Memorable dishes from 2024. Cork, Carlow, Galway, Kerry, Waterford and Wexford

Memorable dishes from 2024

Clams at Farol

From Cork, Carlow, Galway, Kerry, Waterford and Wexford

Ethnic

Portuguese

Farol Tapas in Sunday’s Well. Their Ameijoas a Farol – succulent clams bathed in a fragrant garlic-white wine sauce with a touch of heat – were simply exquisite.

Thai. 

BAHT, an authentic Thai Dining Experience In Carlow. Check it here.

Italian. Da Mirco’s. Try the Maccheroni Ragu Di Salsiccia, a fantastic dish of homemade macaroni served in an Italian sausage and rosemary ragu, topped with a mix of bread crumbs and grated parmesan.

Cod at Greene's

Fish

Lobster at The Cornstore: Terrific appetiser of Mini Lobster Rolls with buttered brioche and the Atlantic Lobster.

Glenmar Scallops at Greene’s, served cold, with a lively and lovely Coriander and Lime Sauce, Chilli, Kohlrabi, and Crispy Quinoa

Cod, also at Greene’s: Cod (fish of the day), perfectly cooked and accompanied by Peperonata, Samphire, and Parsley Butter.

Trout Double at La Cote Wexford: starter - The Gravlax of Sea Trout with Goatsbridge Trout Caviar, Herb Potato, and French Mustard was a revelation 

Oysters at Moran’s Oyster Cottage, Kilcolgan, Co. Galway. Local Oysters Three ways!

Crab at Jacques. Castletownbere Crab Salad, adorned with Strawberries, Balsamic, and Black Pepper. 

Hake at The Lodge (Myrtleville). Hake with Zaatar. Zaatar, a Levantine culinary herb or family of herbs, is also the name of a spice mixture. It is hugely versatile at the table, as we found in the popular venue when it was used to “crust” a delicious piece of Hake.

Prawn Cocktail at the Garryvoe Hotel. Their famous Dublin Bay Prawn Cocktail, Crisp Gem Lettuce, Sauce Marie Rose® & Homemade Brown Bread”.

Chowder at Greene’s. Ballycotton Fresh and Smoked Fish, Mussels, Clams, and Pana Bread (. Rich and creamy, the flavour was outstanding.

Lamb at Monks Lane

Lamb

Lamb Slowcooked at Monks Lane. Lamb slow-cooked Spanish-style lamb (was a revelation. The menu description, mentioning "herb potatoes" and "flaked almonds," didn't quite do it justice. This was a rich, flavourful stew packed with tender lamb, a medley of fresh vegetables, and a scattering of almonds that added a delightful textural contrast. It was so good

Slow Cooked Braised Lamb Shank at Farmgate Lismore — the meat falls off the bone, bathed in a fragrant rosemary lamb jus, accompanied by creamy spring onion champ and a vibrant carrot and swede purée.

Slow Cooked Lamb Shoulder at the MET Bar & Restaurant - McCarthy’s, boasting melt-in-your-mouth lamb complemented by pickled watermelon rind, roasted squash & beets, and a delightful surprise – Channa masala chickpeas.

The Glass Curtain Rack of Lamb, crushed artichoke, pistachio, glazed lamb belly and celeriac. Another superb dish from an accomplished kitchen.

Ichigo Ichie

Duck

Ichigo Ichie’s Skeaghanore Duck with Hay Leek, grilled scallion, leaves, Sansho salt and an unexpected garnish of potato with Nori that went down very well.

Pasta

Pasta Salsicca e Fiarelli at Bramley Lodge. The salsicca is Italian sausage and there were also wilted greens, pancetta and saffron. Excellent.

Misunderstood Heron

Food Trucks & Market Stalls

Stall - Kay’s English Market - The popular Fish Box includes Panko Crumbed Haddock, Fish Cake, Smoked Salmon Croquettes, Fried Potatoes, Salad, and Dip. Tasty stuff!

Food Trucks - Misunderstood Heron (Connemara) - Pork - Achiote (a natural orange-red condiment) + Orange Pork + Rice + Charred Red Pepper + Salsa

View from Killeen House, Killarney

Best Hotel Breakfast.

At Rozzers at Killeen House, Killarney. Look out for the fish offering every morning! More here.

Top Brunch

At On The Pig’s Back in Douglas: Oeufs Pochés  à la Bretonne. Oh la la!

Top Quiche

At Proby’s Kitchen. The lunchtime quiche featured Warm Leek, feta and Cavolo Nero with seasonal leaves.

Nadur Deli.

Best Pastry

The pistachio white chocolate and blueberry at Nadur Deli.

