Following on the success of The Cornstore in Cork (see entry), Aubars proprietor Padraic Frawley has brought the stylish Cornstore mix of quality, accessibility and buzz to his home city.
As in Cork, top quality steaks and seafood are the specialities, but there is much more to The Cornstore than surf’n’turf.
The location, on the recently refurbished and pedestrianised Thomas Street, is excellent and, also like the Cork restaurant, the historically interesting building is a major attraction in itself - the stylish modern interior works well with it to create a lively old-meets-new atmosphere, and the 3-storey premises offers private dining and a smart heated smoking area as well as extensive bar and dining space.
This Limerick Restaurants range of menus offered is well thought out - with, for example, the 5-7pm slot designed to appeal to families dining out, when a very keenly priced set menu is offered, along with a special ‘proper food’ children’s menu.
As in Cork, quality ingredients are the foundation for all menus, with locally grown organic produce used where possible – and diners can see the chefs at work preparing their dinner in the open kitchen, which is both reassuring and entertaining.
For diners on a serious night out the à la carte offers treats ranging from a choice of 10oz steaks, or lobster mornay (half or whole lobster) to a luxury version of surf and turf – but, for those who find all that a bit OTT, there are also plenty of subtler options including an attractive vegetarian menu.
This is hearty food and many will be tempted to skip dessert and head straight for the coffee and tea menu – but gorgeous desserts like lemon parfait with fresh strawberries and poppy seed tuile or flourless chocolate cake may be hard to resist.
An equally carefully considered wine list is arranged mainly by grape variety and, although not over-long, offers wines to match the various menus, in both price and style.
A high proportion of the wines (about 20) are offered by the glass, using the “verre de vin” system to ensure freshness, and cocktails are also available.
With its emphasis on atmosphere, quality and value, together with good service, Limerick is lucky to have the Cornstore.
Seats 200 (private room, 45). L daily, 12-3; D daily 5-10.30. A la carte L & D; also Value Menu €24.95 (all night Sun-Thu, Fri & Sat 5-6.30); 3-course set D €34.95, Gourmet Menu €49.95. Children welcome (children’s menu); air conditioning. Closed 25 Dec. MasterCard, Visa, Laser.
