The Tannery scoops Santa Rita Best Restaurant Award 2013

Top restaurants in Ireland announced at the

Santa Rita Irish Restaurant Awards 2013

The Tannery scoops Santa Rita Best Restaurant Award 2013

Waterford restaurant, The Tannery, scooped the Santa Rita Best Restaurant Award and Sunil Ghai, Head Chef at Ananda restaurant in Dundrum, has been crowned Best Chef in Ireland at the Santa Rita Irish Restaurant Awards 2013 at the Burlington Hotel last night (Monday 10^th June 2013).

Almost 800 restaurateurs and industry players turned out to attend Ireland’s biggest ever restaurant awards where regional and all-Ireland winners were announced in the following categories:

The Tannery                                         Best Restaurant in Ireland Sponsored by Santa Rita

Sunil Ghai of Ananda                           Best Chef in Ireland Sponsored by Tipperary Water

The Lady Helen at Mount Juliet            Best Hotel Restaurant in Ireland Sponsored by Pallas Foods

The Brewer’s House                             Best Gastro Pub in Ireland Sponsored by Faustino

Saba                                                    Best Casual Dining in Ireland Sponsored by Joseph Drouhin

Renvyle House Hotel                            Best Customer Service in Ireland Sponsored by La Rousse Foods

Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud                 Best Wine Experience in Ireland Sponsored by Thomas Barton

The Exchequer                                     Best Cocktail Experience Sponsored by Smirnoff Mojito

Sol Rio Restaurant                               Best Kids Size Me Menu in Ireland Sponsored by Heinz

Glenilen Farm                                      Local Food Hero in Ireland Sponsored by LIFE Magazine

Ox                                                        Best Newcomer in Ireland Sponsored by Discover Diners Club

Idaho Café                                            Best Café in Ireland Sponsored by United Coffee

The Happy Pear                                    Best Digital Marketing in Ireland Sponsored by QT Comments

Declan Maxwell of Chapter One            Best Restaurant Manager in Ireland Sponsored by Champagne Pannier and Classic Drink

For a full list of winners, see below.

Pádraic Óg Gallagher, President of the Restaurants Association of Ireland, said:

“This year’s awards have been the biggest, brightest - and the best. They are the awards everyone wants to be associated with, and everyone wants to be a winner. As a testament to their success, we’ve seen a huge increase in nominations and votes since last year, with 30,000 votes cast across 10,000 nominations for Ireland’s favourite restaurants, chefs, gastro pubs, hotel restaurants and local food heroes throughout the country. The Irish Restaurant Awards are all about celebrating those who have brought acclaim to the Irish food scene from abroad and who keep the restaurant industry thriving at home. This year, it was great to see a variety of winners across the categories - with a Waterford restaurant winning Best Restaurant in Ireland, and an ethnic chef winning Best Chef.

Ireland has so much to offer to the culinary tourist, and these awards remind everyone of the quality and class of Irish restaurants and chefs. The Irish restaurant scene is vital to the economy, employing 64,000 people and generating revenue in excess of €2 billion per year, it’s great to celebrate the work that all of our restaurateurs around the country do to keep this aspect of our culture alive and kicking.”

Sally-Anne Cooney, General Manager of Gilbeys, distributors of Santa Rita wine in Ireland, sponsor of this year’s awards, said:

“Once again, Santa Rita, the leading Chilean wine in Ireland, is delighted to be associated with these prestigious awards. As the established hospitality industry Chilean wine, we are keen to acknowledge and recognise the achievement and excellence of the restaurant and hospitality industry throughout Ireland. Santa Rita is delighted to be in a position to reward this ongoing achievement of these nominated chefs and restaurants. We have so many restaurants and chefs in Ireland who are accomplishing wonderful things, and there is something special about these particular winners and finalists. Winning this award underscores their contribution to the hospitality industry, in that they have built and sustained something that is quite unique but delivers the right culinary experience for their customers. We wish this year’s winners and finalists a heartfelt congratulations!”

