The Restaurant Recommendation Thread

Nonoperational

Was there recently. Very average I thought. Not unpleasant, but nothing at all to write home about.

snotboogie

Nonoperational wrote: »

Was there recently. Very average I thought. Not unpleasant, but nothing at all to write home about.

Agree completely. In my opinion Koto is way behind the likes of Khao in Mallow and Kubo in Douglas.

D'Agger

Really, really need to try Kubo in Douglas soon

pwurple

Went to Ichigoichi. 
It won't be for everyone, bring your grown-up palate. But for me, I just loved it. We were all delighted at our table, the whole meal was an adventure. From the second we went in the door we were no longer in Cork. Even the loo is one of those Japanese high tech loos with buttons and beeps. 
12 courses, starting very light with small bowls, nigiri, soups. Then onto meatier and fish dishes. Amazingly delicious mochi chocolate jameson dessert, kinda eastern/western combo. Loved it. The food is a work of art. The service is lovely.

I didn't have wine, had a very good plum saki. 
It's expensive, special occasion place.

And here's an example. This was a Seaweed pressed oyster, with jelly (pepper jelly? god I've forgotten already), on some seaweed and Japanese lemon. Preserved monkfish with chilli, and bonito with garlic. Nastursiums, chive flowers, other petals.

Malari

Fantastic! That's not a dish that was served when I was there a month or so ago, so it's nice to see they are changing the menu periodically and with what's in season. If you wanted to go more than, say once in a lifetime :pac:

the beer revolu

Malari wrote: »

Fantastic! That's not a dish that was served when I was there a month or so ago, so it's nice to see they are changing the menu periodically and with what's in season. If you wanted to go more than, say once in a lifetime :pac:

It seems to be monthly menus.
It really is outstanding if you are into food adventures.

sporina

with regards to Ichigo Ichie - for those of you who have been - have you had much japanese cuisine before?
like i would assume that that type of cuisine is not something one would go for unless they had a taste for it?

as a foodie I am interested.. though I don't think that this place would be for me as I don't have a savoury palate

pwurple

Yes and no. I like Japanese food in general. Really like fresh fish, nigiri, sushi, yes please... but some textures in Japan I find hard going, gelatinous stuff I mean. I am not mad about that particular texture, and it is very common in Asia . Especially, the jelly-like Japanese desserts I find hard to stomach.

Ichigoichi definitely caters to locally available ingredients and the dessert, I would have eaten ten of those...

the beer revolu

sporina wrote: »

with regards to Ichigo Ichie - for those of you who have been - have you had much japanese cuisine before?
like i would assume that that type of cuisine is not something one would go for unless they had a taste for it?

as a foodie I am interested.. though I don't think that this place would be for me as I don't have a savoury palate

I'm not sure what a foodie without a savoury palate is. You only like desserts?

I had no great experience of Japanese food, really.. I've liked sushi and miso soup for a long time but that's more or less the extent of it. I don't like very strongly fishy flavours.

I found nothing terribly challenging on the pallet either flavourwise or texturewise but almost every single mouthful was an adventure of flavour and texture.

I want to go again.

sporina

the beer revolu wrote: »

I'm not sure what a foodie without a savoury palate is. You only like desserts?

I had no great experience of Japanese food, really.. I've liked sushi and miso soup for a long time but that's more or less the extent of it. I don't like very strongly fishy flavours.

I found nothing terribly challenging on the pallet either flavour wise or texture wise but almost every single mouthful was an adventure of flavour and texture.

I want to go again.

No i guess I mean, perhaps - not a fan of savoury/salty or umami..

Like I don't like crisps or cheese per se.. and I don't get red meat at all..

And textures I know that I don't like are dumplings or noodles and i prob would not like the gelatinous textures described about..

Never had sushi as I don't think i would like it - though i know I should try it.. don't like the cold or salt elements.

My fav foods would be of a sweet/sour profile (obs not just deserts).. with some elements of savoury..

As in I love Thai food - anything with lemongrass, chilli, thai basil, garlic, ginger etc.. but I hate strong soy sauce.. I only use low salt at home..

I love Italian flavours like a fish or chicken dish with a tomato or white wine/lemon sauce etc..

