Saint Patrick was NOT Irish
Ireland's patron saint was actually born in Britain to an aristocratic family. At the age of 16, he was kidnapped and forced to work as a slave in Ireland for 7 years. He eventually found his way home, but something kept telling him to go back to Ireland and do some good.
The Shamrock was a Teaching Tool
St. Patrick used the many 3-leaf clovers that were growing all over Ireland to teach the pagans there about Christianity. Each leaf was used to represent an aspect of the Holy Trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Irish DON'T Eat Corned Beef
Well, not necessarily ever, but it's not a dish that is served for the St. Patrick's Day holiday in Ireland. This tradition was actually created in America. Corned beef was expensive and considered a luxury back in Ireland, but when the Irish immigrants came to America, ironically it was the most affordable meat for them to buy. Cabbage was also inexpensive. Irish-Americans put the two together, ate it often due to the price, and the recipe came to be thought of as an Irish dish.
Americans Love Beer
We love a pint of that delicious Irish stout, Guinness, on occasion. Our BBQ restaurant in Des Moines even keeps it on tap regularly. On St. Patrick's Day we'll want to have an extra keg or two on standby, though, because Guinness consumption in America doubles nationwide.
Irish Pubs Close For The Day
Residents of the United States tend to treat St. Patrick's Day as a big drinking holiday, but in another ironic twist, Ireland doesn't. It is actually a religious holiday over there, and many local pubs remain closed for the day.
Irish Whiskey
Another popular drink requested on St. Pat's is Irish Whiskey. The word "whiskey" is an Anglicization of the first word in the Gaelic phrase "uisce betha" which means "water of life." Whiskey (always spelled with an "ey" on the end) from Ireland is made with a blend of malted and unmalted barley, while whisky (with only a "y" on the end) comes from Scotland, and it only uses malted barley.
Don't Forget To Wear Your... Blue?
For hundreds of years, blue was associated with the holiday instead of the green we wear today. The reason for this is because Saint Patrick's color was historically blue. If you head out on St. Patrick's Day now without green somewhere on your body, the mischievous leprechauns will pinch you! (Unless your friends pinch you first!)
There you go! Seven fun facts to impress your friends with when you come into Wobbly Boots Roadhouse this St. Patrick's Day for your pint of Guinness or shot of Jameson. Get your green on, head to the best restaurant in the Des Moines area, and share a little holiday fun here with us this weekend.
Don't forget you can take home 16 oz. bottles of Wobbly Boots House Recipe BBQ Sauce!!
Second Location - Same Incredible BBQ!
Open EVERY DAY at 11:00 AM!
Like us on Facebook!
Wobbly Boots Roadhouse
1301 NW 114th St
Clive IA 50325
Clive IA 50325
(515) 223-5700
