Tuesday, February 4, 2025

Kate's back in town. Find the top chef at O'Connell Fishmongers in Dunne's Stores.

Kate’s back in town. Find the top chef at 

O'Connell Fishmongers in Dunne's Stores


Kate Lawlor is back in town. You’ll find the former chef/patron of 5 Fenns Quay in the kitchen of Kay O’Connor’s Fish Merchants in the heart of the impressively laid out new food hall in Dunne’s Stores Patrick Street. 


Renowned fishmonger Pat O’Connell is delighted to have the experienced Kate head up the team for this new venture for Dunnes. Here, you may buy your hot dish from Kate, pay for it at the dedicated payment desk and then take it to one of the many seats and tables around the food hall.


That’s just what I did on my first visit last Wednesday. As you can imagine, there are fish all the way here, from oysters and crab to salmon and cod. There is a regular menu, but do also watch for the specials. Dishes can also be packaged for takeout.



Another recent offer is Monkfish Nuggets with tonkatsu sauce, rice, wilted greens and toasted sesame seeds (all for 12 euros); throw in a side of chips for 4 euros, and you have dinner. Their Fish Plate, with smoked salmon included, is another worth looking out for. And if you are in a rush and want a sandwich, then try their Smoked Salmon Sandwich and/or the Prawn Cocktail Sandwich (7.50 euro each).


I picked from the specials board and was delighted with my Seafood and Pasta special. Delicious prawns and freshly made pasta made for quite a lunch. Eye-catching, too, as a lady passing asked about it and immediately went to the counter and ordered one for herself! 


In addition to the new outlet in Dunne’s, O’Connell’s has recently established Kay’s Kitchen in their English Market space, where Martina and Darren will look after you. Check out their superb Fish Box!

Menu at ABC Bread


After the pasta, I was thinking about supper. My eye had been caught by the colourful Sushi Gourmet stall down to my left, and I headed there and, indeed, spent quite a bit of time trying to make up my mind! There’s a great choice, and they were constantly bringing out new selections. In the end, I went for the Salmon Make Mixed (slices of salmon on pillows of rice, salmon sushi rolls, and vegetable sushi rolls with fried onions), all for €7.25 with free sachets of ginger, wasabi and soya sauce.


Need something to drink? No bother, just head over to the large Chilled Drinks cabinet and take your pick. Just be sure to get all your food and drink together, which will mean just one visit to the payment desk.


The new food hall is large, and there are quite a few traders around the perimeter, including Baxter and Green (deli, self-service salad bar, pizza and more), a rotisserie, and Sheridan’s Cheese (offering toasted sandwiches). 


If you want just a slice of toast and jam and a cuppa, why not try ABC bread? They have a variety of breads for you to try and can top your toast with jam, lemon curd, peanut butter, honey, marmalade or marmite, and butter of course. Robert Roberts Filter Coffee and Barry’s Tea are also available. Just add a croissant and enjoy your break!


Monday, February 3, 2025

January Dining In Summary. Good Hood and The Wine Tavern at St Luke's and K. O'Connell's in Dunnes Stores

January Dining. Good Hood,  The Wine Tavern at St Luke's and K. O'Connell's in Dunnes Stores

Good Times Roll at The Wine Tavern St Luke's


The Wine Tavern at St Luke's, a family-run establishment, has been a local favourite for years, known for its warm welcome, relaxed atmosphere, and focus on wine and tapas. The Tavern aims to provide a social dining experience for individuals or groups. 

A highlight of the Wine Tavern is their sharing board, a generous platter featuring Cashel Blue cheese, smoked cheddar, brie, spiced beef, serrano ham, chorizo, roasted almonds, pickles, and homemade dips. It's a perfect accompaniment to their wine selection. Beyond the sharing board, the menu offers a variety of tapas, including the highly recommended Crispy potatoes with Garlic butter and Parmesan cubes, a delicious alternative to standard chips or Patatas Bravas. Full review here.


Tapas, Pizza, and Service: A Winning Formula at Good Hood


Good Hood, a new restaurant at St Luke's Cross, has quickly gained popularity with its winning combination of tapas and pizzas. 

Headed by Colin Ryan, known for Hansum Rotisserie Chicken and Paperboys Café, and partnered with Ciarán O'Regan of Dublin’s Rita's Pizzeria, Good Hood is focused on delivering quality food and service, leading to a strong initial success. The restaurant's popularity is evident in its consistently full house, with reservations recommended.

Until its expected drinks license arrives, Good Hood encourages patrons to bring their own beverages from the nearby off-license, providing glasses and waiving any corkage fee. They anticipate obtaining a drinks license soon and adding dessert options in the near future. The pizzas are a highlight, with options like the Diego, featuring tomato, mozzarella, garlic, oregano, anchovies, and capers. The menu also includes other creative pizza options like the Hunted Hog, Hay Pesto, and the Cheek of It.