This might paint a picture of why Japanese food has never appealed to me,, though I know I should try it sometime.. but not €95's worth lol

Harika

sporina wrote: »

This might paint a picture of why Japanese food has never appealed to me,, though I know I should try it sometime.. but not €95's worth lol

It's 8 euros per course, even if you don't like 2-3 courses it will still give you a great overview of the Japanese cuisine and you can then build on that.
Some time ago we went to ivory Tower and we took the tasting menu, myself or my partner would have never tried pigs feet but they were delicious.
Still my partner wouldn't eat everything so I was the hoover.

sporina

Harika wrote: »

It's 8 euros per course, even if you don't like 2-3 courses it will still give you a great overview of the Japanese cuisine and you can then build on that.
Some time ago we went to ivory Tower and we took the tasting menu, myself or my partner would have never tried pigs feet but they were delicious.
Still my partner wouldn't eat everything so I was the hoover.

break it down how you like its €95.. and for something I suspect I won't like..

need to try Miyazaki first

Nonoperational

sporina wrote: »

No i guess I mean, perhaps - not a fan of savoury/salty or umami..

Like I don't like crisps or cheese per se.. and I don't get red meat at all..

And textures I know that I don't like are dumplings or noodles and i prob would not like the gelatinous textures described about..

Never had sushi as I don't think i would like it - though i know I should try it.. don't like the cold or salt elements.

My fav foods would be of a sweet/sour profile (obs not just deserts).. with some elements of savoury..

As in I love Thai food - anything with lemongrass, chilli, thai basil, garlic, ginger etc.. but I hate strong soy sauce.. I only use low salt at home..

I love Italian flavours like a fish or chicken dish with a tomato or white wine/lemon sauce etc..

This might paint a picture of why Japanese food has never appealed to me,, though I know I should try it sometime.. but not €95's worth lol

Not being smart, but if you don't like crisps, cheese, meat, dumplings, noodles, sushi, cold or salty foods.... don't bother with it. That's an incredibly restrictive list.

limnam

Nonoperational wrote: »

Not being smart, but if you don't like crisps, cheese, meat, dumplings, noodles, sushi, cold or salty foods.... don't bother with it. That's an incredibly restrictive list.

Reminds of the foodies who used to be on come dine with me rhyming off all the things they don't like/won't eat. :pac:

.red.

limnam wrote: »

Reminds of the foodies who used to be on come dine with me rhyming off all the things they don't like/won't eat. :pac:

Sure most of them are gluten free now too!

sporina

Nonoperational wrote: »

Not being smart, but if you don't like crisps, cheese, meat, dumplings, noodles, sushi, cold or salty foods.... don't bother with it. That's an incredibly restrictive list.

yes this is why I am reluctant.. era might try Miyzaki sometime.. maybe

I defo need to try Sushi...

and yes Limnam, I am definitely a foodie - doesn't mean I like all food..

i am willing to try most food - but not silly enough to pay €95 for something i am sure I don't like..

I don't get the chance to eat at all the places I want to never mind those I don't.. so why would I?!

PS Anyone who likes all food has no taste buds imo

Nonoperational

Try good sushi. It's really great. Very important it's good though. Some bad bad sushi around.

sporina

Nonoperational wrote: »

Try good sushi. It's really great. Very important it's good though. Some bad bad sushi around.

so where would you recommend?

CR 7

sporina wrote: »

so where would you recommend?

Sakura or Miyazaki for me anyway.

sporina

CR 7 wrote: »

Sakura or Miyazaki for me anyway.

what about dashi deli? and isn't there a place on oliver plunkett street - upstairs ?

CR 7

sporina wrote: »

what about dashi deli? and isn't there a place on oliver plunkett street - upstairs ?

Tried dashi deli once when Miyazaki was closed while they were preparing for the new restaurant and I wasn't really impressed with it. Maybe I'm being a bit harsh but I couldn't see much of a difference between it and the stuff you get in some supermarkets, whereas the other 2 are made to order high quality food. I'm by no means a sushi expert though so I could be completely wrong, but that was my own opinion of them anyway.

Haven't had sushi anywhere else in Cork.

what the hell!

I’m no sushi expert but I always find the sushi from the guy in the English Market very tasty. And good miso soup!

Surreptitious

Sakura has very nice sushi imo.

D'Agger

Thought I had posted about this before but ate in Jacobs on the Mall recently for the first time which I'm now ashamed of, given how long I'm living in the city.

Absolutely loved it, had a two course special menu because I really wanted the pasta dish and the Lemon Curd tart with ginger ice cream and pistacios was one of the best deserts I've had in recent memory.

Must take the parents there next time they're up, Isaacs is our usual go-to but I really enjoyed the atmosphere, light, greenery etc. in Jacobs.

