On a busy street corner just a short walk from the railway station and across the road from the Titanic Centre, the smart turquoise frontage of this interesting daytime café (by local graphic designer Grip Visuals) is sure draw the eye.
And, once noticed, it would be hard to ignore - all the signs are promising and it will come as no surprise that Seasalt hit the ground running thanks to the tasty local food cooked by Ballymaloe-trained chef Jacquie O’Dea. Warm, welcoming and a bit different, it's a great little place altogether.
Narrow and deep, with a big blackboard at the far end proclaiming the day's offerings, there's an intimate atmosphere and the alluring aroma of good things in the making.
Beginning with brunch at 9.30am, the day brings a sequence of tempting dishes ranging from American-Style Pancakes to Avocado Toast or Mushrooms on Toast and of course a Full Irish - sausages, rashers, black pudding, sautéed spuds, roast tomato, two organic fried eggs and sourdough toast! - made with the very best Rosscarbery products from West Cork.
Later on, lunchtime offers another set of delicious dishes, perhaps including smoked fish from the famous Frank Hederman (“just up the road”), a Cork Reuben (Pastrami from McCarthy’s of Kanturk), or something completely different such as a Cauliflower Dahl with basmati, coriander, yogurt and toasted almonds.
The daily tart is worth noting - a puff pastry base packed with roasted vegetables (aubergine and courgette) - it comes with a choice of two salads and will set you up for an afternoon's exploration. And then there are the specials too - they're written up on a roll of brown paper on the right-hand wall, but the well versed staff will tell you about them in any case.
For those just popping in for coffee (Badger & Dodo) or tea, there's a great choice of goodies (Lemon Bars, Chocolate & Raspberry Brownies, Vegan Chocolate Brownie cup cakes, Orange and Cardamom Syrup Cake...) to go with them - and, true to their environmental policy (anti-plastic and anti-food waste), a discount is given on take-out coffee if you bring your own reusable cup.
All this and great service too - it's a great little place altogether.
