Having taken over and renovated the premises of one of Westport’s best known restaurants, The Lemon Peel, Dermott Flynn and Janice O’Rourke re-opened it as The Pantry & Corkscrew restaurant/cafe in July 2010.
For Dermot, who is originally from Westport, and his Dublin-born wife, this is a brave new venture as first timers in the business, and they wisely opted for the route of ‘a small food menu and some good wine selections’, with everything made on the premises and plenty of local produce – all of which is very much in the spirit of the times.
A pale timber floor, restful cream walls, soft lighting and an assortment of brightly coloured oilcloth-covered tables create a cosy and comfortable atmosphere, in tune with their aim ‘to bring a casual and fresh slow food dining experience to the town’.
Janice heads up the front of house staff and the welcome is warm and helpful, while Dermot looks after the kitchen end of the operation.
Lunch consists of four starters and about half a dozen main courses, including dishes like quiche, haddock tempura and a spicy bean burger, while dinner is a more elaborate affair.
From a choice of six starters in the evening, you might try Kelly's black pudding with an apple compote, or an unusual parsnip, cashew and sundried tomato sausage – followed, perhaps, from the ten main courses on offer, by a rich beef bourguignon or a tasty pork chop with a sage and onion stuffed apple.
The cooking is good, and so is the value, with starters ranging from about €5.50 to €7.50, and main courses from as little as €11. At the top end, expect to pay around €20 for an 8oz sirloin steak, which is supplied by local butchers McCormacks - as is the beef for the sage and cheddar infused organic beef burger, one of the most popular dishes, at a modest €11.45.
Desserts are similarly keenly priced at around €6, with a small supplement for the cheese selection at €7.95.
Unusually some of the lunch dishes are included in the dinner menu - at the lunch prices; also, a number dishes have children's portions and prices.
A well priced wine list of 25 wines starts at €19.95 and offers good value, with most under €25; four are offered by the glass, including two excellent Italians at €5.95.
Seats 24. L Tue-Sun 12-5, D Thu-Sat, 6-10, closed Mon. Advisable to phone as opening times can vary. Mastercard, Laser, Visa.
