Looking For More Than Just Green Beer This St. Patrick’s Day?

Published: 11/30/2010 By Salvatore Cesareo

» eMedia
»» Food and Celebrations
»»» St. Patrick's Day

Salvatore Cesareo Profile

 

March 17th, St. Patrick’s Day may instantly conjure up images of green beer at your local bar, but there is so much more to enjoy on this holiday, especially for foodies.

Why not make a whole Irish day of it? Start with a great Irish breakfast complete with soda bread, and if you are adventurous enough a few slices of blood pudding. Yes made with blood! Lunch or dinner brings choices of Irish stew, leek and potato soup and champ. You can find most of the ingredients you need at your local supermarket but if you really want to learn how to do it right you can find some amazing tips online at FoodEnquirer.com.

However St. Patrick’s Day is also the perfect excuse to travel. Those who want a really authentic taste of St. Patrick’s Day will love an expedition to the Emerald Isle itself. If picking up new cuisines is your thing then you may even want to make a visit to the Ballymaloe Cookery School near Cork where you can choose from over 30 courses ranging from half-day sessions to 12 weeks

Of course no St. Patrick’s Day is complete without plenty choices of drinks. You are unlikely to find many real Irishmen sipping on green beer on Paddy’s day. Guinness is the poison of choice for real men (and women) and is actually said to be very good for you. Probably just not when drunk in excess as is so commonly done on March 17th. If you find yourself with a real Irish bartender they may even teach you how to carve a shamrock in the head. Irish whiskey is also of course to be consumed by the bottle. However what many miss out on is taking the time to enjoy a great Irish coffee, perfect for the end of a meal. Irish coffee is made by mixing whiskey, coffee and brown sugar and then layering heavy pouring cream on top. It not only tastes great but will make you look like a star if you are throwing your own party.

In the US many cities host St. Patrick’s Day parades. However if yours isn’t one of them then try heading off to Boston, New York, Chicago, New Orleans or Las Vegas for a St. Patrick’s Day celebration you will never forget!