The Flavor Of Ireland - TI Irish Supper - The Regency Club LA - Feature
The aspect of the lure of Ireland always begins with the people. Intrinsically, the essence of the potential draws from that and evolves into many different areas. The one purveying aspect that parlayed itself through the entire island is an innate sense of warmth.Traveling to Ireland two years ago for a walking tour of the islands off its west coast provided an ample opportunity to experience this first hand which came in a variety of instances. The first and most exceptional was in the aspect of our host Brian who both ran the castle we stayed at in Connemara but also accompanied us on our travels, always ready with a good pint, and even had salmon and wine readily available on our first fjord walking adventure with a smile in hand.Another compatriot was a local from Dublin who was with his wife on the trip. Nicknamed “Captain Fantastic”, he found the concept of a Guinness shot quite interesting as we found at many a community center. But by far the dip after an exceptionally long hike in the green waters off Inish Boffin rests in the mind with a degree of accomplishment.
That is why now attending Tourism Ireland's Irish Supper Event at The Regency Club in Westwood, CA, there was a sense of that home which permeates through the new initiative which is as true and as hearty as its people: The Flavor Of Scotland.
Starting off with a small pre-function cocktail party overlooking the lights of the city, cheese and bread from Gleeson's just outside Dublin gives a taste of down home freshness with a dollop of true Irish butter sweet to the taste. Sitting and sipping a quiet goblet of Guinness, the aspect of the food of Ireland was brought to bear with an uncanny enthusiasm suffused in earnest by Mrs. Mary Gleeson who spoke of the wonderful patronage and thanks at being chosen to represent Ireland at this gathering.As the celebration moved into the main room overlooking Wilshire Blvd, the lyrical elements of traditional Irish folk music which had graced my ears back outside Shannon became clarity incarnate.Before engaging in supper, a discussion with the handler of Kerry Records spoke of the different Irish Theater she is able to bring to Southern California in a calvacade of different productions throught the Southland.
From this progression, the delicacies swooned favorably first as a hearty fish envisioned soup sweltered in cream accompanied by thin slices of salmon ensconsced in slight cream cheese with sliced onions and blistering capers that perfectly balanced a slice of blueberry bread that was simply delicious when combined across the board.
The main entree enjoyed with the prevalance of a Guinness was a thick Irish Stew replete with heavy meat stock followed by the visceral vehemence of blood pudding.
As the dinner came to a close, the essence of the after dinner drink, coffee and cakes were made prevalent. The local representations of government from Ireland showed the inherent culture of people to land as national yet personal ditties set about a sense of belonging. The singing of “Danny Boy” drew an intense reverance and a low hum dazzled across the room.
The leaders of yet led a community song of “The Fields Of Athenry” with genuine intent and love while the woman continued the predilection with great harmonies with “Handsome Johnny” and “Molly Malone” whose influence with reflected in the eyes of the beholder as the last sip spilled forth.The Flavor Of Ireland rests both in the hearts and minds of its people. The essence of the food becomes an extensions of lives led and the heartiness of the feelings embodied. The spirit of Ireland reigns forth.