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Sept. 27, 2005 Except for "Potato Soup", "Shepherd's Pie and "Corned Beef and Cabbage", Richmond, Virginia's "Sine" (Shin-aye); billed as an "Irish Pub" was a mild disappointment. There were no red-headed, green-eyed darlings of the moor; no "sure-and-begorrah" Irish accented Gaelic being spoken and the dessert had a suspiciously Italian-sounding ring to it. I could order a Caesar salad and "Irish" nachos; while listening to Irish music; sounding much like modern American Country-Western, but all that was truly Irish resided in the house decor and the pints of "Murphy's Red" and "Guinness". The "Gaelic Steak" and the mashed potatoes won the nod. The food was hot, very delicious and more than enough in quantity. Our very Italian-looking and Virginia-drawling waiter was attentive and understanding of our chagrin over the term "Authentic" to describe the pub. He declared: "Yes, we are a bit more Americanized." ARGH! There is nothing much more disappointing than an "Americanized" Irish Pub. If good old Father McKenzie were alive today he'd be looking to die so he could roll over in his grave! The lad was good though. He anticipated our several needs and kept the iced tea glasses filled. As we were getting ready to leave the "Pub" he thanked us for our patronage, intoning: "You all come back now!" in a most comforting Southern accented fashion. Richmond, Virginia is one of many southern cities with ancient "Downtown" sites that, although historical, aren't very visitor friendly. The city is trying hard to change that. There is a goodly variety of shops, inns, and eateries; individually owned and operated without the trappings and frills of the major service corporations. "Down-home-friendly" is a rule very much held in esteem. In many ways Richmond is still a small town. I can forgive the city for a small "Americanized" Irish Pub with a small "Americanized" Irish menu. If you visit downtown Richmond just be sure you have some change in your pockets. Interstate 195 runs through a part of downtown and is sectioned off for payments of tolls which all seem to be "Exact Change Only". You should have a good city map too. ------------ About the Author: Michael John McCrae has contributed over 400 articles to Useless-Knowledge.com. Email: macswordV@hotmail.com Tell a friend about this site! ------------ All articles are EXCLUSIVE to Useless-Knowledge.com and are not allowed to be posted on other websites. ARTICLE THIEVES WILL BE PROSECUTED! |
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