Battle of the Two Star Michelin Chefs :: Dublin, Ireland pt.3

After walking and tasting we had developed quite a thirst, just in time for a visit to the Guinness Storehouse – Ireland’s #1 tourist attraction. While touring the massive seven story glass and steel building, modeled after a giant pint glass, you’ll learn everything from the brewing and fermenting process to barrel crafting in the Cooperage, to how to pull the perfect pint of the black stuff—which we learned actually isn’t black at all but rather a deep ruby red. The high point is when you’re offered a complimentary pint of Guinness at the glass enclosed Gravity bar on the top floor where visitors can enjoy 360-degree views of the city.

Tip: Unless you’re really interested in the whole process, which quite frankly I found a wee bit dull; I suggest you save your money and head for the nearest pub.

Perfect One-stop Food Shopping

I had just one hour to spare before I needed to clean up for dinner, so I scurried over to Fallon & Byrne– the Dean & Deluca of Dublin or as they refer to it, “A Proper Grocers.” Their shelves were loaded with choice food gifts to sneak through customs, as well as departments featuring well-hung meat, smoked and newly caught fish, mighty coffee, sinful cakes, fine artisan foods of every kind, and the freshest of fruit and vegetables. I bought a variety of Irish biscuits, oatcakes, fruit puds, jams, cheeses and smoked salmon, but unfortunately ran out of time before I could plummage their wine cellar with over “600 wickedly quaffable wines.”