We had heard so much about the Farmgate Restaurant located in the
magnificent English Market in downtown Cork that we had to include it in our day
tour. we told our guide, and she reserved ahead, which was a good idea, as the
place was jammed at 1230pm when we arrived. Going through the English Market is
an adventure on its own (Queen Elizabeth cam here on her visit to Ireland!) with
a plethora of food shops offering almost everything fresh and local you can
imagine.
We got very hungry by the time we sat down and all the rumors abut the
special place (open only for lunch to 430pm) had built up, making our
expectations perhaps a bit too high.
Will loved his Dungarvan Helvic Gold Irish Blonde Ale and I my Prosecco
with Elderflower Liqueur. Our guide ordered the Roast Hake and said it was quite
nice and Samuel loved his Irish Lamb Stew. I think Will hit the jackpot with the
St. Tola's Goat's Cheese Tart with Roasted Red Peppers and Aubergine. My
Traditional Pork Sausages with Mash & Bacon, Sauteed Onions and Lentils was
a heavy dish and while tasty, a bit over the top for lunch with a very rich,
thick dark gravy (remember, the Irish breakfast is huge every day and always
included!). I had read about their famous tripe, but passed over that and was
hoping for another dish we heard about, Corned Beef & Colcannon, but alas,
it was not available.
It was a good meal, but no major raves here. We can't always be thrilled.
We ended by going down into the market and choosing some locally made chocolates
for a treat!
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