The Restaurant Recommendation Thread

spiderdan

I found one of the workers in Iyers nice and friendly, she seemed to be the one in charge, but the other girl looked like she was doing community service - couldn't believe how pissed off she looked. I have to say it put me off the place, food was overpriced for what it was.

sporina

had a takeaway from the spice inn this eve - was quality,… my tummy is loving it! looks can be deceiving..

j8wk2feszrnpao

the beer revolu wrote: »

Pretentious? I really don't understand what people mean when they say this.

At a guess I'd say they might mean: Pretentious "attempting to impress by affecting greater importance or merit than is actually possessed."

pwurple

munstermagic11 wrote: »

At a guess I'd say they might mean: Pretentious "attempting to impress by affecting greater importance or merit than is actually possessed."

Well it's not exactly silver service in there... Or even a tablecloth, so that doesn't make any sense whatsover. If anything it's the complete opposite, there's a bit of a quay co-op crowd going there sometimes. Slightly hairier/more dishevelled customers than your regular place.

Anyway, ate in fishy fishy at the w/e. Delicious but their lunch memu is quite pricey. 15 euro for musels in basil and cream. Service was good too, but Don't think i'd return for lunch. It was jammers though, so maybe I'm just out of touch with kinsale prices.

-Toppy-

So its that time of year again when its the significant others birthday is coming up

So my question is what Cork City/County Restaurants do a tasting menu?

I know the Ivory Tower does
I think Oysters does

Not sure of others...
Any suggestions

Cheers
Toppy

rob316

Finally tried Gallo and Galleti at the weekend, absolutely outstanding it was.
The food, the atmosphere and the staff made for a very enjoyable experience.

On the waiters recommendation I tried the Double Pork Chop it was delicious, it took about 20/25 mins to cook but they warned me it would. Came with sage butter, sundried tomatoes, sautéed potatoes and balsamic peppers, the whole dish worked really well.

Had a raspberry sundae for dessert, again really good and probably one of the best I have ever had.

The portion size of everything were perfect too.

All in all, real good value for money I thought, very high quality food and service, looking forward to going again.

j8wk2feszrnpao

pwurple wrote: »

Well it's not exactly silver service in there... Or even a tablecloth, so that doesn't make any sense whatsover.

The poster seemed to be referring to the attitude of the staff, not a lack of tablecloths (which I don't see as a big deal).

pwurple

-Toppy- wrote: »

So its that time of year again when its the significant others birthday is coming up

So my question is what Cork City/County Restaurants do a tasting menu?

I know the Ivory Tower does
I think Oysters does

Not sure of others...
Any suggestions

Cheers
Toppy

Tasting menu... Those would be the places that come to mind for me too. Ivory tower does two, the japanese and the irish I think. les Gourmandaise does tasting plates for starters and desserts for sharing which is nice, but maybe not what you mean? The kingsley has reopened recently, they might do one. Hayfield just have the 3 course, but they do the inter-course things like sorbets.

munstermagic11 wrote: »

The poster seemed to be revering [sic] to the attitude of the staff, not a lack of tablecloths (which I don't see as a big deal).

I think that was the point... You never know what random people see as pretentious or intimidating. I've heard people say that Club Brasserie was too snobby for having tableclothes and more than one knife and fork per place setting. The horror!

jadie

the attitude of the staff is what I meant.

Markcheese

Greenes on macCurtain street do a tasting menu... I think everyone at the table has to have it though...

evilivor

Anyone have any experience with Barden Private Dining Club?

http://bardendining.com/private-dining-club/

Sounds like an interesting concept.

Faith

Hayfield Manor does an outstanding tasting menu. It'll set you back at least €80 pp excluding drinks though (but it's totally worth it).

eternal

rob316 wrote: »

Finally tried Gallo and Galleti at the weekend, absolutely outstanding it was.
The food, the atmosphere and the staff made for a very enjoyable experience.

On the waiters recommendation I tried the Double Pork Chop it was delicious, it took about 20/25 mins to cook but they warned me it would. Came with sage butter, sundried tomatoes, sautéed potatoes and balsamic peppers, the whole dish worked really well.

Had a raspberry sundae for dessert, again really good and probably one of the best I have ever had.

The portion size of everything were perfect too.

All in all, real good value for money I thought, very high quality food and service, looking forward to going again.

I really enjoyed this place too. I had the seabass with fennel and orange salad and thought it was very fresh and the fish was cooked perfectly. My backround is in cheffing so I am pretty fussy. I do think the wallpaper looked jaded and the woman whom I presumed to be the owner seemed to be unfriendly but it was a well balanced and appetising meal.

nerwen

evilivor wrote: »

Anyone have any experience with Barden Private Dining Club?

http://bardendining.com/private-dining-club/

Sounds like an interesting concept.

A group of my friends went there for a birthday, they were very pleased with it. They had a 7 course meal in a private dining room, you get to chose what kind of menu you'd like, they had a European style meat menu though you can chose a fully veg menu as well. Oh and it's a BYOB thing.

evilivor

nerwen wrote: »

A group of my friends went there for a birthday, they were very pleased with it. They had a 7 course meal in a private dining room, you get to chose what kind of menu you'd like, they had a European style meat menu though you can chose a fully veg menu as well. Oh and it's a BYOB thing.