Outstanding Curry

The Lodge (Myrtleville)  - the comforting warmth of a North Indian-style Baigan Aloo Tanatar (eggplant, potatoes, and tomatoes) simmered in a symphony of curry spices. Add in a side of rice, and enjoy!

Steak

Looking for steak? Head to MacCurtain Street, Food Street of the Year in Cork. 

The Glass Curtain offers a porterhouse steak, with bone marrow jus, for sharing.

Next door, Thompsons have quite a variety of aged steaks via Kanturk butcher Jack McCarthy, complete with some superb sauces and sides.

Just up the street, Greene’s offers a little theatrical touch as their steaks are served on the stone, always an eye-catcher and also a palate pleaser.

Burger

Wagyu at Thompsons. McCarthy’s Wagyu is not among the steak offerings but has a starring role in this Burger, along with shredded lettuce, homemade pickles, Coolea Cheddar, and roasted garlic aioli. Not to mention chunky house fries. 

Mullicháin Café, Carlow

Pie

Gallaghers claim the original Beef and Beamish Pie (Beamish stout, braised beef and root vegetables, topped with a crispy puff pastry). It has been on their menu since they opened. They serve it with fries or mashed potatoes. I chose the mash, which worked very well. They also do a superb fish pie!

Soup

French Onion Soup at Market Lane - French Onion Soup has been featured at Market Lane since 2009. The current version, featuring Coolea cheese and sourdough croutons, is one of the best yet and is a fantastic starter. 

Hidden Gem

Mullicháin Café, Carlow. Nestled along the picturesque River Barrow in St. Mullins, Co. Carlow, the Mullicháin Café is a charming oasis that offers a delightful blend of history, cuisine, and natural beauty. Oh yes, good food too!

Happy Christmas and all the best for 2025

Happy Christmas and all the best for 2025
(See you at the other side!)

Photos from Wexford's Cuan Aingeal. 
In memory of all the children and young people who have died tragically in the county.

Whiplash Reckoner Strata IPA. Beer of the Week. A hop lover’s dream come true

Whiplash Reckoner Strata IPA, 6.3% ABV, 440 ml can 

A strataspheric beer that is a hop lover’s dream come true

The colour is a light to mid-gold. The hazy beer has a good mix of tropical fruit aromas with dank notes. Fruit flavours (Pineapple and Passionfruit) are outstanding on the palate. Whiplash certainly hit the bullseye here as they so often do and have come up with yet another beautifully balanced beer and a terrific example of an IPA, our Beer of the Week.

The only hops used are Strata, which account for the bold and complex flavours. Whiplash claims that the stratospheric beer “is a hop lover’s dream come true.”

Sure is, and it is Very Highly Recommended.

Founded in 2016, the Dublin-based Whiplash draws inspiration from the best traditional and modern beers to craft an impressive range that has earned it quite a following.

Geek Bits:

Malts - Maris Otter, Wheat Malt, Oat Malt, Carapils.

Hops: Strata

UK Units: 2.8

See the fully updated Beer of the Week listings here.

Taste of Christmas #6.Coffee Break? Try Maher's Italian Blend.

Taste of Christmas #6

Time for a coffee break?

Try Maher's Italian Blend.

Cooking up a storm in the Christmas kitchen? Don't forget to take your well-deserved coffee break. Mahers Italian Blend is just the job. Popular in many local restaurants, a cuppa at home these busy days will give you just the boost you need. Note the new packaging (with a brief version of the family firm's story on the reverse). Your counter order is now packed in this attractive package. And, for added convenience, it is resealable!

Beaumont Des Crayère NV, Grande Réserve Brut. A star of Champagne's Marne Valley. Taste of Christmas #5

Taste of Christmas #5

Champagne, of course.

Beaumont Des Crayère NV, Grande Réserve Brut

O'Briens Wine Stores

ABV is 12.50% and it is now on offer at €34.95 (usually 38.95)

 

Champagne always turns up when there’s a celebration. But, with Christmas and the New Year on the horizon, you may ask which one? I usually have a bottle of Beaumont Des Crayère NV, Grande Réserve Brut, on hand. 

This Réserve from a quality-focused cooperative in Champagne's Marne Valley is an absolute star. Made with 75% black grape varieties with extended lees ageing, it’s a richer style of Champagne with fine, persistent bubbles and really holds its own against much more expensive sparklers. An expressively fruity aroma profile with a balanced palate it is lively before a long, slightly spiced finish. Most of you will know that Brut means dry.

A (big) Taste of Christmas #4. Superb lunch at the ever-reliable Jacques!

 A (big) Taste of Christmas #4

Superb lunch at the ever-reliable Jacques!

Aside from the Christmas pudding, nothing else was very Christmassy on the menu. But make no mistake about it, this late afternoon lunch in the packed restaurant was certainly a festival occasion, with many small groups enjoying the food and the atmosphere despite the downpours outside in Oliver Plunkett Street.

