The story of the connection between corned beef/cabbage, the Irish and St Patrick's Day is convoluted and somewhat unclear one. It appears that this connection was American in origin rather than Irish. Organized St Patrick's Day parades may have begun sometime around 1845 in the Northeast United States but there is no mention of corned beef connected to these early celebrations.

There are several theories or perhaps more correctly legends about the emergence of corned beef being associated with the Irish. One which seems to have a ring of authenticity about it asserts that this began occurring after the U. S. Civil War. As we know many thousands of Irish, many newly immigrated to America, fought on both sides. Corned Beef, which by it's very making is designed to resist spoilage, was one of the
staples of the military diet. The story goes on to suggest that many of the poor Irish were thus introduced to this delicacy (for them) and carried this taste back to their homes. Corned Beef being relatively cheap, ultimately became a staple on the tables of the Irish.

Others assert that Irish immigrants learned to use corned beef as a substitute for bacon from their Jewish neighbors in the tenements of New York City. Another theory is that this taste grew out of a comic book character proclaiming Corned Beef was his favorite Irish meal.

Whatever the origin Corned Beef and Cabbage is now and forever
associated with the Irish and St Patrick's Day. We can end with a bit of trivia. In the 1983 St Patrick's Day celebration in Butte, Montana (for those who know it is full of Irish-American history) the revelers consumed 5,000 gallons of beer, 50,000 pounds of corned beef and 26,000 pounds of cabbage. Now that is a celebration!             - Kris

An Irish Toast
"Here's to you and yours and to mine and ours.
If mine and ours ever come across you and yours
I hope you and yours will do as much for mine and ours
as mine and ours have done for you and yours."

A couple months ago we hired a new server, a young lady by the name of Casey McCauley.   During the interview she mentioned that she was a singer/sonweriter and in a band. She may need some weekends off to play gigs ranging from LaSalle-Peru to Chicago. As we had heard this many times before, we took it with a grain of salt.  Within the next few days we discovered that Casey would actually be traveling to Nashville, Tennessee to record a demo with a close friend who had ties within the music industry. Casey has sent us a few of her video links and we were very pleasantly suprised to say the least.  We had no idea she was so talented. Not only does she have a great voice, but she writes her own music as well.  Given the interest in music that so many of our customers have, we thought that you would appreciate us sharing Casey's videos with you. Hopefully we can help to get Casey's music heard and gain some support for this talented young musician. Clink on Casey's photo to view one of her videos.  - Ryan