B -Tandoori marinated prawns with lime crème fraîche and nutty couscous, with lime and coriander salsa.
Mains:
A -Blackened Cajun salmon with lime crème fraîche, baby potatoes and avocado salad
B - Japanese style breaded butterfly chicken, with rice and spinach and roasted tomatoes.
I have to say, delighted to say, that all four dishes were top class. My prawns, on a skewer, were splendid bites, embellished by the perfect accompaniments. The Brie, a decent rectangle, not the huge slab that you come across sometimes, was also spot on, enhanced by the crust and other pieces.
I thoroughly enjoyed my salmon and also had a good taste of the delightful chicken with its delicate Asian crust. I was asked which I preferred and, honestly, couldn’t give a straight answer. One was as delicious as the other.
We had started with some lovely breads and all through the meal the friendly service continued and the two ladies waved us as we left at the end. We had to forego dessert and wine as we were heading out to a “session” later in the evening but left very happy with the meal and looking forward to calling back again to Star Anise, which bills itself as a Mediterranean restaurant but draws its inspirations from an even wider net. More importantly, the chef turns the inspiration into delightful platefuls.
Early Bird: Cost 23.90 each for two courses.

4 Bridge Street
Cork
021 4551635

Check out my review of Star Anise - I am cork - on Qype

THE WEEKEND CATCH

THE WEEKEND CATCH

Restaurant & Bar Scene in Cork

via Twitter & Facebook

Been inundated with entries for the Robert Roberts Tea/Coffee hamper. Not in? Still time as entries close on August 16^th at http://corkfood.blogspot.com/search?q=Roberts

Caroline has an interesting Barry’s Tea competition going and you can check that out at http://www.bibliocook.com/

Have you got a bumper crop of courgettes? Then check put the recipes at

http://allrecipes.co.uk/recipes/tag-334/courgette-recipes.aspx

Jameson Irish Whiskey Many of you have made complimentary comments about Jameson 18 year old Limited Reserve and Jameson Rarest Vintage Reserve. We're delighted to say that both whiskeys have just won prestigious gold medals at the respected International Spirits Challenge awards. A tremendous honour for us. And a reflection of your fine taste and knowledge of course! If you've ever savoured either of these two winners, please feel free to tell us your thoughts.

Food Safety Authority of Ireland Latest food alert: Irish Spring water multi pack recall. For info on this alert, click here: http://www.fsai.ie/comeraghwaterrecall.html

‎| Food Alerts | News | Food Safety Authority of Ireland

www.fsai.ie

SoHo Bar & Restaurant Our new COCKTAIL, WINE & DESSERT menu launched yesterday (Thurs) so pop in and try a few tonight. if you’re nice we will give u a few free samples !!!

cafegusto  If you are in Cafe Gusto any evening over the weekend, make sure you try a complimentary Moroccan mint tea! http://twitpic.com/2bufte 

libertygrill  You’ll be glad to know the repairs are finished and the Liberty has been serving breakfast since 8.00 today Friday. http://twitpic.com/2buv2p 

SAVEURMAG  Spotted some tempting recipes here: “9 of our favourite Greek mezedes, from feta-stuffed peppers to herb-filled grape leaves” http://bit.ly/cYZWHQ 

grapes_of_sloth Paul Kieran tells us about a mini-string of coastal wine bars at http://pauljkiernan.wordpress.com/2010/08/05/casa_diegos_aperitif 

Billy Lyons Paul went west while I headed east and a found a Cobh Bar/Restaurant in a great location, even has its own pontoon for sailors

Ireland.com - Blogs - The Food & Drink Blog – The Quays in Cobh

We search the net, via Twitter and Facebook, each Thursday evening and early Friday morning, for the latest from the Cork restaurant and bar scene. If you don't have either of the above, reach us at cork.billy@gmail.com. Deadline 10.00am Friday.

CURIOUS WINES

Big selection

Wide Aisles

Wines from all over

 Brothers Mike (left) and Matt of Curious Wines.

CURIOUS WINES

When I first saw the new Kinsale Road warehouse of Curious Wines (Green), it reminded me of the 1967 film title I am Curious (Yellow). The same director, Vilgot Sjöman, also made a film called I am Curious (Blue), his colours from the Swedish flag.

The green of Curious Wines is bright and unmissable and Number 36 brightens up that corner of the Kinsale Road Commercial Centre. It is also big which means you have loads of room in the aisles and they have plenty of room to display their impressive range of wines.

