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Dining in Europe > Cork The importance of Cork as a port has had a profound influence in the shaping of its food industry. The development of the commercial meat-curing and export trade ensured the introduction of a variety of products unique to the region such as Drisheen and Clonakilty black pudding. Tripe, easily digested and a renowned hang-over cure, has been consumed in Cork for centuries, as were Crubeen, or pigs trotters, which were sold hot out of baskets by women in the street until the 1940s. In the past, beef was mostly salted; corned beef was a particular favourite and served up on festive occasions. Spiced beef, again a delicacy, has been sold in Cork for over two hundred years, with the introduction of spices to the region after the Anglo-Norman invasion. Fish and shellfish have also traditionally been important, historically forming a staple part of the winter regime, whether consumed salted, smoked, or fresh. Salmon, mackerel, monkfish, or cod have always been enjoyed in Cork. Mussels too are a long established pedigree to the Irish diet, indeed the first instance of mussel farming is credited to a Corkman named Walton, shipwrecked off La Rochelle in the thirteenth century. West Cork oysters, in season between September and April, are considered a delicacy and are excellent accompanied by a glass of stout. Cork also enjoys a good reputation for the quality of its farmhouse cheeses, of which there are many. Of particular notoriety is the Ardrahan variety, a semi-soft cheese with a pungent aroma and complex flavour, originally produced at Ardrahan during the Potato Famine and forgotten about until the present owners rediscovered the recipe. Drink has always been an important part of the Irish social fabric; Cork Dry Gin is produced here and Irish single malt whiskey is made at the Cooley distillery at Tyrconnell. Beamish, slightly sweeter than other varieties of stout available, has been produced at Beamish and Crawford for over two centuries and more recently has had to compete with Murphys stout, made at Ladys Well since the mid-nineteenth century. The English Market, off Patrick Street, is a good spot to visit for anyone interested in the traditional food of Cork. Cork city, located in the heart of a rich, fertile landscape, and adjacent to the unspoiled waters of the south-west coast has excellent resources for fresh seafood, meat, and organic vegetables. Many of Corks 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 Michaels on Patrick Street, Harolds in Douglas, and the Crawford Gallery Café. Spiced beef or Irish Stew can be had alongside a pint in less formal surroundings at Reidys Wine Vault on the Western Road. Fresh seafood is a speciality at the reasonably priced and ever popular Isaacs Restaurant, housed in a converted warehouse on Mac Curtain Street. Next door, Greenes bar and restaurant too delivers excellent fish dishes and overlooks a waterfall. No. 5 Fenns Quay serves up delicious bistro flavours amid a wonderful atmosphere. To sample a truly creative menu, check out the Ivory Tower on Princes Street where traditional European cooking is given a Japanese edge with startling results. The newly opened Yumi-Yuki Club in the Triskel Arts Centre is great for a quick sushi meal with saki and afterwards you might stop off in the bar for a few drinks. Although there isn't exactly a plethora of vegetarian restaurants in Cork, vegetarians will not be disappointed with the excellent Café Paradiso on the Western Road, where artfully prepared meals are served by a young and dedicated staff. The Quay Co-Op on Sullivans Quay, a self service vegetarian restaurant, is a Cork institution. Lovetts, lauded for its approach to New Irish cooking, has a separate vegetarian menu, and an award winning wine list. 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, or the Wylam in Victoria Cross. 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 restaurant on Patrick Street 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 Jacques Restaurant on Pheonix Street, while Probys 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 Bullys on Paul Street. The award-winning chef at the Four Liars Bistro, opposite the Firkin Crane Centre in Shandon, provides diners with mouth-watering meals at surprisingly reasonable prices. Murphys and Beamish, brewed locally, can be sampled at practically every pub in the city. The Fransiscan Well bar on North Mall serves its own in-house brewed stout, lager, and ale, and has a nice beergarden for summer drinking. For well pulled pints and delicious cocktails try the Vineyard off Patricks Street, where you can also get decent bar food during the day. The Gables on Douglas Street is also a good spot for pub-grub and a pint, while the award-winning Blairs Inn in Blarney is also worth a visit. Pubs The main thoroughfares of Patrick Street and Grand Parade, which once played host to merchant ships, today provides the central artery from which the city extends. One of the first pubs of interest on this route is Le Chateau. Established in 1793, this pub tends to be very popular with tourists during the summer, and serves traditional beverages like Irish and French coffees. If you prefer a party atmosphere, then check out Maguires and Coopers in Corks Huguenot Quarter. With an extensive collection of international beers, these two pubs provide a lively setting with regular DJs spinning the latest tunes. If, however, you are looking for something slightly more sedate and sophisticated, 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 aquaint yourself with this vibrant citys nightlife. Another place of interest is around North Main Street. This is the oldest street in Cork, and it is undergoing something of a rejuvenaton at present, as evidenced by the increasing number of bars and restaurants popping up. 