Smell and taste are powerful memory triggers.

Who hasn’t been transported back to their grandmother’s kitchen by a bite of an oven-warm apple tart, or reminded of a holiday by the scent of sun cream?

Now a unique little pop-up restaurant is opening in Cork to explore and celebrate these emotional connections on a local level.

Housed in a shipping container, La Cocina Pública (The Public Kitchen) is a mobile kitchen that brings people together through theatre, food and dining. They’ll be setting up at the St. John’s Central College car park on Sawmill Street for three 7.30pm sittings on June 17th, 19th and 21st, 2019.

Two further sittings will take place at 2pm on June 22nd and 23rd, 2019.

Travelling from Chile through cities and neighbourhoods in Europe in search of local recipes, aromas, practices and customs, the project is working with Cork’s South Parish residents to share stories and food that will be enjoyed at delicious collective dining events as part of Cork Midsummer Festival 2019.

While you dine in the warm evening air, Chilean and Cork artists, storytellers, singers and musicians will share their memories and provide an eclectic variety of entertainment.

Each ticket (€13.50/ €15 / €18 here) includes a meal, but to encourage a family-friendly atmosphere for all ages, no alcohol will be served at this event.