It is the new base of brothers Mike and Matt Kane who have moved form Bandon after 18 months or so there. Space and location were the main attractions in making the move for Curious Wines, whose website has won Best in Ireland (2009) and who feature in the Bridgestone Best in Ireland 2010.

“We are now settled in and happy with the location,” Mike told me on a  recent visit. “We’ve used the web to let people know of the move and word of mouth, perhaps the best recommendation, is now having its effect.”

“It is so convenient for so many people, just one minute off the Kinsale Road roundabout. Quite a few made the trip out to Bandon but it wasn't  a regular trip and that seems to be happening here.”

“The proximity of Smyths Toys also means a huge footfall in the centre and indeed quite a few tired parents drop in to buy a consolatory bottle after hours spent on toys. I know the feeling, as I’m a parent myself.”

I told Mike that I was still going through one of their mixed case specials. “Yeah, that works well for us. Customers are creatures of habit and the mixed case gives them the opportunity to break out a bit. We include recognisable labels but also less well known ones. It is a nice easy way to try different wines and works out at less than eight euro per bottle.”

“We don't want to force anyone into anything they don't like but these cases make it easy to explore. Our twenty per cent off offers are also a help in that direction. Currently we have that reduction on both Italian and New Zealand wines.”

We asked Mike if he had spotted any trends this summer? Anything doing in Rosé?

“Rosés started well with the good weather in May but, like the sunshine, tailed off after that. Funnily enough, people seem to prefer the more expensive rosé. We have a lovely McLaren at €15.00 and quite a few people have tried that. Tastings are a great way to get people into Rosé.”

Did the World Cup spark any interest in South African wines? I see you have some Chenin Blanc in your selection from there?

“No, the area is a hard sell at the moment, people seem to prefer Chile. But we do have a Paarl Heights Chenin Blanc here and that won a Gold Medal at the 2010 Sommelier Awards.”

Curious Wines are looking forward to making the best use of their warehouse.

“The warehouse situation, there are less than ten in Ireland, has lower overheads and allows the retailer extra space. That means larger quantities and the opportunity to have an expansive interesting range.”

“It is bright and spacious here and the five foot aisles and trolleys make it easy for the customer to browse. There is no minimum purchase. You can buy just the one bottle if you like but with parking outside the door we find that people usually buy more than that. People that haven't called to us before are understandably a bit cautious but we’re confident they’ll be back. We are looking forward to the months ahead and particularly to the Christmas market.”

The future is green!

 If you can't visit the warehouse, you can see and buy the wines at http://www.curiouswines.ie/

Here you may also check out their blog and sign up for the newsletter.

Phones: In Ireland: 021 432 0233
Outside Ireland: +353 21 432 0233

The Green Warehouse

The Entrance Hall

The Quays in Cobh

THE QUAYS

You may arrive at the Quays Bar and Restaurant in Cobh by car, on foot, by train or by boat. The establishment has its own pontoon.

It also has a decking area, part of it under cover, so you can take in the harbour views as you dine.

Called in there at the weekend, by car, and enjoyed a decent afternoon cup of coffee, a large one (with wrapped biscuit), that cost €2.50.

The inside bar area looks clean and comfortable and service was efficient and helpful and smiles all round. We took the coffee on the decked area, took our time and watched as one of the cruise liners left the nearby Deepwater Quay.

You won't get views like this at too many restaurants, though one in Venice, where I enjoyed the local “green” sardines, springs to mind. I haven't sampled the fine cuisine in The Quays yet but Saturday’s experience suggests that it should be up to scratch.

You can see the menu and prices on the website and they also have specials. Saturday's Specials included Soup at €4.50 and main courses ranging from Pan Fried Sea Bass with White Wine Sauce at €20.95 to Black Sole on the bone with a caper/butter sauce at €27.95.

Check out my review of The Quays - I am cork - on Qype
Picture, taken from the Sirius Art Gallery, shows outside area of The Quays

THE WEEKEND CATCH

THE WEEKEND CATCH

Restaurant & Bar Scene in Cork

via Twitter & Facebook

LIBERTY GRILL and FENNS QUAY UP GRADE, REVAMP

Liberty Grill We will be closed Monday the 2nd to Thursday the 5th of August for a little TLC. We reopen 8am Friday the 6th.

We will be upgrading our disabled toilet facilities, reupholstering our banquette seating and chairs, re-varnish the floor, painting plus numerous repairs and fire safety maintenance jobs.

