Emily Solley currently studies English Literature at Florida State University. This semester, she’s adventuring abroad to Florence, Italy to study Italian Reading and Conversation, a special topic art history class on the Florentine Renaissance and Comparative Politics: European Union. This column has two purposes. First, to share the opportunity of experiencing a different country with those of you are still in the U.S. (and hopefully convince you to study abroad yourself) and second, to share helpful information with those who are currently studying abroad.
As part two of my spring break blog, this article focuses on that all-important question for every traveller: What am I going to eat? Food in Ireland was amazing (especially when paired with a nice pint), but I did my best to narrow it down to four essential meals paired with the perfect beer.
1. Steak
I had my steak at The Laurels, complimented by a tasty black pepper sauce that was as perfect for the meat as French fries. Try your steak with a pint of Irish red ale, which has a slightly sweet, caramel profile to counter the richness of the meat.
Ireland is a meat lover’s paradise. Although I usually avoid red meat, I was amazed by my experiences with Ireland’s livestock. Our drives through the Irish countryside revealed hill after hill covered in cattle, which roamed freely through the lush countryside. In some parts of the country, there seemed to be more livestock than people. Most restaurants will make the point of listing their beef supplier on their menus, so you can support two small businesses by doing a little research and eating somewhere that uses fresh, local ingredients.
Courtesy: Emily A. Solley
2. Sticky Toffee Pudding
I actually doubt my ability to conjure words that would accurately describe this delectable dessert. It is not quite pudding or cake, but rather something in between covered with a thick toffee sauce. It is the perfect finish to any meal, or a great lunch for a hungry traveller. Finish it off with a piping hot Irish coffee and limp back to your hotel for the best nap of your life.
Courtesy: Emily A. Solley
3. Burger and Chips
Preferably a burger covered in gooey Irish cheddar, like the one below. Keep in mind that this burger might taste different from any other you have had before, due to the unique nature of Irish meat. Of course, there’s no better side for a burger than a piping hot stack of chips, which could easily beat almost every American french fry. I know you have probably been waiting for the perfect meal to go with your pint of the black stuff (Guinness), and this is it. Some compare Guinness to a cup of black coffee for its strong, earthy tones, and they go perfectly with a burger and fries.
Courtesy: Emily A. Solley
4. Seafood Chowder and Irish Soda Bread
Best enjoyed at one of the pubs near the Cliffs of Moher, this hearty, creamy chowder is filled with tasty and buttery chunks of seafood. Even those who usually don’t opt for the seafood option can appreciate this warming soup, which is perfect for recovering from the gusty chill at the Cliffs of Moher. Irish soda bread also deserves a mention; although each restaurant makes it slightly differently, the soft brown inside and crunchy, often seedy crust never stops feeling any less like home. Enjoy your reviving lunch with a pint of Hefewizen or another light beer, which will soften the heavy cream of the chowder.
Courtesy: Emily A. Solley