Best Casual Dining Kindly Sponsored by Joseph Drouhin

v  Connaught- Café Rua, Mayo

v  Munster- Sol y Sombra Tapas Bar, Kerry

v  Leinster- An Tintáin Restaurant, Westmeath

v  Ulster- Coast, Down

v  Dublin- Saba

v  All-Ireland- Saba

Best Customer Service Kindly Sponsored by La Rousse Foods

v  Connaught- Renvyle House Hotel, Galway

v  Munster- Ballygarry House Hotel, Kerry

v  Leinster- Eastern Seaboard Bar & Grill, Louth

v  Ulster- The Olde Post Inn, Cavan

v  Dublin- Saba

v  All-Ireland- Renvyle House Hotel

Best Gastro Pub Kindly Sponsored by Faustino

v  Connaught- Eat @ Massimo, Galway

v  Munster- The Derg Inn, Tipperary

v  Leinster- Harte’s Bar & Grill, Kildare

v  Ulster- The Brewer’s House, Tyrone

v  Dublin- The Purty Kitchen

v  All-Ireland- The Brewer’s House

Best Hotel Restaurant Kindly Sponsored by Pallas Foods

v  Connaught- The Kitchen Restaurant @ Mount Falcon, Mayo

v  Munster-The Munster Room @ Waterford Castle, Waterford

v  Leinster-The Lady Helen @ Mount Juliet, Kilkenny

v  Ulster-Catalina Restaurant @ Lough Erne Resort, Fermanagh

v  Dublin-The Saddle Room @ The Shelbourne Hotel

v  All-Ireland-The Lady Helen @ Mount Juliet

Best Chef Kindly Sponsored by Tipperary Water

v  Connaught-Philippe Farineau of Mount Falcon, Mayo

v  Munster-Paul Flynn of The Tannery, Waterford

v  Leinster-Gary O’Hanlon of Viewmount House, Longford

v  Ulster-Neven Maguire of Macnean House, Cavan

v  Dublin-Sunil Ghai of Ananda

v  All-Ireland-Sunil Ghai of Ananda

Best Restaurant Kindly Sponsored by Santa Rita

v  Connaught-Aniar Restaurant, Galway

v  Leinster -Thyme Restaurant, Westmeath

v  Munster-The Tannery, Waterford

v  Ulster-Browns Restaurant & Champagne Lounge, Antrim

v  Dublin- Ananda

v  All-Ireland-The Tannery

Best Kids Size Me Kindly Sponsored by Heinz

v  Connaught- Sol Rio, Mayo

v  Munster- Cornstore Restaurant, Cork

v  Leinster-The Olive Grove, Westmeath

v  Ulster-The Lemon Tree, Donegal

v  Dublin-La Banca

v  All-Ireland-Sol Rio

Best Wine Experience Kindly Sponsored by Thomas Barton

v  Connaught- The Twelve Hotel, Galway

v  Munster- Hayfield Manor, Cork

v  Leinster- The K Club, Kildare

v  Ulster- Nicks Warehouse, Antrim

v  Dublin- Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud

v  All-Ireland-Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud

Best Just Ask! Award Kindly Sponsored by BordBia

v  Connaught- Oscar’s Seafood Bistro, Galway

v  Leinster- Sqigl Restaurant @ Roches Bar, Wexford

v  Ulster- Sargasso, Donegal

v  Dublin- Essence Bistro

v  All-Ireland- Sargasso

Engaging With The Gathering Award Kindly Sponsored by Tourism Ireland

v  Connaught- Wilde’s @ Lisloughrey Lodge, Mayo

v  Munster- Paddys Bar & Restaurant, Tipperary

v  Leinster- Sheraton Athlone Hotel, Westmeath

v  Ulster- Harveys Point Hotel, Donegal

v  Dublin- The Exchequer

v  All-Ireland- Sheraton Athlone Hotel

Other winners include:

v  Idaho Café Best Café in Ireland 2013 Sponsored by United Coffee

v  The Exchequer Best Cocktail Experience 2013 Sponsored by Smirnoff Mojito

v  Ox Best Newcomer in Ireland 2013 Sponsored by Discover Diners Club

v  Restaurant FortyOne at Residence Best Private Dining and Club Restaurant in Ireland 2013 Sponsored by Total Produce

v  Kai Café & Restaurant Best Restaurant Design in Ireland 2013 Sponsored by Bunzl

v  Declan Maxwell of Chapter One Best Restaurant Manager in Ireland 2013 Sponsored by Champagne Pannier and Classic Drinks

v  Fishy Fishy Café Best Seafood Experience in Ireland 2013 Sponsored by Wrights of Howth

v  Dublin Cookery School Best Cookery School in Ireland 2013 Sponsored by Avonmore

v  Chameleon Best World Cuisine Sponsored by Tiger Beer

v  The Brasserie at Bewley’s Hotel, Leopardstown Best Practice in Energy Management Sponsored by Calor

v  Aniar Restaurant Best Emerging Irish Cuisine in Ireland 2013 Sponsored by Fáilte Ireland

v  Glenilen Farm Local Food Hero in Ireland 2013 Sponsored by LIFE Magazine

v  The Happy Pear Best Digital Marketing in Ireland 2013 Sponsored by QT Comments

v  Castlemurray House Hotel Best Sustainable Restaurant of the Year Sponsored by Unilever Food Solutions

Fabulous Fanad!