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 flavour with its continental coffees and cool cocktails. For those in search of a more traditional atmosphere, you can be sure of a warm Irish welcome at Ryans Bar, the Castle Inn, and the Vicarstown Bar. 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 Corks 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 - its creamy and smooth with a slight kick in the tail. Youth and exuberance are the order of the day at the newly opened Bar Rumba and Quad on Tuckey Street. On the Grand Parade, The Goat Broke Loose and Doyles cater to a similar clientele. 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, theres Fred Zepplins. 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 Corks 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 Corks 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 Tuesdays, 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. N O'Reilley Entertainment in CorkDespite not being the capital of Ireland, Cork is without doubt the 'party capital of the south'. The city is dissected in three by the river Lee: it consists of a north side and a south side while the city centre rests on an island in between. Demographically Cork boasts a young and vibrant population, and in recent years the vitners association and local proprietors have responded admirably to ensure that the citys nightlife has remained in step with the ever-changing zeitgeist. Clubs Considering the size of Cork, it boasts a staggering selection of nightclubs. Catering for the needs of Corks massive student population are Gorbys and Cubins, while the Maltings Emporium, on Lynchs Street, houses three clubs under the same roof. For the seasoned clubber, the legendary Sir Henrys needs no introduction. With three rooms of wall to wall music, from Dance to Hip-Hop, Reggae to Soul, Sir Henrys has played host to some of the most talented DJs on the planet. Alternatively, Fast Eddies, Mangans and The Pavilion furnish clubbers with an excellent atmosphere to let their hair down and boogie. The Half Moon Club, situated to the rear of Cork Opera House, is one of Corks finest night spots. Featuring a wide variety of live acts from all over the globe, as well as home grown talent, this is a mecca for clubbers young and old, and comes highly recommended. If you crave a little laughter in your life, then City Limits Comedy Club is the place to go. It features some of the most successful comedians currently on tour. Cinema If movies are your thing, the Capitol Cineplex on Grand Parade offers six screens of mainstream films and is very popular. You might also like to check out Corks newest cinema, The Gate, which is located on North Main Street. Equipped with the latest cutting edge technology and exceptionally comfortable seating, The Gate has already proved hugely popular with the local denizens. For the film buff, there is The Triskel Arts Centre, which (among other things) features a wide selection of international films. Irelands only independent Art House cinema, the Kino, is the hub of Corks excellent Film Festival. Situated on Washington Street, this quaint 188-seater offers a year round selection of international and independant films. From Stanley Kubrick to David Lynch, Aki Kaurismaki to Oliver Assayas, theres always something of interest on offer. Art Cork is home to an ever expanding art scene. For both contemporary and historical art exhibitions, Crawford Art Gallery is well worth a visit: its permanent collection includes work by Jack B. Yeats and Louis Le Brocquy. Also on display are pieces from Corks finest upcoming talent as well as regular touring exhibitions by international artists. A more comprehensive range of art forms are featured at The Triskel Arts Centre. The programme inludes drama, film, visual art, and literature. The Tig Fili Gallery, on MacCurtain Street, is an excellent venue for independent artists, exhibitions here rarly fail to thrill and provoke. Poetry readings and workshops also feature regularly. Gallery 44, on the same street has recently opened and shows modern art in a modern setting. The Vanguard Gallery, in the Huguenot Quarter, holds 13 shows a year featuring established artists and also an 'emerging artist show' once a year. The Lavitt Gallery on the quays is also a well established venue exhibiting modern art by local and international artists. Theatre Cork has an exciting and growing drama scene. From traditional Irish plays to experimental continental drama one can usually find something to suit. The Cork Opera House is the largest venue with a capacity of around 1,000. The programme can feature anything from the Netherlands Dance Theatre to Sean O'Casey. At the Everyman, one can also enjoy the best in mainstream drama, notable recent visitors have included the carnivalesque Macnas. The intimate Cork Arts Theatre is also worth a visit as is The Granary. If you are interested in modern dance, head down to the Firkin Crane, Irelands premier dance venue situated in the heart of historic Shandon. Dining in Europe > Cork
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