Thanks - it sounds like a hoot - in town, BYOB and pick your own menu - what's not to like.

Malari

nerwen wrote: »

A group of my friends went there for a birthday, they were very pleased with it. They had a 7 course meal in a private dining room, you get to chose what kind of menu you'd like, they had a European style meat menu though you can chose a fully veg menu as well. Oh and it's a BYOB thing.

This sounds amazing! I definitely want to do this at some point

SteelyDanJalapeno

Had a very decent Steak in Captain Americas last night, pleasantly suprised

-Toppy-

Looks the Huguenot is opening tonight

https://www.facebook.com/huguenotcork

evilivor

-Toppy- wrote: »

Looks the Huguenot is opening tonight

https://www.facebook.com/huguenotcork

It seems to say there that they opened three days ago.

-Toppy-

I blame the Cork News site

https://www.facebook.com/thecorknews?fref=nf

"Our new neighbour on Carey's Lane, Huguenot French Bistro & Wine Bar facebook.com/huguenotcork is having a champagne reception with nibbles to celebrate its grand opening from 6pm this evening! Well, that's the after-work plans sorted for all of us here in the office. Anyone else?"

ABajaninCork

evilivor wrote: »

It seems to say there that they opened three days ago.

They did indeed. My neighbour's son is working in there...

evilivor

ABajaninCork wrote: »

They did indeed. My neighbour's son is working in there...

Good for him - I hope the place does well - it's been a fairly doomed restaurant space since Esau's opened and closed there.

ABajaninCork

Yes - we intend to try it out just to support the boy.

Faith

evilivor wrote: »

Good for him - I hope the place does well - it's been a fairly doomed restaurant space since Esau's opened and closed there.

What was it most recently? I've moved from cork and I can't visualise where it is!

ABajaninCork

Down French Church St I think. Certainly it's one of the lanes coming down from Tesco's. I believe they also have a FB page...

Karmella

Was it kethners?

Faith

ABajaninCork wrote: »

Down French Church St I think. Certainly it's one of the lanes coming down from Tesco's. I believe they also have a FB page...

No, I know it's down Carey's Lane, but I mean where exactly on Carey's Lane.

Kethner's would make sense alright.

evilivor

Faith wrote: »

What was it most recently? I've moved from cork and I can't visualise where it is!

Kethners most recently I think. It was Table 8 before that, I think it may have been Paddy Garibaldis originally but that's WAY back. On Careys' Lane, near Gambinis etc.

Faith

I'm pretty sure I've been to none of its incarnations so!

Hopefully they'll do well. You'd always like to see new ventures succeeding.

blade1

jadie wrote: »

Anyone else find Iyers a bit prententious? I loved it when it opened first but some of the staff they have hired seem to look down their nose at you, was also in there one day and they were having very inappropriate type conversations. I find the portions have got smaller and the prices went up too.

I was there about a month ago,first time and only time.
The lad behind the counter described everything on the menu for me as i hadn't a clue.
Didn't feel like he was looking down his nose at us,the opposite in fact.
Food was gorgeous and will definitely go there again.

evilivor

Faith wrote: »

I'm pretty sure I've been to none of its incarnations so!

Hopefully they'll do well. You'd always like to see new ventures succeeding.

I just remember the layout being akward.

Nonoperational

Ah I remember the Miss Piggy burger in Paddi Garabaldis!

Can't wait to try the new place. His Italian is one of my favourite places in Cork.

pwurple

Nonoperational wrote: »

Ah I remember the Miss Piggy burger in Paddi Garabaldis!

Can't wait to try the new place. His Italian is one of my favourite places in Cork.

Garibaldis is a blast from the past alright!!

Yes, we were big fans of augustines as well as the italian... Was a bit expensive for more than once a year for us though. This new place is supposed to be french bistro style food, which I love. Fingers crossed it's as good as I hope, and priced right.

dudara

evilivor wrote: »

Kethners most recently I think. It was Table 8 before that, I think it may have been Paddy Garibaldis originally but that's WAY back. On Careys' Lane, near Gambinis etc.

I remember Esau's. Is that the same spot .

Johngoose

miss_shadow wrote: »

not too big on scoozis (whatever or whichever the way you spell it) either.
It's pub grub and the food itself isn't great quality.

I agree that Scoozi's isn't great.Ive eaten there many times out of convenience.It's a place that's trying to be all "upmarket," but the quality of the food doesn't meet expectations.I wouldn't be bothered going there anymore.

Johngoose

The table service in IL Padrino's is excellent,lovely atmosphere and genuine Italian feel.Food is good too.Nice treat to go there as it can be pricey.

ABajaninCork

Johngoose wrote: »

The table service in IL Padrino's is excellent,lovely atmosphere and genuine Italian feel.Food is good too.Nice treat to go there as it can be pricey.

