CONTINENTAL
The Continental is not a tapas bar but just last night I got a plateful of the best tapas ever in the Maylor Street restaurant - see the photo.
Along with various sauces and relishes, you have skewered prawns (left), crispy bacon and duck, Serrano, a mushroom tart, a lentil burger, a tortilla (Spanish omelette) and, finally on the right, ham with whole plums.
This was our starter (€16.95), a shared platter. It, not necessarily the photo, fully illustrates what this fine establishment is capable of as the Tapas are samples of main dishes available here. We just loved it and could have had such a platter each as a main course.
The main course too was delightful. We both went for the lemon sole (€21.90) served with caramelised carrots, the most gorgeous leeks and a well made mashed potato. The Continental supports local food producers and one could see and taste the freshness here. "Those fish were caught and bought this morning," said Agnes Stawosz, our ever friendly hostess.
Our wine came from Argentina, a Michel Torino Sauvignon Blanc. Crisp and dry, pale pale yellow, almost green, hints of grapefruit in the nose and also in the mouth, it comes from one of the highest vineyards in the world and it cost €23.95. Finished off with a couple of good coffees at €2.20 each.
On previous enjoyable visits to this restaurant, we noticed that there were very few customers here. But there were encouraging signs last evening that the word is getting out as the place was about half full as we left. Hope this trend continues as there is very good food here at excellent prices.
True we went for broke on the a la carte but you can have a two course dinner for just 19.90 and a three course for 24.95. Value also at lunch, when the place, like the street itself, tends to be busier; you can have soup, open sandwich with rustic potatoes and tea or coffee for just €9.95. Next time I ring to make a booking, I'd be delighted to be told that the place is full. We need restaurants such as this: good food, good cooking and good people.
Agnes trained in Ballymaloe and her restaurant is currently rated number three out of 142 reviewed for Trip Advisor. So the word is getting out! Phone number: 021 4253900. Open for breakfast and lunch Tuesday to Saturday and for dinner Wed to Sat (from 6.00pm).
PLAT DU JOUR - Any Day!
The best main dish in Cork this year came my way at The Continental tonight.
The Maylor Street venue was more or less deserted - they do much better at lunchtime when the street is busy - but Agnes and her chef still came up trumps.
Started with complimentary breads (brown and white) served with dips of parsley pesto and beetroot relish. Butter was also on the plate but we went with the other two and found them very enjoyable indeed.
Then came that main course: duck breast with a plum sauce with chilli and ginger (less than €21.00). Absolutely gorgeous and you'd go a long way to find anything as good. Pity the Cork diners can't make their way down Maylor Street and catch up on the good things that this lovely restaurant serves up.
Finished off with an unusual dessert; a banana and brandy cake, served with ice cream. Very tasty but might have went down better had it been served with custard.
Didn't really go through the wine list, just had a glass of the house red (Cabernet Sauvignon) which came in at about a fiver or so.
At the Continental (27.04.09)
Thursday evening at 6.30pm and the recession raging! Thought I'd walk in to Luigi Malone's. No way - booked out! Walked across Patrick Street, down to The Continental - we were the only two there for the duration of our high quality meal. Come on folks - give this gem a try!
They have an early Bird to tempt you: 2 courses cost €19.90, 3 cost €24.95. Great choices, great food. They dish out brown and white breads with butter, hummous and oil. Nice touch.
Started with a Black Pudding, bacon and apple salad. The plate was full and the starter itself full of exciting tastes. The other starter on the table (you had quite a decent choice) was a smoked salmon pate and that too was excellent.
The main course, again you had a choice of about four on the budget menu, was also a winner. It was a spinach and almond cannelloni with tomato. What a taste! Memorable.
Also quite filling so we shared a dessert, a crepe with ice cream and an orange butter. Good but not quite in the same class as the earlier courses.
A 500 ml carafe of the house wine, red or white, will cost you €13.95. read more
