The Restaurant Recommendation Thread

rob316 · 07-09-2017 09:25AM

what the hell! wrote: »

Try Loving Salads new place on Washington Street. I think it's much tastier than Chopped. Much better selection imo and the salad isn't chopped into mush. But +1 on a Chopped for Blackpool ha!

+ Loving Salads on Washington St is my favourite spot for lunch now, really really good. I've had chopped, wouldn't be a fan of it at all, I don't think a salad should be chopped so small, the texture isn't nice.

pwurple · 07-09-2017 02:00PM

sporina wrote: »

yeah their customer service is great but the one thing i don't like about ML is the noise - its very echoy - was there with a work gang once and we could not hear ourselves think.. a bit like Issacs on McCurtain Street

Have you been in there since the redesign from Restless Interiors earlier this year? New unusual shaped brass mirrors in the bathrooms are the most visually noticeable addition, but they have installed fabric covered foam oval shapes mounted on the ceilings, which actually make the acoustics fantastic. Takes away the echo. By design as far as I know. The people at our table commented on how good it was, because we were a mixed group of nationalities, and talking is often tricky when out in a noisy place, but it was really good there.

who_me · 07-09-2017 07:04PM

Outkast_IRE wrote: »

The worst place i have eaten with regards to acoustics is Coq-Bull . Whatever interior designer worked on that place decided that the metal panels on the ceiling were a good idea should be shot.

Far too many restaurants or their interior designers give no consideration to acoustics.

Was going to post about the same place. When I was there it was like sitting down to eat in a pub that's jointed. One of our group was from West Cork, not used to eating out in Cork much - and you could see she was pretty stressed from the tight tables and the sheer noise.

sporina · 07-09-2017 07:48PM

pwurple wrote: »

Have you been in there since the redesign from Restless Interiors earlier this year? New unusual shaped brass mirrors in the bathrooms are the most visually noticeable addition, but they have installed fabric covered foam oval shapes mounted on the ceilings, which actually make the acoustics fantastic. Takes away the echo. By design as far as I know. The people at our table commented on how good it was, because we were a mixed group of nationalities, and talking is often tricky when out in a noisy place, but it was really good there.

are you talking about Issacs? And do you work for Restless Interiors? lol

pwurple · 07-09-2017 08:41PM

sporina wrote: »

are you talking about Issacs? And do you work for Restless Interiors? lol

No, Market Lane...

Naw, I haven't a creative bone in my body, and I got their name wrong, bleurg. It's restless design. I have been keeping an eye on them around cork, think they are doing great work around the place.

Cork Lass · 07-09-2017 08:58PM

Cork Lass wrote: »

Actually, the Castle is a great idea. It's a special birthday so some of the others may be a bit too casual. Thanks for that ��

Ended up going to The Bramley Cottage. It was only alright to be honest. I had hake which was just fine and a nice Bakewell. My friend had the burger and coffee cake which was nice. Service was poor enough. After a bit of a wait we had to request menus. The waitress seemed a bit flustered or off form. We were brought the wrong desserts and coffees and when I asked for a jug of milk it arrived with a hair in it

. I wouldn't be rushing back any time soon.

pwurple · 07-09-2017 10:49PM

Cork Lass wrote: »

Ended up going to The Bramley Cottage. It was only alright to be honest. I had hake which was just fine and a nice Bakewell. My friend had the burger and coffee cake which was nice. Service was poor enough. After a bit of a wait we had to request menus. The waitress seemed a bit flustered or off form. We were brought the wrong desserts and coffees and when I asked for a jug of milk it arrived with a hair in it . I wouldn't be rushing back any time soon.

Oh jeez. That sucks. What happened to the castle plan!

Cork Lass · 07-09-2017 11:59PM

pwurple wrote: »

Oh jeez. That sucks. What happened to the castle plan!

My friend requested Bramley. I would have preferred the Castle.

BullBlackNova · 08-09-2017 07:52AM

rob316 wrote: »

+ Loving Salads on Washington St is my favourite spot for lunch now, really really good. I've had chopped, wouldn't be a fan of it at all, I don't think a salad should be chopped so small, the texture isn't nice.

Had the same reaction to Chopped. Can certainly see why its taken off a bit in Dublin (though the omnipresence is a bit mad!!) because its a better option than Subway etc for fast food but I'd much rather Loving Salads or Rocket Man, My Chopped experience in Little Island was a bowl of lettuce (they had no spinach or rocket left...) with the tiniest amount of chicken, pineapple, etc. After a few bites, all I had left was a tonne of iceberg lettuce. Won't rush back.

D'Agger · 11-09-2017 11:04AM

Finally got to try Spitjacks with two friends this weekend and loved it.

