St. Patrick’s Day dining and good cheer

As the calendar has turned around to the month of March, the hints of the first days of spring beckon, and for the Irish, St. Paddy’s day enters the picture. We say “for the Irish,” but the fact is that we are all Irish on St. Patrick’s Day–at least anyone who is willing to wear a touch of the green and/or tip back a pint o’ Guinness or some other appropriate potent potable. This fun annual event is a great time to get out and head to your favorite Irish style pub (or Irish pub-for-a-day) and celebrate.

This year St. Patrick’s Day, which is celebrated on March 17th, is taking place on a Wednesday, so it is a great excuse to get in some “hump day” good cheer. A lot of places like to serve the old Irish stand-by corned beef and cabbage with boiled potatoes, and what better time to let the chips fall as they may and dig right in? St. Patrick’s Day dining may consist of somewhat predictable fare, but it is traditional, tasty, and delicious all the same.

Plus, did I mention the libations? I did? Okay, well then, let me elaborate. I lot of places serve green beer on St. Patrick’s day, and if that’s the way that you prefer to tune into the spirit of the day, more power to you. But as a purist (who just happens to be named Patrick), let me suggest that you at least sample some Irish whiskey like Bushmills, Michael Collins, Jamison, Shanahans, or Tullamore Dew, on the big day and then wash it down with your green beer (if you must–but I really have to recommend that you 86 the green stuff and go for the real thing–Guinness!)

Come Thursday, you can open your eyes, struggle to the bathroom, look in the mirror, and greet yourself by saying “Top o’ the mornin’ to you.” You then may want to call in to work, but hey, that’s why they give you sick days.