GavRedKing

Had a West Cork Burger out at the Summershow yesterday and I'll definitely be popping in next time im in town.

pwurple

Just wanted to pop in and recommend the Walk the Long Table event in the midsummer festival. We went last week,  it was a lot of fun, and ridiculously good value. 
You are escorted by a chef / owner of restaurant, around 8 venues, with food and drink at each one, and a chat with each chef. (Food is small plates, you're not going to be stuffed an oyster in one, or a chilled soup in another). Our route was docklands, imperial hotel, jacobs on the mall, fish bar in the electric, nash 19, farmgate, oyster tavern and ali's kitchen. 

Walk the Long Table

D'Agger

That's a really good route, I haven't been to Nash 19 in a long time too come to think of it

Mardyke

Each to their own, but that Long Table thing is losing the run of itself.

It's a fantastic idea, and I was interested in it until I heard it cost €95! What a rip off.

And now the same shower are shaking people down for €65 to listen to the likes of Cantillon waffle on with a few tapas! You'd expect it from the CBA and Nash sort of crowd.

I suppose if people are willing to do it...!

pwurple

Mardyke wrote: »

Each to their own, but that Long Table thing is losing the run of itself.

It's a fantastic idea, and I was interested in it until I heard it cost €95! What a rip off.

And now the same shower are shaking people down for €65 to listen to the likes of Cantillon waffle on with a few tapas! You'd expect it from the CBA and Nash sort of crowd.

I suppose if people are willing to do it...!

Oh it didn’t take long for the moaning Marys to come out and diss initiative again.
Have you been to either before weighing in? Oh.. wait, let me guess. Of course not.

Righto, 8 plates of food plus 8 glasses of wine / g&ts etc is SUCH a rip off for 65, with entertaining speakers chucked in. Rack of lamb, cheese platters, oysters, fancy coffees. I felt so ripped off.

The long table is a well run, decent set up, with no sponsor. No Diaggio, no musgrave, no anything. You will not see massive advertising bunting, because it is organised and run by 12 small businesses coming together in Cork city. To close the street, hire the tables, napkins, staff, cutlery etc, is coming in at around 75 euro a head to provide. And all the drink you can drink available at those little bus stops. A shed load of unpaid volunteers is what makes it work.

400 seats were sold out in 3 minutes. They could have doubled the price. Who exactly do you think is making money off this?


I wonder what comparable population cities in the UK are doing this summer with their restaurants. Hopping cultural life over in Slough and Blackburn I’d say.


No chance of some encouragement or support for those people working their asses off to make our city a nicer place to live anyway.

happyday

It sounds amazing. Where do you watch out for tickets if it sells out so quickly?

pwurple

happyday wrote: »

It sounds amazing. Where do you watch out for tickets if it sells out so quickly?

Midsummer festival website. Next year.

Harika

pwurple wrote: »

Midsummer festival website. Next year.

Sale started at 19:00, we queued in the system from 18:15 and got tickets.

sporina

pwurple wrote: »

Oh it didn’t take long for the moaning Marys to come out and diss initiative again.
Have you been to either before weighing in? Oh.. wait, let me guess. Of course not.

Righto, 8 plates of food plus 8 glasses of wine / g&ts etc is SUCH a rip off for 65, with entertaining speakers chucked in. Rack of lamb, cheese platters, oysters, fancy coffees. I felt so ripped off.

The long table is a well run, decent set up, with no sponsor. No Diaggio, no musgrave, no anything. You will not see massive advertising bunting, because it is organised and run by 12 small businesses coming together in Cork city. To close the street, hire the tables, napkins, staff, cutlery etc, is coming in at around 75 euro a head to provide. And all the drink you can drink available at those little bus stops. A shed load of unpaid volunteers is what makes it work.

400 seats were sold out in 3 minutes. They could have doubled the price. Who exactly do you think is making money off this?


I wonder what comparable population cities in the UK are doing this summer with their restaurants. Hopping cultural life over in Slough and Blackburn I’d say.


No chance of some encouragement or support for those people working their asses off to make our city a nicer place to live anyway.

very well argued! i have not been - but the footage looked great last year - i am sure that it is a wonderful occasion in nice weather

Jentle Grenade

looking forward to it myself!

who_me

Considering the demand, might they consider doing more than one a year? I'd love to try it some time, but by the time I'd heard about it.... I'm a year late.

byronbay2

GavRedKing wrote: »

Had a West Cork Burger out at the Summershow yesterday and I'll definitely be popping in next time im in town.