Fabulous Fanad!
Donegal. Day 3

Welcome to Fanad

The roads called again today, this time those of the fabulous Fanad peninsula.

But first let me tell you that we have had a spectacular drive down from our cottage on the hills above Downies every morning so far, the golden sands of Sheephaven Bay and the blue of the Atlantic waters filling the view. So there was no trace of temper at all today when we had to slow down as a farmer drove a half dozen cattle to a nearby field. Just relaxed and enjoy the view.

Fanad

Some fine views too as we left Carrickart behind and drove over the Mulroy Bay Bridge, our entrance to the Fanad peninsula. Mulroy Bay is unexpectedly large and its waters accompany us for much of the journey towards Kindrum which has its own lake.

Soon we came across the first of the day’s spectacular bays, this a very long one called Ballyhiernan Bay where we were greeted by another bunch of cattle (see pic). Fanad Head was now within easy reach and it, with its lighthouse, looked so well in the morning sunshine.

Walk (under golf course)
to access Portsalon beach

But even better sights awaited as we drove down the east coast of Fanad. Stopped at Portsalon and reached the beach via a passage sunk into the golf course, the beach trekkers protected by an overhead net, the golfers facilitated by little bridges overhead.

The beach is huge but we didn’t realise how big it is nor how beautiful the beach (and Ballymastocker Bay) is until we reached the heights of Saldanha Head. Took our breath away, the camera going click, click, click! 

Fantastic beach at Portsalon

Not so nice though for the British frigate after which the head is named as it was lost here in 1811. There were no survivors out of the estimated 253 aboard, and some 200 bodies were washed up on shore.

Called then to Rathmullan (from where the ferry crosses Lough Swilly to Buncrana) and then Ramelton. Up then to Milford and the listed St Peter’s Church, with its separate bell tower. The church was built as recently as 1961.

Old docks at Ramelton

Almost got into a panic about dinner as we realised how many of the local restaurants were closed on Mondays, indeed quite a few opening only Fri-Sun at this time of year. But, the Rosapenna Golf Hotel, perhaps the closest to us, came to the rescue.

St Peter's Church (1961) at Milford, a listed building

Sipped an aperitif in the bar as we waited. All the pictures and most of the conversation, aside from some political, currency and culinary strands, were golf orientated in the very pleasant surroundings. The restaurant, with a stunning view, over the local beach, was equally luxurious, the service Donegal soft and Donegal friendly.

Caviar Muscovite 

And the food was excellent. Starters of Caviar Muscovite and Orange Segments in Kirsch got us underway. The mains, served with lots of vegetables, were also excellent. CL was delighted with her Escalope of Veal Viennoise while my Grilled fillets of Hake with a sun-dried tomato and basil dressing was also top notch. Add in tea or coffee in the lounge and the lot, with two glasses of wine and an included 12.5% service charge, came to €79.87. Not a bad end to another brilliant day. Drops of rain now but fingers crossed for tomorrow!
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The ring of Malin. Of forts and crabs and a chef that fed Mrs Thatcher!

The ring of Malin. Of forts and crabs, 

and a chef that fed Mrs Thatcher!

Donegal Diary - Day 2

Dunree

Quite often on holidays, I've been lucky with the weather. Today, I was privileged. The weather gods were at their collective kindest as I did the circle of the beautiful Inishowen Peninsula in the North East of Donegal.

Fish too played a major role today. Firstly at the SeaviewTavern  in Malin Head, the tavern found only because we took a wrong turn. 

Here the Head Chef was none other than Roland Heuston. During the Thatcher reign, Roland spent five years at the head of the House of Commons chefs and House of Commons chefs and later played a similar key role in Stormont. Must say his platter of local seafood (see pic) was divine as was the starter of Crab Bisque (€4.50)

The Seaview platter!

Proprietor Michael had time for a chat with all his lunchtime tables and he called twice to us. The food was class and so too were the staff in this excellent restaurant, well equipped inside, even if it has a corrugated roof.

