Sawdust on the floor, two kinds of beer – light or dark – what’s not to love about this timeless New York landmark pub? ℘℘℘ It might not be New York’s oldest bar – the Ear Inn and Queen’s Neir’s claim to be older – but no bar in New York can match the historic ambiance of McSorley’s Old Ale House on Seventh Street in the East Village. A wall sign in the bar states … [Read more...] about McSorley’s Old Ale House
Food and Drink
Sláinte! Calling All Fools, Fairies, and Leprechauns
The history of April Fools’ Day and tricksters of folk mythology. ℘℘℘ April is full of surprises. When spring sunshine starts warming the earth, night can fall on a brown leafless landscape and day break to green grass and golden flowers splashing the garden with color. A balmy day can suddenly turn cold, gray, and rainy. As the weather capriciously switches from sunshine to … [Read more...] about Sláinte! Calling All Fools, Fairies, and Leprechauns
Bog Butter: Returning to Tradition
In June, Brian Kaller walked to the edge of the Bog of Allen, just behind his house in County Kildare, took 100 paces forward, 100 paces to the right, and began to look for a bright blue rope he had tied to a tree 17 months earlier. It took him two tries, but he eventually spotted the rope through the overgrown surface of the bog and started digging. After about five feet, he … [Read more...] about Bog Butter: Returning to Tradition
Grass-fed Irish Beef Gets USDA Import Approval
Slaney Foods International, based in Bunclody, County Wexford, is celebrating after landing a deal to supply premium Irish Hereford beef to stores in the United States. The deal, facilitated due to their relationship with Lidl Ireland, was actively supported by Bord Bia and the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine. It comes as Irish beef secures a USDA seal of approval … [Read more...] about Grass-fed Irish Beef Gets USDA Import Approval
Sláinte! All Hail the Humble Spud
Edythe Preet writes about Ireland’s relationship with its signature crop. Back in first grade, my “see Spot run” primer told how Dick and Jane grew potatoes in their backyard and roasted them in an autumn leaf bonfire. If those kids can do that, I thought, so can I. Mom supplied a few spuds that had begun to sprout “eyes,” and we buried them in a skimpy strip of dirt edging … [Read more...] about Sláinte! All Hail the Humble Spud