It’s a Long Way to Tipperary

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.