A Fine Irish Pub in Ohio
This past weekend, my husband and I attended the Mad Anthony Writer's Conference in Hamilton, Ohio, and were delighted to be introduced to a truly Irish pub in the same town, Ryan's Tavern . Run by the husband of one of the conference organizers, whose family hails on both sides from the Emerald Isle, Ryan's Tavern has the distinction of being a fantastic restaurant as well as a genuine pub. Ensconced in a renovated building crammed with history, Ryan's Tavern features a cherry-wood staircase that makes a grand entrance for any bridal party, extra-large booths (built and carved with Irish knotwork and ivy by Amish craftsmen) to accomodate many friendly dinner parties, and a vast variety of fine Irish beers and spirits. Coming from an Italian background myself, a family joke was that the Irish can't cook: have you ever heard of an Irish restaurant? Well, after eating twice at Ryan's Tavern, I am happy to be proven wrong. The Shepherd's Pie was simply mout