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Cork - The Cauldron of Good Food in Ireland
Many of Cork's best restaurants share the same philosophy of applying high standards in culinary training to fresh, locally grown, and organic produce used in season. Some are oriented towards the preservation of traditional Irish cooking, such as the Arbutus Lodge in Montenotte, which also offers spectacular views of the city, the Farmgate Café, overlooking the English Market, where Drisheen and tripe can still be sampled, and Ballymaloe, whose sterling reputation has been built on the principle that good food and wholesome food are inextricably linked, resulting in the establishment of modern Irish Farmhouse cuisine.
The Ballymaloe tradition is continued with a more contemporary flavour in restaurants such as Harold's in Douglas, and the Crawford Gallery Café. Spiced beef or Irish stew can be had alongside a pint in less formal surroundings at Reidy's Wine Vault on the Western Road. Fresh seafood is a specialty at the reasonably priced and ever popular Isaac's Restaurant, housed in a converted warehouse on MacCurtain Street. Next door, Greene's bar and restaurant delivers excellent fish dishes and overlooks a waterfall. No. 5 Fenn's Quay serves up delicious bistro flavors amid a wonderful atmosphere.
To sample a truly creative menu, check out the Ivory Tower where traditional European cooking is given a Japanese edge with startling results. The Yumi-Yuki Club in the Triskel Arts Centre is great for a quick sushi meal with sake. Although there isn't exactly a plethora of vegetarian restaurants in Cork, vegetarians will not be disappointed with the excellent Cafe Paradiso on the Western Road, where artfully prepared meals are served by a young and dedicated staff. The Quay Co-Op on Sullivan's Quay, a self-service vegetarian restaurant, is a Cork institution.
While Cork doesn't have the same diversity of cuisines present in larger, perhaps more cosmopolitan cities, there are nevertheless some places to go for those with an appetite for foreign food. Enthusiasts of Chinese food will love the Ambassador restaurant on Cook Street. For Indian food, the Eastern Tandoori restaurant, opposite the Opera House, provides diners with voluptuous meals and impeccable service, as does the award-winning Indian Tandoori on Princes Street. The recently opened Ruen-Thai serves the best Thai food in town and has some great lunch specials. Eco Douglas embraces a wide range of cooking styles from Thai to Mediterranean at reasonable prices.
New Irish cuisine has overtones of the Mediterranean at Jacque's Restaurant on Pheonix Street, while Proby's Bistro near Crosses Green is more overtly Mediterranean. Ristorante Rossini on Princes Street is an Italian restaurant serving delicious charcoal-grill, pizza, and pasta dishes, while those seeking value for money should try Bully's on Paul Street.
Pubs
If you are looking for a sophisticated stylish watering hole, try the Bodega on the Coal Quay. An eclectic selection of musical tastes are catered for here, there are regular Sunday gigs by top Jazz artists such as James Taylor and Louis Stewart, while on Thursday nights patrons are entertained in the Love Lounge by the ever popular Miss Ken D. For a similar vibe but on a smaller scale, The Roundy, just up the street, is an excellent location from which to acquaint oneself with this vibrant city's nightlife.
Lots of bars and restaurants are popping up around North Main Street. The most recent addition is Le Cheile, where friendly staff, sumptuous surroundings, and a low-key music policy, make this an essential stop-off for those who enjoy a cold drink and good conversation in a cosmopolitan setting. Similarly, the newly refurbished Raven Bar has lent this old part of town a European flavor with it's continental coffees and cool cocktails. For those interested in local beers, Cork has a long tradition of brewing. Located on South Main Street is the legendary Beamish and Crawford brewery. Directly opposite this are The Oval and Spailpin Fanach. The Oval is renowned for its lively, energetic atmosphere, with an interesting mix of all types of people. The 'Spailpin' is one of Cork's top bars: there are traditional music sessions nightly, the staff are friendly and if they run out of beer they can always pop over the road and pick up a keg or two in the brewery. The Franciscan Well on the North Mall is a micro brewery and its Shandon Stout should be tasted—it's creamy and smooth with a slight kick in the tail.
With Latino music and a late bar The Vineyard is another city-centre hot spot guaranteed to keep you on your toes into the small hours of the morning. For all you alternative rocker types, there's Fred Zepplin's. If you're feeling adventurous take a trip down to the Hi-B, have a seat on one of the old red leather couches, grab a beer and eavesdrop on the local cognoscenti discussing anything from Samuel Beckett to moving statues. Sin E and LV are two of Cork's quintessential bars—for funky sounds and service with a smile these are hard to beat. Sin E shows the Racing Channel in the afternoon and, with a turf accountant on the doorstep, is the perfect spot for those who enjoy an afternoon flutter.
On the south side, Union Quay contains the Strip, five pubs in a row, the perfect pub crawl for the weary or lazy. One of the most popular is The Lobby Bar, it is among Cork's most important live music venues and patrons can enjoy the sweet sounds of trad, folk, and country while enjoying a fine view of the River Lee outside. The bingo at Loafers is a lot of fun on Tuesday's, and all proceeds go to charity. The Exchange on Georges Quay is the place for the discerning wine drinker; it has the best selection of old and New World wines available and DJs play at night.
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