It’s survival of the fastest.

The streets might be deserted, but behind the scenes in Cork’s restaurant kitchens, the city’s best chefs, cooks and foodie creatives are working overtime to come up with new ways of putting delicious meals on the table… and quickly.

Even after lockdown restrictions are eventually lifted, the reality is that social distancing will change the way we meet up and eat for a long time to come. Rather than hiding from the challenge, however, this week has seen a brave batch of our favourite restaurateurs return with a plan to get them through the coming weeks.

To be honest, we couldn’t be happier to see them.

Here are five new at-home menus to try this week:

1. The Spitjack

Over on Washington Street, The Spitjack is back with a full menu available for collection, delivery and walk-in orders. The Spitjack at Home offers all your in-house favourites, such as West Cork Rotisserie Chicken served up with creamy mashed potato, homemade slaw and rotisserie gravy (€12.90), their famous Pork Belly Porchetta, a Sunday Roast and Family Sharing Platters from €45.

Boxed desserts, wine and beer are available to order too. Check out the menu here.

2. Jacques 

They’ve been open for more than 40 years so it was only a matter of time before Jacques found a way to warm up the ovens and launch a take-home menu. With a main course and dessert for two people starting at €30, it’s the perfect weekend treat after a long week of lockdown cooking.

They’ll be taking orders by phone (021-4277387) between 2pm-6pm on Wednesday and Thursday for collection on Saturday. Check their Facebook page for updates.

3. Greene’s & Cask @ Home
Starting this Thursday, April 30th, Greenes Restaurant and Cask are teaming up to launch Greenes & Cask @ Home.

Each week Greenes chef Bryan McCarthy and Cask’s Andy Ferreira will be dreaming up a tasty takeaway food menu for collection from Thursday -Saturday, with bottled cocktails to enjoy at home (there’s a Roe & Co. Irish Whiskey, Campari and rhubarb that would be perfect for sipping in the garden).

Just order online here and pick up your goodies on MacCurtain Street.

4. KC’s in Douglas is delivering 

For the first time since they opened in 1958, you can now get your King Creole, Chicken Bombay or KC Special Burger dropped to your door if you live in Douglas.

KC’s will now deliver to customers living within a 2.5km radius of their takeaway between 4pm and 10pm daily. Orders can be placed via their website here.

Be prepared to wait though; there may be a delay at peak times.

“We can only deal with a certain amount of orders at a time. If we are too busy we may have to temporarily close ordering down.” the family said on their website.

“As much as we would like to offer a more comprehensive service we are, like everyone, struggling to deal with current circumstances. We hope you all stay safe and stay home.”

5. O’Connor’s Seafood Restaurant

Down in Bantry, O’Connor’s Seafood Restaurant is operating a takeaway and delivery service four days a week from 4pm to 8pm. You can check out their menu on Facebook here and call 027 55664 to place your order if you live in the area.