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Kevin is The Man that introduced me to my new way of life: Guinness. We met working at CTG (Computer Task Group) around 15 years ago now, but really started hanging out when we jumped ship and went to work for REIS (which no longer exists). There he taught me the ways of Lotus Notes and drinking, though not necessarily in that order.
He’s one of the best storytellers I’ve ever known, and a hell of a writer, too. So I was happy we were able to get together last night at my favorite place in Dallas: The Tipperary Inn. It’s an Irish pub, natch. I love what they’ve done with the place. Last time I was there, they’d revamped the whole place to make it more upscale, but the problem with it was that they took the “pub” right out of the pub. It was TOO nice. And the people showing up to go there were what I like to call “The Pretty People,” of which there are gajillions in Dallas.
I’m not a Pretty Person. I’m a pub person. I like down-home comfortable places to get my drink on. I’m glad to say the Tipp has regained its former glory, and then some. The waitress was friendly and warm and asked me what I wanted to drink after I walked in the door and was greeted by Kevin and his wife. “Guinness, of course.”
And she brought me a properly poured Guinness, with the little clover in the head, so to speak.
This is the look I get on my face when a properly poured Guinness is set before me. Oh, and there was a Celtic band playing behind me there. Marvelous conversation music.
I had their world-famous shepherd’s pie…yummy. Truth is, I’ve never had a bad meal at the Tipp. I also had their scrumptious bread pudding, but was a good boy and only ate half of it. Not so good that I didn’t eat half of it, though. (Yes, mom, my blood sugar is fine. 101 last time I checked it.)
It was pretty dead in there last night, I suppose Mother’s Day had something to do with it, I don’t know. But we had a great time catching up on things and I once again found myself saying, “It’s been too long.”
I miss Dallas pretty badly. It’s a great place to live. Lots to do and see…The Angelika, the Tipperary, Six Flags, concerts galore, many of my best friends, my favorite church (St. Rita’s), and plenty of places to sing, play trivia, and play poker. In fact, tomorrow night is karaoke night at the Tipp, Tuesday night is trivia night, and Wednesdays they have Texas Hold’em tournaments. Guess where I want to be every night through when I leave Thursday morning?
I forgot to ask Kevin and his wife if I could post their pics here. And I figure I ought to, since I spent a few minutes telling them how much I respect other people’s privacy and wouldn’t put them on my blog unless I asked. Dammit.
It’s so much easier to get forgiveness than permission.
Four ThingsFreddieIt’s a Thing Filed under Local Goings On, Travel |25 Responses to “It’s a Long Way to Tipperary”
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I still owe you a Guinness, don’t I?
There is nothing like a pint of Guinness, in fact even though it’s 8am my time that picture is making me crave one right now!
*Puts purple heart shaped stickie note on monitor* Don’t forget to get Karl and Dave Guinness glasses for this summer…
I LOVE Guinness! In fact, we went out for dinner with friends at the Keyhole in Mackinaw City last night, and I had a couple pints myself.
Although I’ve been converted to Guinness for over a decade, I still have to wonder why women get a funny look from the bartender when they order one.
Nice photo Karl, you look happy! I still owe you a Guinness too.
How do they do that clover thing?
I was just about to give myself a pat on the back and then I thought “wait, he knew about Guinness far before BFF; what gives?” And I moused over the link to discover I wasn’t the special Kevin. *sniffle*
Maybe moving to Dallas would make your soul happier.
Just a thought.
And I’m with Miss Britt … how the heck do they do that clover thing?
Mmmmmmm I had a Guinness yesterday. What a neat looking place and hell yeah I’d be there every night too. Seems Dallas has a place in your heart sugar.
OK I dunno like beer or lager or whatever at.all. if my life depended on it. But that Guinness and the look it magically puts on your face look kinda attractive.. I might have to give it a try someday..
I’ll go get a Guinness at one of the local places after a long ride. I think one of the bars has it on tap.
The other pours it out of a can and I recently noticed the widget is no longer in the can. After the Guinness is poured it’s placed on something that looks like a coffee-cup warmer and then the head magically forms. I’m guessing some sort of vibration takes place on the head-giver.
It’s so much easier to get forgiveness than permission.
stealin’ my twitters, huh?
You could just post their pictures and then put blue dots in front of their faces like they used to do on the news.
I can’t believe we roomed together and I didn’t bring my fiddle to play for you. Never knew you liked Irish music!
Next time you’re in Philly you have to hit Fergie’s on Saturday afternoon when there is live Irish music… best pints in the city.
Oh man.. shepherd’s pie is great. I’ve had it many places. So far, the best was at Epcot in England land. Hard to turn down an irish pub that serves good food. and good drink, too.
Penelope - Go for it, girl!
Winter - putting tan Guinness-shaped sticky note on my monitor that says “I love Winter.”
Aunt Robin - there aren’t a lot of women that dig Guinness. How cool are you?
PocketCT - you do? Oh, I mean, yes, you do.
Britt - according to Wikipedia, the bartender makes the design in the head as it’s poured. I prefer to think that it’s magic.
Kapgar - Oh, you’re spayshul all right.
Mattie - It WOULD make me happier. Just not doable right now.
Turnbaby - Yep, I love it here.
Dutchy - It’s definitely an acquired taste.
Delmer - That’s what Karl said!
ACG - I’ve been saying that for years! Thief!
Avitable - Well, I have permission now, so I’ll upload them after answering comments.
Jan - LOVE Irish music! And fiddle players are hot. Case in point, look at you.
Martymankins - Epcot has some seriously good food. I need to get back there one of these days.
ooh Nice bar!!!!! I haven’t been able to drink Guinness since that one night, in England, where I drank one too many in a challenge. I was fine until I stood up. I don’t remember much after that but I woke up with a bruise on my head and on the hotel room floor.
Oh, Guinness. How I love thee. Those photos made my mind up. Yep, tonight I will partake in a couple of those fine beverages.
The Guinness shamrock is all in the wrist - I’ve watched the bartenders do it. (In my early days, I was convinced it was a branding iron or somesuch.)
You just slow the tap down to a trickle, and twist the glass around under the tap, after a decent head has already formed on the glass. It looks pretty easy, actually.
Karl - post the photos, just don’t mention the Spousal Unit’s name.
Kevin (alcoholic? nah. i hate meetings.)
I’m the only girl I know who drinks Guinness. I LOVE it. Instead of a shamock, I would like them to draw another pint of Guinness.
Kevin - Ah, thanks for the info. Uploading the photos to Flickr as we speak.
Radiomom - Woo hoo! There are a few women here that drink Guinness. That’s hot.
I’m glad you are enjoying yourself, Karl. You deserve it. I’ve enjoyed looking at your pictures here and on Flickr.