Happy St. Patty’s Day!

St. Patrick’s Day has come once again, and although I’m not as Irish as some I do respect the tradition and heritage behind the holiday. Last year I wrote about my interests in the history of St. Patrick’s Day and I posted a link to some beautiful photography of Irish pastimes. This year I wanted to comment on traditional (or at least stereotypical) Irish cuisine.

My sources tell me that I’m supposed to be part Irish, while I don’t know how true this is my mother insists on preparing a traditional corn beef and cabbage dinner every year on St. Patrick’s Day. Unfortunately I’m not a big of a fan of corn beef or boiled cabbage but I do enjoy the fact that she goes through the trouble to make it anyways.

On Saturday night I went to Bennigan’s for dinner which for those who don’t know is a popular Irish themed restaurant chain that apparently takes St. Patrick’s Day very seriously as they were already sporting the crazy hats and decorations. We had the Guinness glazed popcorn shrimp as an appetizer and then I had a Guinness glazed bacon cheeseburger which despite the Guinness brand name being the only Irish aspect of the entire meal, it was very delicious.

Speaking of Bennigan’s, I’m sure you noticed Fergus the leprechaun at the top of this entry by now and I think the following video is required viewing for anyone interested in a mixture leprechauns and martial arts –

Happy St. Patrick’s Day everyone!