Crackpots Encore signals the welcome return in 2019 of Carole Norman to the Kinsale restaurant scene after a three year 'retirement'... Generous Platters, a constantly changing Plat du Jour by chef John Paul McCarthy, Friday night tunes by pianist Billy Crosbie, along with a guest vocalist (and any other musician that might be present), add up to a very pleasant experience.
Carole, who owned the original Crackpots, took a break but missed the front of house fun and she’s back and back in form at Cork Street. Crackpots Encore opened just for weekends initially, but that could change in high season.
The Norman welcome is as warm as ever as she and her tream help you to settle in with the offer of a cocktails, a flute of champagne, glass of wine - or perhaps a bottle of Black’s Kinsale beer?
There’s a soup of the day, local oysters, and local mussels but don't order anything before taking a look at those Platters. Spanish Tapas and Patés on Parade have plenty of appeal for example, but they can't trump the more local offerings including Seafood Platter and a magnificent Taste of Ireland (Irish cheese and charcuterie, including spiced beef from the neighbouring butcher) that comes with a helping of Ballymaloe Relish.
The constantly changing Plat du Jour selection always includes a vegan/vegetarian option (such as Roasted Cauliflower cutlets, with a smoked tomato and red pepper sauce and olive tapenade) as well as fish (Baked fillet of hake is a popular choice), and meat (Rib-Eye steak perhaps).
The dessert list can be brief but is well worth a look for classics such as Poached Pears in mulled red wine (recommended), or you could just go for the local Koko chocolates, made on the nearby quay, to go with your after-dinner coffee. And there’s also a tempting selection of Irish cheese of course....
A welcome return indeed.