Crab was also the final meal of the day as our hostess at our cottage had too much for her own needs and handed us a pot of them - and the hammer to crack them open. A bottle of Campo Viejo Reserva (2007) was put to good use as we tucked into the claws while sitting on a long stone seat facing the sun.

Mamore Gap

The sun had been with us also as we passed through beautiful Buncrana earlier in the day and then when we arrived at Fort Dunree that once guarded Lough Swilly against the French but is now  a military museum. Pity that it wasn't open until 1.00pm and quite a few customers were disappointed.

On the way to Malin Head, we passed through the spectacular Mamore Gap with great views out to the ocean. Strange offerings at a small collection of religious statues just below the pass, everything from socks to a toothbrush, even an Elvis Presley cigarette lighter. Don’t know the story there.

Malin drive

We had decided to do the Malin trip because of the possible change in the weather and we got some terrific views by following the Inishowen 100 signs. The head itself, with no facilities and the ugly remains of some old watch towers, wasn’t the greatest and we didn’t linger too long there. But the village below and its beaches, not to mention the Seaview, were fantastic.

Indeed, the lunch at the Seaview was the highlight of our trip down the eastern side, which overlooks Lough Foyle. Moville was another little town that we called to and here the people were making the best of the glorious weather, walking along the seaside paths and paddling in the pleasantly warm waters.

Grianan of Aileach

Soon we, almost without knowing it, ended up in Northern Ireland – the 40 mile per hour limit signs gave it away. But it was the briefest of moments and soon we were heading away from the Foyle Bridge towards Grianan of Aileach, our second fort of the day.

This was open. It is situated in a place called Burt, just off the Derry-Letterkenny Road. It is 800 feet above sea level and gives great views of the Foyle, Lough Swilly and the nearby countryside. It seems that there has been a fort on this site for about 1500 years but substantial restoration work was carried out in 1870. Today, the site is a National Monument and a tourist attraction and entrance is free.

Visit finished, we soon rejoined the main road and arrived in Downies an hour later to be surprised by the gift of crabs. Surprised and delighted. Another long day. Reckon tomorrow’s post could be much shorter – but you never know!
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500 kilometres to Donegal haven!

Donegal Diary

Day 1

Three o’clock had been the target arrival time at our cottage in the hills above Downies in County Donegal. And, after close to five hundred kilometres, we met our hostess bang on time. 

There had been a few interesting stops in between, one at Drumcliffe Churchyard, just north of Sligo, the burial place of William Butler Yeats under the shadow of Ben Bulben. Cast a cold eye on death.... But here too is a lovely cafe serving sweet pastries and Bewley’s Coffee and they also sell quite a few high quality souvenirs.

On then to a tweet-up with chef Zac Gallagher at the Leghowney Community Centre, our first stop in Donegal, where he is part of the regular Country Market every Saturday. James McCuddy is a main driver in the movement here – he has a great admiration for the way the local food movement has developed in Cork and hopes Donegal can learn from it. We had quite a chat before heading off for Downies and our three o’clock appointment.

Bridge to Fanad

This cottage is not in the middle of nowhere. It is at the end of nowhere but comes equipped with fantastic window seats, a box bed by the fire and a four poster bed upstairs and loads of other innovative touches. But is has all the modern gear needed for a comfortable holiday including Wi-Fi. Even a welcoming bottle of wine!

Sheephaven Bay

But that is not all. Being high above Downies it has fantastic views over Sheephaven Bay –just waiting now for the sun to go down. Actually, just after we had settled in we were driving again, this time taking the trip around the Rosguill peninsula, the one to the west of Fanad. It is the one we are on, small but beautiful.

Back from the drive, it was time to eat. Had nothing all day except a gorgeous Almond slice at the Drumcliffe Tea Rooms and a very tasty Goat Cheese Tart from Zac

Window seat at cottage

Down in Downies, also known as Downings, the beach was packed, with people and cars, just like Redbarn in the good old days. Had a walk along there to add edge to the appetite and then strolled over to the local hotel, only to be told the restaurant was booked up until 8.30.

No good for a starving Corkman but the receptionist cheered us up by telling us they were doing bar food. The service was very friendly but rushed and a little hit and miss - understaffed! On the other hand, the food was rather good.

Cottage window

Started with a Warm Duck Salad and then tried the Sirloin Special. The meat was class, the mashed potato, well it was mashed potato. CK’s Salmon was one of the best she’d had and the Pak choi went well with it. She also had a mound of the mash.

