Posts filed under 'Bars'
Okie-dokie. While that’s much more of an American cowboy expression, and certainly not Irish in its origin, it nonetheless acknowledges that I have finally made some time to get this blogging show on the road (another Wild West, non-Irish expression).
I’ve been obsessed with all things British since the early stages of adolescence, but became even more intrigued by British pubs since traveling to the U.K. over the past few years.
Holiday greenery graces the bar at Keegan's.
Luckily we can get a taste of Britain right here in the Twin Cities. Keegan’s Irish Pub in northeast Minneapolis offers a classic Irish pub feel complete with dark wooden interior, classic stained glass accents, tall bar stools, and plenty of Jameson Irish Whiskey to go around.
My beloved Pimm’s was missing from behind the stately bar, which is unfortunate, because I am pretty much obsessed with the spicy, fruity, gin-like liquor. A true Irishman might find its absence acceptable, however, as Pimm’s is decidedly English. I like to count on many pubs in the U.S. to combine the best from the U.K. in their establishments, heedless in separating the nuances between the Scots, English and Irish, but Keegan’s didn’t mix where Pimm’s is concerned. Fortunately, I am able to grab my own bottle at The Cellars.
Paddling back to the original river of thought: With the absence of Pimm’s, I was pleasantly treated to a Jameson lemonade, a concoction entertainingly suggested, mixed (and improvised upon) for me by the boisterous, friendly, helpful barman. A refreshing mixture of lemonade, orange juice and a stiff shot quenched my affinity for fruity cocktails, which I thoroughly enjoyed, even in the bleakness of December.
My friend and I ordered St. Brigid’s Irish Chips, which were loaded with bacon, spring onions, Jack cheese and featured Keegan’s tasty Killarney dipping sauce. Ketchup was also included for us Yanks, but, interestingly, no cider vinegar. I’m sure had we asked for the traditional accompaniment, we would certainly have been obliged.
Other noteworthy food gracing our bar counter that evening was a sumptuous plate of cheeses from Ireland and the British Isles, paired with a delectable spinach dip, bread and crackers. The Cahill Original Irish Porter Cheese was quite frankly phenomenal. And, fortunately for those of us who enjoy our drink and cheese at home now and again, the Cahill is available in a beautiful round right across the street at Surdyk’s.
Red wine and imported Irish cheese. Few things in life are better.
With their calendar of fun Irish events and performances listed on the bathroom stall doors, free shots of Jameson gold (chased by a chocolate) and quaint, live Irish fiddle music subtly enhancing the atmosphere in the background, we’ll definitely return to Keegan’s for happy hour, lunch, dinner or late night drinking and great conversation.
December 19th, 2008
My affinity for Irish pubs began in Spain, of all places, while I was studying abroad my senior year of college. Us American kids took to hanging out frequently at St. Patty’s, where we could speak English to our hearts’ content and drink good beer.
Since that time, I’ve made it a point to try out other Irish bars - which I’d never done before spending so much time in them abroad - and although they all differ slightly, they’re all fun.
So, when my mom and I took a 2-week vacation to Italy this past summer, it was no different. After a long morning of touring the Roman Colosseum, we were tired, our feet were sore, and we were hungry. Of course, this was 11am Rome time, so the restaurants weren’t open for business yet.
We happened to stumble across an Irish Pub called the Shamrock not far from the Piazza del Colosseum (Via del colosseo 1/c at Via Cavour). The doors were open, so we peeked inside to find an empty but charming bar. The bartender was there, and said he’d need a few minutes to open up. It was worth the wait!
The food was excellent, the beer was pretty good, and our Rugby-playing bartender was courteous and charming (aren’t all Italians?). The decor is strictly Irish - the only Roman influence was the bartender - with soccer scarves and other Irish paraphernalia scattered amongst the bottles and adorning the walls. It was such a neat place we decided to head all the way back for dinner the next night - keep in mind our hotel was no less than 3 miles away!
The night scene was much more animated than our quiet, early-afternoon lunch. It was standing-room only after about 8pm, and the crowd was lively. Evidently it’s much more raucous when there’s a Roman soccer game on the TV 
But, in spite of being busy, our favorite Irish-bar-in-Rome bartender had time to send us off with a friendly photo!
December 18th, 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
Try these tasty, marinated carrots from the table of my Aunt Cindy - as a side dish for a normal dinner or Thanksgiving - they’re a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients:
2 lbs baby carrots
1 green pepper - thinly sliced
1 onion slice
½ cup white sugar
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1 tsp dry mustard (can also use regular mustard)
½ cup salad oil
1 can tomato soup
Directions:
- Cook carrots in unsalted water until tender & drain (approximately 10 minutes
- Place in bowl and add onion & green pepper
- Mix remaining ingredients in sauce pan and bring to boil.
- Pour mixture over carrots and mix.
- Can serve hot; for cold dish refrigerate at least 12 hours before serving.
November 27th, 2008
