Irish Food in the USA

Many American cities have large Irish-American populationa. Exploring Irish cuisine options within the United States allows diners to learn about the variety of foods offered across the Irish landscape. Some Irish cuisine and its elements are found in specialty grocery stores in the ethnic food section, but the most reliable place to sample Irish cuisine in the United States is in a restaurant accompanied by a traditional Irish lager or stout.

Types

Because Ireland is an island, many Irish foods contain seafood such as fish and prawns or other crustaceans. Other Irish foods are made of wheat, potato, meat and dairy. American restaurants serving Irish food sometimes combine ethnic food with American elements. Recently, the elevation of the status of Irish cuisine has created a trend known as New Celtic. New Celtic cuisine contains traditional Irish elements with a modern, American-influenced presentation.

Geography

Irish cuisine in America is most frequently found in or near cities with large populations of Irish and Irish Americans, such as Boston, New York, Chicago and Philadelphia. Some establishments identifying themselves as Irish pubs offer traditional American pub fare while others offer uniquely Irish cuisine. It's best to check a menu online or call ahead to determine the type of food served at an Irish establishment.

Irish Breakfast

The Irish breakfast is a staple of traditional Irish life. It includes large portions of eggs and bacon and is usually served with tea. Many Irish establishments in the United States offer Irish breakfasts on Sundays aimed at the after-church crowd.

Benefits

The Irish diet is considered traditionally pragmatic in terms of nutrition. Potatoes are a great source of vitamin B6 and fiber, crucial for the stimulation of the central nervous system and colon health. Irish soups often contain beef or vegetable broth to ensure the consumption of all of the foods' nutrients.

Expert Insight

Dishes such as colcannon (containing cabbage), boxty (a potato patty) and Irish soda bread are easier to find in non-specialty supermarkets around Christmas, Easter and St. Patrick's Day. Irish potatoes, or coconut and sugar-based treats, are actually an Irish-American creation originating in Philadelphia.

Alcohol often enhances the taste of many traditional Irish foods. Ask a server or bartender for suggestions on pairings and always drink responsibly.

History

Ireland experienced a potato blight in the 1800s; this caused a famine in Ireland as well as ever-present political unrest. Many Irish emigrated to other countries during this time and brought their cuisine with them.

References

• Thirteen Facts About Potatoes
• Irish Food Page

Resources

• Fado Irish Pub
• Shanachie Irish Pub, Ambler, PA