The full Irish breakfast… sausage, rashers, black and white pudding, eggs, a grilled tomato, often beans (but that’s really more English than Irish), a pot of tea and either toast or brown bread served with butter and marmalade. This is what is always offered in the B & B’s, hotels and every restaurant I’ve ever been in that is open in the morning. When in Ireland this is what Declan cannot get enough of, even though he rarely has more than tea and toast for breakfast in the States. The full Irish is as much a part of the Irish experience as the scenery and the pubs!
Well, not for this vegetarian. I don’t eat meat so there goes most of the meal. That pretty much leaves the eggs, tomato, beans, toast and tea… and considering I really don’t like eggs unless they are in the form of an omelette… that leaves tomato, beans, toast and tea. Does this sound appetizing? No!
So while I’ve been in Kilkee I have invented my own “full Irish”, with the help of a delightful little self-serve restaurant called The Pantry. Just a short walk from the hut on Kilkee Beach where I drop Eoin off each morning for his Water Sports Camp, The Pantry is a top-notch restaurant that offers everything from the traditional Full Irish, to a range of gourmet entrées that would destroy any stereotype of Irish cookery. In addition, the baked goods are homemade, fresh and delicious and even the orange juice is fresh squeezed in the morning! Although the scones, several varieties served with cream and their own delicious homemade raspberry jam, are heavenly… I have done my best to limit my scone intake! However, thanks to The Pantry providing me with an assortment of fresh ingredients… fruits, berries, yogurt, granola, homemade muesli, honey and cinnamon… I have been able to create my own personal “full Irish” in a bowl. Add the traditional tea and toast… along with a good book, of course, and breakfast in Kilkee has become a delicious, healthy and enjoyable event each morning!
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July 28, 2010 at 7:01 am
lifeonthecutoff
Yum! Your own “full Irish” looks mighty good from across my computer screen, and I can just envision you there, faithful book in hand, enjoying it. That is quite a tasty picture. Off to make my own “full Irish” and start my day.
July 28, 2010 at 5:59 pm
bloggingfromthebog
You should have seen the lady at the next table laugh at me when I took a photograph of my breakfast!
July 28, 2010 at 9:47 am
Patricia
Janet….PLEASE stop, otherwise I’ll be on the next flight out of O’Hare!
July 28, 2010 at 6:04 pm
bloggingfromthebog
Come on over, and bring a babysitter, it would be nice to have someone to go to the pubs with! Though I should warn you, I’ve been at war with spiders since I arrived – they’re losing at the moment but I expect them to dig their heels in after we’re gone!
I won’t tell you about the gorgeous weather we had today, it will make you crazy – except to say, it was only the second day like it since we arrived!
July 28, 2010 at 7:40 pm
blackwatertown
Black AND white pudding for breakfast. You people are spoiled. (OK, unless you’re a veggie.) But I am jealous.
July 29, 2010 at 5:00 pm
bloggingfromthebog
Actually, I’ve never tasted either one, I’m waiting for the vegetarian version – I guess that might be green pudding!