Recipes from Ireland’s Historic Country Houses and Restaurants*
BACKGROUND:
Mrs. Evil and I belong to an Evening Couples gourmet group. We gather for dinner once each month. Usually, two couples cooperate in the preparation of the meal. Once each season, the men prepare the food. In deciding what we should prepare this month (May 2004), it was agreed that we would "go Irish" and I was asked to provide two recipes for appetizers. I was not particularly familiar with Irish appetizers. In fact, it was my impression, correctly or incorrectly, that the Irish were not particularly known for "starters," so I consulted Google, searching on the term "Irish Cuisine." I quickly encountered web sites for a Lecturer in Food Production at the Dublin Institute of Technology and another for the Blue Book of Ireland's Historic Country Houses and Restaurants. Hot links for a total of 41 such establishments are listed - each including photographs of their facilities, addresses, driving directions - and e-mail addresses.
I thought, "Where else could I find better recipes for Irish appetisers (note the difference between American and Irish spelling) but the Department of Food Production at the Dublin Institute of Technology (DIU) and Irish historic country houses and restaurants?" So, I quickly fired off e-mails to the DIU and a random selection of about five country homes and restaurants, asking for two appetiser recipes from each.
I received four responses with suggestions as well as step-by-step recipes. One sent a copy of their menu. The recipes were fantastic - some included more than two recipes and for more than just appetisers.
"Why not contact all 41 historic Irish places for recipes," I said to no one in particular, "and see what happens?"
Although the response rate was less than 50%, I was impressed with their quality - and the generosity of their staffs.
Mrs. Evil suggested that, since Evening Couples participants always provide recipes for their dishes to all attendees, it would be nice to provide them with the recipes offered by my new Irish friends.
"Voila!" A booklet was prepared.
Then, in an eruption of inspiration, Mrs. Evil suggested that they be included in Dr. Evil's escapades.
"So, here 'tiz."
