Last month I spent a few days in Cork city visiting my friend Sophie and exploring the sights (and food, of course) of Cork. I had a great time and it helped me ease into summer after my exams!
I can't describe how excited I was to eat in Cafe Paradiso, a fully vegetarian restaurant, and it did not disappoint! Everything except for one starter and one main course was gluten free, so my biggest issue was deciding what to order (not the worst problem to have!). It was also my first time eating tofu, though I had been eating vegan for over a month at that stage (except for the few times that I, with great skepticism, ate it in Vietnam a few years ago).
I can't describe how excited I was to eat in Cafe Paradiso, a fully vegetarian restaurant, and it did not disappoint! Everything except for one starter and one main course was gluten free, so my biggest issue was deciding what to order (not the worst problem to have!). It was also my first time eating tofu, though I had been eating vegan for over a month at that stage (except for the few times that I, with great skepticism, ate it in Vietnam a few years ago).
I ordered the Black Bean, Chocolate & Chilli Soup with Avocado Salsa, Soured Cream and a Corn Fritter to start, which I adored. It was my favourite part of the meal and I plan to recreate it soon at home (I'll share when I do). It doesn't look very pretty, but I promise that it makes up for it in taste!
Sophie (who is neither coeliac nor vegetarian, but had eaten there before and recommended it - she also let me photograph her food before she ate it, which showed great restraint and patience on her part) ordered the Beetroot, Pickled Rhubarb & Chicory with Salted Walnuts, Fennel, Beet Harissa and Cashel Blue Cheese. It was tasty and colourful!
For main course I ordered the Sweet Chilli-Glazed Panfried Tofu with Pak Choi, Rice Noodles, Tamarind-Coconut Broth and Gingered Aduki Bean Wonton. I definitely enjoyed it, but the black bean soup had already won me over!
Sophie ordered the Courgette & Basil Risotto with Cratloe Hills Sheep's Cheese, Sweet Pepper Broth and Pinenut Crumb, which she also enjoyed.
We were tempted by the dessert menu, but were already so full that we opted out. I would definitely recommend Cafe Paradiso to anyone in Cork!