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The Cornstore Winebar & Grill

In the buzzy Coal Quay renewal area, this new sister establishment to the highly regarded Aubars in Limerick (see entry) is in a stylishly converted two-storey granite mill building. Colourful Spanish tiles in the reception area lead to an expanse of polished wooden floors cleverly divided into areas of alcoves, flexible table and chair seating and more intimate booths, as well as a bar counter popular with singletons in for a quick drink or snack.

Lobster is something of a speciality here, appearing as a starter with warm lemon butter; whole or half with hollandaise, pea purée and divine house chips as a main course, or the trencherman's surf & turf option of medallion of beef with half lobster and béarnaise sauce.

Silky duck liver paté with Cumberland sauce is a popular starter, as is the generous fresh prawn cocktail served in a crushed ice coupe with proper Marie Rose sauce. For sharing there is a freshly baked country loaf served with tapenade, hummus, and pesto for dipping, and a range of stone—baked pizzas come straight from special ovens.

The Cornstore's premium steaks are 100% Irish beef, hung 21-28 days- and choices range from the 10oz rib-eye to a 16oz T-bone. A short but irresistible list of homemade desserts features treats like pecan tart with mocha ice cream, créme brulée with shortbread biscuit and a different chocolate dessert each day - the molten-centred chocolate fudge cake is worth a detour.

A well-balanced wine list leans towards the New World, and features 20 wines by the glass (EUR4.50-EUR11)including a great value house pinot grigio at EUR4.50.

Although only open a few weeks at the time of going to press, The Cornstore has quickly become one of Cork's hotspots, attracting customers with top class food, value for money and sharp service that manages to be both friendly and efficient.

Directions:

Cornmarket Street is just off the top end of St. Patrick's Street in the middle of Cork.