Beyond pizzas, Goodhood offers a selection of tapas-style sharing plates, including highly recommended dishes like the Beef Cheek with crispy potato terrine and Pecorino Romano, and the Beets on Goats with beetroot, blackberries, goat’s cheese, and chive oil.  Full review here


Kate's back in town at O'Connell Fishmongers


Chef Kate Lawlor, formerly of 5 Fenns Quay, has returned to the Cork culinary scene, now heading up the kitchen at Kay O'Connell's Fish Merchants within the new food hall in Dunne's Stores on Patrick Street. This collaboration between renowned fishmonger Pat O'Connell and Lawlor offers a variety of fresh seafood dishes, from oysters and crab to salmon and cod, with both a regular menu and daily specials. Customers can purchase their hot meals and enjoy them at the seating provided within the food hall or opt for convenient takeout.

The menu features diverse options like Monkfish Nuggets with tonkatsu sauce and rice, a Fish Plate with smoked salmon, and sandwiches such as Smoked Salmon and Prawn Cocktail. Lawlor's culinary skills are evident in dishes like the Seafood and Pasta special. In addition to its new Dunnes Stores location, O'Connell's also operates Kay's Kitchen in the English Market, offering a "Fish Box" and other seafood delights. Full review here.


Thursday, January 30, 2025

Montepulciano D’Abbruzzo. One of the quintessential wines of Italy, enjoyed throughout the country and the world

Revino “Postcards from Italy” Montepulciano D’Abbruzzo (DOC) 2020,  13.0% ABV

€15.95 at O’Briens Wine



“one of the quintessential wines of Italy, enjoyed throughout the country and the world, and made in several styles” 



Vibrant tarty cherries lead in the aromas and continue on the palate of this organic vegan-friendly wine from Abruzzo. Importers and sellers O’Briens Wine :“This delightful organic red is part of a range called Postcards from Italy, a great value offering which was created to celebrate Italian grape varieties.”  It covers the length and breadth of the boot, from North to South, and features landmark buildings on the front label, as this one does.


Abruzzo is a region renowned for bold and fruity Montepulciano wines. This is a deep ruby red and vibrantly fruited; the crunchy, Italian red is the ideal accompaniment for an array of rich-flavoured dishes and meats and also pairs very well with aged cheese (think Hegarty’s Templegall) and pizzas, of course. Serve at 17 degrees.


Wines from the grape have quite a history and some influential “fans”. According to the Greek historian Polybius, the wine made from this varietal was very appreciated by the famous Carthaginian commander of the 3rd Century BC, Hannibal, who apparently used to give it to his soldiers to restore their strength after battles. What other excuse do you need to try a glass? Bon courage!

Wednesday, January 29, 2025

Hayfield Manor has been crowned the Supreme Winner at the sold out Virgin Media Business Gold Medal Awards.

Hayfield Manor has been crowned the Supreme Winner at the sold out Virgin Media Business Gold Medal Awards. 

Hayfield Manor collecting their Supreme Winner from Anton Savage in the Galmont Hotel


Now in their 35th year, the Virgin Media Business Gold Medal Awards are recognised as the leading independent awards programme for the Irish hospitality industry. Judged by industry experts, the awards recognise and reward excellence in hospitality and catering operations across the island of Ireland.

Key Messages:
- Hayfield Manor named Supreme Winner at Virgin Media Business Gold Medal Awards

- Awards program in its 35th year, known for recognizing excellence in Irish hospitality industry

- Judged by industry experts, winners announced at gala awards ceremony in Galway

- Adare Manor in Co. Limerick among winners, taking home Gold Award for "Ireland's Five Star Resort"

