Founded as a radical alternative community project in 1982, Cork’s original organic food store, in-house bakery and vegetarian restaurant is more rounded now but has retained its character and - far from being a dated concept - continues to gain new fans.
40 years after its foundation on the banks of the Lee, the Quay Co-op bounced into 2022 with a new restaurant, Upstairs at the Co-op, and a new menu as well.
Often on the less popular side of the debate, the Co-op has faced many challenges from those early days, the latest coming in the shape of Covid. But the pandemic slowdown gave them the opportunity to turn that lovely upstairs room into a very classy venue indeed, an attraction in itself, even before the new menu had bedded in.
The downstairs Deli and shop have been retained, along with other shops also in nearby towns. But the focus here is on Upstairs and the menu has many attractions, even for non vegetarians. Terrific choices, a good wine list, and other drinks as well.
Popular starters might include Baked Cooleeney Camembert served with spiced apple chutney & pickles and more, or maybe a Vegetable Tempura - shredded seasonal organic vegetables in rice flour tempura, served with tamari, mint dip and pickled ginger).
Appealing mains from a tasty multi-cultiural collection include a Tagine, with couscous or rice topped with toasted cumin seeds, almonds, chopped coriander, mint & parsley, while aromatic Tarka Dhal with basmati rice comes with lime, fresh coriander, spring onion & sprouted mustard seeds.
Vegan diners are well looked after in a way that should please all comers, including the choice of wholesome desserts such as Avocado Chocolate Cake (Raw vegan avocado cacao cake with raspberry coulis), or an Apple Crumble served with a choice of vegan vanilla ice-cream, dairy ice-cream or whipped cream.
A short but impressive organic wine list includes many from Mary Pawle) and you'll also find the beers of the West Cork Brewery in Baltimore.
Friendly and relaxed service is a key feature at this delightful spot - and, with the fire going on a winter’s evening and a glass in hand, the lucky diners are relaxed too.
