WORDSMITH: Cavan-cuisine, what’s your takeaway?
Does anyone in Cavan cook anymore? Of course, I ask the question in jest (but only partly). Because I’m flabbergasted by the takeaway food culture in Cavan; and that’s not a criticism, it’s an observation. Personally, I don’t indulge in takeaways, simply because being a singleton I assume my order wouldn’t be worth the petrol money for delivery. But this week my brother’s been home, and I was treated to a takeaway.
I must say, it’s a real pleasure having food delivered to your door; followed by the ritual of unpacking the brown paper bag and taking out all the various tubs, boxes and cartons – then FEAST! We had Chinese and it was ‘meiwei’ that means ‘delicious’ in Chinese (I think).
I did a quick survey with friends round town, I estimate that on average Cavan people have at least one takeaway a week; although I know folk who have many more than that.
Now, when I were a lad there was no such thing as a takeaway culture in Cavan; at least for my immediate family and I, there wasn’t. Although, when we came to Cavan for our summers, I created my own little takeaway by taking buttered slices of granny’s soda bread away with me in the morning to enjoy later on in the day.
When we lived in Manchester I wasn’t a fussy eater, I just didn’t bother with food; I had little interest in the mostly mince and onions that was our main staple. It took those Cavan summers to release my culinary-desires, and I fell in love with my granny’s home cooking, regardless if it was eaten in or taken away.
I began thinking of my first memories of a takeaway in Cavan, and through my mind’s meander, one establishment rose to the top of mind – Marietta’s. I asked on social media, “Cavan people, anyone have any memories of Marietta’s on the Market Square?” The replies came fast, all served with an extra portion of affection.
Thanks to my cousin (a mine of local information), I discovered that Marietta’s opened for business in 1975 by a husband and wife who hailed from Italy and Ballinagh, respectively. “It was an American style diner, with four tables along the wall. They did a delicious homemade steak burger, way before their time,” said one commenter. Such was its popularity that one man wrote, “I was a regular customer there in the early 80s. I was in Clonakilty West Cork for my job and could not find a restaurant I liked. I got in the car and drove to Marietta’s to have my evening meal.”
From Cork to Cavan for cuisine; that’s an incredible endorsement for a culinary establishment. Marietta’s was queen, but their burgers were king, “I remember it well, fantastic burgers, the best I ever tasted and the fried onions were delicious.”
Marietta’s was primarily an eat-in-diner; but it was as a takeaway that I first became aware of it. I was staying at my aunt’s in the countryside when I was invited to stay for tea (their evening meal). I was astonished when my uncle turned up on his Honda-50, extracting a takeaway of chicken and chips from its back carry box. It was a complete treat; because back then the concept of eating food not cooked in your own house was a delicious and novel delight. That said, my own parents never took up the takeaway temptation; resolutely remaining with homemade for life. So, it was as an eat-in-diner that I continued to enjoy Marietta’s culinary delights, when I lunched there every Saturday afternoon with a friend.
Alas, I believe Cavan’s relationship with Marietta’s waned when the Yankee-Doodle arrived. I myself confess to cheating on my old flame-burger for the Yankee’s charms. What’s more, my favourite honorary aunt (a family friend), worked in the Yankee, and I loved the banter; with her at the helm you were guaranteed a burgerlicious time at Yankee-Doodle.
Today, I walked up Cavan Town, around College street and back up main street. I counted 18 takeaway outlets (that’s excluding popular sit in places like Late-Da, who also offer a takeaway service).
Thus, whether you fancy a Burrito from Mexico, Sushi from Japan, or street food from Thailand, there’s a takeaway to tickle your every taste-bud in Cavan town.
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