No. 5 Fenns Quay Restaurant People may remember last November Fenns was badly hit by the flooding so our building needs a little tlc which requires Fenns quay to take a little vacation from the 1^st August whilst Mike Hanrahan & his team perform surgery! So we look forward to a few weeks time when the doors open to a revitalised Fenns Quay Restaurant!

Nash 19 Another Bank Holiday, another Bank Holiday madness at Nash 19. Buy three frozen meals from the freezer this Friday and get the cheapest FREE.......

Nash 19 This Bank Holiday make it The Real Irish Breakfast.

Crowes Farm Bacon and Sausage, Jack and Tim McCarthy's (Gold Medal Winning) Black Pudding, and Glenilen Farm Country Butter. All available in the chilled unit for you to take home for the weekend.

The Seaview Cafe & Market This Sunday, August 1st, Live music from 5pm to 7pm with Colin McLean.

Dine in Cork Hi Everybody. The dates are in for the winter Dine in Cork week it's from November 5th - November 14th. We will keep you up to date on offers, competitions & menus as they come in.

Kinsale’s Jola loves strawberry and here she shares one of her recipes with you:

http://jolasrestaurant.blogspot.com/2010/07/strawberries.html

Wagamama Ireland show your valid Irish Rail ticket every Tuesday before you order and you can buy one main course get one free!

Nautilus restaurant We will be open all day this bank holiday Sunday.

Milano Listen up budding pizzaiolos! We want to add another fantastic new pizza to the menu and we need your help!  Do you have a recipe from dear old Grandma that deserves the praise of the nation?? Got an unusual combo of toppings that makes your mouth water? If the answer’s yes then send them our way and you could be in with a chance to win a trip for 2 to Rome PLUS having your creation put on the Milano menu across the country. 

FOOD SAFETY AUTHORITY: Advice on the safe use of duck eggs - http://www.fsai.ie/advice-on-the-safe-usage-of-duck-eggs.html

richysbistro New specials this week are Thai chicken Satay, breaded Bantry bay mussels, caramelised goats cheese and Seafood chowder, that’s your starters; main course - are Penne arrabbiata, pan roast salmon, tempura of hake with skinny chips and seared Beara Scallops

blackrockcastle  uploaded a YouTube video -- The Castle Bar & Trattoria http://youtu.be/mlxmLqYpGlA?a

grapes_of_sloth tweeted: Bollinger Announce Sponsorship of 34th Kinsale Gourmet Festival http://ow.ly/2iGEz

We search the net, via Twitter and Facebook, each Thursday evening and early Friday morning, for the latest from eh Cork restaurant and bar scene. If you don't; have either of he above, reach us at cork.billy@gmail.com. Deadline 10.00am Friday.

THE GREAT TASTE OF ROBERT ROBERTS

ROBERT ROBERTS

Cheers up and down the Broomhill Road in Dublin recently as Robert Roberts celebrated their unprecedented success at the 2010 Great Taste Awards in London.


Master Roaster and Blender Garath Scully: “These awards are a great boost to us. ...nice to see that an Irish company can hold its own with international competition. All of us here in the factory are thrilled.”


To celebrate the incredible success, Robert Roberts have given us a hamper of their award winning teas and coffees for you.


To be in with a chance of winning just answer the following question. How many Gold Stars were Robert Roberts awarded in the 2010 Great Taste Awards:


A – 6


B – 12


C – 20


Send answer with name and address to cork.billy@gmail.com before 8.00am on August 16^th next.


For more info (not to mention a huge hint) check out these links.

Great Taste Awards

Robert Roberts

Shelbourne Bar in Cork

THE SHELBOURNE BAR

The Shelbourne Bar in McCurtain Street is one popular venue, the crowd usually spilling out onto the footpath.
But it was relatively unpopulated on Saturday afternoon when I called for refreshment after watching the Lee Swim. Quite an amount of bottled beer from abroad available but went for a pint of Carlsberg. It was cold and beautiful, the most welcome drink ever, after the heat of the streets.

The pint and a half cost €6.80, a full fifty cent dearer than my suburban local. But that extra didn’t take from the pleasure. Service is fine and the seating is comfortable. The stone and tile floor was also quite cool and the Gaelic football game on the telly did nothing to raise the temperature either.

Things began to look up with the arrival of what looked like a Scottish stag party. I had been looking at a couple of old photos on the wall and the lady in black and white bore quite a resemblance to Gordon Strachan. Could have been his grandmother.