Here are a few highlights.

Since it was lunch rather than dinner, we chose a couple of items from the Nibbles section instead of the Small Plates to start. The olives, marinated in orange and rosemary, and the delicious pâté served on toast with pickled cucumber garnish, provided a great beginning and filled the time before the main courses.

The wine list here is impressive. On my last visit, I chose a wine from their selection on tap, and I did the same this time, opting for an excellent Orange Grüner Veltliner by Holzer. It was fresh and full of flavour, making it thoroughly enjoyable. And it enhanced its reputation as a fantastic choice for pairing with food.

We are great fans of Goatsbridge trout, which often appears on our home menu. This particular piece was one of the largest I’ve ever seen, and it was also packed with flavour. Pan-fried to perfection, the organic fish was served with braised fennel, sprouting broccoli, brown butter, capers, and mashed potatoes.

This seasonal dish of wild venison was my highlight of the evening. 

The haunch was served medium rare, paired with red cabbage, 

roast parsnip, blackberry sauce, and Dauphinois potato. 

This was my first venison of the season, and it was a beauty.. 

The traditional Christmas pudding was presented as a couple of round slices. Recently, a disappointing and bland pudding had been served at a large group dinner in a local hotel. In contrast, the version from Jacques was much more robust and flavourful, reminiscent of what we enjoyed in our childhood. Additionally, the Boozy Tiramisu (below) is a house tradition at Jacques and a favourite
throughout the year. It's definitely worth trying when you visit!

Taste of Christmas #3. Barnabrow House Christmas Cake

Taste of Christmas #3. 

Barnabrow House Christmas Cake

We regularly get our hands on the Christmas cake made by Barnabrow House and bought the 2024 version at Roughty Foodie in the English Market a few days back. It is as good as ever, thanks to Barnabrow's Geraldine Kidd and her team in East Cork.

It is packed full of fruit and other essentials (including the same beer and whiskey as in their pudding); it is delicious, fruity and nutty, not too heavy, yet take it easy (make it linger!).  And if there's just one or two in the house, then they have a convenient size for you. The cake and the pudding will bring a smile to your face, a nostalgic smile for those of us of a certain age.

And there is a nice nostalgia story, too, on the Barnabrow label. Tales from the kitchens (Irish and Sri Lankan) "when the cakes of our childhood was being prepared and everyone getting a stir of the mix. Will we have almond icing or just sugar icing or glazed fruit finishes?"

No need to worry about all that.. Just pop into Roughty Fruity and bag yourself a handy cake and pudding double (they know all about bookie's lingo in there) before the horse has bolted.

Joe’s Award-Winning Amaretto, From Elbow Lane, Cork. Taste of Christmas #2

Taste of Christmas #2

Joe’s Award-Winning Amaretto
 

From Elbow Lane, Cork

On it's own or try it in cocktails like The Godfather (below)

Last August, Cork’s thriving Elbow Lane Microbrewery, the smallest brewery in the country, won both a Gold Award and a Best in Ireland Award for its Elbow Lager at the 2024 World Drinks Awards. Resident mixologist and front-of-house manager at Elbow Lane restaurant, Joe Timbrell, also received a Silver Award in the Liqueur Category for his delicious creation, Joe’s Amaretto. 

At 27% ABV, Joe’s Amaretto was described by the judges as having “a dominant sweet almond aroma with a thick and sweet mouthfeel, leading to a palate rich in almond, complemented by a mysterious spice note that adds intrigue, providing a smooth and nutty overall experience.”

This popular liqueur, typically associated with Italy, is best served over ice, mixed, or in cocktails. Joe’s Amaretto is one of several innovative drinks produced at the Elbow Lane Brewhouse and Fermentary this year. Others include a Hazelnut Stout and a collaboration with Rebel Distillery, producers of Maharani gin, who produced a special from a cask that had been used by the brewery. I enjoyed a wee sample, and it is definitely worth seeking out! 

Joe's Amaretto (27% ABV) is very drinkable and is available at the Market Lane restaurants. It features trademark sweet almond aromas and is delightful on its own, over ice, or as an aperitif. However, it is also quite versatile in cocktails such as an Old Fashioned or an Espresso Martini.

I used scotch, which I had on hand, for my version of The Godfather cocktail. Here are the ingredients:

- 60 ml of Chivas Regal Extra 13

- 15 ml of Joe’s Amaretto

To prepare, fill a glass about two-thirds full of ice. Add the whiskey and amaretto, then stir until well chilled, about 20 seconds. Strain into an ice-filled rocks glass. The almond-flavoured liqueur softens the whiskey without diminishing its flavour. Enjoy!  

