Beer, baked goods, human faces and even rivers are dyed a brilliant shade of emerald. Yes, St. Patrick's Day is fast-approaching and what better way to celebrate Ireland's most beloved holiday than visiting the great, green country that started the whole thing?
After all, the Irish really do do (Hee!...Ed) it better. And trust me, I know what I speak of. OK, so I've never actually been there during the month of March. But I have been lucky enough to visit the Land of Saints and Scholars a couple of times, including a month-long trip last October.
My mission for that particular expedition was to find a soul mate. Never happened. But when people ask me, "So did you fall in love while you were over there," I always reply, "every day." Ireland really is home to some of the friendliest (not to mention some of the sexiest) people in the world.
It's also home to some of the best food. And I'm not just talking about fish & chips and traditional stews here. Nope. Ireland is now a hot destination for foodies and hopeless romantics -- and if you happen to be a combination of the two, so much the better.
Although it's virtually impossible to have a bad meal in Dublin, Cork and Belfast, there are few exceptional restaurants that deserve special props. So should you find yourself on the beautiful Emerald Isle this St. Patrick's Day or any other day of the year, here are six of the sexiest eating establishments to check out. Cue the Pogues!
Cork City
For Hip Herbivores: Café Paradiso
16 Lancaster Quay
Phone: 353 21 4277939
There's nothing hippie about this vegetarian restaurant. It's the hot spot in Cork for vegetarians and meatheads alike. A truly visionary herbivore, owner Denis Cotter is far too ambitious to settle for standard veggie fare. Stir-fry? What stir-fry? With dishes like the aubergine parcels and braised turnip galette, you won't be missing your meats. Plus, nestled in a funky little spot just 10 minutes away from the city center, it's perfect for an intimate dinner for two. And the best part about dining here is you'll leave completely satisfied, but not too full to f*%#.
Dublin
Please Sir/Madam, May I Have Some More?: Gruel
68a Dame Street,
Phone: 353 (1) 6707119
A hipster's paradise, there's usually a queue to get in here. But don't worry: it moves fast and is worth it. The emphasis at this lively, but unassuming, cafe is comfort food. Gruel is the kind of place struggling musicians go to for a hearty, home-cooked meal before heading into studio to record some heartbreakingly beautiful music. (Think Once -- and if you haven't seen this Oscar-winning, Irish love story, do!) It's also a great precursor for a night of drinking, as the substantial servings make for a great booze cushion. So if you're planning a pub crawl for two with a local starving artist type, this is the place to start.
Rock Star Chic: The Octagon Bar
The Clarence Hotel 6-8 Wellington Quay
Phone: 353 (1) 407 0800
As the title suggests, the center bar has eight sides, but there's a cozy room with a fireplace in the back for a more intimate dining experience. Housed in the Clarence Hotel, which, incidentally is owned by Bono and The Edge, the Octagon has an impressive cocktail list as well as plenty of tasty eats. Not only that, but it's very near the renowned Temple Bar area. So after sharing a few appies and sipping a couple of champagne cocktails, you can just step outside and be in the middle of all the action.... Or you could just order another round and wait to see if the rock star proprietors show up. What could be more romantic than getting a private serenade by U2. Ahhh.....Two Hearts Beat as One. Doesn't get any sweeter than that.