A bottle of Valpolicella completed the picture and now we are ensconced in the cottage, supping the hostess’s Merlot and waiting for the sunset. To see it at its best we’ll probably have to stumble up the hill by the garden and no doubt stumble down again!

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Australian Chardonnay and Bandon's WineGeese Event!

Lighter, fresher Chardonnay from Australia

During the 1990's Australian Chardonnay was one of the great recruiters for the ABC (Anything but Chardonnay) movement, based on our over oaked and over here style of Chardonnay.

However if there is one variety that has change dramatically over the last number of years from Australia, it's Chardonnay.

Cooler vineyard sites, more sensitive winemaking have contributed to a lighter, fresher style of Chardonnay from Down under.

Join Wine Australia's John Mc Donnell and Bernard Hickin, Jacob's Creek wine maker to discover this change (and be ready to hand back your ABC membership card!)

The Details

Venue: The Function Room at Fallon and Byrne, Exchequer Street, Dublin 2

Date & Time: WWednesday 19th June, 6.45pm - 8.30pm
Cost: 20 Euros per person for tasting and delicious nibbles.

To Book: Direct with our office on ireland@wineaustralia.com

WineGeese in Bandon!

On Thursday June 27th at 7.30 pm Barry O'Farrell of the Bandon Wine Club joins forces with Anthony Tindal of Tindal Wines for a Wine Geese Dinner in Chapel Steps Restaurant & Wine Bar, Bandon to give a brief history of the Irish connection with Bordeaux and a tasting of some well-known Wine Geese Wines:

Chateau Talbot

Chateau Lynch-Moussas

Chateau Phelan-Segur

Chateau Leoville-Barton

The evening includes a 5-course tasting menu presented by Chef Kevin O'Regan

Booking is essential. To book, please contact Chapel Steps Restaurant on +353 23 8852581 

Food and Drink Spotting

Food and Drink Spotting

Stop on the road west!  Manning’s Emporium.

When I head west to Kerry, particularly to the Kenmare area, I often take the long way over the spectacular Healy Pass.

A pit stop is usually needed and the number one call is to Manning’s Emporium in Ballylickey. Last week was no exception and it was a delight to again meet up with the always busy Andrew and Laura and also with founder Val who, handicapped by a hand injury, wasn't as busy as usual!

And what a spread they served up for an early lunch: charcuterie, local cheeses (including Crozier Blue, a favourite of mine), bread, olives, sundried tomatoes and a gorgeous Jalapeno jelly. And, once again, a pot of their superb loose leaf tea.

The previous Sunday, they had celebrated World Cherry Day in style and one of the highlights was the Lustau Amontillado with McCarthy's Kanturk amontillado black pudding. Got a sample of that black pudding and, boy, you’ve got to hand it to the butcher from Kanturk!

And, as usual, Manning’s will have more events for you to enjoy throughout the year. Stay in touch with the enterprising emporium here. 

Ballymaloe LitFest Returns!

The recent Ballymaloe Literary Festival of Food and Wine, which was the first ever Literary Festival in Ireland dedicated to the celebration of food and wine, will take place again in 2014. The dates of the 2014 Ballymaloe Literary Festival of Food and Wine are May 16-May 18.

Sally Bee’s Burger for The Mend!

Sally Bee’s cookbooks are among the most popular and well used in this house. Here she tells us how to make a healthy burger.

“A couple of weeks ago I appeared on Channel 4's What cooking.
I was asked to make a healthy burger for upcoming pop band 'The MEND". I used beef and Turkey mince to keep the fat content low and added dried cranberries for extra moisture and sweetness. This is a great one to get the kids cooking and teaches them how to enjoy a delicious 'treat' but still make it healthy.  View the video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFMaDz2a-C0&feature=youtu.be”

And more on Sally Bee here http://us6.campaign-archive2.com/?u=03c2d19240be2816a97cd01da&id=134ee5bea2&e=c9b0744eb6

Shorts

Need more info on Albarino? Check this out.

via Iza Z. ‏@Spain_inIreland

35s

Worth listening to David Whelehan on @RiasBaixasWines and Albariño. Thanks David. @IrelandAMTV3 @Whelehanswines http://bit.ly/17oYjSe 

Vittorio Castellani

I pani del Mondo protagonisti con Chef Kumalé al Festival del Pane di Prato, sabato 8 e domenica 9 giugno www.festivaldelpanediprato.it

Breads of the world starring with Chef Kumalé Bread Festival, Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 June www.festivaldelpanediprato.it (Translated by Bing)

Smoked paprika goat's cheese bite at the Guggenheim Museum: http://www.foodspotting.com/reviews/3646379

Castle Hotel to Represent Cork at Restaurant Awards

Castle Hotel to Represent Cork at Restaurant Awards

B's Restaurant at the Castle Hotel

The boutique 4 * Castle Hotel, Macroom celebrated their success at the Munster Regional Irish

Awards, winning Best Customer Service in Cork, and will now go on to represent their county for

the national title of ‘Best Customer Service’ in Ireland.

