Tuesday, May 30, 2017

Belfast

Today is a moving day, just flying from Aberdeen to Belfast (Northern Ireland). After such a super packed day yesterday, I guess I needed a one day break to rest.  Before I planned this trip, I didn't know about UK/Ireland history. Northern Ireland is a different country from "Ireland" and it belongs to the UK so that the currency is British pounds. Although Northern Ireland is not a part of "Ireland" politically, this is still Ireland.

For dinner, I went to a historical pub, called Morning Star. This pub was built in 1810. A very nice rustic pub. It's pretty big inside, though. When I got in there, it wasn't too crowded. And I chose a table close to a window. Here is a sign displaying a joke. I thought it's a good one....



The first beer I ordered in Ireland, Hop House 13. I didn't know when I ordered, but this is made by Guinness. It's light & nicely hoppy, summery beer. Very easy to drink.




Our waitress was a very upright grandma type. Initially, I ordered raw oysters and pork belly. She told me bluntly that oysters are not good today and that the pork belly is too fatty. I appreciated her honesty...



So, here's the first appetizer, seafood chowder. It had a little strong "sea" smell. Despite the smell, the seafood tasted fresh. It was a very flavorful chowder. Interestingly, a wedge of lemon was "in" the chowder. I'm not sure if that's the way it's supposed be or whether it just dropped and sank in the chowder? I found it at the bottom of the bowl....




The second appetizer is beef croquet. Very smooth texture inside.




Today's special mussel that the waitress recommended. I liked this a lot more than the one I had in Edinburgh a couple of days ago. The broth is the right amount compared to the number of mussels. So, the broth was packed with shellfish flavor. Plus, a good amount of diced chorizo and chili. Very complex and rich broth.





Bangers and mash is also called sausage and mash, a traditional dish of British Isles. The sausage is home made. From the texture, it seems there's some filler in the sausage. Nonetheless, a very good flavor with the rich gravy, which is almost like demi glace. The fried onion on top is a nice accent.




All of the dishes contain potatoes in different forms. I guess I'm really in Ireland...




















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