Today is the day, Gav! It's National Burger Day and lots of places (see link below), including West Cork Burger, are offering 2 for the price of 1.

https://www.nationalburgerday.ie/2-for-1/

BullBlackNova

For all those predicting Rachel's to close, they're setting up a new outdoor area on the street next to it at present. Passed by a while ago. Seating, fake grass and a cover for the rain. Looked a little bit like what Reardens used do on the other side of the street a few years ago.

the beer revolu

BullBlackNova wrote: »

For all those predicting Rachel's to close, they're setting up a new outdoor area on the street next to it at present. Passed by a while ago. Seating, fake grass and a cover for the rain. Looked a little bit like what Reardens used do on the other side of the street a few years ago.

That's great news.
I haven't been and probably won't go as its not my kind of restaurant but I would take no pleasure in its demise.

Ardennes1944

Hi all, i am back in Cork next week for 7days.

I had a look at the restaurants and cafe/cheap eats in the city and i was very impressed at the sheer range and quality (i hope) available.

So far I have set aside:

Golden Elephant in Douglas
Haveli Indian in Douglas (I love Thai and Indian)
Casanova Gelato
Cafe Spresso
Cafe Depeche
Shake Dog

I am unsure about Shake Dog but the reviews seem very good for all, any negative experiences?

the beer revolu

Ardennes1944 wrote: »

Hi all, i am back in Cork next week for 7days.

I had a look at the restaurants and cafe/cheap eats in the city and i was very impressed at the sheer range and quality (i hope) available.

So far I have set aside:

Golden Elephant in Douglas
Haveli Indian in Douglas (I love Thai and Indian)
Casanova Gelato
Cafe Spresso
Cafe Depeche
Shake Dog

I am unsure about Shake Dog but the reviews seem very good for all, any negative experiences?

I'd add Iyer's (south Indian vegetarian café),
Yuan Ming Yuan (way better than average Chinese - make sure you ask for full menu),
Bunsen (really good, simple burgers - not overcooked if you want it that way),
Umi Falafel.

Ardennes1944

the beer revolu wrote: »

I'd add Iyer's (south Indian vegetarian caf
Yuan Ming Yuan (way better than average Chinese - make sure you ask for full menu),
Bunsen (really good, simple burgers - not overcooked if you want it that way),
Umi Falafel.

Thank you.

I shall have a look now.

I think I will also go to KCs, I lived in Cork for 23 years and never went :pac:

pwurple

For the heatwave that's in it... anyone have ice-cream place recommendations?

I really like Vanilla and Co, on Cook street. It's the real deal in there, proper creamy ice cream.

siblers

pwurple wrote: »

For the heatwave that's in it... anyone have ice-cream place recommendations?

I really like Vanilla and Co, on Cook street. It's the real deal in there, proper creamy ice cream.

Cassanova Gelato on George's Quay. Was only there once but was very nice at the time

Outkast_IRE

siblers wrote: »

Cassanova Gelato on George's Quay. Was only there once but was very nice at the time

my favourite spot also

confusticated

siblers wrote: »

Cassanova Gelato on George's Quay. Was only there once but was very nice at the time

+1, have been lots of times and always a great selection.
Two new branches of Gino's opened recently, on Paul St and Oliver Plunkett St, but haven't tried them myself.

pwurple

I'm not into gelato, bit watery and melts too fast for me. Real ice-cream is a different beast. Contains cream.

Gino's is gelato too right? Not ice-cream?

leahyl

Went to Ginos on Paul Street the other day - had strawberries and cream ice cream - was very good!

the beer revolu

pwurple wrote: »

I'm not into gelato, bit watery and melts too fast for me. Real ice-cream is a different beast. Contains cream.

Gino's is gelato too right? Not ice-cream?

Is there really a difference?
I thought that Gelato was the new name for icecream with notions.
Surely if there's no cream, it's sorbet?

rob316

the beer revolu wrote: »

Is there really a difference?
I thought that Gelato was the new name for icecream with notions.
Surely if there's no cream, it's sorbet?

From google

It is churned at a much slower rate, incorporating less air and leaving the gelato denser than ice cream. Gelato is served at a slightly warmer temperature than ice cream, so its texture stays silkier and softer. Because it has a lower percentage of fat than ice cream, the main flavor ingredient really shines through

the beer revolu

rob316 wrote: »

From google

I just looked it up too.
It has less cream and less (or no eggs).
Still cream in there, though.

I suspect that in this part of the world, if they call it gelato, it is gelato regardless of whether it's actually ice cream or gelato.