The All-Island Santa Rita/LIFE Magazine Irish Restaurant Awards will take place on Monday, 10th June in The Burlington Hotel, Dublin, to name and fame the top restaurants in Ireland for 2013.

The night will see an expected crowd of up to 800 fellow restaurant owners, staff and industry

experts gather in The Burlington Hotel to celebrate their hard work and achievements in the run

up to the coveted Awards.

In the Best Customer Service category sponsored, The Castle Hotel Macroom will face competition in a pool of 32 county award winners from the whole island of Ireland.

Speaking of their involvement in the Awards, Hotelier and Owner Don Buckley said: “The Irish Restaurant Awards are renowned for recognising and rewarding achievement and excellence within the Restaurant and Hospitality industry. It is a lovely surprise and boost for management and staff. It will spur us on in continuing to exceed customer expectations after all customer is king ! Fingers crossed for The All Ireland on June 10th”.

Speaking of the upcoming Awards, Chief Executive of the Restaurants Association of Ireland Adrian Cummins said; “In their fifth year now, the Irish Restaurant Awards continue to go from strength to strength. Each year, the awards cast a spotlight on the brightest and best players on the Irish restaurant scene. The Irish Restaurant Awards are the awards everyone wants to win. This year the nominations went online for the first time and we got a spectacular response from the public- nominations doubled and we received 10,000 votes for Ireland’s favourite restaurants, chefs, gastro pubs, hotel restaurants and customer service experience.

“We celebrate the award winning cuisines and the great restaurateurs and chefs who are constantly bringing international recognition and accolades to the Irish restaurant scene. Restaurateurs are entrepreneurs, and that is reflected in the fact that the restaurant sector is the biggest employer within the hospitality industry. We provide employment to 64,000 people and the industry has annual sales in excess of €2 billion; on the night, everyone is a winner.”

The All-Ireland and Industry Category Winners will be announced at the All-Ireland event on 10

th June, 2013. Tickets are priced at €130 for the All-Ireland Event, with discounts for group bookings,

and can be bought directly from the Restaurants Association of Ireland on +353 (01) 677 9901 or

awards@rai.ie

Bunnyconnellan’s a must visit

Bunnyconnellan’s a must visit

If you don’t get to visit Bunnyconnellan’s during this fine spell, be sure and treat yourself at some stage during the summer. It is a terrific visit and you’ll have great views as you dine, over across the mouth of Cork Harbour to the lighthouse at Roche’s Point. But, even if the weather is not clear, you’ll still enjoy some serious food in this iconic Cork restaurant.

Shredded beef

I was there last Wednesday evening and, believe it or not, it was showing 22 degrees at 7.00pm as we sat down to eat. By the way, if you really want a window seat, be sure and book ahead. 

Brie

I got the “job” of picking the wine and reckon I’ll get to keep it (the job, that is!) as the Chateau Belingard Cote de Bergerac Blanc, a great blend, fresh on the palate, went down a treat. I think Karwig Wines carry it if you’d like to try a bottle a home.

Bass

Bunny’s was busy, had been busy all day, but service was fine and soon the starters appeared. The Golden Fried Brie, the Fish Cake and my Marinated Shredded Beef Roll all went down well. Quite a choice here and we ate mainly from the specials. 

Brill

Two of the party picked the Pan Fried Fillet of Brill on Red Lentil Ragu with asparagus and honey roast parsnips (22.90). For me, it was the Pan Fried Sea Bass on Lyonnais potato roasted with tuna and marjoram (21.90). After that round, it was another unanimous vote of confidence for the chef.

One fell out of contention before the final hurdle and the two of us remaining each went for the scrumptious Eton Mess (6.00).

Mentioned Bunny’s to two people during a trip to Beara and Kenmare last weekend and both had fond memories of the place. One, who had lived in Cork in the 70s, was thrilled to hear it was still going strong as he had been a regular there. A much younger lady told me it was their favourite destination when they were giving school a skip