Anyone for a Bruschetta? Try this tasty Italian treat before a meal or even as a light lunch!
Ingredients:
¼ cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
½ cup Balsamic Vinegar, or Balsamic Vinaigrette
6-8 ripe but firm Roma tomatoes, halved, seeded and finely diced
2 cloves finely minced garlic
8 fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
¼ teaspoon sea salt
Ground black Pepper to taste
8-12 (½” thick) slices Italian hard crusted or Baguette Bread
Optional: 1 finely diced medium onion
Directions:
- In a bowl, combine the olive oil, vinaigrette, tomatoes, minced garlic, basil, sea salt, and pepper (also onion if you opt to add it). Set aside for at least 60 minutes to marinate.
- Preheat an outdoor grill or grill pan to medium heat.
- Grill the bread until it is browned on both sides, about 2 minutes per side. While still warm, rub each side with the cut garlic. Divide the tomato mixture on top of each bread slice. Arrange on a platter and serve.
*Hint: You can also “cheat” and toast the bread slices in the toaster*
December 4th, 2008
Not to demean “normal” bars, but I have to say, for me there is something infinitely more fun about hanging out in an Irish pub. They all have their special quirks or reasons why you like them, just like any other hangout.
The Dubliner Pub is no different - and its calling is definitely the music. I first stepped foot in this pub a few months ago on a whim. It was a Saturday night, and we decided to head out to listen to some live Irish music. As I looked around, I remember feeling somewhat disappointed…it didn’t have the ambience I’d expected.
However, once the music started (unfortunately, I forget the name of the performing group) it didn’t matter if we’d have been sitting in a cave. Honestly, what’s better than drinking your favorite drink to the sound of an Irish jig???
I recently headed back - with a group of friends - and the ‘band’ playing that night was excellent, too. Good music, good camaraderie, and good drinks. My friend was incredibly pleased they serve Pimm’s - she got a Pimm’s Cup - which evidently is hard to come by if you’re NOT overseas.
Located at University & Vandalia in St. Paul, Minnesota, this Irish pub is a great place to relax and listen to some good Irish tunes.
There is a parking lot for the pub, but it’s small and the place fills up quickly - especially on weekends - so it’s best to get there before the music starts to get a parking spot (~8-8:30 should be fine). The only other recommendation if you’re there solely for the music is to snare a table instead of sitting at the bar. Like I said, the place gets packed so people stand in front of the bar and you can’t see the musicians.
All in all, we’ll be returning to the Dubliner for fine Irish music!
December 4th, 2008