Saturday, 11 February 9.28am
Lists » Daniel Bloom »

St Patrick's Day cheer without the cliches but keeping the beer


Have you heard the story about the Irishman who invented the sunroof for a submarine? I have, and frankly I'm upset and insulted. Forget leprechauns and the four-leaf clover; Ireland is not only a land of physical beauty, its inventors are some of the most creative and inspiring people on the planet. In fact, an Irishman designed the White House, Daniel Day-Lewis is a cinematic genius and Arthur Guinness put stout beer on the map as not only a wholesome beverage but a viable ingredient in cookery. This St Patrick's Day let's forget the leprechauns and four-leaf clovers and truly celebrate the wonders of Irish invention - gastronomic and otherwise.

1
 
Durty Nelly's
Paddington
The restaurant at this quintessential Irish pub offers mashed potato, but not just any type of mashed potato: a wonderfully Irish invention called "champ". It's as pleasing on the tastebuds as it is to the eyes, with glimmering emerald flecks of buttery chive and spring onion mixed with heady, razor-thin garlic slices. It's great served by itself, or with some traditional pork sausages (bangers-and-mash-style), as is the case at this eatery. The team here are so excited about Ireland come St Patrick's Day that they're creating a special menu to celebrate.

2
 
Celtic Club
Melbourne
This pub, which is just as green on the outside as it is in spirit, sees St Pat's Day offerings such as corned beef and cabbage take centre stage at its Shamrock Restaurant. A truly fantastic Irish invention, it wasn't until the Irish emigrated abroad that the use of corned beef was widely recognised as both a tasty and cost-effective alternative to another Irish favourite, pork. Nevertheless, there's something satisfyingly simple about a piece of beef served in its glistening juices with a side of braised cabbage.

3
 
King O'Malley's Irish Pub
City
At this Canberra bastion of Ireland the modern gets a turn, with dishes truly showcasing Ireland's credentials as a European and decidedly cosmopolitan country. The Irish dips with Turkish bread are sure to please revellers wanting to graze rather than descend into the gluttony of a hearty dish of protein and carbohydrates. Those wanting something hearty can indulge in "The Cork Classic", an eye fillet served with golden roasted potatoes and vegetables and topped with seafood and marinara sauce.

4
 
O'Malley's Irish Pub
Mooloolaba
Get the orange, white and green ready at this traditional Irish pub where a dish sure to delight - the "Dublin Coddle" - is being offered, among other Irish favourites, from noon till 8pm. The "Coddle" is a veritable pork lover's paradise of pork sausage with grilled bacon, vegetables, onion sauce and colcannon, an Irish dish comprising cabbage, cream and mashed potato.

5
 
Irish Murphy's
Hobart
Set in a state almost as green as the verdant Wicklow Mountains, this Tassie satellite of Ireland on Hobart's waterfront is designing a special Irish menu which can be enjoyed alfresco. Those wanting something particularly Irish can indulge in the hearty Irish stew with its melange of carrots, peas, celery and tender morsels of beef served atop creamy mashed potato.

6
 
P.J. O'Brien's
Adelaide
This classic Irish pub offers traditional Gaelic fare, with the beef and Guinness hotpot a perfect example of how a beer, such as Guinness, can double as both beverage and foodstuff. There's also the classic corned beef and cabbage on offer as well.

7
 
Paddy Maguires
Subiaco
At this pub and restaurant, set in the heart of Subiaco, the slow-braised lamb shanks on offer are sure to get the tastebuds singing served with a rich tomato and capsicum sauce and a side of creamy mashed potato. Guinness will be on tap, and is sure to be a fitting counterpoint to such a rich meal.

8
 
Kitty O'Shea's
Darwin
For revellers wanting an understated St. Patrick's Day experience, this eatery is perfect with only a slight Irish inflection. The menu is typical pub food with dishes such as steak and chips, fish and chips and chicken schnitzel. To be sure, those wanting a pint of Guinness will find it here along with a beef and Guinness pie, but just like the Emerald Isle herself there's more here than the cliches that first greet the eye.