So, after re-reading my post from yesterday about the weekend, I decided to re-visit my dinner from yesterday in the traditional Tasty Bud way, the original purpose for this blog! With dilated pupils from my opthamologist appointment this morning, here we go :)
When my brother asks my sister and I to hang out, we have to drop all we do to jump on the occasion to see him (and give him his HUGE stack of mail), for he is a busy entrepreneur that is passionately committed to his work and seldom stops by our house. So Sunday night, we kept dinner hours free in order to see him. However, being exhausted from the emotionally draining weekend, Irene and I didn't want to drive downtown, so I suggested a place in either Towson or Belvedere Square. Delightfully, Yanni suggested Ryan's Daughter since he has never been, and we gladly accepted!
Prelude: Irene and I had been there before with our friend Eleni on a whim. I had always heard about it from the 'of age' co-workers at the Sheraton Baltimore North where I worked in high school so we went. The restaurant is adorned with charming accents of antiques and old books, blended into the wooden walls and flooring, giving it the quintessential pub feel. You walk in and are warmly greeted by a roasting fireplace to warm you on the cold winter days. The restaurant looks like a grand living room which would be an excellent space for Bilbo Baggins to host on of his excellent birthday parties :) When we first went there, we sat in their lovely outdoor seating in the summer weather.
The menu include a variety of appetizers, sandwiches, soups, salads, entrees, and Irish classics. Their beer menu is even longer than their food menu (expected, no?). And even if you don't know which beer to try, tell them what you like and they will set you up with the perfect mate (read: glass) for the evening! For apps, we chose the Dubliner Cheese dip, with is a creamy pot of this Irish cheese, cream cheese, artichokes, and spinach, served with celery, carrots, crackers, and bread. Delicious and warming, it pairs perfectly with any beer! For my main entree, the jolly atmosphere encompassed my taste buds, so I orders the Irish classic, Cottage Pie. With pulled chicken, veloute sauce, mixed veggies, topped with champ and cheese, this little puff pastry pie makes you want to be Ricky Bobby and roll up in it to stay warm. Haha... But seriously, it was deliciously creamy, warm, and comforting!
So Sunday, I was stoked to go again. My sister and I arrived, and once we entered, were greeted by a band of Irish musicians playing in the 'entrance'! Again, I was transported to Bildo Baggin's living room (for those who don't know, he is from the Lord of the Rings and hosts some crazy parties!). It was truly a warm welcome that lifted our smiles! My brother arrived and we were seated. Immediately, my sister and I said to order the Dubliner cheese! After taking 5 minutes to read the beer menu, I chose the Magner's Pear Cider. It sounded fruity and un-beer-like, so I tried it. It was a great match! It reminded me of a pear champagne with a kick of beer at the end. I will definitely be buying it for home! For my entree, I stuck with the Dubliner burger. After 4 days of pasta and seafood for dinner, I needed a good meaty meal. And let me tell you, 12 oz of meat with Dubliner cheese, pickles, lettuce, tomato, mushrooms, AND bacon did the job! Their french fries were thick cut and definitely not frozen. Although I asked for medium-well and then outside of the burger was way overdone, I still enjoyed the 1/3 of the burger I ate (3 oz is my ideal serving lol)! I would most definitely order it again, just maybe medium next time.
My sister order the Chicken and Spinach Boxty which is grilled chicken, fresh spinach and feta cheese sautéed with onions and tomato wrapped in Irish potato pancake, served with mixed vegetables. This was very fresh and resembled a savory crepe. My brother also went for an Irish classic and ordered the Corned Beef and Cabbage. It is house-brined corned beef with redskin potatoes, parsley and cider mustard sauce. The portion was huge and thank goodness Yanni likes his salt because it was truly salty. The meat was tender and Yanni ate the whole plate (which is very uncharacteristic of him!).
So good food, great portions and good prices, coupled with Irish beer and music kept us there for three hours! It was a lovely evening with siblings and great conversations. Ryan's Daughter so far is my favorite Irish pub. Check it out! http://www.rdirishpub.com/menu-irish-specialties.php
FYI: THEY HAVE AN "ELECTION NIGHT SPECIAL On November the 6th we will be having an election night special that you will not want to miss. The special items include 10% off your check if you wear your voting sticker. We also will be offering Ales of the revolution by Yards brewery which include, George Washington Porter, Thomas Jefferson Tavern Ale, and Ben Franklin Spruce Ale. On top of that we also have our usual Tuesday night specials which include various foods and drink after happy hour ends. The event will begin at 6PM, so come join us for a fun and historic evening!"
Sláinte chugat (Good health to you),
Your Tasty Bud
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