Free events to Relish at Cork on a Fork Festival this week

Free events to Relish at Cork on a Fork Festival this week

See Orla McAndrew demo 12.00pm- to 2.00pm,
Thursday 15th August, Outside the English Market on Grand Parade

It’s almost time for Cork on a Fork Festival, which kicks off this Wednesday 14th August and runs until Sunday.  The five-day festival is organised by Cork City Council in partnership with most of the businesses in the city, all working together to showcase Cork’s world class food culture, hospitality businesses, incredible home-grown produce, and outstanding producers.

If you haven’t already got your hands on tickets for some of the delicious events taking place, don’t worry.  There are loads of free events, many of which don’t even need to be booked.

Here is a roundup of free events taking place at the

Taste of the Week. A.P. Donnelly's Pear Drop Mix

Taste of the Week

A.P. Donnelly's Pear Drop Mix 

The juiciest hard sweet. Juicy and packed full of flavour and capable of
cheering up the taste buds at any time of the day, any day of the week!
Widely available.

Quinta Da Ribeirinha Vale de Cabanas. An easy-drinking Tejo treasure!!

Quinta Da Ribeirinha Vale de Cabanas, 

Vinho Regional Tejo, 2022, 13% ABV.

€13.00, now 10 euro on offer at Matsons (Bandon Grange Youghal)

An easy-drinking Tejo treasure!

Looking for a Portuguese red that won't break the bank? Look no further than Quinta Da

Irish chef’s debut cookbook nominated for top award

 Irish chef’s debut cookbook nominated for top award

The Wild Honey Inn: An Irish Dining Pub by Aidan McGrath

 is up for a Gourmand 2024 World

Cookbook Awards in its ‘Hotels’ category.

The Wild Honey was one of the highlights of our 2012 trip to the delightful county of

Beer of the Week is O’Hara’s Irish Red Nitro, a terrific example of the style !

Beer of the Week

O’Hara’s Irish Red Nitro, 4.3% ABV, 400 ml can O’Briens Wine

Colour is one of the deepest ruby reds you are likely to see, and the head is off white and steady (especially after a robust pour!). Aromas come from the

James Whelan Butchers win coveted 3-star Great Taste 2024 award

press release 

James Whelan Butchers win coveted 3-star Great Taste 2024 award.

 Judged by the Guild of Fine Food’s expert panel, the Thick-Cut Sharing Steak was awarded a Great Taste 3-star in the world’s most trusted food & drink awards.

Ireland’s much-loved and renowned artisan butchers, James Whelan Butchers, has been named among the

Daverns Bar: Cashel's Stylish New Hotspot

Cashel's Iconic Watering Hole Gets a Stylish Refresh

Cashel's iconic Daverns Bar has undergone a stunning transformation! Gone are the days of its political past; it's now a vibrant hub buzzing with conversation, laughter, and of course, delicious food and drinks. The Delaneys, the couple behind Daverns, have done a masterful job of blending the bar's rich history with a modern, stylish aesthetic.

Don't be deceived by its narrow frontage; Davern's has no less than four dining rooms for walk-ins and reservations and another for private dining and politicians are still welcome!

Chicken Salad (starter)

The moment we stepped inside, we were greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere, the perfect setting for a relaxing meal. We were immediately struck by the welcoming atmosphere – the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring Cashel's many sights including the iconic Rock. And that atmosphere kicks up a notch on the live-music nights.

The food menu caters to all tastes, offering classic pub fare alongside more adventurous options. We couldn't resist starting with the Crispy Buttermilk Chicken – juicy and tender on the inside with a perfectly golden crust. It was the perfect combination of flavour and texture.

Chocolate and Mango

For the main course, I opted for the Grilled Lamb Cutlets, which were cooked to a perfect medium-rare and bursting with flavour. My partner enjoyed the Chicken Supreme, a delightful combination of tender chicken, creamy goat cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes. We finished our meal by sharing a decadent slice of Mango and Chocolate Cake – a must-try for any chocolate lover!

Daverns Bar also boasts an impressive selection of drinks, from classic cocktails to craft beers. We opted for a glass of unoaked Chardonnay, which perfectly complemented our meal, and a drop of Redbreast 12-Year-Old to finish off. The cocktail menu was equally tempting, featuring playful options like the "Malibu Barbie" and timeless classics like the Old Fashioned.

Daverns Bar has successfully reinvented itself while retaining its charm. Whether you're seeking a casual lunch, a romantic dinner, or a lively night out, Daverns Bar is a must-visit destination in Cashel. 

With its stylish ambiance, delicious food, and impeccable service, it's no wonder this revamped watering hole has quickly become a favourite in the Tipperary town. Whether you're a local or just visiting, be sure to add Daverns Bar to your list! Check out their website for menus, opening times, and contact details.

 

Two weeks to go until Cork on a Fork Fest delivers Cork’s tastiest week!

Two weeks to go until Cork on a Fork Fest delivers Cork’s tastiest week!

Simone Kelly will be welcoming guests to L'atitude's event on
the Thursday of the Festival as she did last year!