#gifted

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Taste of Christmas. Stollen from Ryes and Shine

Taste of Christmas

Stollen from Ryes and Shine

Cutting the Christmas cake. By the way, that is a brilliant
bread knife and you can buy it at the Ryes 'n Shine stall!

Stollen is a traditional German Christmas bread. More like a cake, really, and it is quite sweet. We just bought ours from Angela Nöthlings of the local Ryes 'n Shine bakery.

Angela gives her breads (sourdough) all the time they need, and that is also true of her delicious Stollen. Almonds are a key ingredient. They are first simmered, then snapped out of their skins, then shaved with a beautiful piece of equipment (a small manual nut grinder) that belonged to her mother.

Angela explains: "Shaved almonds - rather than ground - will create a marzipan texture within the stollen. There is no extra marzipan put into these. Using ground almonds would be a lot easier and faster, but at Ryes & Shine we (ie I) prefer to do things the old-fashioned slow-paced way, which tends to result in better tastes and textures too."

When we picked ours up last week, there was a note attached telling us not to cut it until the 17th. However, we did go a day earlier, and it worked out very well indeed. It is indeed something different, quite sweet. I have a bottle of Joe’s Amaretto here (from Elbow Lane) and was thinking of pairing them but they might not work together as the Amaretto is also loaded with almonds. I'm thinking a sweet German wine would be better!

In any event, the Stollen is one of our Tastes of Christmas. More on Ryes and Shine here.

Before the slicing!

James Whelan Butchers Courts Cork Consumers In Dunnes Stores Douglas

James Whelan Butchers Courts Cork Consumers In Dunnes Stores Douglas

James Whelan Butchers is one of the star attractions at the recently revamped Food Hall in Douglas Court Shopping. Pizzalist, Sheridan’s Cheese, Offbeat Donuts, and Sushi Gourmet, to name a few, are also vying to stop you from going hungry!

Whelans are well known for their quality, and shoppers at Bishopscourt will attest to that. Amazingly, this Douglas venture is the 14th shop for the Tipperary family-run business. The shop will create over 20 new jobs and is part of a state-of-the-art facility at Dunnes Stores; their operation here is quite similar to Whelans in Bishopstown Court.

We got to Douglas last week and made a beeline for Whelans. Pat Whelan told me, when they made their debut at Bishopstown Court, that retail is all about choice. Well, you've got choice and competition in Douglas. Whelan's has shelves packed with temping meat offers, and you can see the butchers hard at work on the tables and blocks behind glass at the back.

Meatballs in Penne Pasta

Quite hard to make up your mind, but we were looking for something handy for a midweek dinner and settled on an 8-pack of Mamma’s Meatballs (€8.99), dry-aged Irish beef balls smothered in a delicious herb and tomato sauce. And topped with cheese. They also do a 4-pack. The meat, accompanied by Pernne Pasta, gave us a very tasty dinner indeed.

We also bought a butterflied leg of lamb, but that will be in the freezer until the weekend. I obviously can't tell you too much about it, but I am highly confident that it will meet the high Whelan standard. Whelan's try and make sure you make the best of your purchases. Their website has recipes for virtually every cut, many on video! A terrific resource. Have a look here.

The next call was to Sheridan’s Cheese, which has a very impressive set-up indeed, again quite similar to that at Bishopstown Court. Delighted to see that they sell smaller portions of many of the cheeses, and we bought and enjoyed some Wicklow Baun Brie (€2.32) and also a wee wedge (4.37) of Tomme de Savoie (a mountain cheese that we often bought when on holidays in France and one that kept the kids happy).

The next question was, what’s for lunch? Well, the answer was very close at hand, and it was all displayed on the tempting counters of Pizzalist. The company is already in Dunnes Stores in Galway. The offerings include "a vast variety of pizzas from the most traditional to the most original. Choose from our nine types of Pizza Rossa (with pizza sauce), seven types of Pizza Bianca (without pizza sauce), seven types of Pizza Fantasia (our special pizzas) or create your own special pizza with four toppings of your choice."

Parmigiana

From the intriguing Fantasia list, we picked the Parmigiana (Pizza sauce, Buffalo Mozzarella, Aubergines, Parmesan, Basil Leaves and Garlic Oil). Other choices included Rustica, Cinque Terre, and Nutella. A slice cost us €4.75. 

Caprese sandwich in Focaccia

They also had a section of focaccia "Sandwiches", and the Caprese (5.45) appealed. At home an hour later, we gave them a run in the microwave and enjoyed both, though the Parmigiana was voted the tastier of the two! By the way, if you like your lunch on the move, they will heat them for you. 

This was my first visit to the superb food hall. It won't be the last!