'I am very excited' meet the chef reopening Dunamaise Arts Centre's bistro in Laois
Portlaoise is about to get an exciting new place to eat, with the reopening of the café in the Dunamaise Arts Centre, by chef Sorin Olinici.
After a year of closure, the Laois arts centre’s café is reopening on Friday, July 17, with the new name The Fort Café & Bistro.
In the process, his business will create 10 to 15 jobs for staff, including one who Sorin promises is “the best barrista in Portlaoise”.
Sorin told the Leinster Express / Laois Live that he is excited to get cooking for Laois again, using his extensive knowledge of Irish and international cuisine to offer a tasty menu suited to everyone’s palettes.
He started cheffing 19 years ago in a small family Italian restaurant.
“Since then I have worked my way up and was part of numerous awards with my teams and the help of our bosses investigating heavily in their business.
“Along the way I have worked in bars, restaurants, hotels, castles and private locations, I have done pretty much everything that I could do as a chef, bar food, carvery, deli, steak house , banqueting, casual dining, fine dining and farm to fork and even Asian/Japanese cuisine.
“Sorin brings significant experience to the venture, having built a reputation for generous hospitality, strong flavours and carefully sourced ingredients. His background across Irish and European kitchens will shape a menu that is accessible, fresh and full of character.
“I have decided to take on the cafe at Dunamaise because challenges are what keeps me going.
“It’s located in the heart of Portlaoise and it has great potential as it is a big operation with historical significance and potential customers in the arts and theatres.
“This project requires a complete chef that can provide all kinds of foods for all that the company needs and in the same time deliver great menus for the locals and their events.
“Our customers can expect Irish/ Mediterranean cuisine. I chose the ‘bistro’ factor, because it allows me to infuse Mediterranean flavours into Irish food and I believe that with the right amount of skills combined we can be winning awards.
“Laois has fantastic growers, farmers and food producers, and I want The Fort Café & Bistro to reflect that. My approach is to start with the best local ingredients, treat them with respect, and serve food that is fresh, generous, and full of flavour. We want people to taste the care that has gone into every plate.
“I’m bringing in this a lot of local support, like the best Barrista in Portlaoise, great customer service and professionals all around. The food alone is not enough to be successful , I know that for sure,” he said.
He describes the food that will be on offer.
“For our breakfast we will do poached eggs, omelettes, pancakes, Irish breakfast, fresh juices and other healthy options. Lunch will include, fresh fish, roasted meats, homemade pasta, risottos , burgers, super salads, vegan/vegetarian options and more.
“Then in the evening we will do an “Early Dine Menu” for the locals, 2, 3 or 4 course meals for a really competitive price. I believe that would work because it doesn’t happen anywhere in Laois at the moment and I have the right formula where we can still make profit and deliver good portions of delicious meals,” Sorin said.
The Fort Café will open for breakfast from 8:30am to 11am, lunch 12pm to 3pm and the Early dine menu is from 4pm to 7.30pm.
“I am very excited and I can’t wait to share all my knowledge with the community of Laois. I’d like to thank all of my previous colleagues, employers and suppliers, we did an amazing job together,” Sorin said.
“Also many thanks to all the team at Dunamaise for the support and helping me with everything I need to get the business started,” the chef added.
The Dunamaise Arts Centre have welcomed the reopening of their café facility, used both by audiences and artists in the centre, as well as by local customers throughout the day.
Ciara O’Connell is CEO of Dunamaise Arts Centre.
“We’re delighted to welcome Sorin to Dunamaise Arts Centre. A good café changes how people use a building, it gives them a reason to come in, stay longer, meet people and feel part of the place and that matters to us.
“Dunamaise is a place for artists and audiences, but it is also here for the everyday life of Portlaoise. The Fort Café & Bistro will bring a sense of welcome to the building, and we’re very excited to see it open,” she said.
The Fort Café & Bistro opens at Dunamaise Arts Centre, Church Street, Portlaoise, on 17 July.