12,000 sample four-day TasteFest

IT was a day made for picnics and eating outside.

And hundreds obliged at Cork’s Fitzgerald Park yesterday — sipping cold drinks, eating ice-cream and soaking up the sun at the final day of TasteFest.

With such gourmet delights such as blackened swordfish with banana ketchup, Ballycotton fishcakes and Irish Angus sirloin steak, the foodies weren’t disappointed either.

Organiser Ernest Cantillon of Electric Restaurant and Bar said the food, wine and culture festival, which kicked off on Thursday and involved more than 50 artisan producers and 15 top Cork chefs, had been a great success with more than 12,000 foodies attending over the course of the four days.

“It’s been a mega weekend. I think people have had fun. I know the restaurants got a great kick out of it. It’s been good for business,” he said.

Despite the rain on Friday, just under 2,000 people had come to the park on that day alone to sample the gourmet delights, he said.

Rain was the last thing on anyone’s mind yesterday as the crowds gratefully lapped up the sun.

Seamus and Sharon Gallagher from Carrigaline were very impressed with the taster samples on offer.

“It’s delicious. Everything we’ve tried, we’ve enjoyed,” said Sharon.

“It beats cooking on a Sunday. I think the weather really makes it,” said Seamus.

But while the food on offer got an overwhelming thumbs-up, some felt the prices were a little steep.

Leona Robinson, a chef from Carrigaline, who enjoyed her burger from Liberty Grill, said at €25, it was a “bit pricey” to get into the festival.

Steven O’Sullivan from Ballinlough, said there was a great variety of food, but that some of it was; “way overpriced.”

“Then some of it is reasonable. There are lots of free samples, which is great,” said O’Sullivan.

Crea Brazil from Carrigaline disagreed.

“I don’t think it’s pricey,” she said.

“I think it’s a lovely day out. I’d come every year if it was on,” she said.

Meanwhile, restaurant owners and chefs were also enjoying the day.

“It’s a great party atmosphere. We’re having a great time. Everybody is having a laugh,” said Mike Ryan, head chef and part owner of The Cornstore.