Ireland's Outstanding Customer Service Award
Gold for The Kingsley Hotel


2024 Winners Revealed
Supreme Winner
Gold - Hayfield Manor
Sponsored by Virgin Media Business 
Ireland's Lifetime Achievement 
Gold - Theresa Allen
Ireland's Favourite Place To Stay
Overall Winner - Castle Leslie
Connacht - Ashford Castle
Leinster - Woodenbridge Hotel & Lodge
Munster - The Rose Hotel
Ulster - Castle Leslie
Ireland’s Family Friendly Hotel
Gold - Newpark Hotel Kilkenny
Silver Clonakilty Park Hotel
Bronze - Amber Springs Hotel
Sponsored by Virgin Media Business
Ireland's Best Family Run Hotel Group
Gold - Romantic Castles Of Ireland
Ireland's Sustainability / Leading Green Hotel
Gold - Armada Hotel
Silver - Ballygarry Estate Hotel & Spa
Bronze - Dromoland Castle Hotel
Ireland’s Five Star Hotel
Gold - Hayfield Manor
Silver - The Merrion Hotel Dublin
Bronze - Cashel Palace Hotel
Ireland's Afternoon Tea Hotel
Gold - The Merrion Hotel Dublin
Silver - Carton House, A Fairmont Managed Hotel
Bronze - Marlfield House Hotel
Ireland's Chef of the Year
Gold -  The Lake Hotel, Noel Enright
Silver - Ballynahinch Castle Hotel, Danni Barry
Bronze - The Mustard Seed Country House and Restaurant, Angel Pirev
Sponsored by BWG Food Service 
Ireland's Five Star Chef of the Year
Gold - Park Hotel Kenmare, James O'Sullivan
Silver - Ashford Castle, Liam Finnegan
Bronze - Sheen Falls Lodge, Mark Treacy
Sponsored by BWG Food Service
Ireland's Best Hotel Group
Gold - MHL Hotel Group
Sponsored by Action Recruitment
Ireland’s Business & Conference Hotel
Gold -  The Johnstown Estate
Silver - Lyrath Estate
Bronze - Radisson Blu Royal Hotel Dublin
Ireland’s Four Star Hotel
Gold - Kilronan Castle Estate & Spa
Silver - Armada Hotel
Bronze - Ballygarry Estate Hotel & Spa
Sponsored by O'Driscolls Irish Whiskey
Ireland’s Wine Experience
Gold - Ashford Castle
Silver - Cashel Palace Hotel
Bronze - Ballynahinch Castle Hotel
Sponsored by Classic Drinks
Ireland’s Four Star Resort
Gold - Renvyle House Hotel and Resort
Silver - Harvey's Point
Bronze - Galgorm
Sponsored by Sound to Light
Ireland’s Guest Experience
Gold - Killashee Hotel
Silver - Harvey's Point
Bronze - The Montenotte
Sponsored by Netaffinity 
Ireland's Five Star Resort
Gold - Adare Manor
Silver - Dromoland Castle Hotel
Bronze - Sheen Falls Lodge
Sponsored by Virgin Media Business 
Ireland’s Three Star Hotel
Gold -  Hotel Isaacs Cork
Silver - Clew Bay Hotel
Bronze - Great National South Court Hotel
Ireland's Hotel Casual Dining Experience
Gold - Killarney Plaza Hotel & Spa
Silver - Great Southern Killarney
Bronze - Armada Hotel
Ireland's Five Star Hotel Casual Dining Experience
Gold - The g Hotel & Spa
Silver - Hayfield Manor
Bronze - Trump International Golf Links & Hotel Ireland
Ireland's Innovative Supplier
Gold - Excel Recruitment
Ireland’s City Hotel
Gold - The Mayson Hotel
Silver - The Dean Cork
Bronze - The Hardiman
Ireland’s Country House & Guest House Experience
Gold - Ard na Sidhe Country House Hotel
Silver - Dunbrody Country House
Bronze - Marlfield House Hotel
Ireland’s Fine Dining Hotel Restaurant
Gold - The Blue Haven Hotel
Silver - Tankardstown House, Brabazon Restaurant 
Bronze - Kilronan Castle Estate & Spa
Ireland's Five Star Fine Dining Hotel Restaurant
Gold -
 Lady Helen at Mount Juliet Estate
Silver - Ballyfin Demesne
Bronze - Carton House, A Fairmont Managed Hotel
Ireland’s Five Star Hotel Spa Experience
Gold - Dromoland Castle Hotel
Silver - Ashford Castle
Bronze - ESPA at The Europe Hotel & Resort
Ireland’s Four Star Hotel Spa Experience
Gold - Galgorm
Silver - The Johnstown Estate
Bronze - Ice House Hotel
Ireland’s Front of House Team/Team Member
Gold -  The Europe Hotel & Resort
Silver - Sligo Park Hotel & Leisure Club
Bronze - The Mustard Seed Country House and Restaurant
Ireland’s Breakfast Experience
Gold - Castlewood House Dingle
Silver - Pembroke Kilkenny Hotel
Bronze - Celtic Ross Hotel
Ireland’s Menu Provenance Award
Gold - Ballyfin Demesne
Silver - Ballymaloe House Hotel
Bronze - Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa
Ireland’s Grand Wedding Hotel
Gold - Cork's Vienna Woods Hotel
Silver - Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate
Bronze - Mulranny Park Hotel
Ireland's Small Wedding Hotel
Gold -
 Luttrellstown Castle Resort
Silver - The Station House Hotel, Kilmessan, Co. Meath
Bronze - Lough Rynn Castle
Ireland's Castle & Heritage Wedding Excellence
Gold -
 Cashel Palace Hotel
Silver - Castle Leslie Estate
Bronze - Markree Castle
Ireland's Outstanding Customer Service Award
Gold - The Kingsley Hotel
Tourist Experience of the Year
Gold -
 Mulranny Park Hotel
Silver - The Gleneagle Hotel, Killarney
Bronze - Chancery Hotel Dublin
Ireland's Boutique Hotel of the Year
Gold - Pembroke Kilkenny Hotel
Silver - Stauntons on the Green
Bronze - The Blue Haven Hotel
Sponsored by SHR Group
Ireland’s Five Star Guest Experience
Gold - Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate
Silver - The Merrion Hotel Dublin
Bronze - The Killarney Park