‘Nua-ddition’ in the pipeline for Cork’s MacCurtain St as popular eatery looks to expand

A ‘Nua-ddition’ could be in store for MacCurtain St as the operators behind popular eatery Nua Asador have set their sights on establishing a second location in Cork city.

Craft butcher Tom Durcan and accomplished chef Victor França have lodged a planning application under the name of Tom Durcan Meats Limited with Cork City Council seeking permission for what is described as a “bespoke take-away/restaurant” at the ground floor of 18 MacCurtain St.

The application, if green lit, would see the change of use from a taxi base, formerly Amer Cabs and Cara Cabs, to a second location for Nua Asador outside of its Marina Market stall.

Speaking to The Echo, Mr Durcan said the idea is to “duplicate” the Marina Market business which he said is “going very well” since it was established approximately two years ago.

“I supply the best meat in Cork and Victor is one of the better chefs in Cork so the two of us said we’d stick our heads together and do something,” he said, adding that Nua has already won Blas na hÉireann awards for its food.

Mr Durcan said Nua’s Marina Market stall would remain open if the planning application for a second location at MacCurtain St is approved.

The busy city centre street is, he believes, the ideal location to open a second Nua outlet.

“I think MacCurtain St is up and coming. It’s the new Washington St, if you like, for a slightly older clientele I’d say.

“Washington St is college students while this [MacCurtain St] is people dining out in the evening,” Mr Durcan, who operates Tom Durcan Meats in the English Market, said.

The cover letter submitted with the planning application contends that Nua would be a distinctive addition to the street.

“The concept centres around cooking around the fire using seasonal and local ingredients.

“The business idea is to bring a unique food experience to MacCurtain Street in Cork city.

“The name epitomises the concept of the restaurant - 'Nua', Irish for new: references the aim to bring something novel to the city's food scene.

“Nua also means naked in Portuguese, which reflects the chef/co-owner Victor's Brazilian heritage, as well as alluding to the method of cooking over naked flames created by charcoal and wood, and also the commitment to using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients,” it states.

It asserts that customers are provided “with much more than a quick meal - they will be taken on a culinary journey which will open their mind to new flavours, leaving them eager for more”.

A decision on the planning application for the proposed MacCurtain St outlet is due in late November.