What’s on offer?
The Marina Market in Cork is like the edgier cousin of Lisbon’s Time Out market. Set in the old Ford industrial buildings, there are more than 35 food stalls, with an eclectic set-up of tables to sit at and eat inside. Nua Asador, an Argentinian food stall, is a partnership between Brazilian chef Victor Franca and Cork butcher Tom Durkan. The parrilla-style grill is custom made to Franca’s specification, and he grills meat using Irish oak for smokiness and olive wood for heat and flavour. He also grills seafood and vegetables over apple and orange wood. The grilled halloumi sandwich is also a big seller.
What did we order?
Picanha steak with grilled baby potatoes; a skirt steak sandwich; and drinks, one of which is Guaraná Antarctica, a South American soft drink.
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How was the service?
You order and pay at the stall, and are given a buzzer that sounds when your order is ready. You could, of course, treat it as a takeaway, but it’s so much fun eating there.
Was the food nice?
The picanha steak, which is just off the wood-burning grill, has been sliced, and spread on top of farofa, the Argentinian grilled cassava flour which is customary to serve with it. The meat is beautifully charred with a delicious rare centre and the oak-grilled baby potatoes are off the charts, soaking up the delicious juices of the steak. Sourdough bread and Franca’s award-winning chimichurri sauce come with it. The skirt steak sandwich, in very good sourdough bread from Pana Bread bakery, has plenty of flavour and a bite to it, as is usual for this cut of beef. It also comes with those wonderful potatoes.
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What did it cost?
€31 for lunch for two people – picanha steak €15; skirt steak sandwich €11; and two soft drinks €5.
Where does it deliver?
No delivery, you need to order from the food unit. It’s a 10-minute walk from Cork city centre, and parking is available.
Would I order it again?
Yes, most definitely, the food is absolutely amazing. If I lived in Cork, I’d be a regular. Open daily, 12-8pm.
