The Local – Saturday, October 1, 2016

The Local is a very popular Irish Pub in Minneapolis. It is the largest seller of Jameson Whiskey in the world. Think on that! (This bit of bar trivia comes from my fiancé, Jim, who I brought along to meet everyone).  (By the way – did you know that we Americans, along with the Irish - prefer the spelling WHISKEY, but elsewhere in the world, the spelling is commonly WHISKY?) Imagine the atmosphere in this place when you realize that the Ryder Cup was being held at Hazeltine Golf Course that very week.

The TV monitors had eyeballs glued to them. Both American and European voices echoed throughout the high-ceilinged bar. It was a little hard to hear our discussion because of that, but we soldiered on and found ways to communicate! The high-top table also made it a little awkward talking to each other. I decided to make the rounds and go sit at the other end of the table for a while so I could talk to those waaaayyyy over there.

Our server, Brian, was prompt and very responsive and helpful. There were several partakers of the Bloody Mary with a sidecar. Somehow those sidecars ended up near me! I wonder why folks didn’t want them? Just a preference I’m sure. Why mess up the taste of a good Bloody?

Anyway, our very helpful server, Brian, came by with a tip that Guinness was going on sale. The Guinness girls were in the house! Jim took off immediately to make sure the girls were conservatively dressed. (Right?) I’m pretty sure that’s what he was doing. He came back with a new t-shirt on and a pair of panties on his head, so, yep, I’m pretty sure … ! (Just kidding, he actually came back with a key chain/bottle opener which will come in handy.)

I decided to order the obvious choice on the menu – the Fish and Chips – and I’m so glad I did. They did a great job on the crust of the fish (cod) and the fries (chips) were delicious with some salt vinegar shaken on top. Apparently this is the proper way to eat them. Yum!

Other dishes that got buzz: Ahi Tuna Nicoise Salad – I got to try it and it was delicious.  Baked Artichoke Dip, Walleye Sandwich, Chicken Pub Pie, House Curry Chicken. It all sounded really good. And really high calorie!

I noticed while gabbing with Mike that the others on the far side of the table were discussing the book – Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline – ah, well – could not hear what they were saying. But it looked like a lively discussion and people seemed to really enjoy the storytelling. We will try to organize an outing to see the play – it opens November 19 at the History Theater in St. Paul.

Mike was telling me an interesting historical fact about World War II that relates in a way to the book. German prisoners of war were brought here to Minnesota during the war because there were/are several German settlements and the farmers appreciated good help. The prisoners were happy because they got to speak their native tongue, they got fed and received shelter. Many of them never left.

In the book, it was common for an orphan to end up on a farm as a farmhand. The work could be brutal and tougher yet because of the Minnesota weather. Many of the young orphans were mistreated, and worse. Of course, many of them found a better, brighter situation than they were born into. Just to get fed, clothed, sheltered and educated would be a blessing. To find love and an affectionate family would be a dream.

So the Guinness, wine and Bloody Mary’s flowed along with the conversation and some of us (me!) found ourselves ready for dessert. I ordered the Seasonal Cheesecake. I was excited to see what would appear in front of me. When it came, it took a little while to determine what it was. It was like a PBJ cheesecake. Peanut butter cheesecake with a strawberry jam-type topping. It was honestly so sweet I could only eat a few bites. Rachel took a bite and put the fork right down. Huh! I guess we won’t be making PBJ cheesecake for any future events.

We were missing only a few of our members – sorry you couldn’t join us – Marie, Jarby and Sandy. Hope you were off doing other wonderful things! We hope to see you next time. Mike and Louise will plan our next gathering at Mike’s fantastic loft.

Look forward to hearing from Mike and Louise about the next selection and details on the time and date.

Thank you, everyone for welcoming Jim so warmly, he had a great time meeting you all. He said he could sit next to Louise all night and exchange stories. If we all could hear each other I’m sure he’d say the same about every one of you.  (You know I’m just teasing, Hillary – it was an epic choice of location for book club – loved it!)

It’s nice to see our little Louise McColl book club growing (wink, Jarby!) – welcome, Hillary! Fun to have you and thank you so much for organizing us.

Katie