With just 2 weeks until Cork on a Cork Fest gets underway it’s almost time to lick your lips, grab your fork and plate, set your reminders and finalise your plans to make the most of this 5 day food festival throughout Cork City.

Taking place from August 14th to 18th, Cork on a Fork will showcase Cork City’s rich food culture, culinary excellence, and high-quality local produce. This five-day event, brought to you by Cork City Council and local businesses, promises some unforgettable experiences across the city.

Visitors and locals alike will have the chance to explore Cork’s culinary scene through more than 70 exclusive events, unique dining experiences, family-friendly activities, and engaging demos and workshops and while some events are sold out there is still time to snap up spaces on a plethora of exciting food experiences!

Children's Food Trail!  Hugh Kelleher and friends pictured in the English Market during a fascinating Children's Food Trail of Cork City during last year's Cork on a Fork Fest. It will be held on
the Friday this year.

Event highlights to mark in your diary!

• Demos, Workshops & Talks: Emmet Place will serve as the festival hub over the weekend, hosting free cooking demos and tastings in a 100-seat marquee with top chefs and food personalities. A local food market and play street will add to the vibrant atmosphere, while Cork Opera House next door will feature a drinks emporium with Cork's drinks producers, complimentary tastings, and bar chats.

• MacCurtain Street will come alive with The VQ Shared Table, a chef collaboration dinner for 400 people, sponsored by Birra Moretti.

• Tequila bar NV Bar is partnering with Cork's premium mobile bar Foxglove for a Cocktails Street Party.

• Isaac's restaurant will feature a takeover by Celebrity Chef Rachel Allen of Ballymaloe.

• Glenbrook Farm hosts a Pop-up Harvest Feast with Chef Pamela Kelly from Farmgate.

• Epi Rogan and Brian Murray of The Glass Curtain will lead a Wild Foraging Adventure and Sharing Dinner.

• The River Lee will host a special dinner featuring Hell’s Kitchen USA winner Ryan O'Sullivan.

• The Butter Museum will feature a free afternoon of demos, including making traditional soda bread and butter.

• Sailing & Shucking - Shucking oysters on a 2.5 hr Cork harbour cruise.

• Hayfield Manor is partnering with Rebel City Distillery for a ‘Spirit of Summer’ evening celebrating Cork food and drink.

• The Marina Market will host a number of events over the week including a family fun day with child friendly cooking demos, a pop-up gourmet cinema and a Festival event.

• The Montenotte presents a 6-course Wine & Sea Soirée.

• Gabriel House offers a delightful Irish event with local produce, garden tours, and live music in its newly renovated organic gardens.

• Perry Street teams up with Hanna’s Bees for a Honey Themed Afternoon Tea.

• For Beer Lovers: The Cork on a Fork Beerfest, organized by the Franciscan Well, will offer free brewery tours, beer-themed dinners, late-night gigs with beer samplings, and an ice-cream fest with beer-infused ice cream.

  

  Rachel Allen cooks at Isaac's on the Sunday (18th).

  
  
  
  

Cork on a Fork will celebrate Cork’s rich food heritage, combining local traditions with global flavours. It’s a chance to sample incredible food from the region’s talented chefs, farmers, and producers. It’s the perfect August highlight for food lovers and curators of memorable experiences.

Check out the full festival programme on www.corkonaforkfest.ie or follow on social media @corkonaforkfest.  Brought to you by Cork City Council and local businesses, in partnership with Fáilte Ireland, Cork Airport, Cork Business Association, IHF Cork branch and media partners the Irish Examiner and Cork’s RedFM.

press release

CORK THEMED AFTERNOON TEA WITH MAHARANI GIN LAUNCHED AT THE METROPOLE

press release 

CORK THEMED AFTERNOON TEA LAUNCHED AT THE METROPOLE 

Part of Cork on a Fork Fest

The Metropole Hotel has launched an exclusive Afternoon Tea menu in collaboration with

Taste of the Week. Tuscan Style Chicken by Sage.

Taste of the Week. 

Tuscan Style Chicken by Sage.

 a new direction for Kevin and Réidín.

After 16 years, Kevin and Réidín Aherne closed their

Blarney Castle and Gardens. Last day of July 2024.

Blarney Castle and Gardens. 

Last day of July 2024.

Under the

Beer of the Week: Sullivan’s Black Marble Stout. "the true taste of traditional Irish stout"

Beer of the Week 

Sullivan’s Black Marble Stout, 5.1% ABV, 

500 ml bottle, Higgins SuperValu

"the true taste of traditional Irish stout" 

Black Marble Stout is a full-flavoured traditional Irish stout with roast coffee and fruit notes balanced by delicious hop bitterness. A dark, deep

Discover Culinary and Artistic Delights at Kilkenny Design Café & Store in Shanagarry

Discover Culinary and Artistic Delights at Kilkenny Design Café & Store in Shanagarry 

We made an unexpected lunchtime visit to the Kilkenny Design Restaurant & Store in Shanagarry the other day.

It is in the heart of East Cork, just a few miles from