Regrettably, No Time For Afternoon Tea
Stephanie and I were in a bit of a hurry. (She kept telling me to walk faster – bossy older sister that she is.) We were on our way to Trinity College Dublin to witness what we were certain would be an awe-inspiring experience, a viewing of The Book of Kells. You can't be late for a date with history.
So, we had to rush by The Shelbourne Hotel without even peeking inside or having delightful afternoon tea, all of which we bemoaned. We promised ourselves that we would return someday for the finger sandwiches and clotted cream. The outside of The Shelbourne Hotel is so elegant. I can only imagine what the inside looks like.
We stopped at Hatch & Sons Irish Kitchen at St. Stephen’s Green for some sustenance. (The restaurant has two locations.) I had smoked salmon, which much to my chagrin, I find really delicious. It will be difficult to give up when I become a full-fledged vegetarian. (Stephanie would not have that problem though, as she does not like it. She did however enjoy the blaa, a soft, white roll from Waterford.)
Hatch & Sons writes on their website that their food is, "No fuss just good honest Irish food," and it was. The restaurant is in the basement of a Georgian townhouse, which houses The Little Museum of Dublin. Once you walk down the stairs, past the outdoor seating area, you are greeted by a large kitchen table. We were seated in a back room. I could have ordered so many more items from the menu but, alas, there is the ever-present rush of the tourist.
After lunch, we walked by what I later found out was The Mansion House, where the Lord Mayor resides. There's no telling if he was home or not because there was no time to knock on his door. We also had to walk past Hodges Figgis, the oldest bookstore in Ireland, which opened in 1768. That was a real heartbreaker for me. I had to stay focused and think of the 9th century manuscript at Trinity College Dublin.
Still, I bet those monks took their time.