Coming Soon: Scálaí is an elevated fish and chips spot with a tasty twist
You can’t beat a proper fish and chips dinner.
But if you like your traditional weekend treat with a bit of a gourmet twist, Cork’s newest restaurant concept is here to deliver.
Scálaí (the names means ‘scales’ in Irish), opens at The Black Market on Monaghan Road this Friday, February 27th.
Created by Venezuelan cousins Paulo Ferreira, a pastry chef, and Rodrigo de Almeida, a professionally trained chef, the business is brimming with tradition and passion and carefully tailored to celebrate the best of two very special cultures.
“Although our specialties are different, we have always shared the same dream, to build something of our own together.” Paulo told Yay Cork.
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“We are both Venezuelan, with Portuguese roots, and Ireland has given us incredible opportunities as foreigners. When we decided to open a food business in Cork, we could have chosen something from our own culture. Instead, we consciously chose to create something deeply Irish.”
So what’s on the menu?
“Our menu is focused on quality and flavour.” Paulo explains.
“Alongside our classic fish and chips, we will be serving triple-cooked chips for extra crispiness, battered calamari and prawns, octopus vinaigrette, and traditional cod croquettes. The idea is to respect Irish tradition while also bringing a subtle touch of our own culinary roots and experience.
“Fish and chips is iconic in Ireland. It’s comforting, familiar, and part of everyday life here. For us, choosing this concept was a way of saying thank you — a tribute to the country that welcomed us and allowed us to grow both personally and professionally.” he added.
Branding and identity were also very important to the cousins:
“Coming from a creative background, I’ve made sure that our visual identity reflects our respect for Irish culture.” says Paulo, who proudly incorporates the Irish language into the restaurant’s promotional material.
“On social media, we have subtly incorporated small phrases in Irish (Gaeilge) to create a sense of cultural connection and appreciation. It’s our way of embracing the community that has embraced us.
“This project represents gratitude, passion, and family. We’re incredibly proud to launch it in Cork and become part of its vibrant food scene.” he added.
