A QUICK ring around Irish restaurant's reveals that sense is prevailing regarding March 17th menus. Not so abroad, where Blarneyism is rampant. Irish restaurateur Philip Lawless, who together with his Cork born wife Jane, owns Motcomb's Bar and Restaurant in London's Knightsbridge, is laying on a St Patrick's Day lunch with proceeds going to the Irish Youth Foundation. As chairwoman of the charity Norma Smurfit will be flying in after a short visit to America to host the lunch. The "traditional" menu includes "Inis Free Irish Stew" and for dessert, that staple of mealtimes in every Irish home, "Tipperary Tiramisu".
In Los Angeles, Killarney born Calm O'Callaghan, who now works for the Westwood Marquis Hotel, has invited K Club chef Michel Flamme over to cook up some traditional Irish fare. Laura Dern, Colm Meany and Pierce Brosnan are all expected to sample the menu which includes "Dublin Coddle Liberty Style", "Auntie Mary's Herb Dumplings" and "Gratinated Fresh Crabmeat Charlie Haughey".
There is no indication of what exactly was done to the crab to make it ex Taoiseach like, but it does suggest the perfect after dinner conversation game along the lines of what animal, vegetable or mineral dish would you like named after you?