The weather forecast for the day I arrived in Ireland was essentially “shit”. Landing at the Shannon Airport in the early morning, I was definitely received with gray and rain. I figured that was just Limerick’s way of shaming me for staying the entirety of my three week holiday in Cork. Once I was on the bus and well on the road toward Cork, however, the clouds lightened, lifted and the sun was soon shining on my shoulder as I rolled into Parnell Place shortly before noon. My hostess, Naomi, along with her dog Inca soon arrived and we were off to Cork Airport to grab her friend and old roommate as she returned to Ireland after having been in the UK.
Sundays are still pretty quiet in Cork, but there are a small handful of eateries open for brunch around the city, and Bodega at St. Peter’s Market is one of them. We parked the car up in Shandon and walked down by way of an alley with steps leading to Coal Quay and the Shandon Bridge.
From my travel journal:
“Already on the bus. It was very easy to figure out once I had me bags, wi-fi and was able to just go. Didn’t have to wait long. Everything is still so familiar and fresh in my head – I feel confident and independent and capable. Strange how it takes going it alone in another country to feel like a grown-up.”
By the time we sat down on the outdoor dining area outside I was starving. My eyes zeroed in straightaway at the Eggs Benedict and I followed my gut instinct to order them.
Eggs Benedict (€7.90)
Poached Eggs | Bacon | Hollandaise | Toasted Sourdough Bread
Oh, how I appreciate a thick Hollandaise! With perfectly runny yolks and creamy coddled whites, thick slabs of slightly salty bacon and chewy carb-o-licious bread, this was exactly the meal I needed after my three flights and two and a half hour long bus ride to get to Cork. A very proper welcome indeed.
Patatas Bravas (€3.25)
Naomi, who is gluten-free and keeps vigilant when eating out, ordered these magnificently seasoned morsels. I forgot what the dipping sauce was but it was just as heavenly. I was almost tempted to order a side of these myself but didn’t want to scare off anyone with my voracious American appetite.
Soup of the Day (€4.75)
Tomato & Roasted Red Pepper Soup | Bread
Melanie ordered this and spoke highly of it. She said it was more tomato-y than peppery. Every day the soup is different, so be sure to ask your server.
I would have really liked to have gone back to Bodega for dinner, small plates or to the nightclub, but I just couldn’t get it together. Bodega is definitely going on the list of places to return to and explore more in depth, though, as locals were constantly recommending it to me or talking about it in general. Their location has a rich history worth reading about too. Like their Facebook page for updates on the Friday/Saturday nightclub events.
The Bodega
@ St. Peter’s Market,
Cornmarket Street,
Cork, Ireland.
Tel: 021 427 3756
http://www.bodegacork.ie/
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