Check out my review of Shelbourne Bar - I am cork - on Qype

FENNS QUAY and LIBERTY WINES

FENN’S QUAY  

Enjoyed a superb wine dinner in Fenns Quay last evening, the Sicilian wines coming from Villa Tonino via Liberty Wines  

First wine up was an Inzolia 2009, bright and light and very cool, very appropriate on such a heavy evening and an agreeable accompaniment to the Bruschetta starter.

Next wine was a Grillo 2009. Didn't make friends with this instantly but by the end, thought it had a bit more to it than the Inzolia. In any event, it went down very well with a magnificent Mackerel pate with pickled vegetables.

And then came the principal plate, the Osso Bucco with spiced rustic potatoes, now almost a signature dish at Fenn’s Quay. Just magnificent. And we had three reds to choose from here.

Number One, the Nero D’Avola 2008, was the lighter, “a modern version of this classic southern Italian grape variety”. It was probably too light for the meat and indeed Victoria Curatolo, who was guiding us through the family wines, hinted that it could well be drunk on its own and even chilled down a  bit on a hot day.

I had no doubt that the second red, Baglio Curatolo Nero D’Avola 2007, was the one to go with the Osso Bucco. This was much stronger all round with plum being the dominant feature according to the notes. A really smashing wine to go with red meat.

The third red, the Baglio Curatolo Syrah 2007, was also deep in colour  with just a hint of the normal expected spice. Victoria was rating it highly, against both its New World and even French rivals. Not convinced about that but I do have a few bottles now (won the raffle) to try it further.

And I’ll also be trying the Marsala Superiore Riserva NV. This is made by fortifying the local grapes with white grape spirit in the traditional way and you end up with an ABV of 18%. This accounts for no less than half the production at Tonino and Victoria recommended it be eaten with aged cheese.

At home, they keep it in the fridge and always drink it chilled but “it is up to yourself”. The Sicilians also like to drink it with the “Queen’s Biscuits”. Victoria thoughtfully brought some with her and they proved quite a match, especially if dunked in the wine.

The meals are always terrific in Fenns Quay and we finished off with a superb dessert: an Almond tart, lemon cream and fresh strawberries. Well done to the Fenns Quay crew (excellent hosts), to Villla Tonino and Liberty Wines for bringing it all together.

Delias Kitchen Shop in Cork

DELIA’S KITCHEN

Delia’s Kitchen is a small cluttered kitchen shop but very central and very well stocked. Called there the other day, looking for a tea strainer (for my loose leaf tea from Little Buddha in McCurtain Street).

I had one look at the shelves and decided to ask rather than poke around. No bother. The helpful friendly assistant found not quite the strainer with handle but a globe type with chain than you hang over side of cup.

Could see it would do the job just as well, paid my €3.50 and left a happy customer. Lucky really that we've got two such shops in town, Delia’s and Brennans (in Oliver Plunkett Street).

3 Careys Lane Cork Co. Cork
(021)4271982

Check out my review of Delias Kitchen Shop - I am cork - on Qype

Brackens Cafe in Cork

BRACKENS CAFE


Found myself in Paul Street the other morning around coffee time and went in, through the half-door, to Bracken’s Cafe. Up to the counter where I was greeted with a smile and served efficiently but with time for some small talk.
The two rooms have a floor in black stone slabs. Rather unusual. The rest is relatively basic with some pictures on the walls and a large mirror also. Windows and doors were open and it was nice and comfortable on quite a warm morning.
Tables and chairs were solid and comfortable. The coffee was nothing more nothing less than regular and the scone was quite good and I enjoyed the little break. Cost €3.60. Passed Luigi Malone’s a few minutes later and saw that their coffee and scone costs €3.90.

Check out my review of Brackens Cafe - I am cork - on Qype

O'Mahony Family Butchers in English Market

O’MAHONY BUTCHERS

O’Mahony Butchers can be found at the Grand Parade end of the English Market. Had been alerted that they had good vale in bavette, the type of steak you might come across in French bistros.

The helpful courteous assistant cut five of them for me and they cost eight euro. The equivalent in fish would cost between €12 and €15. They went down very well that evening with four out of five giving them the thumbs up.

"It loves a good raw heat, where you cook it nice and fast, where the flames hit it," says Shannon Gregory, a butcher at Cafe Rouge in Berkeley, which sells Niman Ranch's flap meat in both its meat market and in the restaurant as a plate of bistro-style grilled steak with red wine shallot butter. "Make sure you cut across the grain. Otherwise it's like eating a lot of rubber bands."

Read more, including a good explanation of the bavette, at: http://bit.ly/6R4ayu 

Check out my review of O'Mahony Family Butchers - I am cork - on Qype