Sat upstairs and thought there was a really nice look and feel to the place. Tried the chicken salad sandwich and it was quite good - I'd have preferred more avocado and bacon i.e. slices rather than bits but that's just personal preference. The chicken was delicious, and I really enjoyed the cure juice I had - mango, pineapple, cayanne pepper etc. The staff were attentive and to be honest I can't wait to take the lady there for a small bite and a coffee soon, see what she thinks of it and try out more of the menu for myself.

Malari · 11-09-2017 11:11AM

I was in Spitjacks for the second time recently and thought it was good too! Poached eggs on an apple and potato hash - very tasty, but not overly big portion, which suits me perfectly. The place was thronged as well - good sign for a new spot.

Also tried out Twenty, the sandwich bar on Anglesea St and was impressed. Fresh, well-filled baguettes with a variety of interesting combos, which they gently warm in an oven so it arrives toasty and warm

Yum.

Finally, Tequila Jacks - still interested in going back again and again to this place as I just need to try ALL the dishes :pac: Service is still finding its feet at times, but they are all very friendly and accommodating.

pwurple · 11-09-2017 11:12AM

Couple of changes going on around the place.

Club Brasserie is closed down. Being replaced by a new place called Docklands. New concept they say. Interesting... I liked club brasserie.

Leaping Salmon in Blackrock has started redevelopment. Got a lick of paint anyway. It's a pair of guys who have another few pubs around the place, are supposed to be doing food anyway.

Part of me hopes it is seafood based, to go with the name of the place!
https://www.facebook.com/TheLeapingSalmonCork/

TrustedApple · 11-09-2017 06:19PM

Anyone have an idea city centre wise for somewhere nice to eat that does a good early bird for say a group of 8 ?.

Malari · 11-09-2017 06:30PM

TrustedApple wrote: »

Anyone have an idea city centre wise for somewhere nice to eat that does a good early bird for say a group of 8 ?.

I think Jacob's has a decent early bird running at the moment.

TrustedApple · 11-09-2017 06:36PM

Malari wrote: »

I think Jacob's has a decent early bird running at the moment.

And not to pricey haha. As Its a work night out and won't something that will be good for everyone ha.

northgirl · 11-09-2017 06:37PM

TrustedApple wrote: »

And not to pricey haha. As Its a work night out and won't something that will be good for everyone ha.

I think it's EUR25 for 3 courses. Not sure what your budget is though

Malari · 11-09-2017 07:10PM

northgirl wrote: »

I think it's EUR25 for 3 courses. Not sure what your budget is though

Figured if you're going out for a meal €25 is pretty good value for 3 courses, with several choices. http://www.jacobsonthemall.com/menu/

nerwen · 12-09-2017 07:00AM

Menus looks nice, has some unusual combinations on there. €9,50 addition for steak though? Bit steep.

pwurple · 15-09-2017 12:56PM

Went to tequila jacks for food at night, wouldn't recommend it for more than drinks and snacks after that experience to be honest.

Margarita was very good. nachos were very good.
Calamari came doused in thai sweet chilli sauce. Why dear god do places do this? It's a Mexican joint, wtf is thai sweet chilli even doing in the kitchen in the first place.
Prawn fajitas... 4 prawns and 10 slices of potato in a sauce. plus the wraps, rice and black bean sauce which was very runny (none of the above came with a spoon). at 19 euro, felt like a rip off with the few prawns .
Churros. Raw. The oil temp was too hot. They had a crust on the outside, rolled in sugar etc, but when you cut into one, raw batter poured out of it.

Slightly chaotic service. 3 different people asked us for our order at the start, even though we had given it to the first person. They did that thing where they stand at the top of the table and roar what they have and you have to claim it. Couldn't hail anyone at ten when we wanted to complain about the churros, or get a bill and get the heck out of there. Had to go walkabout... most of the staff had changed out of their uniforms and were gabbing.

the beer revolu · 15-09-2017 01:50PM

Pwurple, that sounds pretty woeful.
I think I'll stick to the breakfast there.

Malari · 15-09-2017 02:13PM

Oh that's not good, pwurple! I tasted the churros in there before and they were good, - can't believe they served them raw!

Finally tried Rachel's last night, and was more impressed that I thought I'd be! It's very pricey - not helped by the wine list that looks to be very overpriced. A sommelier nudged us towards the expensive end of the bottle list. We declined but went with his recommendation for a glass. Not anything like what we expected, and I think I'll trust my own judgement next time.

