We’re really getting into this meal kit thing. 

It might be the one part of the whole lockdown experience we wouldn’t mind continuing forever. Happily, Cork restaurants are happy to continue putting together delectable menus designed to be enjoyed at home.

There are many things to like about this. It’s a handy way to treat yourself if you don’t want to book a table and head out. Your schedule is free and you can plate up a gourmet experience and crack open the wine whenever you feel like it.

Plus, let’s face it, you’ll save a fortune on babysitters, blow-dries and taxis home.

Here are three fabulously fancy fish dinners to take home this week:

THE FISH KITCHEN WEST CORK PLATTER

If you’re spending some time down West this summer, pencil in a night for an incredible West Cork Seafood Platter from The Fish Kitchen in Bantry. Order ahead for the €65 spread and you can drop by and collect a feast of whole prepped Bantry Bay Lobster, whole Castletownbere Prawns, Sherkin Island Oysters, Dunmanus Bay Crab Claws, dips and house-baked brown bread.

Call on Thursday, 2pm-6pm to place an order: 027 56 651 or email eat@thefishkitchen.ie. Follow them on Facebook for weekly menus. 

CRAWFORD CAFÉ CRAB TAGLIATELLE

No time to plan a date night dinner? No probs. Just swing by the Crawford Gallery Café on Emmet Place and pick up their Crab Tagliatelle meal kit.

The crab is already prepared with chilli and garlic so all you need to do is cook the pasta and toss it all together in a pot with the fresh cream. Decadent – and if you’re not a domestic goddess, no panic; even a domestic god-help-us can manage it.

Open for drop-in collection Tuesday to Saturday from 8.30am to 4pm. See Facebook for menu updates. 

CHESTNUT ‘STICKS & TWIGS’

How about a Michelin-star worthy takeaway? If you’re out for a spin you can swing by and collect Restaurant Chestnut’s incredible three-course ‘Sticks & Twigs’ menu to devour at home.

This week’s menu (€60 for two) includes their signature Mini Bread and butter, a bread salad with tomatoes and anchovies, Fish En Papilotte with hake, samphire, kale, grilled courgettes, citrus, herbs and dill and a baby gem salad and a summer berries and meadowsweet pudding.

The next dates for orders are today, Friday, August 31st and Saturday, August 1st (2pm-4pm) for collection at the restaurant at 2pm on Sunday. Visit their website for weekly menus.