Food!

When I first thought about studying abroad in Ireland I was hesitant because I wasn't sure what type of food I would encounter. I bought into the stereotype of everything being bland and tasteless. "Meat and Potatoes" is what people told me I'll be eating. I don't mind because I like eating meat and potatoes but bland food...now that's a different story. I love my spice. Luckily, I haven't run into any problems when it comes to food and eating. Granted I haven't had too many "traditional" Irish dishes since I have to cook for myself at my apartment and  I try not to spend too much money eating out. (I wish I could eat my way through Ireland but meals are a bit pricey here). Anyways, I have tried some Irish dishes and have posted them below (with some photoshop to make the pictures look cool).

Traditional Irish Breakfast 

However, it is only some-what a traditional Irish Breakfast. 

It was buffet style so I chose what to eat but generally beans, mushrooms, pork (blood) sausage, tomato, and fried egg is part of the meal. This was day 2 of my breakfast selection. Day 1 I had the fried egg but day 2 I decided to go with scrambled. 

Irish Beef and Guinness Pie with Chips (Sheehans of Chatham)

This dish reminded me of a pot pie. It was quite delicious but the pastry top got gross when I dipped it into the stew. 

Clam Chowder and Brown Soda Bread (Bewley's)

The bread, (aka soda bread, brown bread, wheaten bread), is so dense but also very tasty. Paired with clam chowder, this meal was amazing. 

 Knorr's Quick Lunch: Instant Mashed Potato w/Onion & Bacon

They have cup noodles but why not try cup mash?

way too salty for my taste. pretty gross. 

Fish & Chips (Bershoff's)

Standard fried cod with chips. 

Sunday's Roast? (O'Neill's Bar and Restaurant)

Beef stuffed with onions on top of mash potatoes with sides of carrots, cabbage, stuffing

One thing I do know for sure though, the Irish loves potatoes. Whether it's chips (fries), spuds, or mashed, potatoes are a staple. One Irish boy I met told me that his dad and brothers could eat 50 spuds a night. That's outrageous but I'm hoping he means the tiny red potatoes and not the huge baked ones. 

I enjoy the chips (aka french fries) here. They aren't as fried as they are back home. They are usually served in cuts like steak fries. 

I haven't had the staple Irish stew or corned beef yet but I will have both before I leave in May.

Thoughts? Questions? Don't be shy to leave feedback. =]