I went to Il Padrino's. Once was enough. Food's crap and seriously overpriced. I don't understand the love for such awful food...

dudara

I once compared a dish in Il Padrino's to those Knorr rehydrated pasta pouches. Could not recommend it at all.

There are some surprisingly long-lived restaurants in Cork, that I just can't figure out. Il Padrino's is one, The Ambassador Chinese was another.

evilivor

dudara wrote: »

I remember Esau's. Is that the same spot .

Yes.

gimmick

The Liberty Grill has a rival for the most over rated spot in Cork and it's Eco in Diuglas. Been there twice now and did nothing for me. Got a burger last night and it tasted reheated as it was quite dry.

It was ok overall but I'll not be going back any time soon.

Nonoperational

gimmick wrote: »

The Liberty Grill has a rival for the most over rated spot in Cork and it's Eco in Diuglas. Been there twice now and did nothing for me. Got a burger last night and it tasted reheated as it was quite dry.

It was ok overall but I'll not be going back any time soon.

It's cheap and the portions are huge. I think that's a big part of it's popularity. Wouldn't be a huge fan myself either.

Cedrus

Johngoose wrote: »

The table service in IL Padrino's is excellent,lovely atmosphere and genuine Italian feel. Food is good too.Nice treat to go there as it can be pricey.

One of my pet hates is restaurants who call their dishes something they are not, last time I was in il padrinos, I ordered Osso Bucco and got a lamb shank, I have nothing against lamb shank, but it's NOT osso bucco.

IL Padrino's is bluffing home cooking at restaurant prices.

bee06

dudara wrote: »

I once compared a dish in Il Padrino's to those Knorr rehydrated pasta pouches. Could not recommend it at all.

There are some surprisingly long-lived restaurants in Cork, that I just can't figure out. Il Padrino's is one, The Ambassador Chinese was another.

I agree, I've been there twice. First time got a risotto and it was incredibly salty. Second time I got pizza thinking surely an Italian can't mess up pizza and again it was salty. Won't be going back again.

kcb

dudara wrote: »

I once compared a dish in Il Padrino's to those Knorr rehydrated pasta pouches. Could not recommend it at all.

There are some surprisingly long-lived restaurants in Cork, that I just can't figure out. Il Padrino's is one, The Ambassador Chinese was another.

It always amazes me but there is clearly a huge market for bland, ordinary food, in large portions. That same market also seem to like being informed which places should be liked! The sheep mentality (KCs being the best example for me)

Eco
Il Padrino
Rossini
Cornstore
Luigi Malones
Milanos...

All long serving and popular but majorly unimpressive offering. Very odd.

Faith

Well, there are times when you're eating out because you can't be arsed cooking, not because you want fine dining. There's a time and a place for pizza and pasta and other staples. My complaint about those places is the price they charge. Il Padrino is extortionate compared to the same dish in another restaurant.

Nonoperational

kcb wrote: »

It always amazes me but there is clearly a huge market for bland, ordinary food, in large portions. That same market also seem to like being informed which places should be liked! The sheep mentality (KCs being the best example for me)

Eco
Il Padrino
Rossini
Cornstore
Luigi Malones
Milanos...

All long serving and popular but majorly unimpressive offering. Very odd.

It's unfair to call it a sheep mentality. I love an occasional KCs. Wish I preferred somewhere else with no queue but I just don't.

I'd disagree with some of the places above. I've had some good meals in the Cornstore, and good steaks in Luigis. If you have a voucher Milanos isn't bad either.

Footoo

kcb wrote: »

It always amazes me but there is clearly a huge market for bland, ordinary food, in large portions. That same market also seem to like being informed which places should be liked! The sheep mentality (KCs being the best example for me)

Eco
Il Padrino
Rossini
Cornstore
Luigi Malones
Milanos...

All long serving and popular but majorly unimpressive offering. Very odd.

You can add Ramen to that list as well. Absolutely baffling.

Dave47

kcb wrote: »

It always amazes me but there is clearly a huge market for bland, ordinary food, in large portions. That same market also seem to like being informed which places should be liked! The sheep mentality (KCs being the best example for me)

Eco
Il Padrino
Rossini
Cornstore
Luigi Malones
Milanos...

All long serving and popular but majorly unimpressive offering. Very odd.

On the money- yeah I'd throw the ramen gaff on the list as well

pwurple

I've only ever eaten salads in Eco's at lunchtime and they were nice. It's strangely difficult to find edible salads in restaurants sometimes, can't eat massive dinners all the time. My companion had a stir fry and it was ginormous, wouldn't order that myself.

There is a market for large portions of plain food alright, and that's fine by me. Just because it isn't my thing doesn't mean there is anything wrong with it, or the people who like it. There's room for us all.

rob316

Footoo wrote: »

You can add Ramen to that list as well. Absolutely baffling.

To be fair ramen isn't a restraunt it's a slight step up from fast food. The others are supposed to proper dining out and it's very poor.

Why you would go to those Italian spots when you can go to gallo and galetti or dolce vita for the same money is baffling?