But overall, the service was professional, friendly, attentive and the food was tasty, good value for a classic meals in a high end restaurant with decent portions and sides included. I'd return - but not for a mid-week dinner unless for the early bird. For an occasion it's a certainly an option.

nerwen · 15-09-2017 02:40PM

Went to Market Lane last night, was amazing, as I almost always find it.

Scallop starter with pickled cauliflower and golden raisins wasn't really my thing but the scallops were gorgeous. Had the chicken for main (chicken! who orders roast chicken for main when you go out, honestly) and loved it. Came with mash, gravy, a stuffing ball, roasted veg and cabbage. Ate every bit that was on the plate bar the bone.

Salted caramel popcorn sundae for dessert, have had it before and it was equally awesome this time.

Service was great, place was full, but only had to wait about 10 minutes for a table.

I go back again and again.

limnam · 15-09-2017 07:19PM

Malari wrote: »

Oh that's not good, pwurple! I tasted the churros in there before and they were good, - can't believe they served them raw!

Finally tried Rachel's last night, and was more impressed that I thought I'd be! It's very pricey - not helped by the wine list that looks to be very overpriced. A sommelier nudged us towards the expensive end of the bottle list. We declined but went with his recommendation for a glass. Not anything like what we expected, and I think I'll trust my own judgement next time.

But overall, the service was professional, friendly, attentive and the food was tasty, good value for a classic meals in a high end restaurant with decent portions and sides included. I'd return - but not for a mid-week dinner unless for the early bird. For an occasion it's a certainly an option.

The majority of sommelier's I've came across in Ireland are rubbish.

There's a decent one in the hayfield manor

pwurple · 15-09-2017 09:40PM

Malari wrote: »

A sommelier nudged us towards the expensive end of the bottle list. We declined but went with his recommendation for a glass. Not anything like what we expected, and I think I'll trust my own judgement next time.

Ffs, a sommelier should be able to describe a wine. What was it I wonder?

I'd probably hope I had the balls to tell a sommelier that, and ask to have it replaced, but I know, sometimes you're not in the mood to make a fuss.

15-09-2017 10:00PM

nerwen wrote: »

Went to Market Lane last night, was amazing, as I almost always find it.

Scallop starter with pickled cauliflower and golden raisins wasn't really my thing but the scallops were gorgeous. Had the chicken for main (chicken! who orders roast chicken for main when you go out, honestly) and loved it. Came with mash, gravy, a stuffing ball, roasted veg and cabbage. Ate every bit that was on the plate bar the bone. Salted caramel popcorn sundae for dessert, have had it before and it was equally awesome this time.

Service was great, place was full, but only had to wait about 10 minutes for a table.

I go back again and again.

Market lane is consitantly good. Really love it there

sporina · 16-09-2017 08:09AM

nerwen wrote: »

Went to Market Lane last night, was amazing, as I almost always find it.

Scallop starter with pickled cauliflower and golden raisins wasn't really my thing but the scallops were gorgeous. Had the chicken for main (chicken! who orders roast chicken for main when you go out, honestly) and loved it. Came with mash, gravy, a stuffing ball, roasted veg and cabbage. Ate every bit that was on the plate bar the bone. Salted caramel popcorn sundae for dessert, have had it before and it was equally awesome this time.

Service was great, place was full, but only had to wait about 10 minutes for a table.

I go back again and again.

doubt i would ever risk Rachel's - sounds like a gimmick

Malari · 16-09-2017 08:32AM

pwurple wrote: »

Ffs, a sommelier should be able to describe a wine. What was it I wonder?

I'd probably hope I had the balls to tell a sommelier that, and ask to have it replaced, but I know, sometimes you're not in the mood to make a fuss.

Oh I told him. We didn't ask for it to be replaced, because it was still a good wine, just nothing like what we had described we'd like. He seemed taken aback to be honest, I doubt he gets much negative feedback.

Nonoperational · 16-09-2017 03:32PM

Tequila Jacks recently. Good atmosphere. Service very junior. Food ok, Fajitas were swimming in sauce and no guacamole or sour cream. Tasted grand but not proper Mexican fajitas to my mind. Food was average but the night was enjoyable.

JackieChang · 16-09-2017 03:40PM

Has anybody ever gotten food in the Linen Weaver? (Withserspoons)

Just looking at some of their deals eg. Thursday Curry or Tuesday Steak. Seems good value. Anybody try it?

nlrkjos · 16-09-2017 04:40PM

JackieChang wrote: »

Has anybody ever gotten food in the Linen Weaver? (Withserspoons)

Just looking at some of their deals eg. Thursday Curry or Tuesday Steak. Seems good value. Anybody try it?

avoid like the plague...re-heated and bland, handy if you want a cheap breakfast but real rubbery ...pints are OK tho'.:D

The Restaurant Recommendation Thread

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