Dining at Electric in Cork City

We hear right and left that four out of five office Christmas parties will not take place and news of fiscal cutbacks in the government and our own budgets, so now more than ever we need to be able to embrace a bit of fun. This is where Denis O’Mullane comes in with his latest restaurant venture. Electric is bringing back the evening out, in spite of the Irish economy’s best efforts.

Arriving on a crisp evening at the bright building at 41 South Mall in Cork City Centre, I was struck by the life-size gold figures adorning the building’s facade. With the grace of a ballerina and the strength of an Oscar statue, these ladies foreshadowed the unique architectural history and innovative design of the restaurant and bar within. We stepped into the ground-level bar area, which boasted the start of a few mingling friends Saturday night. The room felt young and vibrant with the soft buzz of lively chatter and the unmistakable sound of great craic being had.

Shopping at Market 57 in Westport, Co. Mayo

Entering Market 57, a colorful shop on Bridge Street in downtown Westport, County Mayo, I felt like a kid in a candy store. Cheery-hued silicone cooking gadgets, jars of delectable jams and chutneys, candy along the under-counter shelves, and colorful tins of who-knows-what sit dutifully on their shelves awaiting hungry customers with a penchant for culinary flare.

Methodically making my way through the aisles from left to right, front to back, my focus was singularly on the item caught in my gaze at any given moment. Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (three-pack), fudge, sweets, cranberry-port sauce, eye-catching tins of hot chocolate mix, bottles of fine yet approachable wines – and that’s just the front of the store!

Marking One Year Since the Cork City Flood of 2009

November 2009 started with something to prove. From the first day of the month, Corkonians were treated to chill, rain, or wind. The night of November 19th made that seem like a walk in the park, however. After torrential downpours and strong winds surrounded us for nearly two days, the city and its environs were left with severe flooding the likes of which have not been seen for decades. Keeping in mind Cork City once had waterways where a few of the main streets now stand, it will take a familiar tone when looking at photos of it today.

Friday, the 20th of November was a morning like any other, but it was not like any other it was just hours after high tide and released dam water cascaded ruthlessly into the streets and ground floors of homes and business. Some awoke to the sound of splashing within their houses while others arrived at work to discover newly-delivered inventory or major appliances ruined. There was no separation between the river and the streets let alone the buildings.

Tweet Meet Tuesday in Cork City

This week was my first excursion to Cork City’s very own Tweet Meet Tuesday hosted by Café Gusto on Lapps Quay. After seeing the Tweets flying for weeks and the initial invitational post by Café Gusto, I finally extracted myself from the clutches of my laptop long enough to join the fun. I ventured over to be greeted by a peaceful mid-morning on the Quay.