St Patrick's Day

It’s St. Patrick’s Day is properly known as St. Patrick’s Feast Day, is a celebration of all, things Irish. The White House turns its fountain green, there’s plenty of parties in London and sales of Guinness go through the roof.

Many old-school Irish dishes are cozy and comforting, as they were made with ingredients that could withstand and soothe the people during harsh winters, like beef, potatoes, cabbage and onions. Our own PORK & GUINNESS SAUSAGES are particularly popular at this time of year (and on offer this week). 

St. Patrick was born in Roman Britain in the late 4th century, he was kidnapped at the age of 16 and taken to Ireland as a slave. He escaped but returned to convert the Irish to Christianity. By the time of his death on March 17, 461, he had established monasteries, churches, and schools. Many legends grew up around him—for example, that he drove the snakes out of Ireland and used the shamrock to explain the Trinity.

Today the celebration is more secular than religious. Especially in the US, whole towns go green and everyone becomes Irish for a day. Drink is more a feature than food these days, but since it’s called a feast day, food is still important.

The original Irish comfort food is Irish stew was originally a stew of vegetables and lamb or mutton. Onions and potatoes are musts, while carrots are also popular in southern Ireland. Turnips can also be thrown in the mix. If you’ve had Irish stew before, odds are it was thick and creamy, thanks to the addition of mashed potatoes or flour, but it can also be prepared in a thinner broth.